Does this garment even exist?

September 27, 2009 3:04 PM

You knock on my door early on a weekend morning. When I answer, what am I wearing?

I want a robe to wear if I'm not in a hurry to get dressed, but I'd like it to be presentable, not resembling pyjamas. Which is to say, I don't want: fluffy terrycloth or fleece, thermal cotton, pastel colors, cartoon sheep, plastic zippers, plaids, or navy blue. I rather like the kimono style robes, but I'm not into bold crazy florals or shiny satin, which all the ones I find seem to be. I'd like it to be: at least calf length, simple, and presentable enough if God forbid I have to answer the door. A natural fiber would be nice. A generous cut is nice, so one could reasonably sit in it without exposing oneself. Belted is ideal; anything else is uncomfortably approaching muumuu territory.

The phrase that comes to mind is "dressing-gown" but I find that it's the same as 'bathrobe' in the UK. Anything that doesn't look like jammies or nightgowns or a towel seems to be either trashy looking peignoirs or some sort of oversized aloha shirt on acid.

So am I going to have to sew my own garment? I am, by the way, female, but I'd wear a man's robe if I liked it.

So can you help me find it, or should I just get dressed?

posted by Lou Stuells to clothing, beauty, & fashion (24 comments total)

I'd go for sewing your own -- I've seen "kimono" patterns that are basically just rectangles sewn together (straight lines! easy to sew!) and that would allow you to pick the fabric you wanted.
posted by darksong at 3:18 PM on September 27

How about a stylish robe or gown?

This is hilarious.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 3:23 PM on September 27

You can normally get some kind of kimono style that is cotton waffle type material...suppose that may be too towel like for you?
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:24 PM on September 27

Does it really matter though? Just be comfy in whatever you are comfy in and if you have to answer the door it's the postman's problem if they don't like it?
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:25 PM on September 27 [1 favorite]

How about this from Anthropologie?

What you really need is a 1940's housecoat.
posted by saffry at 3:34 PM on September 27 [8 favorites]

Is flannel okay? I have a fleece one of these (it's a man's robe!) that is very plain and comfortable. I think in a smaller man's size, it's presentable yet none of the things that bother you, but I don't know what you do like. It comes in pink if you like that. The red is more gender-neutral. But they do look like, well, robes.

I want that 1940s housecoat saffry linked to! Lovely!
posted by theredpen at 3:40 PM on September 27

Oops, not into the pastels, just read again—sorry.
posted by theredpen at 3:40 PM on September 27

This is a nice one from Foci's link.
posted by amethysts at 3:44 PM on September 27

Check out Gaiam's jersey knit robe. I have it, and it meets your criteria.
posted by xo at 3:47 PM on September 27

You are wearing a yukata. Natural fibers. Belted.
posted by the Real Dan at 3:47 PM on September 27

Novica has some lovely handmade kimono-style robes, especially from this artist. I have one of her cotton kimono robes and am very pleased with it. And the best part is that these are all fair-trade goods.
posted by DrGail at 3:52 PM on September 27 [1 favorite]

Try a search for 'house coat' or 'housecoat'. They are a long dressing-gown type wrap, but in non-daggy material. The 1950s ones are classic and flattering. You may find one in a thrift store, or online - google vintage housecoat. Patterns may also be found online.

Another easy to make covering garment is a kaftan. Like a kimono, it is a square cut and easy to sew, plus you can wear it with a belt for more flattering contours. And because it has no front opening, modesty is assured.
posted by Kerasia at 4:13 PM on September 27 [1 favorite]

Find someone on Etsy to make exactly what you want. I'm sure a lot of the people who do housecoats and kimonos would be delighted to help!
posted by aquafortis at 4:27 PM on September 27

Caftan!
posted by kmennie at 5:03 PM on September 27

If you don't want to wear a Union Suit, consider sweat pants and either a sweatshirt or a T-shirt, depending on the weather.
posted by megatherium at 5:11 PM on September 27 [2 favorites]

Points to saffry for that adorable housecoat!

Grand prize to DrGail for superb gorgeousness! Wow, those are quite reasonable and so, so perfect. I had 'batik' in my head, but thought to myself, "look, you're getting pretty damn specific already, and I bet people are gonna tell you you'll just have to suck it up and make your own." ha!

There is better stuff in many of the other links than I was finding on my own. You guys are magic. Thank you!

As for the sweats and tees suggestions: you guys are totally right. You could, in fact, be peering in my window right this moment. But after a lifetime of seeing comfort and attractiveness as being at opposite ends of the spectrum, I am enamored of the notion that with a bit of effort, I can look nice and wallow in utter slothful bliss at the same time. It does wonders for the self esteem.
posted by Lou Stuells at 5:48 PM on September 27 [1 favorite]

Snuggie?
posted by jdlugo at 8:26 PM on September 27

What about a Japanese yukata?
posted by Admira at 10:57 PM on September 27

My useful note: (Ask MetaFilter is as useful as you make it) answer is a modest robe, which is easy to store and quick to put on.

My not-so-smartass answer is:
There are two acceptable reasons to ring my door (especially more than once) before noon on a weekend and not expect gunfire:

-To warn me that my house is on fire.

-To introduce yourself as zombie Ed McMahon and be holding a check in excess of 8 figures (preferably Euros), payable to me.

Otherwise, my suggestion is to not do it.
posted by OneOliveShort at 12:15 AM on September 28

Maybe a smoking jacket?
posted by snofoam at 6:13 AM on September 28

Ah OneOlive. I live in the country. Sometimes people bring me pie, or fresh eggs, or want to let me know that my goats have gotten loose, or that they've seen a bear around.

The odds for pie are just too good.
posted by Lou Stuells at 6:47 AM on September 28 [1 favorite]

Lou Stuells, are there any houses for sale where you live? It sounds lovely, and I love pie :-)
posted by walla at 8:24 AM on September 28

Houses, yes. Jobs, not so much.
posted by Lou Stuells at 9:06 AM on September 28

Damn, no one ever rings my door and brings me eggs or pie, no wonder I'm so grumpy.
posted by OneOliveShort at 9:30 AM on September 28