The getting-ready hour is one of the most photographed parts of a wedding day. It's also the part where everyone is hanging around in robes for a long time. So the robes you choose for your bridal party end up in a lot of photos, and, if you choose well, in a lot of their mornings afterwards too.

Here's how to pick bridesmaid robes that look good on camera, feel good on every body, and don't end up in the back of a closet.

1. Choose a fabric they'll want to wear again

Satin robes are the classic choice, but they have two problems. They show every crease and water mark, and under bright window light they can look shiny in photos. Most people also don't reach for a satin robe on a regular Tuesday.

Cotton is the easy fix. A breathable cotton robe photographs soft and matte, doesn't cling, and stays comfortable through hair, makeup and a few glasses of champagne. Our muslin robes are woven from 100% Turkish cotton 4-ply gauze, so they're light, slightly crinkled and get softer with every wash. That's the kind of robe your friends will still be wearing next winter.

2. Matching or mix-and-match?

Matching robes look polished and traditional. Mix-and-match robes feel more relaxed and modern, and they let each bridesmaid pick a shade she actually likes. A few combinations that work well:

• Soft pastels: Dust Pink, Baby Blue and Pastel Matcha.
• Warm and earthy: Oatmeal, Light Coral and Electric Yellow.
• Full rainbow: one of each color, with the bride in Cloud White so she stands out in every group shot.

Tip: if your wedding palette is set, match the robes to the bridesmaid dresses or the flowers, not to each other.

3. Get the fit right

Bridal parties come in every shape and height, so look for a relaxed wrap style with a waist tie. It adjusts to the body instead of the other way around. Our muslin robes come in two sizes, Small–Medium and Large–X-Large, with a relaxed fit and a hem that falls just below the knee. That length keeps the robe out of the way while you step into your dress.

Hidden side pockets are a small detail that matters on the day. There's always a lip balm, a phone or a tissue that needs a home.

4. Order early

Aim to order robes about four to six weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to give them to your bridesmaids at a shower or bachelorette party, and to wash them once so they're at their softest on the big day. Our orders ship from New York within 2 business days, and orders over $100 ship free in the US. A bridal party of three or more is well past that.

5. Make it a gift

A robe is one of the few bridesmaid gifts that gets used every day. Pair it with a handwritten note, or add a handwoven hand towel for the getting-ready suite.

Bridesmaid robe FAQ

What are bridesmaid robes made of?

Most are satin, silk, waffle cotton or cotton gauze (muslin). Cotton gauze is the most breathable and photographs with a soft, natural texture.

Do bridesmaid robes have to match?

No. Mix-and-match colors are very popular and let everyone choose a shade that suits them. Keep one color, often white, for the bride.

When should bridesmaids get their robes?

Usually at the bridal shower, the bachelorette, or the night before the wedding, so they're ready for the getting-ready photos.

Can I return a robe if the size is wrong?

Yes. We offer free returns within 10 days of delivery on unused items. See our shipping and returns page for details.

Shop muslin robes in 7 colors →