Women's Satin Long Robes

History of Satin Robes

The use of satin for clothing extends back at least 5,000 years in China, and the Chinese made beautiful robes for both day and night wear. Satin has traditionally been a luxurious fabric, used most often for trim unless one was extremely wealthy. Surviving Victorian women’s satin long robes are festooned with lace and ribbons and are exquisite creations that could work for a modern wedding if they weren’t such museum-quality pieces. Even more recent loungewear is valued by museums. The 1960s designer, Biba, famous in the UK, made beautiful clothes. A satin floor-length robe in dark mauve with wide, medieval sleeves that also extended to the floor is worth up to 1000 pounds. A top-quality vintage Japanese kimono can be worth ten times as much.

Buying Women’s Satin Long Robes

Fortunately, modern luxury can be had for more reasonable prices. Here are a few options:

• Gaiam Flying Crane Kimono
  • It’s nice to go slightly more organic when you can, and you don’t have to compromise on the sheen and feel of satin to do so. Gaiam’s kimono, while not as long as a traditional kimono, measuring 55 inches from shoulder to hem, is still beautiful enough to hang on the wall for display, but why would you want to do that? It is cotton-sateen, which gives it the look and feel of satin while being more environmentally sound, and it drapes beautifully. The sleeves are long and wide and the flying crane pattern is hand-painted. There is a matching sash. It usually retails for $299 but is currently marked down to $149.99.

• What She Buys
  • What She Buys features a lovely robe, the Little Giraffe Satin Chenille Cover Up. The cool, slinky satin combined with a soft and cozy chenille lining is the ultimate in pampering. It falls to mid-calf, is available in sizes from petite to plus and comes in a variety of colors including blue, butter, mocha and lilac. It is machine-washable and guaranteed not to pill or shrink. It sells for $210 but is currently marked down to $162.50. There is also a version for children, so if your daughter wants to lounge about with you, it makes for a fun "Mommy and Me" set.

• Pretty Pajamas
  • Here’s luxury at a real bargain. The Dream Collection satin robe is only $38. The three-quarter length sleeves are adorned with single flowers, picking up the vintage-look lace flowers decorating the neck. There is a thick satin looped sash and a hidden inside tie for extra closure. It goes beautifully with either the Dream Collection satin gown or cami set. Sizes are small, medium or large, and colors include bashful pink, champagne toast and bedtime blue.

Vintage Long Satin Robes

If you want a robe that isn’t silk, or are looking for something a bit more eye-catching, search the lingerie sections of vintage clothing shops and eBay. Many vintage clothing shops have a special section just for kimonos, and while a very old kimono in good condition will be exorbitant, you can often find nice older satin ones for as little as $20. There will likely be some wear and tear, but nothing that can’t be repaired, and then you can lounge in real style.

When looking for something extra special, you can find some amazing deals on eBay. People are often selling robes from as far back as the 1930s for low prices. While vintage clothing is sought after, vintage sleepwear is not so popular, so you can find a piece that turns you into Jean Harlow for as little as $5. Style and luxury aren’t just for the wealthy anymore.