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.

Robes at NOVICA Canada

Bestseller

Night Dragonflies, Handcrafted Black Batik Robe with Dragonflies from Bali

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$146.17CAD Wholesale

$146.17CAD
Bestseller

Nature Mandala, Cotton Robe with Printed Mandala Motifs and Dark Red Piping

Aftab

(164)

$66.70CAD Wholesale

$66.70CAD
Bestseller

Tropical Leaves, Handmade Batik Printed Rayon Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$127.53CAD Wholesale

$127.53CAD
Bestseller

Night Bamboo, Bamboo Motif Cotton Robe in Grey from Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$126.55CAD Wholesale

$126.55CAD
Simple Luxury, Black and White Floral Rayon Robe from Indonesia Artisan

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$136.36CAD Wholesale

$136.36CAD
Bestseller

Mystery Grove, Blue and Green Batik Leaf Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$128.51CAD Wholesale

$128.51CAD
Bestseller

Sensational Swirls, White Swirls on Black Rayon Short Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$132.44CAD Wholesale

$132.44CAD
Bamboo Blue, Blue Rayon Long Robe with Bamboo Batik Print from Indonesia

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$137.34CAD Wholesale

$137.34CAD
Bestseller

Midnight Rest, Cotton Robe with Printed Leafy Motifs and Cerulean Piping

Aftab

(164)

$60.82CAD Wholesale

$60.82CAD
A Thousand Swirls, Black and White Rayon Robe from Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$136.36CAD Wholesale

$136.36CAD
Bestseller

Floral Imagination, Cotton Robe with Printed Floral Motifs and Aquamarine Piping

Aftab

(164)

$55.91CAD Wholesale

$55.91CAD
Bestseller

Tropical Leaves, Hand Stamped Black and Spice Rayon Long Robe from Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$141.27CAD Wholesale

$141.27CAD
Bestseller

Purple Mist, Handcrafted Purple Batik Rayon Robe from Indonesia

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$151.08CAD Wholesale

$151.08CAD
Bewitching Blossom, Indonesian Floral Batik Printed Black and Cocoa Short Robe

Size: S/M

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$105.95CAD Wholesale

$105.95CAD
Misty Ocean, Long Handcrafted Batik and Tie Dyed Rayon Robe from Bali

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$146.17CAD Wholesale

$146.17CAD
Sunset Grove, Red Orange Batik Print Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$146.17CAD Wholesale

$146.17CAD
Twilight Roses, Rayon Black Long Robe with Blue Purple Batik Floral Print

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$133.42CAD Wholesale

$133.42CAD
Bestseller

Blue Midnight, Men's Batik Belted Cotton Robe

Size: 54" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 57" Bust/chest x 25.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$122.63CAD Wholesale

$122.63CAD
Batik Blush, Batik Rayon Robe in Rose and Berry Pink from Bali

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$140.29CAD Wholesale

$140.29CAD
Bestseller

Floral Breeze, Blue and Green Batik Print Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$149.12CAD Wholesale

$149.12CAD
Crimson Floral, Crimson Rayon Robe with Black Floral Motifs from Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$126.55CAD Wholesale

$126.55CAD
Grand Floral, Rayon Robe Olive Floral Batik Print from Indonesia

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$135.38CAD Wholesale

$135.38CAD
Daydream in Violet, Purple Blue Batik Print Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$142.25CAD Wholesale

$142.25CAD
Ubud Grove, Green and Blue Batik Print Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$142.25CAD Wholesale

$142.25CAD
Bestseller

Ocean Eden, Turquoise Batik Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$121.65CAD Wholesale

$121.65CAD
Balinese Spice, Russet and White Print Long Rayon Robe from Indonesia

Size: 51" L x 48" W x 26" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Hari and Arthur

(236)

$108.89CAD Wholesale

$108.89CAD
Bedugul Dusk, Navy and Green Batik Print Long Sleeved Rayon Robe with Belt

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$142.25CAD Wholesale

$142.25CAD
Floral Mansion, Sienna Purple Floral Batik on Rayon Long Robe from Indonesia

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$139.31CAD Wholesale

$139.31CAD
Midnight Meadow, Silk Screen White Flowers on Black Rayon Short Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$132.44CAD Wholesale

$132.44CAD
Bewildering Maze, Handcrafted Blue & Peach Batik Rayon Robe from Indonesia

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$135.38CAD Wholesale

$135.38CAD
Coming back

Forest Growth, Hand-Stamped Batik Cotton Robe with Tie Belt

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$112.82CAD Wholesale

$112.82CAD
Late Morning, Handmade Batik Rayon Robe

Size: 53" L x 57" W x 27" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$122.63CAD Wholesale

$122.63CAD

Featured Reviews

Cotton robe, 'Sweet Dreams'

Mary Ellen

Jan 6, 2025

Lightweight beauty

I love the airiness and quality of this robe and matching gown. I took it on vacation and it was perfect. The piping detail is an extra bonus and the sizing generous.

Soft

Thin

Rayon short robe, 'Sensational Swirls'

Ronnie

Dec 19, 2021

lovely robe

Very attractive and comfortable robe I have several colorful ones from Novica, but this one is quite elegant and very pretty

Elegant

Men's batik cotton robe, 'Blue Midnight'

Marilyn

May 23, 2022

Finally the perfect bathrobe

This is the perfect light weight for summer, and the pattern is lovely. It has a generous fit (X-XL) and I couldn't be happier. And things such as my phone don't fall out of the pockets.

Cotton

Robes