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Best Men's Kimono Robes

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
IZOD Waffle Knit Kimono Robe
IZOD
Waffle Knit Kimono Robe
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A versatile robe with a kimono fit that's perfect for hanging out around the house. It looks great, too.

Pros

Offers a relaxed, flexible fit that's comfortable and attractive. Durable material that's warm yet breathable, so it's practical to wear year-round. Falls about mid-calf. Pockets are roomy.

Cons

One-size-fits-all, so it won't work for everyone. A few reports of threads coming loose.

Best Bang for the Buck
Fruit of the Loom Waffle Kimono Robe
Fruit of the Loom
Waffle Kimono Robe
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Nice material, easy fit, and a decent price earn this Fruit of the Loom kimono robe our top pick for value.

Pros

Stands out for the soft waffle knit fabric that's made of a cotton blend that does a good job absorbing moisture. Great for slipping on right out of the shower. Mid-calf length on most men. Washes up nicely. Affordable.

Cons

Only one size. Sleeve fit inconsistencies noted; too long or too short for some wearers.

Polo Ralph Lauren Velour Kimono Robe
Polo Ralph Lauren
Velour Kimono Robe
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Keeps You Warm
Bottom Line

Thick cotton kimono-style robe that's perfect for keeping warm around the house during the winter months.

Pros

Made of 100% terry cotton with a mid-calf length. Robe is heavy and warm, which makes it perfect for cold weather. Pockets are large enough to stash items like a phone or remote.

Cons

Pricey. Velour material isn't quite as soft as expected. Sizes run somewhat large.

Elibelle Traditional Kimono Robe With Tabi Socks
Elibelle
Traditional Kimono Robe With Tabi Socks
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Classic Design
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a kimono robe with authentic styling, this attractive garment is the one to get.

Pros

Classic yukata kimono robe that comes with a pair of tabi socks. Lightweight and comfortable with an appealing fit. Nice, long length falls around the ankles for most wearers.

Cons

Sizes run small. Cotton fabric is stiff at first, but tends to soften up after several washings.

MAGE MALE Soft Satin Kimono Robe
MAGE MALE
Soft Satin Kimono Robe
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Best for Summer
Bottom Line

Choose this robe if you want a design that's elegant with material that's suitable for summer. Matching shorts are a nice bonus.

Pros

Stands out from other kimono styles we considered, as it's made of sleek satin and includes shorts. Lightweight with a length that falls above the knees on most men. Available in several color and pattern options.

Cons

Sizes run on the small side, and pockets aren't deep. Thin material may wear prematurely.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best men’s kimono robes

Whether you are waking up on a cold morning, slipping out of a hot shower, or settling down with a favorite book before bed, there is nothing quite like the simplicity and comfort of a robe. Kimono robes made for men can be a particularly luxurious type of robe. They offer a loose fit and a light feel, often incorporating Japanese-themed design elements that make the robe unique.

This guide will introduce you to some of the considerations you will face when shopping for a men’s kimono robe. We cover kimono robe sizes, lengths, and fabrics so you can get the right one for your climate or season. We also take a look at sleeves, belts, pockets, and what you should expect in a kimono robe at various price points.

With all the information and suggestions in this buying guide, you are sure to find something you love.

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Most men’s kimono robes for sale today are not traditional Japanese kimonos. Rather, they are simply made in the style of Japanese kimonos.

Key considerations

Material

Like other types of robes, men’s kimono robes can be made from a variety of materials. Some of the more common materials are cotton, polyester, and satin.

Cotton

Cotton is a popular kimono robe material. It breathes well and can absorb moisture — a great choice for an after-shower robe. A variety of cotton types are available, from cottons that originate in specific locations (Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton) to cotton fabrics like terry cloth (extra absorbent) and flannel (warmer than other types of cotton).

Polyester

A synthetic fabric, polyester is lightweight and generally warmer than cotton. One popular and particularly warm version of polyester is fleece. Non-kimono fleece robes for men are an in-demand item in their own right, as well.

Some men’s kimono robes are made from a cotton and polyester blend, combining the breathability of cotton with the warmth and coziness of polyester.

Satin

Satin is a sleek and lightweight woven material with a glossy side and a matte side. It may consist of a number of synthetic materials, including rayon and polyester. It is commonly used in kimono robes for hot weather wear.

Season

While not known for being excessively thick, kimono robes designed for men do come in a variety of thicknesses that may make them more suitable for one season than another. If you live in a cool climate or a drafty house, consider one made of thicker cotton or polyester. Some thick kimonos have a waffle weave, such as you might find in thermal underwear.

Thinner robes, such as those made from lightweight cotton or satin, are best for wear during summer months and in warm climates. Some people find the lighter weight of these robes less comfortable than plush kimono robes, and the thinner material may not be as durable as a thicker weave.

Size and length

The size of a kimono can be measured in chest, waist, or arm measurements. Retailers typically include a size chart with their listing or offer their robes as one-size-fits-all items.

As for length, men’s kimono robes can hang anywhere from just above the knee to the ankle. The majority of these robes touch the mid-calf. When selecting a kimono robe based on length, personal preference is often a primary consideration. If you plan to be more physically active in your robe, you may prefer one that is on the shorter side.

Design and color

One of the primary characteristics of a kimono robe is its unique appearance. Men’s kimono robes often incorporate elaborate designs that may include dragons, Japanese characters, and other related themes. Retailers may offer a range of colors to choose from as well.

If you like the cut and shape of a kimono but don’t necessarily want icons or images on your robe, you can also find kimono robes for men that have a more neutral look. Many are solid colored; others have a light pattern rather than a bold one.

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Did You Know?
Japanese kimonos had their origin in traditional Chinese clothing of the Kofun Period (AD 300 to AD 538).
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Features

Sleeves

Kimono robes designed for men typically have large openings on the ends of the sleeves. Robe sleeve length can vary, with some stopping mid-forearm and others stretching all the way to the wrist. On rare occasions, you will find men’s kimono robes with short sleeves.

Belt

A belt, also referred to as a sash or the more traditional obi, is standard with a men’s kimono robe. The belt should be long enough that you can tie it to keep the robe closed, but it should not be so long that it drags on the ground.

There should be one or two pairs of loops built into the kimono robe through which the belt slides to keep it in place.

While some belts can be completely removed from a kimono robe, others are sewn in place, usually in the back of the robe.

Pockets

Pockets are fairly standard on men’s kimono robes. They can be used to hold everything from cell phones to TV remotes. They should be large and deep enough to safely hold such items without them slipping free. Like other types of robes, men’s kimono robes typically feature two pockets on the front, one on either side.

Hood

While rare, you will occasionally find a men’s kimono robe with a hood. A hooded kimono can help keep you warm in cold weather and also after a shower when your hair is wet.

If a kimono robe feels too stiff right out of the box, try washing it a few times. This will usually soften it up.

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Men’s kimono robe prices

Inexpensive: For less than $30, you can find thinner and shorter kimono robes. Many of these are a lot like long shirts; they hang a little lower than the hips and may be unisex in design. You will also see some inexpensive men’s bathrobes marketed as “kimonos” in this price range, though they will not necessarily have many kimono characteristics.

Mid-range: For $30 to $40, you can find a large number of men’s kimono robes designed for light to moderate use. The higher the cost in this range, the longer and thicker the robe will likely be. One-size-fits-all robes are common.

Expensive: If you want something more authentic and structured with longevity in mind, look to spend anywhere from $40 to $400. Price depends heavily on the quality of the fabric, with a material like wool costing a lot more than a fabric like cotton. Authentic silk costs even more yet. Price also depends on how much fabric is used and whether the product will need to be imported.

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Did You Know?
If you wish to adhere to Japanese culture, close your kimono robe with the left side of the robe over the right side.
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Tips

  • Kimono robes are meant to be comfortable. If you are on the fence between two sizes, we suggest going for the slightly larger, more comfortable fit.
  • If you want a robe for year-round use, choose one that is neither too heavy nor too light. A medium-weight robe is your best option when versatility is the goal.
  • Some men’s kimono robes come with extras, such as matching shorts or traditional tabi socks. If you’re debating between two robes and one offers such extras, consider going with that robe for a better overall value.
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If you are constantly losing belts, choose a robe with a sewn-in belt. On the other hand, if you want a bit more flexibility, go with one that is not attached to the robe.

FAQ

Q. What is the best way to wash a kimono robe?

A. While you typically won’t need to wash a kimono robe that often, you should still take care when doing so, as some materials require gentler care than others. Robes made of polyester tend to hold up to regular washing quite well. Cotton may shrink in the dryer, so consider line drying a cotton kimono robe. Some materials are dry-clean only, so be sure to check the label for that information.

Q. Will a one-size-fits-all kimono robe fit me?

A. One-size-fits-all kimono robes can be tempting but think carefully before you decide to go with one of these. While you won’t need to worry about pouring over sizing charts, you could end up with an ill-fitting robe that is either falling off your shoulders and dragging on the ground or too tight and short in the arms.

Your best choice for success with a one-size-fits-all kimono robe is if you are roughly “average” in size, which admittedly is not a terribly exact measurement.

Q. Can a kimono robe be personalized?

A. Personalized kimono robes, such as those with a monogram of your initials on the chest, are pretty rare for robes of this type. That said, you may be able to find a retailer who can do this. Alternatively, you could purchase a kimono without personalization and hire a tailor to make the additions for you.