Next Dressing Gown Guide 2026: Styles, Fabrics & Care

Introduction

There is something quietly civilised about a well-made dressing gown. It is the garment that bridges the gap between the structured demands of the day and the total relaxation of the evening. For many shoppers, Next has become the destination of choice for this essential piece of homewear.

Next’s robes and dressing gowns include cosy, fluffy, lightweight, satin, cotton towelling, and hooded blanket styles from Next, Victoria’s Secret, Lipsy, and Hamish The Highland Cow. Available in sizes 6 to 32 and 10 colours including pink, burgundy, sage green, and navy, with most styles sitting between €38 and €57.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Next dressing gowns. From the different types and materials available to how to choose the right one and care for it properly, this is your complete resource for finding the perfect robe from one of the UK’s most popular retailers.

What Makes a Next Dressing Gown?

Next has built a reputation for offering quality loungewear at accessible prices. Their dressing gown range is extensive, catering to different seasons, preferences, and budgets.

“The best dressing gown changes with the season,” notes Next’s product guide. A lightweight robe in cotton towelling suits summer mornings after a shower. A supersoft fleece style keeps warmth in on winter evenings. A satin robe layers well in spring and autumn without overheating.

Next stocks a variety of brands including their own label, Victoria’s Secret, Lipsy, and the popular Hamish The Highland Cow range.

Types of Next Dressing Gowns

Cotton Towelling Dressing Gowns

Cotton towelling is the most classic choice for a dressing gown, particularly for post-bath or post-shower use. The loop construction pulls moisture in and holds it, making it absorbent rather than just thick.

Next offers several cotton towelling options. The Chelsea Peers Natural Cotton Towelling Stripe Dressing Gown is described as “classically elegant,” crafted from luxurious cotton towelling with a shawl collar neckline and long self-tie belt. It is machine washable and made from 100% cotton.

The Navy Blue 100% Cotton Premium Towelling Dressing Gown is made from 100% Egyptian cotton towelling, described as soft, warm, and a premium dressing gown. The Navy Blue Stripe Cotton Towelling Dressing Gown features soft, absorbent towelling fabric that is both practical and comfortable, making it perfect for lounging after a bath or shower.

Fleece and Borg Dressing Gowns

For colder months, Next’s fleece and borg dressing gowns are the warmest options. The brand’s Borg Dressing Gown features a “super soft” borg fabric with recipients said to “barely take it off” once experiencing its cosiness. Priced accessibly, the dressing gown features a hood and tie-able waistband.

The Ecru Heavyweight Dressing Gown is made from a soft heavyweight fleece fabric, featuring a hood, an adjustable belt, dual patch pockets, and a longline shape.

The Hamish The Highland Cow range includes supersoft fleece dressing gowns adorned with charming all-over prints. The plush cream fleece is complete with a hood and tie waist, making it perfect for luxurious relaxation at home.

Satin and Lightweight Dressing Gowns

For warmer months or layering, Next offers satin and lightweight options. The Nora Rose White Modal Lycra Jersey Scalloped Lace Midi Dressing Gown is crafted from a stretch-infused blend that drapes luxuriously with a light bounce, featuring delicate scalloped lace details.

The Nora Rose Blue Floral Print Lace Insert Long Sleeve Dressing Gown features a delicate floral print that brings a touch of timeless femininity to your loungewear, complete with a self-tie waist belt for a flattering fit.

Waffle Dressing Gowns

Waffle weave dressing gowns are lighter than terry and significantly faster drying. The honeycomb weave creates airflow through the fabric, making them standard in spas and salons. Next offers a Cream Waffle Lightweight Dressing Gown and the Threadbare Black Waffle Fleece Dressing Gown, which features a shawl collar, self-fabric tie belt, and patch pockets.

Woven and Check Dressing Gowns

For those seeking something different from standard towelling, Next offers woven options. The Neutral Check Woven Dressing Gown is made from 100% cotton and features an unusual check pattern that one reviewer described as “different to normal colour group.”

Material Guide: Choosing the Right Fabric

Cotton Towelling

Best for: Post-bath or shower use, summer mornings
Properties: Highly absorbent, softens with washing, breathable
Care: Machine washable at 40°C, avoid fabric softener
Next options: Chelsea Peers Natural Cotton Towelling Stripe, Navy Blue 100% Cotton Premium Towelling

Egyptian cotton is considered the most luxurious option. Next’s premium towelling gowns use 100% Egyptian cotton, which offers a silkier drape, faster dry time, and a noticeably different feel against the skin.

Fleece and Borg

Best for: Winter evenings, cold mornings
Properties: Maximum warmth, supersoft feel, insulating
Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low
Next options: Borg Dressing Gown, Ecru Heavyweight Dressing Gown, Hamish The Highland Cow range

Satin and Modal

Best for: Spring and autumn, layering, travel
Properties: Lightweight, elegant drape, comfortable
Care: Machine washable on gentle cycle
Next options: Nora Rose collection, Lipsy satin robes

Waffle

Best for: Year-round use, spa-style comfort
Properties: Breathable, fast-drying, lightweight
Care: Machine washable
Next options: Waffle Lightweight Dressing Gown, Threadbare Waffle Fleece

Woven Cotton

Best for: Everyday lounging, those seeking something different
Properties: Breathable, durable, classic look
Care: Machine washable
Next options: Neutral Check Woven Dressing Gown

Seasonal Guide to Next Dressing Gowns

Summer

In summer, a cotton towelling robe in a lighter colour works after swimming or showering without adding excess heat. A lightweight robe in cotton towelling suits summer mornings after a shower.

Recommended: Cotton towelling styles, lightweight waffle robes

Autumn

In autumn, transition to a cosy lightweight style that offers warmth without the weight of a full fleece.

Recommended: Waffle robes, lighter fleece styles, satin options for layering

Winter

Winter calls for supersoft or fluffy options. The Hamish range and Victoria’s Secret fluffy robes are designed for the coldest months.

Recommended: Borg dressing gown, heavyweight fleece, Hamish The Highland Cow range

Year-Round

Satin robes suit year-round use and travel well, rolling small in a suitcase.

Recommended: Satin robes, lightweight woven cotton

Customer Reviews and Quality

Next dressing gowns receive generally positive reviews, with many customers praising their softness, warmth, and quality.

Positive Feedback

One five-star reviewer of the Ecru Heavyweight Dressing Gown said: “Gorgeous Ecru heavy weight dressing gown. Very soft and warm, and a good length. Excellent quality. I would definitely recommend this.”

Another shopper described the Hamish The Highland Cow gown as “a lovely soft feel dressing gown, which looks great on and ideal for the cooler nights.”

One customer noted that their previous Next dressing gown lasted 12 years, with the reviewer stating they were “finally able to put his last Next dressing gown out to rest (only because he’d grown out of it).”

The Borg Dressing Gown has a near-perfect 4.9/5 star rating with 30 customer reviews. One buyer said: “Bought for a Christmas present. Excellent quality very cosy.”

Constructive Feedback

Some reviews note variations in quality. One customer of the premium towelling gown felt it was “very thin and not of great quality” compared to a previous Next purchase.

Another reviewer of a different style said: “The dressing gown is OK but not the standard I’d expect from Next – the sewing is a bit wonky at the hem.”

As with any retailer, individual experiences can vary. It is always worth checking recent reviews for the specific style you are considering.

How to Choose the Right Next Dressing Gown

Consider the Season

The best dressing gown changes with the season. Think about when and how you will use it most.

Think About Fabric

Need absorbency after bathing? Choose cotton towelling.
Want maximum warmth in winter? Choose fleece or borg.
Looking for something lightweight and elegant? Choose satin or waffle.

Check the Size

Sizing varies by brand and style. Next offers a wide range of sizes, from 6 to 32. If you are between two sizes, choosing the larger size is a common recommendation for comfort.

Read the Reviews

Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into fit, quality, and warmth. Look for recent reviews of the specific style you are considering.

How to Care for Your Next Dressing Gown

Most dressing gowns fail early for the same reason: fabric softener, wrong temperature, or tumble drying on high heat. None of these are dramatic mistakes. But repeated over thirty washes, they thin the pile, flatten the loops and shorten the robe’s life.

Washing Cotton Towelling

Temperature: 40°C is the right wash temperature for most cotton towelling gowns. Hot enough to clean properly. Cool enough not to stress the fibres or cause excessive shrinkage.
Detergent: Mild, low-alkaline. Standard household detergent is fine.
Fabric softener: Avoid completely. Softener coats the cotton fibres with a waxy layer that reduces absorbency over time.
Bleach: Never. Even on white robes. Bleach weakens cotton fibres at the molecular level.

Washing Fleece and Synthetic Fabrics

Follow the care label instructions
Most fleece gowns are machine washable
Avoid high heat when tumble drying

General Tips

Remove the belt before washing to stop it tangling and pulling the loops.
Wash with similar colours.
Most Next dressing gowns are machine washable. Always check the specific care label.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Fabric Softener on Towelling
This is the most common mistake. Softener coats the cotton fibres with a waxy layer that reduces absorbency over time. A robe that has been softened regularly will eventually repel water rather than absorb it.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Season
A lightweight cotton towelling gown will not provide the warmth of a heavyweight fleece in winter. Choose the weight that suits your climate and usage.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Size
Sizing varies by brand and style. Always check the specific size chart and consider sizing up for comfort.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Care Instructions
Different fabrics require different care. Always check the label before washing.

Actionable Recommendations

For post-bath use: Choose a cotton towelling gown. The Chelsea Peers Natural Cotton Towelling Stripe or the Navy Blue 100% Cotton Premium Towelling are excellent options.
For winter warmth: Choose a fleece or borg gown. The Borg Dressing Gown or the Ecru Heavyweight Dressing Gown offer maximum cosiness.
For year-round versatility: Consider a waffle or woven cotton gown. The Neutral Check Woven Dressing Gown offers something different from standard towelling.
For a gift: The Hamish The Highland Cow range makes a popular and charming gift option.
Check reviews: Read recent customer reviews for the specific style you are considering.
Avoid fabric softener: This is the single most important step in extending the life of a cotton towelling gown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dressing gowns does Next sell?
Next sells a wide range including cotton towelling, fleece, borg, satin, waffle, and woven cotton dressing gowns. They also stock brands like Victoria’s Secret, Lipsy, and Hamish The Highland Cow.

What is the best Next dressing gown for winter?
The Borg Dressing Gown and the Ecru Heavyweight Dressing Gown are both excellent choices for winter. The Hamish The Highland Cow range also offers supersoft fleece options designed for cold weather.

What is the best Next dressing gown for summer?
A lightweight cotton towelling robe is ideal for summer mornings after a shower.

Are Next dressing gowns good quality?
Generally, yes. Many customers praise their softness, warmth, and durability. Some reviews note variations in quality, so it is worth checking recent reviews for specific styles.

What is the Hamish The Highland Cow range?
The Hamish The Highland Cow range features supersoft fleece dressing gowns adorned with charming all-over Highland cow prints. They are popular for gifting and come in various colours including burgundy, charcoal, and ecru.

How should I wash a cotton towelling dressing gown from Next?
Wash at 40°C with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Tumble dry on low heat or line dry.

Can I tumble dry a Next dressing gown?
Yes, on a low heat setting for most styles. Always check the care label first. High heat can shrink cotton and flatten the loops.

Why should I avoid fabric softener on my dressing gown?
Fabric softener coats the cotton fibres with a waxy layer that reduces absorbency over time. A robe that has been softened regularly will eventually repel water rather than absorb it.

What sizes do Next dressing gowns come in?
Next offers a wide range of sizes, from 6 to 32 for women’s styles. Men’s styles range from XS to 4XL.

Are Next dressing gowns machine washable?
Most Next dressing gowns are machine washable. Always check the specific care label for the style you are considering.

Conclusion

A Next dressing gown is more than just a piece of loungewear. It is a garment designed for comfort, relaxation, and a moment of ease. Whether you choose the absorbent luxury of cotton towelling, the cosy warmth of fleece, the elegant drape of satin, or the breathable comfort of waffle, Next offers a dressing gown for every season and every preference.

The key to finding the right Next dressing gown is understanding your needs: when and how you will use it, what fabric suits your climate, and what style feels right for you. With proper care, particularly avoiding fabric softener on towelling styles, a good Next dressing gown should last for years and feel a little better every time you put it on.

Introduction

What Makes a Next Dressing Gown?