The belt

The belt is cut on the bias, at forty-five degrees to the weave. Cut that way the cloth has give in it. It stretches a little under the hand and comes back.

A belt cut straight would hold too. It would hold like a strap. It would crease at the knot and keep the crease. The bias takes the knot and forgets it overnight.

It is tied the same way in every photograph. One flat knot, both ends falling straight, no bow and no loop. Not because there is a correct way to tie a robe. Because a picture of a garment should tell you about the garment and nothing else.

Tied loosely it holds the front closed and does nothing more. Tied close it brings the cloth in at the waist. That is the only structure in the whole piece, and you are the one who sets it.

The loops are caught in the side seam, never sewn on top of it. You do not find them by looking. You find them with your hand.