Why wear a linen bathrobe? - Jade and May

Why We Chose Linen for Our Bathrobes

Why We Chose Linen for Our Bathrobes

There are some pieces that earn a permanent place by the back door, on the bathroom hook or packed into every suitcase. For me, a linen bathrobe is one of them.

I wanted to create a robe that felt lighter than a traditional dressing gown but still gave you that comforting feeling of wrapping yourself in something beautiful after a shower, a swim or a slow morning at home. It needed to be practical enough for everyday life while looking good enough that you wouldn't think twice about wearing it beyond the house.

That's why we chose premium European Flax linen.

Every Jade and May linen bathrobe is designed in Geelong and ethically made in small batches by the women-led, family-owned factory in Bali we've proudly partnered with since 2019. We use OEKO-TEX® certified linen coloured with low-impact fibre reactive dyes that are free from harmful azo chemicals, creating a robe that's gentle on your skin and made with longevity in mind.

Why linen works so well for bathrobes

Linen has been valued for thousands of years, and once you've lived with it, it's easy to understand why.

Its natural fibres are breathable and moisture wicking, allowing air to circulate while absorbing up to 20% of their weight in moisture before ever feeling damp. After a shower, bath or swim, the fabric helps draw moisture away from your skin while drying quickly itself, leaving you feeling comfortable rather than weighed down.

Unlike thick fleece robes that can feel bulky or overly warm, linen adapts to the season. It feels cool and airy on hot summer mornings yet provides a comfortable extra layer through the cooler months without trapping heat.

It's one of those rare fabrics that works all year round.

More than a robe for home

Although we call it a bathrobe, many of our customers wear theirs far beyond the bathroom.

It becomes an easy layer over pyjamas while the kettle boils, a lightweight robe for weekends away, something to throw over swimmers at the beach or pool, or even an extra layer over everyday clothes.

Wear it open over a simple slip dress, a white linen shirt and shorts or your favourite jeans and T-shirt. The relaxed silhouette gives it an effortless feel that works just as well on holiday as it does at home.

That's something I always hoped would happen. Rather than owning pieces that only serve one purpose, I much prefer things that fit naturally into different parts of everyday life.

European Flax that lasts

We believe buying well means buying less often.

European Flax is known for its exceptionally long, strong fibres, creating fabric that becomes softer over time without losing its durability. Every wash helps relax the fibres a little more, making your robe even more comfortable while maintaining the quality that linen is known for.

Because it's made from a renewable natural fibre, linen is also fully biodegradable at the end of its life, making it one of the most sustainable textile choices available.

Certified for peace of mind

Your bathrobe sits directly against your skin, often when your skin is warm or freshly showered, so we think the fabric matters.

Our linen is certified to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, meaning it has been independently tested for hundreds of potentially harmful substances.

We also choose low-impact fibre reactive dyes that achieve high colour fixation, allowing more dye to bond with the fabric while reducing wastewater and helping preserve linen's natural softness and breathability.

If you'd like to understand more about the fabrics we choose, you can read our guides to European Flax linen, OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics and low-impact fibre reactive dyes.

Caring for your linen bathrobe

Linen is wonderfully low maintenance.

Machine wash in cool or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent and line dry where possible. There's no need to iron unless you prefer a smoother finish. The relaxed texture is part of linen's character, and every wash makes it feel softer than the last.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a linen bathrobe in winter?

Yes. Linen naturally helps regulate temperature, making it comfortable all year round. It provides warmth without the heaviness of a traditional fleece dressing gown.

Is linen absorbent enough after a shower?

Absolutely. Linen can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch, making it ideal after bathing or swimming.

Can I wear a linen bathrobe outside the house?

Many people do. It works beautifully as a lightweight layer over swimwear, loungewear or simple everyday outfits while travelling or relaxing on holidays.

Does linen soften over time?

Yes. One of linen's most loved qualities is that it becomes increasingly soft with every wash while remaining exceptionally durable.

Designed to be used every day

The best robe isn't the one you save for special occasions. It's the one hanging on the hook because you reach for it every morning.

Whether you're stepping out of the shower, making your first coffee, sitting on the deck with a book or packing for a weekend away, a linen bathrobe is one of those pieces that simply makes everyday life feel a little more comfortable.

Explore our collection of linen bathrobes, discover our matching linen pyjamas and sleepwear, or browse our full range of natural fibre loungewear to create a wardrobe designed for slower mornings and comfortable evenings.