A bathrobe is a loose, comfortable garment you wear over your pajamas or after bathing. Think of it as a coat made from soft, absorbent fabric like cotton or terry cloth that you wear around the house. People slip into bathrobes to stay warm and cozy when getting ready in the morning or winding down at night.

The design is practical: bathrobes typically have long sleeves, a belt (called a tie or sash) to hold them closed, and deep pockets perfect for holding a book or a handful of snacks. Hotels often provide white bathrobes for guests, while at home you might have one in your favorite color or pattern.

You might wear a bathrobe after a bath or shower to dry off, but people also wear bathrobes simply for comfort, like when you're reading on a lazy Sunday morning or getting ready for bed. In old movies, you'll sometimes see characters wearing silk bathrobes, which look elegant but aren't as good at absorbing water as the fluffier terry cloth kind.