Over $140.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Passport Club

Women's Robes

120 items

Discover NOVICA's Women's Robes Collection. From cool, comfortable cottons to elegant flowing silks, you will find a unique selection of gorgeous robes. Our designs, handcrafted by global artisans, include short and long lengths perfect for bath time or lounging.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - What are traditional methods for making handmade robes?

Traditional methods of hand crafting robes vary by region, culture, and historical context. Two common techniques that allow artisans to create luxurious, wearable, highly-detailed robes are hand-painting and hand-stitching. In Bali, where the practice of making robes by hand has been passed down for generations, the traditional method of batik is a signature style. The Batik Tulis, for example, is a technique that utilizes wax-resistant dye that is then applied directly to the cloth. It is an intricate, patient process that can produce extraordinarily detailed pieces. Batik Cap is another classic technique where a copper stamp is repeatedly pressed with the wax-resistant dye onto the cloth. This process creates patterns on the garment that are then dip-dyed to saturate color into the unwaxed parts of the robe. Both batik techniques produce unique pieces that represent the incredible talent of our artisans in Bali.

+ - What are the most popular designs for handmade robes?

Each region puts its signature mark on its handmade robes. In Thailand, for example, designs featuring geometric patterns and labyrinth motifs are trending. These patterns are hand-woven to create a ruched texture that highlights the intricacy of each garment. From Bali to Java, our artisans have seen their batik motifs become customer favorites. These wearable canvases feature both hand-painted and hand-printed designs, making for vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for artisans and customers to showcase their individuality.

+ - What robes are most comfortable?

The fit, feel, and fabric of a robe should transport you to a place of rest and relaxation. Novicas handmade robes exude comfort, because artisans attend to every detail with painstaking care. Robes made from silk, cotton, or rayon can provide high levels of comfort and versatility. One should look for breathability, absorbency, and versatility when purchasing a robe. Additionally, hypoallergenic fibers, like cotton, can provide comfort to those with sensitive skin. Whether one is looking for a lightweight fabric or a lavishly-woven robe, every handmade piece from Novica artisans brings an expressive twist to new styles and a fresh take on the classics.

+ - How do I care for my handmade robe?

Handmade robes are fine, delicate pieces. These garments require a bit more care when it comes to laundering. Hand-washing in cold water always produces the best results. For machine wash, one can use cold water and the delicate cycle. Avoid twisting or harshly handling the fabric, and never use intense heat settings while drying the robe. Air drying while the fibers are laid flat will help to prevent excessive wear on the fabric, as well as preserve the vibrancy of the robes colors. Always dry a batik or hand-painted robe in the shade.

+ - What is the historical background behind traditional robes?

The journey of the traditional robe throughout history is meandering and culturally specific. Here are just a few of the important stops along the way. In Japan, kimonos are an adaptable garment that have been a staple of cultural fashion since the Heian period. The robes from Bali are influenced by the classic Japanese kimono and yukata. The kimono is crafted with silk and worn over many layers in the winter while the yukata is a summer garment made with a single layer of cotton. Both of these styles reflect the artisans' take on a traditional style. In prehistoric Rome, robes were used to identify social status and to signify special ranks within communities. And by the 1700s, dressing gowns were a fashionable piece in the western wardrobe.

+ - What are the most popular materials for making robes?

The most popular materials for crafting handmade robes are natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Because silk is a light-weight, water-resistant fiber, it provides the wearer a sense of luxury and comfort. Rayon is a natural-based material made up of an organic compound derived from cotton extract or wood pulp. This fiber is extremely durable, breathable, and cost effective. Cotton is celebrated for its comfortability and elasticity, and it provides excellent insulation. These fibers make for garments that exude luxury and relaxation.

Your Top Seven Questions about Handmade Robes

Vibrant colors, batik designs, and kimono-style elegance. Whatever your preference, traditional robes represent a timeless sense of luxury. While these delicate garments vary in...... read more

Featured Reviews

Rayon batik robe, 'Twilight Roses'

Laura

Jun 18, 2021

A must have for batik lovers!

A comfortable and stylish item, this batik robe is a must have for around the house or on vacation. Buy it today!

Relax.

Rayon batik robe, 'Misty Javanese Forest'

Zeljka

Sep 16, 2017

A True Piece of Art

Everything about this robe (Misty Javanese Forest) is exquisite: the colour is stunning and more intense than in the picture (did not fade a bit in a wash), the design gorgeous, the workmanship impeccable, the fabric very pleasant on the skin and the fit perfect, even for a tall woman like myself. I was so thrilled with this housecoat that I immediately ordered another one from the same artist. Parwati (I believe this is your first name rather than Desak), I found that Parvati in Sanskrit means "of the mountains" and is a goddess of love and power - I am honoured to be wearing your beautiful creation, which exudes these characteristics of your name. And NOVICA, the beautiful packaging together with the handwritten note with a few phrases in Balinese was very touching - like a present from a friend. This was my first purchase from NOVICA and it exceeded my highest expectations. Spreading happiness around the world indeed!

4 Travel

Almost Feels Like I Am In Bali.

Bali

Blues

Rayon batik robe, 'Morning Aster'

bbishop

Jun 16, 2016

Exceeded my expectations!

Lovely fabric, lovely design. Definitely a quality item in every way. Love that it's unique and also very comfortable. And the packaging/shipping presentation is amazing, including a special personal note from the artist about the design. Impressive.

Favorite Travel Robes

Featured Artist

Desak Nyoman Parwati Batik robes and decor accents

(679)

"I have built my career step by step. I started by asking my neighbors to come to my place to look at my collection...."

Update, Jan. 2021“My name is Desak Nyoman Parwati, and I was born in Gianyar, Bali, in 1972. I like singing, sports and organizing. People say I am a... read more