We frequently wear robes, yet we seldom ponder their origins or exact definition. A robe is a loose garment, often used for specific roles or leisure. Let’s answer the intriguing question – what exactly is a robe?
The Essence of a Robe
From a fashion perspective, a robe is a loosely fitting outer garment. Unlike undergarments, it’s worn over other clothing or directly against our skin. What sets it apart from cloaks and capes is its sleeves. The variant shapes and sizes of these sleeves make robes unique.
The Historical Significance
The term “robe” hails from Middle English and has been used for centuries. Its survival to the present day underscores its historical importance. Originating from Old French, where it meant “booty” or “spoils”, it evolved from the Frankish word “rouba”, signifying “clothes”, “spoils”, or “things stolen”. This dual meaning may hint at the robe’s revealing nature!
Understanding the Purpose of Robes
To fully comprehend a robe, we must explore its diverse uses.
Robes in Professional Settings
Certain professions use robes to distinguish themselves. Academics, for instance, do them at graduation ceremonies. Not just students, but faculty members too, clad themselves in these ceremonial garments.
Legal professionals, such as judges and barristers, also utilize robes according to their hierarchy within the legal system. These instances exemplify how robes are employed in a professional context.
Robes for Leisure
On the other end of the spectrum, robes serve as leisure attire. They’re ubiquitous in hotels for relaxation, spas for covering up between treatments, swimming pools for drying off, and bathrooms for maintaining cleanliness. Thus, the answer to “what is a robe” varies significantly based on its intended use.
Exploring Hooded Robes
A hooded sweatshirt robe might raise questions like, why would one need a hood if it isn’t worn outdoors? The benefits, especially for parents, are numerous! Bath times for children can be challenging, but a hooded robe simplifies the process. With a hood that can dry their heads, there’s no need for an extra towel or a rush to use the blowdryer.
Understanding Kimono Robes
Originating from Japan, the kimono holds significant cultural value and has been a traditional clothing item for centuries. Like the word “robe” in Western culture, “kimono” also translates to “garment”. With the advent of globalization, kimonos gained worldwide recognition and influenced Western fashion trends, including bathrobes.
Today, kimono robes are fashionable items that serve multiple purposes. They offer comfort at home after a long day and can be used as a stylish cover-up at the pool. Their large sleeves and soft texture make them a pleasure to wear.
Shawl Collar Robes
Robes aren’t just indoor garments but are also needed in social settings like spas or pools. For these occasions, a chic shawl collar robe is ideal. A shawl collar, or a shawl lapel or roll collar, has continuous curves. It’s found on dinner jackets, tuxedos, and robes today, originating from Victorian smoking jackets. Apart from their style, shawl collar robes have practical benefits. Their wider collar makes it easier to dry your face or neck, preventing water from dripping.
Discovering Terry Cloth Robes
Another important aspect of understanding robes involves exploring the materials they’re made from. Terry cloth is a common fabric for robes, developed specifically for towels and robes over centuries. Also called “Turkish Towel”, terry cloth has loops on both sides, making it absorbent and fluffy. It dries faster than other fabrics and feels soft against your skin, making it an excellent choice for robe material.
Understanding Waffle Robes
A waffle robe is made from waffle fabric, a unique material that allows your robe to breathe. Its small, grid-like pieces make it lightweight and comfortable. Besides being highly absorbent, the airflow between the grids allows it to dry quickly. This makes a waffle robe ideal for beach or pool use, where quick drying is essential. These robes can also be used at home after a shower or bath due to their easy wash and dry properties.
