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.

Unique Holiday Gift Guide Robes Gifts at NOVICA United Kingdom

Bestseller

Bedeg, 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)

£61.73 Wholesale

£61.73
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)

£89.62 Wholesale

£89.62
Bestseller

Midnight Stars, Men's Black Batik Patterned Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Borneo Slate, Women's Gray and Black Rayon Robe with Kimono Sleeves

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£66.71 Wholesale

£66.71
Bestseller

Indigo Orchids, Blue Violet Women's Batik Robe from Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Bestseller

Navy Blue Nebula, Men's Batik Robe from Indonesia

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Bestseller

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)

£75.67 Wholesale

£75.67
Bestseller

Midnight Fireworks, Men's Batik Cotton Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£66.71 Wholesale

£66.71
Bestseller

Earth Dancer, Handmade 100% Cotton Robe in Red Pink Tones from Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£69.70 Wholesale

£69.70
Bestseller

Green Baliku, Women's Unique 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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Red Passion, Handcrafted Balinese Rayon Batik Robe in Red and Yellow

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

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£61.73 Wholesale

£61.73
Bestseller

Turquoise Ocean, 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)

£69.70 Wholesale

£69.70
Gorgeous in Claret, Grey Batik Bali Flowers on Claret Color Rayon Short Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£61.73 Wholesale

£61.73
Emerald Forest, Hand Made Green Batik Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£75.67 Wholesale

£75.67
Bestseller

Red Floral Kimono, Women's Long Red Cotton Batik Wrap and Tie Robe

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£75.67 Wholesale

£75.67
Bestseller

Ruby Red Nebula, Red Hand Crafted Batik Robe from Indonesia

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£78.66 Wholesale

£78.66
Kissed by Crimson, Women's Fair Trade Indonesian 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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Sapphire Dreams, Batik Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Greenery, Men's Patterned Batik Rayon Robe in Green Turquoise & Brown

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£61.73 Wholesale

£61.73
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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Sea of Shadows, Women's Blue 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)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Cardinal Red, Women's Artisan Crafted Batik Patterned Cardinal Red Robe

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

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£75.67 Wholesale

£75.67
Bestseller

High Energy, Women's Kimono Style Tie-dye Robe on Blue and Cream

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Blue Anemone, Floral Patterned Robe

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

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Coming back

Bull Snake, Men's Hand Made Batik Robe

Size: 54" L x 57" W x 25.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Coming back

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)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66

Featured Reviews

Rayon batik robe, 'Borneo Slate'

Seraphine

Jun 24, 2025

Amazingly soft and beautiful robe

I've purchased multiple robes from Novica. They are all rayon but this one is unbelievably soft and drapes perfectly compared to the others (the others are a bit stiffer and need some ironing). The pattern is gorgeous, elegant and unique. I am 5'3" and the robe hits right above the tops of my feet. The belt loops and pockets are very low on me (lands upper thigh) but I just remove the belt loops and leave the pockets as-is.

A Best

Awesome Lightweight Robe

Best Kimono Robe

Bright!!

Classy And Beautiful Robes

Comfortable Robe To Wear