While dressing gowns are associated with comfort and relaxation, they can present safety hazards if not chosen and used appropriately—particularly for vulnerable family members such as young children and elderly relatives. Understanding these risks and knowing how to mitigate them ensures that everyone in your household can enjoy their robes safely. This guide covers the essential safety considerations you should keep in mind when selecting and using dressing gowns.
Fire Safety: A Critical Consideration
Fire safety is perhaps the most serious consideration when it comes to dressing gowns, especially for those who may be less mobile or aware of their surroundings. In Australia, nightwear including dressing gowns for children up to size 14 must meet specific flammability standards under mandatory safety regulations. However, adult robes are not subject to the same stringent requirements, making careful selection particularly important.
Loose, flowing fabrics—a defining characteristic of many dressing gowns—can easily catch fire if they come into contact with open flames, stovetops, candles, or heaters. Elderly individuals who may use gas stovetops or have portable heaters are at particular risk. The flowing sleeves of traditional robes can inadvertently drape over flames while reaching across cooking surfaces or adjusting heating appliances.
Never wear a loose-sleeved dressing gown while cooking or near open flames. If you must wear a robe in the kitchen, choose one with fitted sleeves or push sleeves up securely above the elbow.
When selecting robes for elderly family members, consider the fabric's flammability characteristics. Natural fibres like cotton and wool tend to smoulder rather than melt when exposed to flame, and are less likely to adhere to skin if ignited. Synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon can melt and cause severe burns. Some manufacturers offer robes treated with flame-retardant finishes, which can provide an additional layer of protection.
Trip and Fall Hazards
Falls are a leading cause of injury among elderly Australians, and inappropriately sized or styled dressing gowns can contribute to this risk. A robe that is too long may drag on the floor, creating a tripping hazard—particularly dangerous on stairs or in bathrooms where surfaces may be wet and slippery.
For elderly family members, choose a dressing gown length that falls no lower than mid-calf. This provides adequate coverage while minimising the risk of stepping on the hem. Avoid robes with excessively long tie belts that could come undone and trail on the ground, potentially catching under feet or in doorways.
For elderly wearers, select robes that fall mid-calf or above, feature secure closures, and avoid long trailing belts or excessively flowing fabric that could create trip hazards.
Consider the footwear typically worn with the robe as well. Encourage elderly family members to wear non-slip slippers rather than walking barefoot or in socks, which can be dangerously slippery on hard floors, especially when emerging from a steamy bathroom.
Bathroom-Specific Concerns
The bathroom presents unique hazards for dressing gown wearers. Wet feet, steamy conditions, and hard surfaces combine to create an environment where caution is essential. A heavy, water-absorbent robe can become quite weighty when damp, which may affect balance—a particular concern for elderly individuals with reduced stability.
For post-bath or shower use, consider lightweight, quick-drying materials for elderly family members. A microfibre or lightweight cotton robe will absorb moisture without adding significant weight. Ensure the robe is easy to put on and secure—fumbling with complicated closures while standing on a wet floor increases fall risk.
Safety Considerations for Children
Children's dressing gowns require special attention to safety features. Young children are naturally active and may run, play, or climb while wearing their robes, creating opportunities for accidents that adults would typically avoid.
When selecting a dressing gown for a child, prioritise fitted styles over loose, flowing designs. A robe that fits snugly—without being restrictive—reduces the risk of the garment catching on furniture, doorknobs, or play equipment. Avoid robes with decorative cords, tassels, or drawstrings around the hood or neckline, as these pose strangulation hazards.
- No loose cords or drawstrings around the neck or hood
- Appropriate length (above the ankle to prevent tripping)
- Meets Australian flammability standards for children's nightwear
- Secure closure that won't come undone during active play
- No small decorations that could become choking hazards
Australian regulations require children's nightwear to meet specific fire safety standards, but not all dressing gowns sold in Australia comply. Look for products that explicitly state compliance with AS/NZS 1249:2014 or carry appropriate safety labelling. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or retailer to confirm the product meets Australian safety requirements.
Proper Sizing for Safety
An ill-fitting dressing gown is inherently less safe than one properly sized for the wearer. A robe that is too large presents obvious hazards: excess fabric that can trip the wearer, sleeves that extend past the hands and could catch on objects or dip into flames, and a general bulkiness that impedes movement and awareness of one's surroundings.
Conversely, a robe that is too tight may restrict movement and make it difficult to maintain balance—particularly problematic for elderly individuals who may already experience reduced mobility. When purchasing dressing gowns for vulnerable family members, take accurate measurements and consult sizing charts carefully. When in doubt, err on the side of a slightly looser fit that still falls within safe length parameters.
Material Considerations for Sensitive Skin
While not a physical safety concern in the same category as fire or falls, skin safety is important for those with sensitive skin, allergies, or conditions such as eczema. Young children and elderly individuals often have more delicate skin that may react to certain fabrics or dyes.
Natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo are generally the safest choices for sensitive skin. These materials are hypoallergenic, breathable, and less likely to cause irritation than synthetic alternatives. For children or elderly family members with known skin sensitivities, choose robes made from organic, undyed, or minimally processed fabrics. Wash new robes before first wearing to remove any residual chemicals from manufacturing.
Cognitive Considerations for Elderly Family Members
For elderly individuals with cognitive decline such as dementia, additional safety considerations apply. These individuals may not recognise hazards that others would instinctively avoid, making appropriate garment selection even more critical.
Choose simple, easy-to-use closures for individuals with cognitive impairment. Velcro fastenings or simple wrap-and-tie designs are often easier to manage than buttons or complex belt systems. Avoid robes with hoods, which may cause confusion or obstruct vision. Select bright or contrasting colours that are easily visible in dim conditions—this helps caregivers monitor the individual and helps the wearer themselves locate their robe.
- For children: Fitted style, no cords, compliant with safety standards, short sleeves or fitted cuffs
- For elderly: Mid-calf length, simple closures, lightweight materials, bright colours
- For all vulnerable users: Natural fibres, proper sizing, non-trailing belts, secure closures
General Safety Best Practices
Beyond specific considerations for children and elderly family members, everyone can benefit from basic dressing gown safety awareness. Never wear a robe while cooking over open flames, and be mindful of portable heaters during winter months. Ensure robes are properly secured before navigating stairs or moving through the house. Replace robes that have become worn, with fraying fabric or weakened closures that no longer function properly.
Regular inspection of dressing gowns—particularly those worn by vulnerable family members—can identify developing hazards before they cause accidents. Check for loose threads that could catch on objects, worn belt loops that might cause the robe to come undone unexpectedly, and general wear that affects the garment's fit or function.
By approaching dressing gown selection and use with safety in mind, you can ensure that this essential comfort item remains a source of warmth and relaxation rather than a potential hazard. A little consideration during the selection process goes a long way toward protecting the most vulnerable members of your household.