Roll up, wild swimming lovers. These changing robes are set to be your new BFF. Chances are, if you’ve dipped your toe (quite literally) into open-water swimming, surfing or any kind of water sports, you’ll be hooked to the physical and mental health benefits of plunging yourself into a cold body of water. But you’ll be less hooked on the whole ~turning blue~ debacle afterwards.
Good news: you don’t have to put up with post-swim shivers to reap the benefits of wild swimming, paddle-boarding and the like. Changing robes (basically an oversized, seriously cosy-looking poncho) are here to save the day.
They’ve become a ubiquitous sight on beaches and lake sides up and down the country, with Dryrobes in particular being pegged as the most-wanted coat in Britain. A practical fashion phenomenon and a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts looking to reap the many health benefits associated with cold water immersion, they’re big enough to get dressed underneath and offer a discrete way to pull on your one-piece swimsuit or wetsuit (without flashing the entire beach or pool). The best changing robes are perfect for slipping on after wild swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding – or even for dog walks and wearing at pubs and cafes in seaside towns. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a changing robe? | How to use a changing robe | What to look for in a changing robe | The best changing robes, reviewed by a fitness writer.
Rushing to the beach? The best dry robes at a glance:
- Best overall: Advance Long Sleeve, £160, dryrobe
- Best short-sleeved changing robe: Slowtide Hala Quick Dry Poncho, £78, Free People
- Best affordable changing robe: Adult Waterproof Changing Robe 950, £99.99, Decathlon
- Best sustainable changing robe: Passenger Roaming Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robe, £119.95, John Lewis
- Best unisex: Passenger Escapism Unisex Changing Robe, £119.95, John Lewis
- Best on Amazon: BEACHBUM Waterproof Changing Robe, £120, Amazon
What is a changing robe?
Popular among surfers and swimmers, a changing robe is a staple bit of kit for any beach-goer. Designed to offer both privacy and warmth when changing clothes in public places, changing robes help to eliminate the chances of any embarrassing beach towel mishaps and can double up as waterproof jackets for camping and walking the dogs.
Most changing robes tend to be made from either towel material or fleece-lined with a waterproof shell and have a loose, oversized fit.
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How to use a changing robe:
Using a changing robe is fairly straightforward. Simply throw your changing robe on top of your clothes, then remove your clothing underneath the robe and change into your bikini or wetsuit or whatever clothing you want to change into. Once you’ve changed, remove the robe by unzipping it or pulling it over your head and, voilà, you’re ready to go.
What to look for in the best changing robe:
- Material: It’s important to look out for changing robes that are made from quick-drying and absorbent materials like microfibre or cotton. We especially love the robes that are lined with cosy Sherpa fleece lining.
- Size: Changing robes should be oversized and loose-fitting – so there’s enough room to easily get changed underneath (without accidentally flashing someone!)
- Hood: We’d argue that a hood is pretty much a must-have feature when it comes to changing robes. Just jumped out of the water and now have wet hair? Hoods can help to keep you a little warmer.
- Pockets: Some changing robes come with pockets – either kangaroo-style pouches at the front or sneaky hidden internal pockets (which can be particularly useful for storing car keys or a phone).
- Weight: Looking to take your robe on holiday? Then consider how lightweight it is (and whether you can easily pack it down) as you don’t really want anything too big or bulky if you need to carry it.