The Robe Report

January 1, 2009 By: Julie Keller American Spa

Though treatment quality, spa design, and therapist skill are valuable elements of your spa's success, robes are one of the first and most important things your clients encounter. A soft, luxurious robe can make spa-goers feel like pampered princes and princesses, while an ill-fitting, uncomfortable garment can turn a spa experience into an embarrassing event. Here, four in-the-know industry insiders provide tips for enveloping your clients in comfort and style. —Julie Keller

(PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK PHOTO)

What are some important things to consider when choosing your spa's robes?

Noel Asmar: I believe it's critical that a good spa robe demonstrates minimal shrinkage and must be pill-resistant so it always looks fresh. Robes should be durable, and quick drying time is key. If you're selecting a garment that isn't white, it must be colorfast. You want the color to remain rich and look luxurious, not faded or used. It must also feel luxurious. You want your guests to experience niceties that aren't found at home and love the robe enough to want to purchase it.

Emily Harris: Client comfort is the most important thing. Do the robes feel as good as they look? How do they fit? Do they cover and conceal? The robe you select tells the customer a lot about your spa. A thick, lined robe is very luxurious and upscale, whereas a thin, flimsy robe creates a different impression. Choose a style and weight of fabric that matches your brand, decor, and treatment/service value. Many manufacturers also offer embroidery services, which can be brand-enhancing but also expensive, depending on the number of robes and style of the logo.

Maria Spurlock: Take care when choosing fabric for your spa's robes. The fabric should be energy efficient, durable, long-lasting, soft-feeling, and fast-drying.

What is the single most important consideration when it comes to choosing a robe style for your spa?

Asmar: Climate. If you are servicing clients in warm temperatures, consider lighter weight robes, such as those made of waffle fabric. For cooler climates and indoor air-conditioned properties, keep your robes cozy and not too short.

Harris: Your budget and brand are most important. You can spend between $25 and $125 on a robe, so clearly understand what you want to accomplish with your robe, how long you want it to last, and the impression you want to create with your clients. Also, talk with your therapists and get their feedback. For example, do you need robes for your treatments or will body wraps work better?

Spurlock: Very important considerations when it comes to style are a large girth, roll-up sleeves, and adjustable belt loops.

Steve Taglia: Consider the number of times a robe will be laundered. The robe should also be long enough to accommodate all clients.

What do you think is the best spa robe fabric and why?

Asmar: A microfiber robe or a cotton blend are best. One-hundred-percent cotton may be fine for home use, but at the spa, a cotton blend may offer less shrinkage and less colorfast issues and provide for a longer lasting investment.

Harris: Cotton is a great tried-and-true fabric. It washes well, and it stands up to repeated washings and bleach cycles. However, the new bamboo robes are amazing. They are softer than cotton, wash well, and are virtually lint free, which helps reduce lint buildup in your dryers—a cause of fires. Microfiber is a nice choice as well. It is soft and silky, but it can be difficult to care for, as you shouldn't use fabric softener with this material.

Taglia: Waffle is the best spa fabric due to its durability when washed. It's lighter, which cuts drying time in half, and it is less cumbersome to wear.