Robe Size Chart: Bathrobes, Kimono Robes and Graduation Gowns
Robes are sized loosely, usually in paired letters or one size, so the useful numbers are the chest range each size covers, the length that reaches your knee or ankle, and enough wrap to stay closed. Graduation and choir gowns, which are sized by height, are covered too.
Most bathrobes come in S/M (men's chest up to about 40 in, 102 cm; women's bust up to about 37 in, 94 cm), L/XL (chest up to about 48 in, 122 cm; bust up to 44 in, 112 cm) and 2X/3X above that. Length matters as much as width: a knee-length robe measures about 38 in (96 cm) from the back of the neck for someone 5 ft 6 in tall, and about 40 in (102 cm) for 5 ft 10 in.
- S/M men's chest
- 34-40 in (86-102 cm)
- L/XL men's chest
- 42-48 in (107-122 cm)
- Knee length, 5'6"
- About 38 in (96 cm)
- Gown size, 5'6"-5'8"
- 51
On this page
Bathrobe size chart
Robes are cut generously and usually sold in paired letter sizes. Each pair covers the chest and bust ranges of two standard sizes, which is why most people fit in one of three choices.
| Robe size | Men's chest | Women's bust | Women's US sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32-34 in 81-86 cm | 31-33 in 79-84 cm | 0-2 |
| S/M | 34-40 in 86-102 cm | 33-37 in 84-94 cm | 4-10 |
| L/XL | 42-48 in 107-122 cm | 38-44 in 97-112 cm | 12-18 |
| 2X/3X | 50-56 in 127-142 cm | 46-53 in 117-135 cm | 18W-24W |
| One size | Varies by maker; often cut close to L/XL, so check the listed chest and length | ||
For wrap robes, the hips decide the fit as often as the chest. A robe that closes at the chest but leaves less than about 4 in (10 cm) of overlap at the hips will fall open when you sit. If your hip measurement is larger than your bust or chest, compare the hip with the robe's chart, or pick the larger size. Women's and men's size equivalents are in the clothing size chart.
Robe length by height
Robe length is measured from the base of the collar or neckline at the back to the hem. A robe is a long garment, so a 2 in (5 cm) difference changes whether it ends above or below the knee. These lengths are based on average proportions for each height:
| Height | Above the knee | Knee | Mid-calf | Ankle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 2 in 157 cm | 33.5 in 85 cm | 35.5 in 91 cm | 41 in 104 cm | 50 in 128 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in 168 cm | 35.5 in 91 cm | 38 in 96 cm | 43.5 in 111 cm | 53.5 in 136 cm |
| 5 ft 10 in 178 cm | 38 in 96 cm | 40 in 102 cm | 46 in 117 cm | 56.5 in 144 cm |
| 6 ft 2 in 188 cm | 40 in 101 cm | 42.5 in 108 cm | 49 in 124 cm | 60 in 152 cm |
Because one robe is sold to people of many heights, the same S/M robe can reach the knee on one wearer and mid-calf on another. Ready-made robes rarely come in length options, so check the listed length rather than the size label. Coat and cape length tables built on the same proportions are in the coat size guide and the cape size guide.
Ankle-length robes and long belts catch on stair treads and slipper toes. For older adults or anyone who uses stairs at night, a knee-length robe with a belt that does not trail is the safer choice. Pair it with slippers that grip; see the slipper size guide.
Types of robes and how they fit
| Robe | Fabric and cut | Sizing notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terry bathrobe | Looped cotton, absorbent, shawl collar | Bulky; take your usual size, it is already roomy |
| Waffle / spa robe | Lightweight cotton weave | Often one size; shorter and lighter than terry |
| Plush / fleece robe | Polyester microfiber | Warmest; little shrinkage, size by chest |
| Kimono robe | Light cotton, silk or satin; straight wide sleeves | Often one size; length varies from hip to ankle |
| Hooded robe | Terry or fleece with a hood | Same sizes; hood adds a little weight at the back |
| Zip-front robe | Zip instead of a wrap and belt | No overlap needed; size by hip if it is larger than bust |
Kimono-style robes and dressing gowns with wide sleeves have sleeves measured from the center back of the neck, often reaching only the forearm. A sleeve ending above the wrist stays dry at the sink; if you want full-length sleeves for warmth, check the listed sleeve length against your own center-back-to-wrist measurement.
How to measure for a robe
- Chest or bust around the fullest part, over whatever you wear under the robe.
- Hip around the fullest part of the seat. For wrap robes, use the larger of chest and hip.
- Length: from the base of the back of the neck, down the spine to where you want the hem.
- Check a robe's flat measurements if given: front width at the hip, measured edge to edge with the robe laid open, should exceed your hip by about 8 in (20 cm) or more so the fronts overlap and stay closed.
For drying off before putting a robe on, the towel size guide lists bath towel and sheet dimensions.
Graduation and choir gown sizes
Academic gowns and choir robes are sized by height, not chest, because they are cut full and fall to a set point on the leg. The chart below is the one used by many North American regalia suppliers; gowns are designed to end at about mid-calf. Measure height barefoot.
| Height | Gown size |
|---|---|
| 4 ft 9 in to 4 ft 11 in 144-150 cm | 42 |
| 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 2 in 151-158 cm | 45 |
| 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 5 in 159-166 cm | 48 |
| 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 8 in 167-173 cm | 51 |
| 5 ft 9 in to 5 ft 11 in 174-181 cm | 54 |
| 6 ft 0 in to 6 ft 2 in 182-188 cm | 57 |
| 6 ft 3 in to 6 ft 5 in 189-195 cm | 60 |
| 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 8 in 196-201 cm | 63 |
Each step is 3 sizes for 3 in of height. Some suppliers add a full-fit version (for example 51FF) for heavier builds, based on a weight threshold for each height band. Schools with their own supplier may use letter sizes or a different chart, so confirm with yours.
Children's robes
Kids' robes follow children's clothing sizes, often paired (4-5, 6-7, 8-10, 12-14). Size by height, and choose a length that ends at or above the knee for young children to avoid tripping. Belts on children's robes should be attached at the back so they cannot be pulled out and lost or left trailing.
Frequently asked questions
What size bathrobe should I get?
Choose by chest or bust and then check the length. Men with a chest up to about 40 in (102 cm) and women up to about 37 in (94 cm) bust take S/M; up to 48 in (122 cm) chest or 44 in (112 cm) bust take L/XL. If your hips are wider than your chest, size by hips so the robe overlaps when you sit.
Are robes one size fits all?
One-size robes, including most hotel and spa robes, are cut generously, often close to an L/XL, with the belt taking up slack on smaller wearers. They tend to be long on shorter people and may not wrap fully on larger bodies; check the listed chest or length, and look for 2X/3X if your chest is above about 48 in (122 cm).
How long should a bathrobe be?
That depends on use. Knee length is the most practical for moving around and stairs; mid-calf adds warmth; ankle length is for lounging. Measure from the base of the back of your neck to where you want the hem and compare with the robe's listed length.
What graduation gown size do I need?
Gowns are sized by height measured without shoes. On a widely used chart, 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 5 in takes size 48, 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 8 in takes 51, and 5 ft 9 in to 5 ft 11 in takes 54. Each gown is designed to reach about mid-calf; check your school's supplier chart before ordering.
Do robes shrink?
Cotton terry and waffle robes can shrink in length and width when washed hot and tumble-dried hot. Microfiber and polyester fleece robes shrink very little. If you are between lengths in cotton, choose the longer one.