Robe vs. Dress — What's the Difference?

A robe is a loose-fitting outer garment. Unlike garments described as capes or cloaks, robes usually have sleeves.

A one-piece garment for women or girls.

A long, loose outer garment reaching to the ankles

A dress (also known as a frock or a gown) is a garment traditionally worn by women or girls consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice (or a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment). It consists of a top piece that covers the torso and hangs down over the legs.

Short for lap robe

Put on one's clothes

Clothe in a robe

Decorate (something) in an artistic or attractive way

Often robes An official garment worn on formal occasions to show office or rank, as by a judge or high church official.

Treat or prepare (something) in a certain way.

An academic gown.

Draw up (troops) in the proper alignment.

A dressing gown or bathrobe.

(of a man) have the genitals habitually on one or the other side of the fork of the trousers

Robes Clothes; apparel.

Make (an artificial fly) for use in fishing

A blanket or covering made of material, such as fur or cloth

A one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

To cover or dress in a robe or in something that functions like a robe

Clothing of a specified kind for men or women

To put on a robe or robes.

To put clothes on; clothe.

A long loose outer garment, often signifying honorary stature.

To furnish with clothing.

(US) The skin of an animal, especially the bison, dressed with the fur on, and used as a wrap.

To decorate or adorn

A wardrobe, especially one built into a bedroom.

To garnish

The largest and strongest tobacco leaves.

To arrange a display in

(transitive) To clothe; to dress.

To arrange (troops) in ranks; align.

(intransitive) To put on official vestments.

To apply medication, bandages, or other therapeutic materials to (a wound).

An outer garment; a dress of a rich, flowing, and elegant style or make; hence, a dress of state, rank, office, or the like.

To arrange and groom (the hair), as by styling, combing, or washing.

A skin of an animal, especially, a skin of the bison, dressed with the fur on, and used as a wrap.

To groom (an animal); curry.

To invest with a robe or robes; to dress; to array; as, fields robed with green.

To fertilize (land or plants).

Any loose flowing garment

(Archaic) To cultivate (land or plants).

Outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions

To clean (fish or fowl) for cooking or sale.

Clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes

To put a finish on (stone or wood, for example).

To tan or prepare (a hide) in leather-making.

To put on clothes.

To wear clothes of a certain kind or style

To wear formal clothes

To get into proper alignment with others

Clothing; apparel.

A style of clothing

A one-piece outer garment consisting of a skirt and bodice.

Outer covering or appearance; guise

Suitable for formal occasions

Requiring formal clothes

(transitive)

To put clothes (or, formerly, armour) on (oneself or someone, a doll, a mannequin, etc.); to clothe.

To design, make, provide, or select clothes (for someone).

To arrange or style (someone's hair).

To adorn or ornament (something).

To apply a dressing to or otherwise treat (a wound); (obsolete) to give (a wounded person) medical aid.

To fit or prepare (something) for use; to render (something) suitable for an intended purpose; to get ready.

To cultivate or tend to (a garden, land, plants, etc.); especially, to add fertilizer or manure to (soil); to fertilize, to manure.

To cut up (an animal or its flesh) for food; specifically (hunting), to remove the internal organs (of a game animal) shortly after it has been killed so that the carcass cools more quickly; to field dress.

(cooking) To prepare (food) for cooking or eating, especially by seasoning it; specifically, to add a dressing or sauce (to food, especially a salad).

(military) To arrange (soldiers or troops) into proper formation; especially, to adjust (soldiers or troops) into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other; to align.

To treat (someone) in a particular manner; specifically, in an appropriate or fitting manner; to give (someone) a deserved beating; also, to give (someone) a good scolding; to dress down.

(obsolete) To break in and train (a horse or other animal) for use.

To prepare (oneself); to make ready.

(intransitive)

To put on clothes.

Of a thing: to attain a certain condition after undergoing some process or treatment to fit or prepare it for use.

To allow one's penis to fall to one side or the other within one's trousers.

(slang) cross-dress

Of an animal carcass: to have a certain quantity or weight after removal of the internal organs and skin; also, to have a certain appearance after being cut up and prepared for cooking.

Of soldiers or troops: to arrange into proper formation; especially, to form into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other.

(sports) Of a sportsperson: to put on the uniform and have the equipment needed to play a sport.

(countable)

An item of clothing (usually worn by a woman or young girl) which both covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist.

(archaic) An item of outer clothing or set of such clothes (worn by people of all sexes) which is generally decorative and appropriate for a particular occasion, profession, etc.

Ellipsis of dress rehearsal

(uncountable)

Apparel or clothing, especially when appropriate for a particular occasion, profession, etc.

(archaic) The act of putting on clothes, especially fashionable ones, or for a particular (especially formal) occasion.

(by extension)

(obsolete) The act of applying a dressing to or otherwise treating a wound; also, the dressing so applied.

To direct; to put right or straight; to regulate; to order.

To arrange in exact continuity of line, as soldiers; commonly to adjust to a straight line and at proper distance; to align; as, to dress the ranks.

To treat methodically with remedies, bandages, or curative appliances, as a sore, an ulcer, a wound, or a wounded or diseased part.

To adjust; to put in good order; to arrange; specifically: (a) To prepare for use; to fit for any use; to render suitable for an intended purpose; to get ready; as, to dress a slain animal; to dress meat; to dress leather or cloth; to dress or trim a lamp; to dress a garden; to dress a horse, by currying and rubbing; to dress grain, by cleansing it; in mining and metallurgy, to dress ores, by sorting and separating them.

To cut to proper dimensions, or give proper shape to, as to a tool by hammering; also, to smooth or finish.

To put in proper condition by appareling, as the body; to put clothes upon; to apparel; to invest with garments or rich decorations; to clothe; to deck.

To break and train for use, as a horse or other animal.

To arrange one's self in due position in a line of soldiers; - the word of command to form alignment in ranks; as, Dress right, dress!

To clothe or apparel one's self; to put on one's garments; to pay particular regard to dress; as, to dress quickly.

That which is used as the covering or ornament of the body; clothes; garments; habit; apparel.

A lady's gown; as, silk or a velvet dress.

Attention to apparel, or skill in adjusting it.

The system of furrows on the face of a millstone.

A one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

Clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion;

Clothing in general;

Put on clothes;

Provide with clothes or put clothes on;

Put a finish on;

Dress in a certain manner;

Dress or groom with elaborate care;

Kill and prepare for market or consumption;

Arrange in ranks;

Decorate (food), as with parsley or other ornamental foods

Provide with decoration;

Put a dressing on;

Cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of;

Cut down rough-hewn (lumber) to standard thickness and width

Convert into leather;

Apply a bandage or medication to;

Give a neat appearance to;

Arrange attractively;

Suitable for formal occasions;

(of an occasion) requiring formal clothes;

Clothing suitable for a particular occasion.

An outer garment, especially for women.

The act of wearing clothing.

A garment for special occasions.

Robes symbolize authority, neutrality, and tradition in professions like the judiciary.

No, while both are garments, a Robe is typically loose and used for lounging or ceremonies, whereas a Dress is a one-piece outfit primarily for women.

While Robes are typically indoor garments, some styles, like those for ceremonies or academic processions, are worn outside.

A bathrobe is a type of Robe made from absorbent materials, designed to be worn after bathing.

While Dresses are typically associated with women, there are cultures and fashions where men do wear garment styles considered to be Dresses.

No, Dresses can range from casual to formal, depending on the design and occasion.

Yes, in some styles and cultures, Dresses are layered over pants or leggings.

Cocktail Dresses are considered semi-formal, suitable for evening events but less formal than a ballgown.

A sundress is a type of lightweight Dress typically worn in warm weather, often sleeveless and with a wide neckline.

Not all, but many Robes have belts or sashes to secure them around the waist.

A Dress is a one-piece garment covering the body and possibly legs, while a skirt is only the lower part and needs a top to complete the outfit.

Yes, some Robes, especially ceremonial ones, can be highly decorative and ornate.

Robes in spas provide comfort, modesty, and warmth between treatments.

Not necessarily; both Dresses and skirts can vary in length from mini to maxi.

Yes, in many cultures, Robes hold religious, ceremonial, or traditional significance.