Changing Robes For Outdoor Swimmers 2023

Changing Robes For Outdoor Swimmers Buyers Guide

Does it work as a Changing Robe?

Yes, it is a changing robe first, a fashion accessory second. So the first thing in our changing robe buyer’s guide is, not is it a stylish design! But is it practical? Can you change in it? Now you may think that this is a bit of a stupid question, but there are several factors to consider here. 

1: Robe Size:

You, your size and the size of the Changing robe, unfortunately changing robes are not designed for everyone in the outdoor swimming community. In fact, most brands offer minimal sizing options. So check the sizes and make sure that you have enough room to move around to get changed. You don’t want to get to the beach and find out it is not fit for purpose! Also, how small does it compact down to? Will it fit in your swimming dry bag?

• Looking for a larger wetsuit? Check out our Plus size wetsuit article.

2: The cut: Can you change in it?

The outdoor swimming scene has exploded recently, and as such there are more and more generic changing robes available. Unfortunately, there are many change robes that are just outdoors jackets, with furry linings. The cut of the garment is all wrong, which makes some great as a fashion accessory, but not as changing robes. Can you take your wetsuit off in it? Can you put your pants on without exposing yourself?

3: The Arms: Narrow or Wide?

The sleeve design is important! When the robe is fully zipped, can you get your arms in and out? Again, this is all down to the cut. If it is shaped like an outdoor jacket, the arms and sleeves will be narrow to change in and not very practical. You want big wide arms and sleeves, this makes pulling your arms in and out from the inside whilst getting changed easy. 

4: The Changing Robe zip:

A big fat zip with a toggle and the ability to zip it up and down from both the inside and the outside. A key practical necessity of a quality changing robe is a two-way zip that you can operate even with numb hands and numb fingers. Yes, you want an easy to operate two-way zip, you will thank me later. If you love to cold water swim in the winter or colder months, then you know the frustrations around a bad zip and cold hands and cold fingers. One key yet simple innovation here is a zip with finger pulls! 

• Cold hands? Check out our Swimming Glove Gear Guide.

5: The Change Robe Inner Fleecy Lining

These can vary drastically from quick-wicking towel material to the extra warmth of a thick synthetic lamb’s wool lining interior. You are looking for a towel-like interior or an internal fleece lining-like material. If you want something that will not get cold when wet, avoid a cotton lining and go for a synthetic material that will dry fast and retain heat even when wet like 3Ms Thinsulate. When it is cold outside, you want a warm cosy lining to your Dry robe; you want instant warmth, you want post-swim warmth. Critical to watersports safety, is getting warm afterwords.

6: Does it have a Water Proof Outer?

If you’re new to the UK, you may not be aware that it rains a lot here. So when getting a changing robe, leave the towelling ones at home and pack your waterproof one. The outer material, at minimum, should be water-resistant, but we would recommend a good waterproof material. Why? When you get out of the water, your body temperature can drop quickly. Getting changed in a wet changing robe whilst the rain batters down is not fun, trust me. I would rather be cocooned in a warm, fluffy interior with the rain beading off the exterior waterproof materials. In short, I am looking for a changing robe that is as good and effective in the warmer weather as it is in the colder weather. Something suitable for the ever changing British weather.

7: Hood and Neck area.

Again, like the arms, the hood and the neck area are important to the functionality of a practical changing robe. Too much space here and the elements and dare I say passers-by will have full access. Too tight and you won’t be able to move your head independently of your body when you’re changing. Don’t underestimate how much movement, motion and commotion is involved in peeling off a wet wetsuit or bathing costume or pair of shorts and a rash guard when you’re locked tight inside a changing robe. The next key thing here is an adjustable hood with a peek and drawstring to allow you to secure the opening, vital in windy and rainy conditions. 

8: Interior Pocket

Picture the scene. You have just emerged from a cold swim. Your wild swimmer friends are all around. It is cold and you’re keen to get changed, quickly. You open your dry bag, throw down your changing mat, and pull on your changing robe. Then you grab your underwear from the waterproof inside pocket that you placed inside earlier. In two ticks you’re out of your wetsuit and ready to rummage through your dry bag for your warm kit. An interior deep pocket can be handy! 

9:Exterior Pocket

Again, handy. As changing robes with the success of Dryrobe have become fashionable accessories and are now regularly seen at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, having some outer pockets to stay, your phone, purse or credit card is a must. Coffee is not free and rummaging through your wet kit to grab your purse is not a good look.

10: Other/miscellaneous

This can be things like recycled fabrics, like recycled nylon. There is a large push in the outdoors community to be more eco-friendly and more and more changing robe manufacturers are producing upcycled, recycled and sustainable goods. And yes, you can make a cosy robe from recycled plastic bottles!

Range of colours, not everyone wants a one colour fits all, some want bright pink, others camouflage, others grey. Some robes come with an extensive colour range, others come in one for all.

Best Dryrobe Alternatives

Dryrobes pioneering changing robe design revolutionised the watersports, providing a waterproof and windproof outdoor changing solution with a windproof outer and a waterproof outer that gave the user privacy and comfort to get changed. However, like all pioneering visions, many imitators will appear and some may even surpass the original dryrobe, maybe! However, any of the dryrobe alternatives below are a great choice for your watersports adventures and any will be a valuable addition to your kit.