Wool vs Cotton Dressing Gowns: Which Material is Best?

While there are many fabric options out there for dressing gowns, from satin and silk to fleece and cashmere, wool and cotton are well-known for being the most popular choices, thanks to their plethora of benefits.

But which material is best suited to your needs? While a thick, wool dressing gown will make you feel warm and toasty in the evening, a sumptuously soft cotton dressing gown is perfect for weekend wearing. Keep reading to compare the two.

Why Choose a Wool Dressing Gown?

When thinking of a fabric that offers unrivalled cosiness, wool is often the one that comes to mind first. Like hugging a warm blanket, the thickness is perfect for retaining heat, making it an ideal choice for the colder months.

Other benefits of a wool dressing gown include:

• Durable: Our wool dressing gowns are made from high-quality worsted wool. This means they are designed to be long-lasting and hard-wearing to withstand the rigours of daily wear and last you for years to come. The fibres of wool are also springy and resilient, so you won’t need to worry about it losing its shape as it’ll bounce back easily.  

• Moisture wicking: As wool is so thick, instead of absorbing moisture, it instead wicks it away and moves it through the material. This helps you to keep a comfortable body temperature and remain dry, which is vital for staying warm in cold weather. This wicking process also prevents bacteria buildup and, therefore, body odour.

• Insulating: Ever wondered why so many winter coats and jumpers are made from wool? Well, it should be no surprise that wool is the warmest material for dressing gowns. Ideal for those chilly nights by the fireplace with a hot drink in hand, wool dressing gowns are designed to trap heat and will keep you comfortable.

• Water-resistant: Did you know that wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water and still retain its insulating properties? This means if you get caught in the cold, wet weather when taking the dog outside, for example, you’ll still stay warm, and your clothes under the dressing gown will remain dry.

Essential for winter, our wool dressing gowns are light enough to be worn over your pyjamas and thick enough to wear with just your underwear underneath. 

Why Choose a Cotton Dressing Gown?

Strong and sumptuously soft, cotton dressing gowns are among the most absorbent and perfect for curling up in after a long soak in the bath. While there are many different types of cotton dressing gowns, they all offer an extremely comfortable feel and do not lose their shape or colour.

Other benefits of a cotton dressing gown include:

• Soft: The softness of cotton is unmatched, which is why it’s used so often for other items of clothing, too, such as t-shirts, underwear, socks and pyjamas. After a long and tiring day, coming home and putting on your cotton dressing gown to curl up on the sofa and read a book or watch your favourite TV show can help you unwind instantly.

• Versatile: As we mentioned above, there are many different types of cotton which can be used for dressing gowns, such as Terry cotton and brushed cotton, meaning you have plenty of options to find the right type of material to keep you as comfortable as possible.

• Breathable: Cotton features a lightweight weave, allowing for a cooling and drying airflow. This makes cotton dressing gowns a summertime staple. While it doesn’t wick moisture like wool, it can absorb moisture to keep you dry and sweat-free on warmer days. 

Our cotton dressing gowns are available in a broad range of light, medium and heavy fabrics, making them perfect all year round. 

How to Care for Wool

As wool naturally prevents bacteria build up and is dirt and odour resistant, you won’t need to clean a wool dressing gown very often. Instead, hang your wool dressing gown somewhere where it can air out - this will keep your favourite gown feeling fresh.

On the rare occasion you do need to wash your wool dressing gown, we recommend having it dry cleaned. Tumble drying the robe could cause it to shrink, and hanging it up to dry may cause stretching. Leaving it to the professionals is the best way to ensure the longevity of your robe.

How to Care for Cotton

While cotton dressing gowns will need washing more than wool, it’s very easy to keep them clean. We recommend hand washing our cotton clothing or, to make it easier, opt for dry cleaning. Avoid tumble drying and instead simply reshape while damp and hang outside for a fresh finish.

If you wish to iron your cotton gown, simply turn inside out and keep the iron on a warm heat for the best results. 

Like with any garment of any material, always check the care label, as the washing instruction can differ depending on the type of fabric. For example, 100% cotton may need to be washed differently from Terry cotton. For a more in-depth guide, read our blog on caring for your cotton.

For those days when you need an extra pick-me-up, our range of beautiful cashmere robes, made using only the finest worsted cashmere material, will give you that much-needed luxurious feeling. Whether you wear them in the morning or evening, they are always a joy to slip on and enjoy.