If you’re anything like us, the first thing you want when you get out of the shower is to throw on something comfy. Though soft, ultra-absorbent towels are a great start, we can think of something even better: a plush robe. There are certain criteria that a bathrobe should always meet. It needs to be absorbent, comfortable, and durable enough to maintain its softness after regular spins through the washer and dryer. Rumor has it that the Parachute Classic Bathrobe feels like being wrapped up in a cloud—and it’s supposed to be as soft and absorbent as the brand’s towels. To see if the pricey robe really lives up to all its hype, we tested one out for a few weeks. Below, everything we discovered in terms of quality, comfort, and competition.
Material: Luxe, long-staple Turkish cotton
The Parachute Classic Bathrobe is made of long-staple Turkish cotton. Here, the word “staple” just refers to the length of individual cotton fibers. Long fibers of cotton—or long-staple cotton—tend to be softer and silkier, making for extra comfy fabric. Additionally, long-staple cotton is more durable, meaning the Parachute bathrobe will likely get you more use than a run-of-the-mill cotton robe. Parachute’s high-end build doesn’t stop at long-staple Turkish cotton, either. The brand’s materials are also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning they’re free of harmful chemicals and synthetics which can irritate sensitive skin. While Parachute’s classic bathrobe will certainly keep you warm and cozy, the thick fabric—which comes in white, mineral, and stone—isn’t for everyone. It’s not very breathable, so if you run hot, you might find it uncomfortable. If you live in an especially warm climate, it also may be too bulky for regular use. This is really the only complaint we can see anyone having, though.
Texture: Fluffy yet sturdy
This bathrobe is dangerously soft. If you have high-quality bath towels, you know what we mean. Once you slip it on after a shower, you’re going to want to stay in it all day, squashing any plans of productivity. We found the thick collar and midi-length kept us perfectly warm while also absorbing extra water our towels missed. Basically, it’s as luxurious as those you’d find in high-end hotels. We’re also happy to report that this is the sturdiest bathrobe we’ve ever tried (and without being stiff). You can put your phone in the oversized pockets without worrying about the weight causing the bathrobe to shift or hang unevenly. Even better, the belt stays tied (a major issue we’ve experienced with other robes). So no more readjusting after every few movements!
Washing: Low-effort and stays soft
Care instructions for this bathrobe aren’t too complicated. In fact, they’re simple as can be: machine wash on cold with mild laundry detergent—no bleach or fabric softeners. Then stick it in the dryer with wool dryer balls. As with a new set of towels, you should expect a decent amount of lint to come off the first wash or two. If you encounter any pulls, carefully snip them away. Thankfully, we found the bathrobe came out of the wash as plush as it went in.
Price: Higher, but definitely worth it
At $99, Parachute’s classic bathrobe certainly doesn’t come cheap. We’re of the opinion that quality trumps cost in this case, though. While you could certainly buy a bunch of cheap, low-quality bathrobes, why not invest in one high-end robe that’s truly a treat to wear? As a one-time investment, Parachute’s robe is certainly worth it.
Competition: Budget vs. quality
With all the same features as Parachute’s Classic Robe—two big pockets, a belt, a collar, and a variety of color options—TowelSelection’s robe is a budget competitor. While the $30 price tag is attractive, we found the robe wasn’t nearly as soft or luxurious as Parachute’s. Quality-wise, it’s quicker to lose softness and some users even reported that it unraveled after just a few months of use. If you don’t have the money to get yourself a high-quality bathrobe, this could work, but beware that you’ll get what you’re paying for. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with this bathrobe the second you put it on. We didn’t find any real problems with this robe—just the occasional pull that could easily be taken care of with scissors. If you’re looking for a luxurious, hotel-like bathrobe, this is it.
