Whether you’re stepping out of the shower or cozying up on the couch, it’s a great feeling to wrap yourself up in a luxurious bathrobe. Brooklinen, a company that’s well-known for its high-quality bedding, offers a waffle style robe that supposedly delivers on all fronts—style, softness, and absorbency. To fully gauge comfort and durability, I wore the Brooklinen Waffle Robe around the house for several weeks. Read on to hear my final verdict on whether it’s worth purchasing. Unless you’re exceptionally tall, the Brooklinen Waffle Robe will provide an almost full-length fit. I’m 5’5”, and the hem hits below my calves, about six inches above my ankles. Looking at the size guide, I was on the cusp between an extra small/small and medium/large in accordance with weight. I decided to size up because I prefer my bathrobes to have a more generous fit. However, the Brooklinen robe was a little too big. Even when I cuff the sleeves, they still fall almost halfway down my fingers. Considering the fairly steep price ($98) as well as the material—100% Turkish cotton with a GSM of 350—I expected the Brooklinen robe to be much plusher than it is. When compared to my all-cotton and fleece robes, the waffle weave is actually a lot coarser. The robe isn’t uncomfortable or scratchy by any means, but it doesn’t have that soft and cozy feeling either. On a positive note, this robe is very absorbent. It quickly wicked away any excess water that I missed with my towel. I live in a warmer climate, and I wasn’t sure if I needed a robe this thick, but I’m grateful that I have it. The shawl collar and midi-length kept me nice and warm when I had the A/C cranked up (as I often do on hot days). After I get out of the shower, I like to wear my bathrobe as I get ready. Unfortunately, the oversized fit of this robe limits my arm mobility. Because the sleeves are so long and baggy, they get in the way as I perform daily routines like applying makeup and brushing my hair. More often than not, I find the robe too cumbersome and end up changing out of it. I prefer to wear it while I’m lounging around the house. On chilly nights, I put it on over my pajamas for extra warmth while I’m reading or watching TV. Although it’s nice to have the robe on hand for certain activities, it’s not versatile enough for my needs. Despite having mixed feelings about the robe, there are some things I really like about the design. The deep exterior pockets are roomy enough to securely store a phone and other personal belongings. It has a sewn-in hanger loop for easy drying and convenient storage. The belt stays securely tied and never comes undone, which is a problem I’ve experienced with other robes. As I move around, the robe doesn’t shift at all, providing full coverage without me ever having to readjust it.
Is the material durable?
Since the waffle texture features raised threads that form rectangles—rather than a smooth weave—some snagging seems inevitable. Even though I try to be cautious when I’m wearing the robe, I’ve noticed a few pulls here and there, which I snip away with scissors. Overall, the robe has held up well to daily use and multiple washes. If you have any concerns about durability, be sure to take advantage of Brooklinen’s 1-year warranty.
What colors are available?
This robe is available in three solid colors: white, smoke, or graphite. The colors are neutral enough to blend in with almost any decor, but if you’re looking for something more vibrant, you will be hard-pressed with this limited selection.
How is the sizing?
Brooklinen’s Waffle Robe is available in three sizes: extra small/small, medium/large, and extra-large/extra extra large. The combination sizing is a disadvantage in my opinion because it’s almost impossible to get a contoured fit. Since this robe tends to run large, I suggest contacting the manufacturer for specific measurements before purchasing. Brooklinen has a very generous return policy—products can be returned or exchanged within 365 days.
What are the care instructions?
Since the Brooklinen Waffle Robe can be washed in the machine and tumble dried on low, it’s easy to care for. The robe didn’t take on too much water in the wash, and it was completely dry after one cycle in the dryer. I was hoping the robe would soften up a bit after laundering, but it didn’t. On the bright side, it didn’t shrink or pill either. You can expect some shedding when you remove the robe from the packaging. I made the mistake of laying it down on my dark bedspread, and it left behind a lot of lint. Fortunately, after the first wash, I didn’t notice any more shedding. (It is recommended that you wash the robe before wearing it.)
Brooklinen Waffle Robe vs. The Competition
If you’re like me and prefer a bathrobe that’s incredibly soft, the Parachute Classic Bathrobe is a better option. Retailing for $99, the price point seems on par with the high-quality construction. The Parachute Classic Robe has all of the convenient features I liked about Brooklinen’s offering: deep pockets, a secure belt, a thick collar, and midi-length for extra warmth and optimal absorbency. However, its weave, which is made of long-staple Turkish cotton, seems to be much softer and less stiff than Brooklinen’s waffle texture. Parachute’s Classic Bathrobe is available in four sizes—small, medium, large, and extra-large, which should allow for a better fit. Another plush and comfy option is the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Adult Robe. Retailing around $127, it’s one of the more expensive options on the market, but this cushy robe is an excellent choice for lounging. In addition to being extremely comfortable, reviewers say the 100-percent polyester microfiber material is easy to wash and incredibly durable. This robe is available in four sizes and 12 subdued colors. Like the Brooklinen Waffle Robe, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Adult Robe has an oversize fit that might overwhelm smaller and petite frames. As long as you don’t mind the extra wiggle room, the comfort can’t be beat. Because I wasn’t pleased with the oversized fit and lack of softness, I would pass on the Brooklinen Waffle Robe and opt for an ultra-plush robe with a more contoured fit. However, I wouldn’t discourage fans of waffle-weave robes from giving this one a try. If you’re not 100% satisfied, Brooklinen has a flexible 365-day return policy.
