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.

Balinese Robes at NOVICA United Kingdom

Sakura Blossoms, Hand-Painted Silk Robe with Floral Motif

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

Hari and Arthur

(236)

£196.55 Wholesale

£196.55
White Morning, Black and White Floral Motif Silk Robe

Size: 38" L x 48" W x 21.25" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Hari and Arthur

(236)

£123.34 Wholesale

£123.34
Atmosphere, Teal Black and Blue Rayon Batik Long Sleeved Lounge Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£107.30 Wholesale

£107.30
Bestseller

Bright Firework, Hot Pink Batik 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)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Bestseller

Misty Javanese Forest, Artisan Crafted Women's Rayon Batik Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
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)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Beautiful Flowers in Turquoise, Hand Painted Floral Rayon Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Coming back

Night Flowers, Embroidered Black Cotton Robe

Size: S/M

Made Suciati

(315)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Beautiful Flowers in Blue, Hand Painted Floral Rayon Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Lounge Time, Long Embroidered Cotton Robe from Bali

Size: L/XL

Made Suciati

(315)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
Sky Lotus, Hand-Painted Blue Rayon Robe from Bali

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£98.27 Wholesale

£98.27
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)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Bestseller

Emerald Birds, Women's Fair Trade Batik Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
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)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Bestseller

Paradise Peacock, Women's Batik Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Bestseller

Kissed by Violet, Women's Handcrafted Batik Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Sweet Nuance, Women's Batik Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
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)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
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)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Vintage Baliku, Long Rayon Batik Women's Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Misty Garden, Women's Blue and Green Hand Crafted Batik Rayon Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Blue Anemone, Floral Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£97.27 Wholesale

£97.27
Bestseller

Dusky Sunrise, Hand-Stamped Batik Robe with Chakra Motif

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£96.43 Wholesale

£96.43
Chakra Burst, Belted Batik 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)

£96.43 Wholesale

£96.43
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)

£94.26 Wholesale

£94.26
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)

£94.26 Wholesale

£94.26
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)

£93.76 Wholesale

£93.76
Bestseller

Bali Arabesques, Fair Trade Floral Patterned Women's Robe from Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

Gorgeous in Cerulean, Balinese Rayon Short Cross Over Robe Blue Batik Flowers

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

Morning Aster, Women's Grey and Burgundy Hand Stamped Batik Belted Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

Tropical Sea, Women's Unique Batik 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)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Batik Midnight, Indonesian Floral Patterned Black and Ivory Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

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

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

Exotic Blue, Women's Batik Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Bestseller

Lilac Star, Hand-Stamped Purple and Navy Rayon Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25
Navy Blue Nebula, Men's Batik Robe from Indonesia

Size: 54" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 57" Bust

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.25 Wholesale

£90.25

There are 118 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Batik rayon robe, 'Sunset Grove'

MARILYN

Dec 10, 2020

MainStay Batik Robes !

I’ve been Collecting these for over 8 Years as One Leads to Another....The Fabric Feels Luxurious, Comforting and the Colors are Fabulous. I Especially Love wearing this one In Summer & Fall. Such a Bouquet of Colors, makes Coordinating a Dream. Very Versatile: After a Shower, Evening at Beach, Unique Casual or Slightly Cooler Temps. The Craftsmanship is Stellar, as my Previous Ones are in Great Shape showing No Signs of Wear.

Hand-stamped batik rayon robe, 'Lilac Star'

Jodee S.

Jul 3, 2025

Gorgeous Robe!

Beautiful design & colors, exceptional tailoring on seems, very good quality rayon fabric, washed beautifully, well packaged for delivery which was received very quickly. I plan to purchase 2 more as gifts for my daughters.

Women's batik robe, 'Coral Reefs'

Lucy

Jun 20, 2016

Another Classy Coverup

I've bought 3 kimonos from Novica lately. My review of all are the same as they're great products. 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 (more jewel-toned) as well as a short one for the summer. Highly recommended.

Batik

Beautiful

Classy

Colorful

Coral

Designer Robes For Women

Easy Care

Extra Long Robe

Fair Trade Clothing Women

Kimono Style Robes