Plus Size Silk Robes

Types of Plus Size Silk Robes

Fashion designers and clothing manufacturers have finally got the picture -- plus size women want and need to feel just as sexy as smaller-sized ladies! And a silk robe is one way to go. Long gone are the days when the only robes a plus size woman could wear are dusters or something sized extra large from the men's department. Today's silk robes come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to fit every personality and body type:

• Long robes -- These silky robes are about ankle length and usually come with a matching silk-tie belt sash.
• Caftans (or kaftans) -- These long flowing garments have long sleeves and are ankle length. They are worn with a belt or sash and come in exquisite colors and designs. The colors and styles depend on the country in which it's being worn. Their origins date back to Persia.
• Dressing gowns -- These robes are worn after a bath or shower; sometimes worn while lounging. They can be very elegant and feel luxurious against freshly bathed and lotioned skin.
• Kimonos -- Deemed the national costume of Japan, kimono means "something worn." These silky robes are intricately created and designed. They are T-shaped, straight-lined and fall to the ankles. They have wide collars and sleeves, and wrap around the body. Non-traditional, modern-day kimonos are shorter and are similar in style to short wrap robes.
• Bed jackets -- These silky garments are worn over pajamas while sitting in a bed. Women who are bed-ridden, either due to illness or pregnancy, use bed jackets to cover up when needed.
• Short wrap robes -- Similar in style to long robes, short wrap robes typically are thigh-length or shorter and tie with a belt or sash. Many times, these types of plus size silk robes can be purchasing with a matching teddy, chemise or other kind of lingerie.

Where to Find Women's Silk Robes

While you may find a few styles of silk robes at your favorite plus size retail store such as Lane Bryant or Avenue, your best bet will shopping online at a plus size lingerie site. There you may find a better variety of styles and colors, not to mention sizes. Many plus size online clothing stores carry sizes up to a 5x or 6x. Some of the more popular lingerie sites that sell silk robes include:

• The Pajama Shoppe carries a beautiful silk long robe in black for just under $100 in sizes 1x and 2x.
• Iris Silks has a large selection of silky robes -- from robes sets to unisex kimonos. Besides average sizes, the store also carries some of the robes in plus sizes up to an XXL (about an 18-20).
• Zaftique carries this lovely red wrap robe in plus sizes up to 30. The Web site says the robe will fit women who have square, apple, pear or hourglass figures.
• Soft Surroundings has a delicate women's caftan in pink or turquoise silk with metallic pansies and silver ribbon borders in plus sizes 1X-3X.
• Hips and Curves has a cute plus size charmeuse short kimono in pink, black, blue and red up to size 6X. It has side pockets, inner ties and a belt closure.

Caring for Your Silk

Caring for your silk robes should be no different than that of other delicate lingerie items:

• Although it is a strong fabric, it can still wrinkle and get snags; hang your robe on a padded hanger instead of door hook or other hanging device that will marks in the fabric.
• Only pre-washed silk is washable; if you are unsure, send it out the cleaners.
• Minimize the amount of washings/cleanings you give your robe.
• If you do hand-wash your robe, use a colorless soap or shampoo (never a harsh detergent). The colors in detergents can diminish the vibrancy of your robe's color.
• After washing, roll it in a towel to dry; a dryer will damage the fabric.
• If the robe is stained, never use bleach to remove it; you will burn the silk.
• When ironing, use a low-heat setting, or use a press cloth and a steam iron.
• Long periods of direct sunlight and perspiration will weaken the fabric.

A Final Thought

A plus size silk robe is a great addition to any women's lingerie wardrobe, but as with any undergarment, there is a time and a place to wear it. You probably don't want to wear your silk robe every day or while making breakfast for the kids.