A towelling robe, after showering, bathing or swimming. Dress of the day 573
Photo by Trevor Sharot.
What could you do to make something similar? The fabric is thin, absorbent synthetic towelling. It is edged with contrasting braid, or thread. Braid would take longer to dry. Braid in contrasting colour means the colour could run, unless you wash the garment in cold water.
DIY design
The design is very simple. Take a large oblong of thin absorbent fabric. Fold it in half to go across the shoulders. Fasten it in three places down both sides. It is a handy garment. It is quick to put on when you are tired before breakfast in the morning. It doesn't take a moment to throw on when the doorbell rings for a delivery, or somebody calls, 'breakfast is ready!'
Hook and loop closure
It fastens quickly with three short pieces of hook and loop closure tape. You have to close it carefully if you wear it after a shower with nothing else worn underneath. Otherwise, you risk the hook part scratching your skin. So you must overlap the hooks exactly over the loops.You could even cut the hook section at both ends to shorten it, so it always falls in the middle of the loops, no risk of it slightly overlapping at one end.
The Wide Neck
I found the neck a little too wide. The advantage of a wide neck is that it is quick to put on. I found it was inclined to slip off my shoulders. That didn't matter too much as I only wanted to wear it temporarily for breakfast before I got dressed.
I was wet from the shower and wanted to dry in the air, not put on my clothes whilst I was still damp. I needed cover right down to my ankles because I was damp. I did not want to wet the chair, nor drip on the floor, nor pick up dust and dirt.
If i copy it by cutting the neck hole out of a large bath towel, and adding three small pieces of tape, or buttons, or ribbons at the sides, I shall make a smaller neck.
Incidentally, Velcro is a brand name.
I have two other wrap around towels which fasten with Velcro. They are not as good. They don't cover you across the shoulders. They are inclined to come undone. This design is my latest favourite.
How much Velcro would you need? It depends how much it matters to you to have secure sides. If you are opening the door a lot to strangers, put Velcro ritht the way down from above the waist to nearly the ankles. But allow some space for movement of your legs when walking if the garment is a tight fit, narrow. This one is wide. I like that it is loose and airy.
What about colours? I like the white. Summer white, snow white, goes with blonde or white hair, looks clean if you keep it clean. Doesn't fade into streaks like darker colours.
You could choose a colour to match your favourite slippers. Or make slippers to match.
A lightweight robe like this takes up less space when you are travelling, either on a trip or between two homes as an expat. it dries quicker than full weight, thicker cotton towelling. If it is still damp when you leave a hotel or home. you can hang it on a hanger in a vehicle, or wear it on top of other clothes temporarily. To save space when packing, you could even wear it on top of short when travelling, and fold it as a pillow or use it to cover your body or legs for security and modesty when sleeping, or wrap it around a bag or purse, which you use as a pillow to secure and hide your belongings when you are dozing in airports, or coaches, or in public places.
Another design can be made which turns into a pillow or a bag for carrying your swimsuit to the beach or swimming pool.
Fold it in half or in three to make the bag. add ribbons or hooks and eyes to secure the sides and a couple of short or long ribbons to make straps.
You could also wear it over your front as a halter design as an apron to protect your clothes when eating a picnic.
Useful websites
Bath Robes
Towelling
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