Bathrobe set for the sauna: bathrobe and hamam towel as a duo

A bathrobe set is one of the easiest ways to improve your sauna day. Instead of a heavy robe and a towel that is too short, you have two pieces that go together perfectly – in color, material, and weight. In this guide, we explain what makes a good bathrobe set, what you should look for in terms of size and material, and which bathrobe set from our shop is right for you.

We have been operating the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz for over 18 years. Every day, we see what our guests bring with them – and what they prefer to come back with. The bathrobe set consisting of a lightweight bathrobe and a matching hamam towel is clearly one of the favorites. We’ll show you why here.

What is a bathrobe set?

A bathrobe set consists of a bathrobe and at least one matching towel. For us, the towel is a 180 × 100 cm hamam towel – large enough to lie on completely. Both pieces share the same pattern and color. You choose once and receive a bathrobe set that belongs together both visually and practically.

The idea behind it is simple: you need two things in the sauna. Something to lie on, and something to keep you warm during breaks. A bathrobe set covers exactly these two tasks. Everything else – shower gel, skincare, water bottle – is added according to your preference.

A bathrobe set or just a bathrobe?

Many people initially buy just a bathrobe and take a towel from the bathroom cupboard. This works, but it has two disadvantages. First, regular shower towels are often too short for the sauna bench. Second, terry cloth towels are heavy and take a long time to dry. A bathrobe set solves both problems because the hamam towel is long enough yet lightweight.

Why bathrobes and hamam towels go so well together

In a bathrobe set, the bathrobe and hamam towel have different tasks, but complement each other perfectly:

• The hamam towel lies on the sauna bench. With a length of 180 cm, you can lie on it completely, feet included. No sweat on the wood – as is required in almost every sauna.
• The bathrobe accompanies you during your breaks. After cooling down, you slip into it, go to the relaxation room or outside into the fresh air, and stay comfortably warm.

Because both pieces are made of flat-woven cotton, they dry quickly between sessions. This is the big difference compared to a heavy terry cloth set: a bathrobe set made of lightweight cotton remains pleasant even during your third sauna session, instead of feeling damp and cold.

The Barok set in detail

Our classic Barok bathrobe set is from Trimita. Both the bathrobe and the hamam towel are woven in Denizli, Turkey, a city with a long textile tradition. Both pieces are made of 100% Turkish cotton and feature the signature Barok pattern.

Weight: light instead of heavy

The bathrobe weighs about 500 grams, the hamam towel about 250 grams. This makes the entire bathrobe set weigh less than a single classic terry cloth bathrobe. This makes a big difference in your sauna bag – and after your sauna day, you aren't carrying home a wet, heavy bundle.

Colors: green, blue or red

The bathrobe set is available in three colors. Green looks calm and natural and goes well with wood and stone. Blue is fresh and reminiscent of the sea and the pool. Red is bold and warm – a real eye-catcher in the relaxation room. In the bathrobe set, the bathrobe and towel are always the same color.

Features

The bathrobe has a tie belt and pockets – practical for a lanyard, lip balm, or small items for the relaxation room. The hamam towel has the typical fringes at the ends. Together, they form a bathrobe set that looks like a spa product but is made for everyday use.

The right size for your bathrobe set

For the bathrobe set, the size refers only to the bathrobe. The hamam towel is the same size in both versions: 180 × 100 cm. You have two sizes to choose from for the bathrobe:

• S/M: Length approx. 111 cm, chest width approx. 60 cm
• L/XL: Length approx. 114 cm, chest width approx. 66 cm

The Barok has a loose cut. Most women wear S/M, most men wear L/XL. Our tip: lay a bathrobe that fits you well flat and measure the length from the collar to the hem. Compare this to the details above. You can find more help in our size and care guide.

Between two sizes?

If you are between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger version for the bathrobe set. A slightly longer, wider robe is more comfortable in the sauna than one that is too tight. It is easier to put on, even when your skin is still damp.

Bathrobe set with care: the three wellness sets

The Barok bathrobe set is the base for three other sets that additionally contain care products from VEGAN FOX. If you are looking not just for textiles, but for a whole ritual, you will find the right bathrobe set here.

Feierabend-Ritual (Evening Ritual)

The Feierabend-Ritual complements the bathrobe set with a 200 ml vegan shower gel. You can choose between linden blossom, grapefruit, and red grape. This is the easiest entry point: bathrobe, towel, and shower gel – that's all you need for your first sauna day.

Your Sauna Routine

Your Sauna Routine takes the bathrobe set and the shower gel and adds a mild cleansing foam as well as a face cream. Cleanse before the sauna, nourish afterwards – a simple routine for your face.

My Whole Wellness Day

My Whole Wellness Day is the largest bathrobe set. In addition to everything from the sauna routine, it includes a face peeling and a nourishing hand cream. Seven parts, from head to hand.

We have described which bathrobe set is suitable for whom in detail in our comparison of all sets. You can also find an overview with content and savings on our Sets Overview page.

A sauna day with the bathrobe set

What does this look like in practice? This is how many of our guests use their bathrobe set on a normal sauna day:

1. Arrival: Get changed, put on your bathrobe, take a deep breath. The hamam towel is folded over your arm.
2. Showering: Hang up your bathrobe, take a warm shower, dry off thoroughly.
3. First sauna session: Spread the hamam towel on the bench, lie on it completely. Eight to twelve minutes is enough to start with.
4. Cooling down: Fresh air, cold shower, or plunge pool. The towel remains on a lounge chair to dry during this time.
5. Resting: Slip into the bathrobe, go to the relaxation room, drink something. Rest for at least as long as the sauna session lasted.
6. Repeat: Two to three sessions are ideal for most. The lightweight bathrobe set is still comfortable even during the last session.

After the sauna day, roll up the bathrobe and towel. Because both are lightweight, the bathrobe set fits easily into any bag – for example, into one of our beach bags, which also work as sauna bags.

Lightweight or heavy bathrobe set?

The question "light or heavy" is the most important decision when buying. Both versions have their justification, but for different situations.

Lightweight cotton – for the sauna bag

A lightweight bathrobe set like the Barok is ideal if you go to the sauna or spa regularly. It weighs little, dries quickly, and takes up almost no space. The lightweight version is also clearly advantageous for travel and wellness weekends.

Heavy terry cloth – for home

A heavy bathrobe like our DOTWAVE bathrobe with a hood is ideal for home: after a shower, in the hotel relaxation area, or on cold winter mornings. However, at around 1.6 kg, it is too heavy for the sauna bag and takes longer to dry.

Our recommendation

For the sauna: the lightweight bathrobe set. For home: feel free to get a heavy robe as well. Many of our guests have both – a light robe in their sauna bag and a cozy one in the bathroom.

Alternative: Muslin bathrobe with hood

If you would like a hood on your bathrobe, Trimita also offers models made of three-layer muslin: the Elephant-design bathrobe and the Zebra-design bathrobe. Muslin is loosely woven, airy, and becomes softer with every wash. Together with a light hamam towel, you can put together your own individual bathrobe set.

Material knowledge: flat-woven cotton

Why is a bathrobe set made of flat-woven cotton so much lighter than terry cloth? The difference lies in the weave. Terry cloth has loops that store a lot of water – this feels cozy, but makes the fabric heavy and slow-drying. Flat-woven cotton has no loops. It absorbs moisture, but releases it quickly.

This is ideal for the sauna. The hamam towel absorbs sweat without becoming heavy. The bathrobe keeps you warm without sticking to your skin. And after the sauna day, you hang both on the line – usually, the bathrobe set is dry by the next morning. You can find more about the differences between hamam, terry, and waffle piqué in our material guide.

Does the cotton get softer over time?

Yes. New cotton feels a bit firmer at first. After the first few washes, the fibers open up, and the bathrobe set becomes significantly softer and more absorbent. Therefore, we recommend washing both pieces before first use.

Care for your bathrobe set

To ensure your bathrobe set stays beautiful for a long time, follow these instructions:

• Wash before first use: This makes the cotton softer and more absorbent.
• Bathrobe: wash at a maximum of 30 °C, do not bleach, do not dry clean, do not tumble dry, and do not iron.
• Hamam towel: wash on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 °C, without fabric softener or bleach.
• Drying: air dry, not in direct sunlight – this keeps the colors vibrant for a long time.
• After the sauna day: do not leave it wet in the bag, hang it up immediately.

Please also check the care labels. With this care, your bathrobe set will accompany you for many years.

The bathrobe set outside the sauna

A bathrobe set is not just made for the sauna. Many of our customers also use it:

• At home: The lightweight bathrobe is more comfortable on warm days than a heavy terry cloth robe. The hamam towel becomes a bath towel.
• On vacation: The towel is a beach towel, pareo, or light blanket. The bathrobe hangs in the hotel room instead of the hotel's terry cloth.
• At the pool: After swimming, slip into the bathrobe, put the towel on the lounge chair.
• During yoga: The hamam towel serves as a base or blanket for relaxation at the end.

For a pure beach vacation, you can also find larger towels in our beach towels category.

The bathrobe set as a gift

A bathrobe set is one of our most popular gifts. It feels generous, is actually used, and suits almost anyone who likes to relax. The most important tips for giving as a gift:

• Size: When in doubt, choose the larger version or secretly measure the length of an existing bathrobe.
• Color: Green is the safest choice, blue feels fresh, red adds a bold accent.
• Add-on: With a voucher for a sauna day, the bathrobe set becomes an experience.

You can find all gift sets collected in our Gift Sets for Sauna & Wellness. More ideas for every budget can be found in our guide Gifts for Sauna-goers.

What doesn't belong in a bathrobe set

Just as important as choosing the right pieces is the question of what to leave out. A good bathrobe set needs no decoration, no plastic packaging, and no unnecessary extras. The bathrobe and towel are the two things that really count in the sauna. Everything else is added according to your own preferences – bath sandals, water bottle, skincare.

What you should pack additionally

• Bath sandals for the paths between the sauna, shower, and relaxation room
• A water bottle, for example, an IZY thermos bottle for warm tea
• Shower gel and skincare for after the sauna, for example, from our care products
• Optionally, a second towel for the relaxation area

You can find our complete packing list under What belongs in the sauna bag?

Common mistakes when buying a bathrobe set

Too heavy for the sauna

A heavy terry cloth set is cozy but impractical in the sauna. If you go to the sauna regularly, you should opt for a lightweight bathrobe set.

Towel too short

Many sets from retail stores contain only a standard shower towel. For the sauna bench, the towel should be at least 175 cm long. Our hamam towel is 180 cm long.

Wrong size

A bathrobe that is too tight is difficult to put on with damp skin. It is better to choose a size that is slightly too big.

Leaving it wet in the bag

Even the best bathrobe set will suffer if left damp in the bag for hours after the sauna day. Hang it up at home immediately.

Your pre-purchase checklist

• Lightweight for the sauna or heavy for home?
• Size S/M (approx. 111 cm) or L/XL (approx. 114 cm)?
• Color green, blue, or red?
• Just textiles or a bathrobe set with care products?
• For yourself or as a gift?

How our bathrobe set came to be

The idea for the bathrobe set didn't come from a catalog, but from our everyday life at the Meri Sauna. Over the years, we observed guests arriving with heavy bags: a thick terry cloth bathrobe, a large bath towel, often a second towel too. After the third sauna session, everything was wet, and on the way home, they were lugging a bundle that was twice as heavy as it was in the morning.

At the same time, we saw guests arriving with a light hamam towel and a thin cotton robe. They were dressed faster, had more space in their bag, and still felt comfortable during the last session. This led to the desire to offer exactly this combination as a duo – coordinated, in beautiful colors, and in a quality that lasts for many sauna days.

Why Trimita?

We spent a long time looking for a manufacturer who offers bathrobes and towels in the same design. Trimita weaves both in Denizli from Turkish cotton and sells within the EU via a headquarters in the Netherlands. We were convinced by the Barok pattern because it looks special without being intrusive. This resulted in a set that we like to take to the sauna ourselves.

Bathrobe set for couples

Many couples go to the sauna together – and eventually realize that they both need decent equipment. A few ideas from our experience:

• Two colors: Choose two different colors, for example, green and blue. This way, everyone immediately knows which robe and towel belongs to them – even in a crowded relaxation room.
• Two sizes: Often, one person fits an S/M and the other an L/XL. The towels are the same size regardless.
• One bag: Because each duo weighs only about 750 grams, both fit comfortably into one large bag.

For a day at the sauna together, the set is a nice purchase – or a good gift for an anniversary.

Bathrobe set and sauna rules

In almost every sauna, the rule applies: lie or sit on the bench on a towel in such a way that no part of your body touches the wood. This serves hygiene purposes and protects the wood. A bathrobe set with a 180 cm long towel fulfills this rule effortlessly.

In the relaxation area and the restaurant of many spas, a bathrobe is mandatory or at least customary. Here, too, the lightweight version has the advantage: you are dressed without sweating, and the robe is pleasantly dry again by the next session. Those who go into the outdoor pool or out into the fresh air will also appreciate a bath poncho, under which you can also change clothes.

What is customary at the Meri Sauna?

Here at Kulkwitzer See, our guests lie on their own towels, and in the relaxation rooms, most wear a bathrobe. Rental linens are available, but many regulars bring their own bathrobe set – because it is more comfortable and smells like their own detergent.

Bathrobe set for winter and summer

In winter

In winter, the sauna is particularly popular. Between rounds, you head out into the cold air, and afterwards, you want to get warm again quickly. The light robe keeps you warm during the rest period because the cotton does not become clammy. If you tend to get cold easily, simply drape the hammam towel over your legs in the relaxation room for extra warmth.

In summer

In summer, a heavy bathrobe is often too warm. The lightweight cotton clearly has the advantage here: airy, breathable, and quick-drying. And when you head to the lake or pool after the sauna, the hammam towel easily doubles as a beach towel.

Bathrobe set for travel

For a wellness weekend or a vacation, a lightweight bathrobe set is ideal. Many hotels provide bathrobes, but they are often heavy, poorly fitted, or a bit worn out. With your own duo, you always have your familiar quality with you.

Here is how to pack it to save space: fold the bathrobe lengthwise, wrap the hammam towel around it, and roll it up. This way, both fit into a corner of your suitcase and barely wrinkle. Thanks to the low weight, it is also no problem in your carry-on luggage.

Restocking and expanding

Once you have tried our bathrobe set, you will quickly realize that a second towel is practical – one for the bench, one to dry off after showering. An additional hammam towel, for example in a contrasting color, is perfect for this. For the loungers in the relaxation room, there is the Ocean StayOn, which stays in place thanks to its sewn-in pocket.

And if you like to use skincare products after the sauna, you can always supplement your bathrobe set with our new head-to-toe care set: three shower gels, facial care, and hand and foot cream – all vegan by VEGAN FOX.

What our customers say about the bathrobe set

The most common feedback we receive about the bathrobe set is: "I hadn't imagined it would be this light." Many are initially skeptical about whether a thin cotton robe can really keep you warm. After the first day at the sauna, most are convinced – precisely because the robe does not become wet and heavy.

The second most common piece of feedback concerns the towel: many now also use the hammam towel at home as a bath towel because it dries so quickly and does not develop a musty smell in the bathroom.

Which sauna, which towel? A quick overview

Not all saunas are the same. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the requirements for your textiles vary slightly. Here is a brief overview of the types of saunas you will encounter in most spas and sauna complexes.

Finnish sauna

The classic Finnish sauna is hot and dry, usually between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius. Here, you lie on the towel on the wooden bench. It is important that the towel is long enough so that you are not lying on bare wood. After the infusion, it gets very hot for a short time – a light cotton towel sticks less to the skin than thick terry cloth.

Bio-sauna and Sanarium

Bio-saunas are milder, often between 50 and 60 degrees, but slightly more humid. They are ideal for beginners and for longer stays. The towel remains damp for longer here, which is why having a second towel to change into is worth it.

Steam room

In the steam room, the humidity is very high, and the temperature is usually around 45 degrees. Here, you often sit on tiled benches that are rinsed regularly. Many guests take a small towel as a seat pad and leave the large towel outside to keep it dry.

Infrared cabin

In the infrared cabin, the body is heated directly by thermal radiation, and the air temperature is significantly lower. Using a towel as a base is also standard here. Because you are mostly sitting, a smaller towel is sufficient – but a large one doesn't hurt.

Russian Banya

In the Banya, as we celebrate with our rituals at Meri Sauna, it is hot and humid, often using birch branches. A towel as a base is mandatory, and many also wear a felt hat to protect their head from the heat.

The tradition behind the hammam towel

The hammam towel has a long history. In Turkish bathhouses, or hammams, it was the most important textile for centuries. It served as a wrap, for drying off, and to maintain a certain level of privacy in the bath. It was woven from cotton, sometimes mixed with linen or silk, and often decorated with stripes or patterns specific to certain regions.

The flat weave had practical reasons: in the humid climate of the hammam, a towel had to dry quickly and could not become heavy. These are exactly the characteristics that make the hammam towel so popular today – in the sauna, on the beach, and while traveling. By the way, the fringes on the ends are not just for decoration: they are created from the warp threads that are knotted after weaving to prevent the fabric from unraveling.

From Denizli to your sauna bag

Denizli in western Turkey has long been a center for textile production. Many hammam towels and bathrobes sold in Europe today come from this region. The Barok pattern by Trimita is also woven there. So, when you hold the towel in your hand, you are holding a piece of this long weaving tradition.

Sauna etiquette – the basic rules

The best textile is of little use if the sauna session itself isn't managed well. Therefore, here are the most important basic rules we pass on to our guests:

• Not hungry and not right after a meal: A light meal one to two hours beforehand is ideal.
• Shower beforehand and dry off well: Dry skin starts sweating faster.
• Listen to your body: Eight to fifteen minutes per round is a good guideline. If you feel unwell, leave earlier.
• Cool down slowly: First fresh air, then cold water – from the feet towards the heart.
• Rest sufficiently: The break is at least as important as the sauna session itself.
• Drink enough: Preferably water or unsweetened tea, especially after the last round.

If you have any health concerns, for example regarding your heart or circulation, you should speak to a doctor before your first sauna visit.

Which color suits you?

The choice of color is a matter of taste – but a few considerations can help you decide.

Green: calm and natural

Green matches wood, stone, and plants, and therefore fits into almost any sauna or bathroom. It has a calming and balanced effect. If you are unsure or are choosing for someone else, you are usually safe with green.

Blue: fresh and nautical

Blue reminds us of the sea, pools, and summer skies. It looks fresh and clear and is especially popular with anyone who wants to use their towel at the beach as well. Blue is also the color that many men prefer.

Red: vibrant and warm

Red is the most eye-catching of the three colors. You will stand out in the relaxation room, and you will immediately find your robe on the hook. Red looks warm and lively – ideal for anyone who likes to make a small statement.

Does the color match the bathroom?

If you also use the towel at home as a bath towel, take a look at the colors of your bathroom. Any of the three colors goes well with white and gray tiles. Green and red harmonize particularly well with warm wood tones, while blue pairs better with cooler tones.

And what if the color fades over time?

Like any dyed cotton, this textile can fade slightly after many washes and exposure to sun. That is normal. To keep the color vibrant for a long time, wash at a maximum of 30 degrees, avoid bleach, and dry in the shade rather than in direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions about the bathrobe set

What is included in the bathrobe set?

The Barok bathrobe set includes a bathrobe and a 180 × 100 cm hammam towel, both in the same design and made of 100% Turkish cotton.

Does the size refer to both pieces?

No. S/M and L/XL refer only to the bathrobe. The hammam towel is the same size in both variants.

Can I get the bathrobe and towel in different colors?

In the bathrobe set, both pieces are the same color. If you want different colors, you can combine a Barok bathrobe with a hammam towel from our hammam towel category.

How heavy is the bathrobe set?

The bathrobe weighs about 500 grams, and the hammam towel about 250 grams – a total of around 750 grams.

Can I put the bathrobe set in the dryer?

Please do not put the bathrobe in the dryer. Both pieces air-dry quickly. Additionally, please observe the care labels.

Which bathrobe set is suitable for sauna beginners?

For beginners, we recommend the Evening Ritual: bathrobe, hammam towel, and shower gel – everything you need for your first sauna day.

Is the bathrobe set also suitable for men?

Yes. The size L/XL fits most men, and the colors green and blue are particularly popular among men.

Conclusion: A good bathrobe set makes your sauna day easier

A bathrobe set consisting of a light robe and a matching hammam towel is the simplest way to improve every sauna visit. You lie completely on the towel, stay warm during your breaks, and in the end, you don't have to carry a heavy, wet bag home. Whether it's the classic Barok bathrobe set or one of the sets with care products: all of them were developed based on our experience as sauna operators.

Find your bathrobe set now – or browse through our bathrobes for sauna, spa & home.

Written personally by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and a sauna operator at Kulkwitzer See for over 18 years.