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 Cotton at NOVICA United Kingdom

Pebbles in a River, Short Cotton Batik Robe of Vibrant Blue and Rosy Hues

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£73.89 Wholesale

£73.89
Bestseller

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

Aftab

(164)

£44.75 Wholesale

£44.75
Bestseller

Moonlit Blossoms, 100% Cotton Artisan Batik Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£45.79 Wholesale

£45.79
Featured Sale

Blue Diamonds, Diamond Embroidered Cotton Robe in Ash from Thailand

Size: XS,S/M,L/XL

Ying and Joy

(176)

£34.31 Wholesale

~~£45.79~~ £34.31
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)

£73.89 Wholesale

£73.89
Bestseller

Night Bamboo, Bamboo Motif Cotton Robe in Grey from Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
Midnight Sky, Men's Belted Cotton Robe

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 55" Bust/chest x 28" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Ketut Suwitra

(80)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
Bestseller

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

Aftab

(164)

£37.46 Wholesale

£37.46
Bestseller

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

Aftab

(164)

£39.54 Wholesale

£39.54
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)

£73.89 Wholesale

£73.89
Twilight Bloom, Purple and Brown Rayon Hand Crafted Batik Short Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£90.55 Wholesale

£90.55
Featured Sale

Relaxing Sangria, Embroidered Cotton Robe in Cerise and Strawberry

Size: XS,S/M

Ying and Joy

(176)

£37.74 Wholesale

~~£50.99~~ £37.74
Star Quest, Men's Dark Blue and Yellow Batik Cotton Robe from Bali

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
Clear Night, Men's Hand Stamped Cotton Robe

Size: 51" Length (from high-point shoulder) x 55" Bust/chest x 28" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Ketut Suwitra

(80)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
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)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
Bestseller

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

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£78.06 Wholesale

£78.06
Rainbow Paths, Hand-Stamped Rainbow Cotton Robe with Matching Belt

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£71.81 Wholesale

£71.81
Bestseller

Blue Forest, Artisan Crafted Long Batik Cotton Robe for Women

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

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£90.55 Wholesale

£90.55
Bestseller

Red Floral Kimono, Hand Made Batik Printed Cotton Robe

Size: S/M,L/XL

Saktut Raitawati

(517)

£71.81 Wholesale

£71.81
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)

£90.55 Wholesale

£90.55
Featured Sale

Midnight Relaxation, Diamond Embroidered Cotton Robe in Midnight from Thailand

Size: XS,S/M,L/XL

Ying and Joy

(176)

£41.18 Wholesale

~~£55.16~~ £41.18
Featured Sale

Nature Relaxation, Diamond Embroidered Cotton Robe in Chestnut from Thailand

Size: XS,S/M,L/XL

Ying and Joy

(176)

£37.74 Wholesale

~~£50.99~~ £37.74
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)

£83.26 Wholesale

£83.26
Coming back

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

Nyoman Nadri

(108)

£73.89 Wholesale

£73.89
Coming back

Rushing River, Women'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)

£78.06 Wholesale

£78.06
Featured Sale

Forest Labyrinth, Green Cotton Robe

Size: 49" L x 21.5" W x 30.5" Sleeve (center neck to cuff)

Banlue Lueruang

(25)

£68.63 Wholesale

~~£91.59~~ £68.63
Lounge Time, Long Embroidered Cotton Robe from Bali

Size: L/XL

Made Suciati

(315)

£100.96 Wholesale

£100.96

Featured Reviews

Cotton batik robe, 'Rushing River'

Patricia

May 10, 2017

Just what I wanted

Prettier than the picture even! Had only a plush robe to wear and was looking for something cooler yet pretty. It will pack nicely in my suitcase and I love the pockets too.

Art

Design

Robes

Men's cotton batik robe, 'Star Quest'

Dr S.

Jun 16, 2016

It is beyond soft & comfortable!

This is the by far most comfortable and attractive robe I've owned over many years. The neighbors even comment how great and unusual it looks when I go out to get the paper in the morning. Plan on buying more for future gifts. You are awesome and a true and trusted Artist!

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