Bathrobe in large sizes: what matters
If you are looking for a bathrobe in large sizes, you will know the typical problems: the robe ends too soon, pulls across the shoulders, the sleeves are too short or it gapes open when you sit down. That is rarely down to you, but usually because the size label alone says little about the actual cut. In this guide you will find out which measurements really matter, how to measure them, how to recognise a good cut for broad or tall people and which of our models fit up to which size.
Contents9
Tall or broad: two different questions
With a bathrobe in large sizes, "large" can mean two things, and depending on which, different measurements matter:
- Tall body (long): Here it is mainly about overall length and sleeve length. A robe that reaches below the knee on a person 1.65 m tall ends well above it at 1.90 m.
- Broad body (wide): Here chest, waist and hip measurements count. The key is how far the two front panels overlap.
Many people need both. That is why it pays to look not only at the "XL" or "XXL" label, but at the centimetres.
The key measurements for a bathrobe in large sizes
Front overlap
The most important criterion of all. A wrap robe has to overlap at the front far enough to stay closed when you sit, bend down or lie on the lounger. If the overlap is too small, even the best belt knot will not help. As a rule of thumb: when standing, the front panels should clearly overlap, not just meet edge to edge.
Length
For the walk to the shower or in the relaxation area, most people find a length to the knee or just above it comfortable. If you are tall, look specifically for the robe length in centimetres and compare it with your own body: measure from the highest point of the shoulder at the neck straight down to where the robe should end.
Shoulders and sleeves
If the fabric pulls across the shoulders, it drags the front panels apart. Straight, loosely cut models or cuts with kimono-style sleeves offer more room here than fitted ones. Sleeves that are too short are less of a problem than it sounds: on a bathrobe the sleeve may well end a little above the wrist.
Belt
A tie belt adapts to your measurements, provided it is long enough. On a bathrobe in large sizes it should still have enough length after the knot so that nothing comes undone. Which knots really hold is shown in our article Tying a bathrobe belt.
Typical problems and what helps
| Problem | Cause | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Gapes open when sitting | too little overlap | one size up, shawl collar or wide facing |
| Ends above the knee | length doesn't match body height | compare length in centimetres, not clothing size |
| Pulls across the shoulders | fitted or narrow cut | choose straight, loosely cut models |
| Belt keeps coming undone | belt too short or smooth fabric | double knot, tie it at the side |
| Robe is too heavy and warm | large size = more fabric | light cotton instead of thick terry |
Weight: a bathrobe in large sizes weighs more
One point many people overlook: more length and width mean more fabric – and therefore more weight. With a thick terry or woven robe, this quickly adds up to well over a kilo. At home that is cosy. In the sauna bag, when travelling or in a warm relaxation area, however, a heavy robe in a large size soon becomes a nuisance, and it takes longer to dry. If you take your robe with you a lot, a light fabric is the better choice. More on the differences between fabrics can be found in the article on bathrobe fabrics.
Bathrobes in large sizes: our models
To be completely honest: our range currently goes up to XXL. We do not stock larger sizes. Within that range, however, there are good options.
DOTWAVE – up to XXL, warm with hood
The DOTWAVE bathrobe is available in S, M, L, XL and XXL, making it our model with the widest size range. It is made of 100 % cotton in a textured weave, has a hood and weighs approx. 1.6–1.7 kg depending on size. It is a robe for home and the relaxation area. For the sauna bag it is rather heavy, and it takes longer on the line because of its weight. You will find the exact measurements in the size chart on the product page. Care: 30 °C, tumble dry at low temperature, no fabric softener.
Trimita Barok – light, in L/XL
The Trimita Barok bathrobe made of 100 % Turkish cotton is light instead of terry and quick-drying. According to the product information, it is approx. 114 cm long in L/XL (S/M approx. 111 cm). If you are larger than L/XL or very tall, compare the length carefully with your own measurement. In return, it is light enough for the sauna and travel.
Trimita muslin with hood – loose cut
The Trimita women's bathrobe with hood made of three-layer muslin has a loose cut according to the product description and is available in S/M and L/XL. Thanks to the roomy cut, it is a light alternative for women who like a comfortable fit.
How to find your size reliably
- Take a bathrobe, cardigan or coat that fits you well and lay it flat.
- Measure the length from the neck to the hem and the width under the arms from side seam to side seam.
- Compare these values with the size chart on the product page.
- If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. A bathrobe may sit loosely.
We describe this in detail with all measuring points in the article Bathrobe size. And if it doesn't fit after all: the shop has a 30-day right of return, and you can register your return via the Returns page.
Your sauna towel has to grow too
If you need a bathrobe in large sizes, you often need a longer towel too. In the sauna the common rule is that your whole body lies on the towel. If you are taller than about 1.80 m, on a 180 cm towel your feet will quickly end up on the wood. The Ocean StayOn hammam towel measures 200 × 70 cm and has a sewn-in pocket that slips over the backrest of the lounger. For a particularly large area there is the Coastline XXL beach towel at 240 × 200 cm. More tips can be found in the article Sauna towel for tall people.
Related reading: Bathrobe size: how to find the size and length that really fit · Sauna towel for tall people: the length you really need · Bathrobes for men: what to look for when buying
Conclusion
With a bathrobe in large sizes, centimetres count more than the label: enough overlap at the front, the right length, room at the shoulders and a belt that is long enough. Also bear in mind that large sizes weigh more – for the sauna and travel a light fabric is more pleasant. In our range the DOTWAVE goes up to XXL, and the light Trimita Barok is approx. 114 cm long in L/XL. You will find all models in the bathrobes collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which size should I choose for a bathrobe if I am between two sizes?
The larger one. A bathrobe should sit loosely and overlap well at the front so that it doesn't open when you sit.
Up to what size are bathrobes available at BeachAndSteam?
Currently up to XXL: the DOTWAVE bathrobe is available in S to XXL, the Trimita Barok and the Trimita muslin robes in S/M and L/XL.
How long should a bathrobe for tall people be?
Most people find knee-length or a little longer comfortable. Measure from the neck to the desired point and compare with the length in the size chart.
Why does my bathrobe open when I sit down?
Usually the front panels overlap too little. One size up, a cut with a wide facing and a well-tied belt help.
Is a bathrobe in large sizes heavier?
Yes, more fabric means more weight. With thick robes this is noticeable. For the sauna and travel, a light cotton fabric is therefore worthwhile.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.