Twenty years ago this week, The Big Lebowski hit theaters. And with it, a sartorial legend was born.
Talking about The Dude, abider of bowling, White Russians and one very important rule of menswear: when in doubt, dress comfortably.
We first meet the Coen Brothers’ loveably laid-back hero waltzing through an L.A. grocery store in open-toe moccasins, jams and his pièce de résistance: a knee-length slub cotton robe.
So in his honor, we’re rounding up 10 of the best breezy, billowy, bathroom-friendly robes a gentleman can buy.
Whether you’re looking for a classic cotton terry, silk kimono or insulated campfire cloak, each and every one of these robes will tie your wardrobe together with aplomb.
The Bedrock: Coyuchi Cloud Loom
You should aspire to own not one robe, but rather a situationally diverse coterie of robes, such that you can navigate just about any earthly situation wearing one. And your collection should start with the gold standard: a shawl-collared, hotel-style cotton terry bath. Our deputy editor swears by this butter-soft Turkish-made number. $148
The Lightweight: Parachute Waffle Robe
Waffle knits are a favorite of high-end spas for good reason: same 100% Turkish cotton as the terry cloth (that’ll be a theme here), but infinitely more packable and breathable. $119
The Man of Dawn: LL Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel
Picture a retiree in slippers and sweats fetching his morning paper, and he’s probably wearing this as a topcoat. LL Bean offers their Portuguese flannels in three colorways and brushes them on both sides for “superior softness.” And at $60, we can tell you right now you aren’t beating the price (even though they just killed off their famous lifetime warranty policy). Leather recliner and polite disdain for the way your neighbor cuts his hedges optional but recommended. $60
The Sensai: Barneys Silk Twill Kimono
Not to be confused with authentic kimonos (a style of formal Japanese attire consisting of multiple garments and a wide sash called an obi), the kimonos of American leisurewear are essentially short robes made from satin or silk, with roomy, elbow-length sleeves and a long belt. We like them best as a tongue-in-cheek special-occasion garment, roughly the male equivalent of a teddy. Just mind the high cut: the pizza delivery guy probably doesn’t want to see what’s underneath. $495
The Deluxe Bathrobe: Cleverly Laundry Striped Cotton Terry
Traditional terry meets corduroy in these heavy, striped, ridiculously plush robes made by a pair of Australian architects. $185
The Playboy: Coyuchi Mediterranean
Made from the same long-staple organic cotton as Coyuchi’s more traditional terry robes, but sporting a neck-breaking, texture-rich pattern inspired by Turkish peshtemals. Think of it as a more modern take on Hugh Hefner’s ubiquitous velvet smoking jacket. $148
The Sweat-Breaker: Reigning Champ Loopback Cotton Jersey
Maybe you just went nine rounds with a sparring partner at the local ring. Maybe you just went nine rounds with Mike Tyson on Punch-Out!! Regardless, you’ll want to throw on this hooded number, made from the same cotton-jersey material as the Canadian company’s best-in-class sweatpants and crewnecks. $140
The Campfire Cloak: Poler Stuff Napsack
Know what would make sitting around a campfire even cozier? A robe. Enter this wearable polyester sleeping bag with zippered arm holes and a drawstring closure at the ankles. $150
The I-Swear-It’s-Not-a-Dress: Tracksmith Post-Run Robe
Designed to keep all-seasons runners warm after a cold-weather jaunt, this peculiar pullover-style robe is made from quick-drying merino wool. Once you throw it on and repose into supreme, gown-clad comfort, you’ll wonder: When and why the hell did we (as in men) give up the legless garment in the first place? $168
The Showstopper: Sleepy Jones x Best Made Co. Slumberland
Look: There’s frankly no good reason to spend $500 on a robe when similarly sumptuous versions can be had for a third of the price. But if you find yourself in an especially deep-pocketed and/or reckless moment of your life, there are few better ways to #treatyoself than a wool/cotton blend man-swaddle manufactured at the legendary Faribault Mill. $498
Bonus: For Her: Naadam Khimori Travel Robe
If you start parading around the house in an increasingly diverse array of plunging woolen and terry-cloth garments, you best believe your old lady is going to want in on the action. How’s a silk-cashmere blend for under $200 sound? $175
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