Skate-Wear Central

Robe Dressing

The History of the Dressing Gown

Definititions

For the purpose of this article it might be useful to begin with a few definitions of the various descriptors that are most commonly used when referring to a robe worn around the house as loungewear:

Robe

The English word ‘robe’ is taken from the middle English word of the same name meaning ‘garment’, the word ‘robe’ has its routes in the Frankish language as ‘rouba’.  It is thought to have originated with the meaning of ‘booty’ or ‘spoils’ referring to items and clothing stolen and related to the word ‘rob’.   The word was adopted by the Old French language to originally refer to the same ‘booty’ or ‘spoils’ however the meaning has evolved to the present day to now refer to ‘a woman’s dress.’

The point of distinction between a robe and similar items such as a cloak and cape are its sleeves.

Bathrobes

Bathrobes are made using absorbent fabrics, most commonly terry toweling, this has the benefit of drying the body after bathing.  The bathrobe serves two benefits; as a towel, absorbing moisture after bathing and as an informal garment of clothing, to be worn around the house after waking in the morning in addition to wearing in the evening after bathing.

Dressing Gown

A dressing gown is a term that was traditionally associated with men’s clothing garments.   Dressing gowns are loose open fronted robes that usually close with a fabric belt about the waist, much more on this to come!

Housecoat

Although commonly done, the dressing gown should no be confused with the housecoat, this was a very popular item of attire in the 1940s.  Also known as a duster, the house coat was a very useful garment; it was longer in length than an apron and more modest in coverage than a pinafore.  At a time when women would rarely leave their houses without looking their absolute best the housecoat was the perfect way to protect the chosen outfit of the day, women would simply switch into their housecoat to perform their daily chores.

Housecoats varied in style but were usually knee length or longer to cover any under garments, they were made from a light fabric which was sometimes quilted for warmth.  The housecoat would fasten at the front with either buttons or a zipper.

The use of the housecoat evolved over time, becoming more elegant, sophisticated and feminine in form, many women started to wear their housecoats in the evenings, even when hosting guests, the housecoat took on a similar role to the male ‘dressing gown’.

In recent times the housecoat has become a rather dated term that is rarely used.  Most people prefer to adapt the term dressing gown as unisex for both male and female house robes.  On a recent poll that was run by thestudentroom.co.uk, 91% of male and female respondents preferred to use the term dressing gown.

The History of the Dressing Gown

It is thought that the wearing of a dressing gown in the western world has its routes in the mid 17th Century, it was originally only worn by men and it was called the ‘banyan’.  The term ‘banyan’ encompassed many different styles of robes that were popular amongst men between the mid 17th to the early 19th Century.

Europeans began to adopt dress style and influences from other cultures in the eary 17th Century and the banyan is the earliest example of this.  It is thought that men adopted the ‘banyan’ design from Persian and Asian inspired clothing (Banyan in Portugese, Arabic and Gujarati all meaning ‘merchant’).

At the time of the mid 17th century a popular penchant for the exotic and oriental had become a mainstream fascination in Europe.  This coincided, and could be attributed to, strengthened trade routes with the East.    The Chinoiserie style emerged as a popular fashion.  This French term meaning “Chinese-esque” has since become a recurring theme in European artistic styles.  Chinoiserie reflects Chinese artistic influences.  This penchant for the exotic and oriental was a leading influence on the success of the ‘banyan’, this name being predecessor to the ‘dressing gown’.

Also described in texts as a morning gown, robe de chambre or nightgown, the banyan was a loose floor length robe.  The style of the banyan in the 1800s was a simple ‘T-shape’ kimono-style design as seen below.  Banyans were usually produced from imported Indian Chintz fabric although they were sometimes made from Chinese and French silks too.

The banyan was worn around the home as an informal coat it was most commonly worn over the shirt and breeches.  The banyan was usually paired with a soft, turban-like cap that was worn in place of the formal periwig, a very popular wig worn by men at the time of the 17th and 18th centuries.  During the 18th century it was fashionable for men, particularly of an intellectual of philosophical persuasion to have their portraits commissioned and to be painted whilst wearing their banyans or morning gowns:

‘Loose dresses contribute to the easy and vigorous exercise of the faculties of the mind. This remark is so obvious, and so generally known, that we find studious men are always painted in gowns, when they are seated in their libraries.’

(Benjamin Rush, Founding Father of the United States. ‘franklin and Friends’, 2006)

Later the banyan evolved into a more fitted style with set-in sleeves similar to a man’s coat.  The banyan was made available in many different lengths and shapes with different cuts and styles.  After the 19th century, the name of the ‘banyan’ also evolved to become the ‘dressing gown’ of today.

Women and The Dressing Gown

All this talk of men in dressing gowns is fine but I hear you ask – so what about women and dressing gowns?!

Whilst men in Europe were quick to adopt and incorporate Asian and Asian inspired textiles and garments it was not until the late 18th Century that women’s fashion would be influenced. At this time it was a small accent such as a shawl or fan and it would be a further 100 years until women in Europe would begin wearing clothing from other cultures such as the kimono and Chinese robe.

There is little mention in history books of women wearing robes although we do know that they did indeed wear an equivalent of the dressing gown although it was much simpler in style and fabric to the mans banyan.   In his study of the Nineteenth Century French Bourgeoisie style Philippe Perrot observed:

‘The dressing gown constituted a curious split between men and women.  Men were dazzling and women were drab.’

(‘Fashioning the Bourgeoisie’ by Philippe Perrot, 1981)

Perhaps this ‘drabness’ explains why there is little written in the history books of style and fashion to chronicle the female dressing gown.  This lack of historical interest in the female equivalent of the dressing gown continues in the history books until the 19th Century.  Fortunately things have changed and ladies now have an abundance of beautiful, opulent dressing gowns to chose from.  TheDressingGown.com is a brand new online boutique that opened its virtual doors in September 2010.  TheDressingGown.com design, manufacture and retail glamorous, floor length, figure hugging dressing gowns, registered under the Davinia trademark, direct to the public through the online website, www.thedressinggown.com.

Taking inspiration from the screen sirens of yesteryear, TheDressingGown.com aims to revolutionise the world of loungewear, bringing the ‘essence of femininity’ back into the dressing gown category.  The new line of dressing gowns is designed by Davinia™ they are made exclusively for TheDressingGown.com.  Davinia takes her inspiration from the feminine elegance of the 1950s twinned with the colour and vibrancy of the 1960s and 70s.  This unique fusion results in truly individual pieces that combine effortless glamour with practical comfort.

For more information please visit the website at www.thedressinggown.com.

About the Author

Davinia is living in Paris where she runs her online boutique and specialises in the design, manufacture and retail of dressing gowns.

white satin dressing gown and nightdress

Splendid Signature Terry Women’s Swimsuit Cover-Up Romper $89 The Signature Terry Romper makes dressing for pool parties or having a casual bite to eat on the boardwalk so easy. The double-dyed teal fabric will give you a pop of summertime color. Designed with a flattering drawstring waistline and a open back detail this swim suit coverup is sure to be your favorite this season. Color: Teal. Content: 42% Micro Modal 43% Supima 14% Polyester. Made in California U.S.A.

Reyn Spooner Gent Tapa Blue Button-Up Hawaiian Shirt $69.99 When dressing up means slipping on your best pair of flops, the Gent Tapa button-up Hawaiian shirt from Reyn Spooner is the perfect accompaniment!

O’Neill Westbury S/S Woven $54.5 This polynosic shirt makes dressing up for something THAT much better. O’Neill’s Westbury shirt is a great yarn dye plaid woven that feels super soft and fits comfortably. Pick yours up now!!

Women’s adidas Bathrobe $63.99 100% cotton for a soft, absorbent feel; Sporty adidas three-stripes run the length of the robe; Extra long waist tie for secure fit; This robe also features a hood; Front pockets for keeping things close;

Quiksilver Crafted Belt $24 Quiksilver’s Crafted belt brings you color – life and a new meaning to dressing with style. Let this belt give you that excitement you’ve been longing for. Do yourself a favor and let your wardrobe get Crafted.

Hurley 79 Skinny Denim Pant $55 Hurley wasn’t being sarcastic when they named this the Skinny jean. If you are an aspiring rock star or just like dressing like one – then you will definitely be interested in the ’79 Skinny from Hurley. These things have a flat felled construction with a butterfly outseam. If you have any extra room between your skin and the denim – there are five pockets for your goods. They also come with some cool detailing like icon embroideries and vintage hardware. Not recommended for people with a extreme sweating problems. Unless you are into that – then it’s cool.

Mens Riot Society Tee – Riot Society Meow You Doin’ T-Shirt $22.5 Online Exclusive! There is no way quicker to a ladies heart than dressing dapper and this kitty has got it down pat. Of course, a little conversation and pick up line never hurt, unfortunately this is still a work in process. Above anything else the key to her heart is making her laugh, so get off on the right foot and toss on this tee. Straight from Riot Society with their classic 100% cotton construction along with a soft and comfortable feel fresh from LA just for you. Solid color body. Tagless inside neck. Blank, unmarked back. Regular fit tee (classic). 19.5″ shoulder, 29″ length. Medium shown and measured.

Mens Riot Society Tee – Riot Society Meow You Doin’ White T-Shirt $22.5 Online Exclusive! There is no way quicker to a ladies heart than dressing dapper and this kitty has got it down pat. Of course, a little conversation and pick up line never hurt, unfortunately this is still a work in process. Above anything else the key to her heart is making her laugh, so get off on the right foot and toss on this tee. Straight from Riot Society with their classic 100% cotton construction along with a soft and comfortable feel fresh from LA just for you. Solid color body. Tagless inside neck. Blank, unmarked back. Regular fit tee (classic). 19.5″ shoulder, 29″ length. Medium shown and measured.

Women’s adidas Yanga $36.99 Minimal design is uniquely feminine; Ideal for dressing up or just with jeans; Toe and heel are rubberized for traction; Treated with agION antimicrobial to stop odor and bacteria growth; Durable and supportive synthetic leather upper;

Mens Famous S/S Tee – Famous S/S Lady Liberty T-Shirt $26.5 You know from a company created with a play on words of Famous Stars and Stripes they would have a pretty interesting take on the Statue of Liberty as well. Famous gives Lady Liberty a face lift and loosens her robe, definitely didnt expect a chest tattoo for Lady Liberty. With all the immigration talk, I think Famous has created an even bigger problem, if thats what Lady Liberty looked like everyone would be knocking at our door. Solid color body. Tagless inside neck. Blank, unmarked back. Regular fit tee (classic). 19.5″ shoulder, 29″ length. Medium shown and measured.

LRG Core Logo Boardshort $49 LRG Core Logo Boardshort The LRG Core Logo Boardshort is an all-over print boardshort that’s main function is performance. LRG has been making quality goods forever. Seriously I think Noah was wearing these ones under his robe when he built the arc. Noah has always had a thing for giraffes. So if Noah backs them I back them.

Volcom Calhoun Cognito Tank Top – Black $24 There’s nothing worse than overthinking your style and dressing yourself like a poseur, trying way too hard to impress his fellow man—laaaaaame. Keep it casual and cool in this Cognito tank from Volcom. Its simple logo graphics on front and super-heathered material will make it seem like you put no effort into your slick, pared-down look. Effortlessly awesome.

Volcom Calhoun Cognito Tank Top – Pewter $24 There’s nothing worse than overthinking your style and dressing yourself like a poseur, trying way too hard to impress his fellow man—laaaaaame. Keep it casual and cool in this Cognito tank from Volcom. Its simple logo graphics on front and super-heathered material will make it seem like you put no effort into your slick, pared-down look. Effortlessly awesome.

Volcom Calhoun Cognito Tank Top – Lumber Jack Red Heather $24 There’s nothing worse than overthinking your style and dressing yourself like a poseur, trying way too hard to impress his fellow man—laaaaaame. Keep it casual and cool in this Cognito tank from Volcom. Its simple logo graphics on front and super-heathered material will make it seem like you put no effort into your slick, pared-down look. Effortlessly awesome.

Volcom Calhoun Cognito Tank Top – Bright Turquoise $24 There’s nothing worse than overthinking your style and dressing yourself like a poseur, trying way too hard to impress his fellow man—laaaaaame. Keep it casual and cool in this Cognito tank from Volcom. Its simple logo graphics on front and super-heathered material will make it seem like you put no effort into your slick, pared-down look. Effortlessly awesome.

Affliction Battle Born Woven Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt – Gray $74.99 Constant vigilance and numberless battles are your heritage — you’re Battle Born and you love every minute of it. On those rare occasions when you aren’t besting an opponent on the field of battle, this button-up shirt from Affliction’s Black Premium collection — with its brooding plaid pattern, custom Affliction buttons and Affliction embroidery on the back — is ideal for dressing up your style while reminding others that any trash talking directed toward you will be dealt with appropriately.