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

Bestseller

rosa de medianoche, Bata corta en blanco y negro con estampado floral indonesio

Size: S/M

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
batik medianoche, Bata negra y marfil con estampado floral indonesio

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$99.95 Wholesale

$99.95
Adoración, Bata corta batik floral hecha a mano de rayón rojo y negro hecha a mano

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Búsqueda de estrellas, Bata de algodón batik azul oscuro y amarillo para hombre de Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
medianoche azul, Bata Batik de algodón con cinturón para hombre

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Blues salvaje, Bata de rayón azul tie-dye hecha a mano de Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Centro Espiritual, Bata de rayón batik estampada a mano con cinturón de anudar

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.95 Wholesale

$89.95
Bestseller

Arabescos de Bali, Bata de mujer con estampado floral de comercio justo de Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Guijarros en un río, Bata corta de batik de algodón en tonos azules y rosados vibrantes

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Jardín índigo, Flores de batik estampadas a mano sobre bata corta de rayón de Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Arboleda misteriosa, Bata de manga larga de rayón azul y verde con cinturón y hojas de batik

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
mar tropical, Bata Batik única para mujer de Indonesia

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Kimono floral rojo, Bata cruzada y anudada batik de algodón roja larga para mujer

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Bestseller

orquídeas índigo, Bata batik de mujer índigo de Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
loto rosa, Túnica de rayón con flor de loto pintada a mano.

Size: 39" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

rosas crepusculares, Bata larga de rayón negro con estampado floral batik azul púrpura

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Bestseller

Pasion Roja, Bata balinesa de rayón batik hecha a mano en rojo y amarillo

Size: 53" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 51" Bust/chest x 25.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

jardines verdes, Bata de rayón tie-dye pintada a mano

Size: 39" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
flores de sakura, Bata de Seda Pintada a Mano con Motivo Floral

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 48" Bust/chest x 26" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Hari and Arthur

(236)

$199.99 Wholesale

$199.99
Bestseller

Baliku Verde, Túnica batik única para mujer

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Océano turquesa, Bata batik de mujer

Size: 46" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 45" Bust/chest x 27.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Bestseller

Fuegos artificiales brillantes, Bata rosa fuerte de rayón batik de Bali

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

bosque azul, Bata larga de algodón batik artesanal para mujer

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Hermosa en cerúleo, Cruz corta de rayón balinés sobre túnica flores batik azul

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Elegancia Naranja, Bata de rayón con patrón batik negro y naranja de Java

Erna Gendhis

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

océano brumoso, Bata larga hecha a mano de batik y rayón teñido anudado de Bali

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Hermosas Flores en Blanco, Bata de rayón blanca floral pintada a mano

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Featured Sale

Cama, 100% Cotton Artisan Batik Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$69.99 Wholesale

~~$92.30~~ $69.99
Bestseller

Libélulas nocturnas, Bata batik negra hecha a mano con libélulas de Bali

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Flores iluminadas por la luna, Bata batik artesanal 100% algodón

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

$64.99 Wholesale

~~$78.66~~ $64.99
Bestseller

Bosque javanés brumoso, Bata de rayón Batik para mujer hecha a mano artesanalmente

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 47" Bust

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Besado por Violeta, Bata Batik hecha a mano para mujer

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Descanso De Medianoche, Bata de algodón con motivos de hojas estampadas y ribetes cerúleos

Aftab

(164)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95
Flor Hechizante, Bata corta negra y cacao con estampado floral batik indonesio

Size: S/M

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Selva del océano, Bata con cinturón de rayón batik y tie-dye verde y azul

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

río que corre, Bata de algodón batik para mujer

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

There are 134 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Women's batik robe, 'Turquoise Ocean'

Zeljka

Oct 23, 2017

Comfortable Elegance

The robe is so comfortable - it's the first thing I put on each morning and I feel hugged. The design is unique and playful, yet the colours are somewhat subdued, so it is an eye catcher with its style and elegance rather than screaming colours. This is the second robe I got from the same artisan (the other is the Misty Javanese Forest) and probably not the last one. Love them both!

Batik

Cool

Gorgeous. Unusual. Quality. Dramatic.

Women's batik robe, 'Paradise Peacock'

Lucy

Jun 20, 2016

Freedom, Functionality, and Beauty

I recently moved from a house to a condo where neighbors tend to do sweet things like drop off packages, ect. I also work at home so spend some days in my jammies for a good part of the day as I work. I wanted a nice coverup that I could throw on over anything and be completely presentable, something other than a traditional bathrobe. This beautiful, well made, sturdy (not flimsy see-through) bright, classy kimono did the trick! I like it so well that I ordered another one as well as a short one for the summer. Highly recommended.

Artful

Classy

Quality; Beautiful; Colorful; Perfect Fit

Men's cotton batik robe, 'Bull Snake'

Bernice

Oct 24, 2019

Like wearing a Klimt painting

I forget how many of these 100 percent cotton robes I have obtained for myself and for gifts in recent years. The fabric patterns are all gorgeous, but I am partial to this cool, dreamy, sea-glass colored blue green design. It reminds me of a Gustav Klimt painting. I sew; garment construction is excellent. I wash in cold water then hang on a hanger to dry naturally. I have not had any of these robes bleed or fade. None have even worn out; though I live in them around my home. But I have quite a few so I rotate them! :)

A Bath !

A Bright

Designer Robes For Women

Gifts For Husband!!

Great Masculine Robe Look