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Robe Help Pretty Please

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't wear robes because they really annoy me - (although I LOVE the way the silky, dainty and pretty ones look). I will need one when we stay in a Villa with our dear friends in Italy over the Summer.

I'm having a hard time finding one that fits my slight frame. I've found stunning ones that are exactly what I'm looking for from an aesthetic point of view - if only they fit. See Finds. I love the turquoise ones. The Small fits a size US8/10 perfectly - (my clients adore these Natori robes, btw). The XS is too wide for my frame, and especially overwhelms my narrow shoulders. I need a narrow cut.

Robe needs to be:

silky (or knitted)
delicate and thin
midi length
very pretty
a fun, happy pattern
preferably not black

All suggestions welcome, and thank you.

N by Natori Aquarelle Robe

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Natori Saipan Robe

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Natori Saipan Robe

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Soooo, I just did a search on Amazon for Japanese robes - which might be cut smaller. Could be worth giving them a try?

Honeystore Honeystore Women's Long Silk Kimono Robe Peacock Japanese Satin Dressing Gown

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Honeystore Honeystore Women's Long Silk Kimono Robe Peacock Japanese Satin Dressing Gown

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Honeystore Honeystore Women's Long Silk Kimono Robe Peacock Japanese Satin Dressing Gown

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Honeystore Honeystore Women's Long Silk Kimono Robe Peacock Japanese Satin Dressing Gown

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Joie J.ROBE Women's Kimono Robe Long Printed Lotus Kimono Robe Silk With Pockets

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Joy

Veteran

I have the same problems with robes being overwhelming. On trips I usually take silly pants and use my jacket on top. Could you use your beach coverup?
I love the look of those Japanese robes!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, sweet Joy. (I should have bought a robe at Shanghai Tang in Hong Kong. Oh well. Next time).

I'd love to wear a robe because it's Modern Retro, very breezy (no a/c in most of Italy), pretty, and covered. Perfect for the Villa in Italy. I might give those kimonos a go from Amazon.

rachylou

Veteran

I am no help. All I can offer is my teeny tiny 4’11” best friend once found a lovely silk set for her honeymoon at Neiman’s.

And reminiscences of my family in the old days. We were not allowed to appear outside of our rooms in our night clothes. I had a lovely ankle length quilted mint satin robe and matching slippers.

... which makes me want to ask if a thin silk robe is ok? Even in the tropics, I wouldn’t have been allowed a thin robe...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rachy, HAH. A LONG thin robe that's baggy is fine with undergarments - not parading around in the robe, IYKWIM. And terry cloth will be too hot.

Runcarla

Veteran

After reading your post, I was going to suggest a kimono, but I see you have landed on that solution yourself. I'm a terry cloth robe girl, so no help to you. I love it when the place I stay provides a robe as part of the service!

Ginger

Veteran

I'm sure this is a shocker, but I'm no help because in summer I wear a 1960s peignoir and nightgown set. Though to be honest, I found the set on Etsy, and you've had recent spectacular success there...

I love the Japanese robes you found! They're definitely worth giving a try.

Katerina

Veteran

The kimono robes are so pretty! Sorry I cannot be of much help here. Have a thin cotton kimono style black and white robe that came as a part of a spa weekend. It is easy to pack and works fine for me.

Jane

Veteran

How about The White Company? The robe that I had from there are few years ago was a good fit, but I haven't looked recently to see what they have. They tend to go for white though - or other plain colours.

The other super robe I had, was from Caro London. Their fabrics were gorgeous and so pretty.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I have a vintage cotton one from ebay that is soft. Vintage might fight smaller? Mine is a Reyn Spooner which is known for their hawaiian prints. I love the robes that don't fit you.

Jane

Veteran

PS I also think that Liberty do some nightwear, which I have often looked at.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Have you looked at Violet and Wren?

Ginger

Veteran

P.S. If you see something vintage you like, and there's a size on it, don't be put off by the tag size. I'm a size 16 in 1940s clothing and a 4/6 in most modern clothing. Go by measurements.

jmwolf

A fellow slight person here, I will pitch the Natori knit options. Natori seems to fit smaller builds well. I found a calf-length one (in pink) that is a lovely fit and the brand does have shorter lengths in the same style. The reason I like the light knit over silk is that the ties seem to stay more securely closed. A washed silk, however, would also have the texture to stay securely closed when tied.

Anonymous

I like the teal or blue Japanese ones.
Killer crane motif

Staysfit

Veteran

My Natori robes are all size XS. My guess is you need something smaller.....

cherylm

Robes drive me bonkers - they are pretty but the sleeves get in the way in the kitchen and they never stay wrapped closed. If it were me - I would take light weight PJ bottoms (long or short), tank and a light weight pullover shirt for modesty while around friends. Or take a sundress to wear in the morning and before bed. Of course I only do carry-on so I would also not give up the space for a robe .

Maybe you would have better luck with the junior brands? But they may not have robes, my daughters would never wear a robe.

tanstaafl

I recently got a kimono style robe from amazon. I like it a lot. I usually wear a size 4 in normal clothes, so I ordered a small. I think I should have ordered a medium as it did run a little small. There is not as much overlap as I would have liked.

I think the silky fabric feels nice against my skin and looks beautiful, but it also comes untied and slips open some. I had a cotton kimono before that stayed closed better, but looked more casual.

JAileen

Veteran

I wish I could help. My robes are not what you’re looking for. However, when my mother was in rehab after her injury, I bought a couple of robes at Kohl’s for her. The reason I mention this, is that they were very light weight, and zipped up the front. Whereas my robes can come undone, these robes could not. It was especially helpful when she walking with a walker.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have no suggestions - although I do like the kimono styles for you - but have to say I find robes the most impossible garment to wear. I have never had the tie stayed tied in my few attempts!

K2

The kimonos look like a good option, however, if you can’t end up finding what you want and don’t mind more of a loose fit, you may want to check out thesleepshirt.com. It is a Canadian company (Vancouver) that makes lovely, classic sleep shirts, nighties and pjs out of great quality linen. I always take a sleep shirt when I travel as they double as a shirt with leggings or a swim cover up in the hotel. They are magically cool and warm at the same time, but also covered up. They stay crisper than some linen, depending what you pick.

Nebraskim

Veteran

You might look for a silky kimono type robe in smaller sizes in stores that cater to Asian clientele, especially if the use will be essentially for a one-off. Another thought might be a vintage robe but that would involve a lot of hunting and may be spendy.

Fruitful

Veteran

I wonder if you would be willing to try a custom order from one of the indie lingerie brands? I don’t have any in mind, but there are lots that I see on Instagram and blogs (like The Lingerie Addict) They do gorgeous, expensive pieces ☺️

Jules

Veteran

It’s gratifying to know a lot of people find robes a pain, especially the comment about getting in the way in the kitchen! I guess they are really just for getting from bedroom to bath, plus movie and TV scenes. The Japanese ones do look lovely.

Colette

Veteran

Have you thought about a silk or cotton caftan or zip front style dressing gown?

Honestly, I got rid of my robes last year. I had several, a few of which were gorgeous silk, that I never wore because they are just not practical for me, do not stay closed and get in the way of everything. I switched to a zip front robe and long lounge cardigan and I’m so much happier. I actually purchased the zip front robe specifically for modesty and warmth during a hospital stay and never looked back. It is one of my best purchases ever.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Garnet Hill has fab sleepwear/intimates
These are lovely and seem to come in smaller sizes. Not midi, but below knee length
https://www.garnethill.com/asi.....obe/481730

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I find that Kate Spade sleepwear runs small. Perhaps the same applies to her robes?

What about La Perla?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, ladies. Lots of great suggestions. I'll start off by getting the Amazon kimono. Wear it around the house and see how it goes.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I hope it works, Angie! I understand the difficulty. It's like a wrap dress only even more so! I hope one of the kimonos works.

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