The history of the bathrobe first began with the robe. The robe is defined as a loose-fitting outer garment, while the bathrobe is defined as a robe that is worn after bathing or similar activities. The robe was distinguished from similar types of clothing, such as cloaks or capes, because the robe has sleeves. The English word robe was borrowed from the French word that refers to a woman's dress.Robes have played many roles throughout history and there are a number of different types of robes in addition to bathrobes. There are robes worn as part of the academic regalia for graduations. There are robes that are worn as the attire of judges, barristers and even lawyers. Other robes have been worn in religious ceremonies. One of the more popular robes is that of the seamless robe worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. The known of history of the seamless robe that exists today is only for certain after the 12th century on. The robe was woven without a seam and was divided into four parts after the crucifixion and to every soldier a part was given. Although no historical and scientific testing has been performed, the actual seamless robe is kept today by the Roman Catholic Church in an alter built by the Archbishop Johann I of Tier. The robe was kept enshrined and was not directly viewed by the faithful until it was exhibited by Archbishop Richard von Greiffenklau in 1512. The last public exhibition of the robe took place in 1996. The Chinese are also well known for their robes. These robes were worn as outer garments and were elaborately embroidered garments made from silk and other fine fabrics. These robes are not to be confused with kimonos, which are Japanese in origin. There are kimono variations of the bath robes that exist today, however. These Chinese robes were worn throughout many of the Chinese dynasties dating back to the 1800s. The Japanese kimono is another style of robe that has sparked many bathrobe designs. These are also works of art that include intricate embroidery on satin fabric including intricate dying and even gold foil. These robes date back to the early 1800s as well. Both the Chinese and Japanese robes are still in use in the culture today as traditional garments. Overtime, these various types of robes have transformed into what we know as the bathrobe. Bathrobes were commonly used in European countries to cover the body for modesty purposes after baths. Baths were commonly taken in bathhouses in which several other people would be bathing and the bathrobe would provide the inhabitants with something to cover themselves for warmth as well as providing privacy. Today, the bath robe is used in a similar manner and for similar purpose. |