Robes were originally worn by men but can now be worn by both men and women, with influences from different cultures. The banyan was a forerunner of smocks, which evolved into loungewear such as bathrobes and bed jackets. Early American robes had a strong Japanese influence, and today both men and women wear gowns made of different materials and styles.
Originally worn only by men, robes are now a garment that can be worn by either men or women. Its evolution has been influenced by many different types of robes from different cultures.
Perhaps the first forerunner of smocks was the banyan. The banyan refers to many different styles of tunics worn by men from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. The banyan was usually a non-tailored tunic with loose sleeves. It was worn indoors during the day to rest or before going to bed over the nightgown.
Around the mid-19th century, banyans began to assume Turkish, East Indian, Persian or Japanese influence, sometimes more akin to the kimono. The banyan eventually transitioned into different types of loungewear, such as the bathrobe, a terrycloth robe worn before or after a shower, or the bed jacket, which is a jacket worn in bed. about pajamas. During this time, dressing gowns emerged as a more tailored type of gown with fitted sleeves, sometimes including a sash-like tie around the waist.
Early American robes still exhibited this strong Japanese influence. They were typically made of a quilted silk fabric with patterns similar to those used in Japanese quilts, with a high neckline that crisscrosses over one side of the robe, resembling a kimono. Some American smocks are still made in this style.
Today both men and women wear gowns. The word is now used to refer to a robe worn in the morning before dressing or resting at home. The modern men’s style generally resembles a bathrobe and is made of a heavier material, such as flannel or fleece. Robes made for women often fall more into the lingerie or nightwear category. Different types of women’s robes include the robe, which is a loose-fitting gown, or the robe, a robe made of a soft, sometimes sheer fabric.
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