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The origins of the modern robe trace back to 19th century colonialism, where loose-fitted open front banyans or Indian gowns were popular informal leisure garments for the upper class gentleman to wear at home.
The fashionable gentleman would wear it around his family at breakfast, playing games, such as cards or chess, and while reading in his library or writing letters. The banyan robe turned into a more coat-like style with a collar and sash, known as the dressing gown. With the popularization of tobacco in 1850s England, the short smoking jacket evolved. |
In the course of time, dressing gowns and smoking jackets became a synonym of comfort and style, especially in popular culture. The Old Hollywood era popularized the image of the robe.
Famous wearers of dressing gowns and smoking jackets include Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra and Hugh Hefner. In film, theatre and art they can be discovered over and over again. Today they continue to find their original place at home, as a comfortable cover-up and part of the interior. |