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These over-sized coats are more popular than ever for outdoor adventures, dog walks and, err, the school run. Here are the best I tried
Siân is an award-winning travel and outdoors journalist and author based in the Cotswolds. Siân specialises in adventure travel, outdoor pursuits, sports and parenting, and also contributes to Lonely Planet, The Guardian and The Sunday Times. She edits the award-winning blog thegirloutdoors.co.uk. Follow Sian on Instagram: @sianannalewis.
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Whether you’re a keen wild swimmer, a surfer or you’re just in the market for a properly weatherproof layer to walk the dog in, you may find yourself eyeing up the new outdoors coat of choice – a changing robe.
Designed to be warm, waterproof and roomy enough to get changed under after a swim, waterproof outdoor robes are often also used as weatherproof coats.
It’s worth noting that while all thermal changing robes are often referred to as ‘dry robes’, that’s actually the brand name of Dryrobe, which launched in 2010 and claims to be the original maker.
I’m a travel and outdoors journalist and I’m at my happiest when I’m in water, either swimming outdoors or going for a surf. I’ve done my fair share of wetsuit changes in chilly car parks and I think a warm, fleece-lined robe is a bit of a life-changer if you like getting out in the elements year round.
To ensure all-weather wearability through spring, summer, autumn and winter, I tested a range of changing robes after swimming outdoors in the coldest conditions that winter months could offer, popping on each one after outdoor swimming training sessions and casual dips.
When testing out the best changing robes, I looked for instant heat-trapping warmth, a quick-drying lining and ease of getting changed while wearing each coat. I also tested how rainproof and splash-proof each one was and looked for a well-fitting hood for further weather protection.
Finally, I squished the robes into a backpack to see how portable they were when hiking to swim spots.
Best Buy
Probably the best-known brand on the market, Dryrobe’s designs are a big hit with swimmers, surfers and triathletes alike – the brand has even supplied Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes. But is the original waterproof changing robe, launched in 2010, vastly different from other robes on the market?
On test, the quality shone through. The Dryrobe Advance is reliably waterproof, windproof and lined with a cosy synthetic ‘lambswool’ material that provides instant warmth and comfort when you get out of winter water and feel the cold bite.
This robe is roomy enough to get changed under in chilly, windy conditions too, but is on the bulky side, so I’d size down if you’d like to wear it as a coat.
There are plenty of pockets, plus a waterproof hood. The waterproof outer material is a tough nylon that feels made to last and doesn’t let an inch of rain or a breath of wind through. This robe ticks the sustainability box too, using recycled materials throughout as well as ECO Durable Water-Repellent (DWR), which is a plant-based coating that delivers weather resistance without harmful chemicals.
If you’re more of a dog-walking or city street-donning Dryrobe wearer, the brand has just launched the brand new Nexus. It’s more waterproof (30,000mm) and more breathable than the Advance (and consequently more expensive), but it is also more tailored, making it more of a hybrid between a winter coat and a changing robe.
On first test, after a cold plunge bath outside on a chilly 3C morning, it performed excellently, keeping me snug and warm. We will publish a full review after further testing.
Best Value
While looks might not be top of your shopping list when you’re picking a changing robe, they don’t hurt – and Passenger’s Escapism does look the business, with a comfy but flattering fit, an eye-catching Sherpa lining and five colours available (I like this lovely rust red).
This robe is designed to be functional, too – it has room to change under and is water and wind resistant with a PFC-free water-repellent coating, although I noticed it wasn’t as warm or as waterproof as some of the more technical options on test, so it’s better kept for casual swims and for use in autumn and spring.
This is an eco-friendly pick, crafted with 100 per cent recycled polyester and each robe uses the equivalent of 85 recycled plastic bottles. The Escapism robe packs down well and fits in larger backpacks without issue and even comes with its own stuff sack backpack – which is handy for packing the robe away for travelling or having it ready in your car on a road trip.
Like most brands, Passenger recommends going down a size if you’d prefer this to fit like a coat and it works well for casual use, although there’s a big logo on the back which may not appeal to everyone.
Best Changing Robe for Women
Red Equipment £159.95
Buy nowRed Equipment is best known for its popular stand-up paddle boards, but the brand has also taken its water sports know-how and designed a brilliant changing robe for swimmers and paddlers alike. The Alter Evo robe looks and feels lovely to wear, with a wide fit that still offers warmth and comfort, plus a great adjustable hood.
This robe was also more breathable than some others I tested, so you won’t be uncomfortable in warmer conditions come spring. It pops into a dry bag for easy storage, although you’ll have to splurge on Red’s compression stash bag, designed to fit the Pro Robe, separately for £34.95.
This robe’s waterproofing tech also stood out on test – water beads off the surface – so it’ll keep you dry in heavier rain. The eight bright colourways look smart too and there are no huge logos, so this is a good choice if you’d like a robe that you can get away with wearing as a winter coat.
Zipped pockets, including a chest pocket, are handy for stashing your phone. The sizing is accurate and won’t swamp anyone short, so this is also my top pick for petite women, although the sleeves are a smidge short, so tall men may need to size up – refer to Red’s sizing guide, which includes recommendations by height.
Best Waterproof Changing Robe
The Moonwrap Pro is marketed as the “ultimate waterproof and breathable outdoor robe” and I must agree that it’s brilliantly weatherproof. The 20,000mm of waterproofing should resist even a heavy downpour and on test water beaded off this robe like the proverbial duck’s back, so a storm or a splash by a wave shouldn’t even touch you.
Pockets are sealed with silicone, so your phone and other valuables will survive a shower and the brand even offers a lifetime guarantee for waterproofing, making this an investment that should last for many winters to come.
A snug fleece inner layer traps in heat and wicks away water and offers a fair amount of warmth. The adjustable hood and cuffs help to trap in body heat. This coat was reasonably breathable on sunny days, too.
The Moonwrap Pro comes in six smart colourways, although there is a sizeable logo on the chest. At 1kg, it’s not restrictively heavy and can be squished into a compression sack (sold separately), so it’ll work for travel and van life as well as being easier to store at home. At £120, Frostfire has priced the Moonwrap competitively, too.
Best Changing Robe for Changing Underneath
Voited is busy working on the third version of its popular changing robe, but in the meantime, there was lots to like about the second edition when I tested it out. This was one of the most generously sized robes I tested – it’s great for pulling on wetsuits underneath and you’ll never risk flashing anyone while you wrestle on your swimmers.
The wide, lined pockets on the front of the coat are good for warming hands up, but the two lower pockets do look quite baggy – don’t expect a slimline fit. The lining uses microfleece all over, with an extra layer of insulation around the torso to help to dry and warm you fast, while the outer shell of the coat is water and wind-resistant – it won’t withstand heavy rain but is good for light rain or splashes. The adjustable hood also stays put in windy weather.
At 1.49kg for the medium size, this robe is on the heavier side, but I think it’s great to grab when you’re getting changed.
Best Changing Robe for Water Sports
Gill Marine £150.00
Buy nowIf your idea of heading outdoors to play involves sea spray and sideways rain, the Gill Marine Aqua Parka is built to cope.
Gill Marine specialises in sailing wear, and this simple and streamlined yet solid changing robe feels like it’s been engineered by people who’ve stood on decks and cliff tops in all conditions.
The cut is slim enough to trap in body heat but generous enough to pull your arms inside to get changed under, and long cuffs with secure closures help keep wind and water at bay. The hood is adjustable and stays put even when you’re wrestling with the wind, and the outer fabric sheds sea spray with ease on test, although it does feel thicker and more plastic-y than most changing robes.
I also liked the large accessible pockets. This robe won’t win fashion awards, but if your priority is protection from the elements, it’s hard to fault.
Best Changing Robe for Comfort
Gorilla has a big fanbase and its robes are keenly priced at around £100. So how do they compare to other market leaders? The lining was my standout on test – it’s deliciously soft and warm, made from polyester Sherpa wool fleece and wicks away water fast.
The fit is wide but still traps in body heat and the two side zips are brilliant for getting a close fit in winter, adding breathability in warmer weather and also make it easier to slide a wetsuit on and off – I wish all changing robes featured these.
There are great pockets too, including two fleece-lined zipped pockets on the front that will warm hands fast and one zipped pocket inside the robe that’s good for stashing keys or a phone. On test, this robe was reliably waterproof and windproof, even if the heavens opened.
It doesn’t look or feel quite as good quality as our top robes on test, but it works perfectly well and is a reasonable price. So there’s no need to spend more if you want a more casual changing robe that’s still water resistant and offers lovely comfort.
Best Changing Robe for Men
Speedo has put lots of thought into this robe and its silhouette stood out on test. It’s big and roomy enough for changing underneath, but the drawstring waist pulls it in to look far more like a coat than most models, especially as it comes in neutral khaki or black with no big logos.
The sizing is slightly on the large side, so women may want to size down, but tall men may find this robe offers the right fit, with generously long sleeves. If you want a changing robe you can wear for an early morning swimming session and then take straight to the office, this is the model for you.
The Therma has a pleasingly soft fleece lining, a great chunky zip that’s easily grabbed with cold fingers, a large hood and a reliably waterproof outer shell. My only quibble would be the price – at £250 this is by far the most expensive changing robe on test but I wouldn’t say it performs better than robes priced £100 less. It’s one to grab in a sale.
Best Slim-Fit Changing Robe
Zone3 specialises in swimming and triathlon kit, so it’s no surprise it does a decent changing robe. The Thermotech changing robe has had an upgrade this spring and the latest version stood out for quality on test – I especially liked the clever tapered fit, which means there’s plenty of room to get changed without the coat being bulky or getting in the way of walking or driving.
If you’re petite or just don’t like huge robes that swamp your frame, this coat will suit you. The newest iteration of this robe also boasts a waterproofed outer shell and a snug fleece layer that wicks away moisture fast. There are lots of other nice design details, including a wind guard panel around the neck and chin, adjustable sleeves, a well-fitting hood and front poppers all designed to reduce heat loss, plus five well-placed pockets.
The Thermotech Changing Robe is only available in one colour, but luckily, it’s this attractive, gender-neutral dusty blue.
Best Changing Robe for Waterproofing
Xtreme Apparel £124.99
Buy nowXtreme is a new UK brand that launched in 2023, but it has already re-designed its waterproof robes, and the Weatherproof robe version 2 is now made with recycled materials and boasts souped-up waterproofing levels.
With a waterproofing level of 22,000mm, which is higher than lots of dedicated waterproof jackets, this robe kept me dry even in a heavy downpour. It’ll work for wet weather walks and water sports as well as a changing robe – there are even poppers on the back so you can wear this robe for horse riding.
While the outer material of this coat is tough, the lining is a soft sherpa fleece that feels nice and snuggly against the skin. There are zipped, fleece-lined pockets for stashing essentials or for warming your hands. You can also customise your robe with your name or a company logo, and £10 for every sale goes to a local mental health charity.
Best Changing Robe That Doubles as a Coat
Delta Roam £155.00
Buy nowThe rather attractive Delta Roam Beaumont gives a genuine balance of warmth, practicality and everyday versatility.
The cut is generous enough to slip on over swimwear or a wetsuit. On test I liked the hood, which is deep enough to keep your head warm and protect your face and is easy to adjust, staying put when the wind picks up.
The fabric had good weather resistance without feeling too stiff, and there’s enough room in the pockets to stash essentials while you’re heading to and from the water. The fleece lining feels soft and snug against bare skin, although this robe doesn’t trap much body heat, so it’s better for shoulder season rather than bitter winter swims.
Six muted colourways would all double up as coats if you’re in the market for a changing robe that you can also wear day to day. You could get away with wearing the Beaumont on the school run or a rainy dog walk as well as for swimming sessions.
Best Fuss-Free Changing Robe
Mountain Warehouse £114.99
Buy nowIf you’re after something simple and affordable for more casual use, Mountain Warehouse has you covered (literally) with its Tidal robe. Unlike most unisex designs, it’s available in men’s and women’s sizes, so if you’re unusually tall or petite, you’ll be more likely to find the right fit both as a changing robe and as a coat.
While this robe is competitively priced, it’s still pretty warm thanks to a comfy fleece lining, a windproof membrane, taped seams and a waterproofing rating of 3,000mm will repel light rain and splashes, although it’s a pity only some of the materials are recycled.
The hood fits well and is easily adjustable. If you’re a fair-weather swimmer looking for the right fit, the Tidal will suit you well.
Best Changing Robe for Travel
Finisterre £145.00
Buy nowThis good-looking robe is great if you don’t want a design that’s too cavernous – while there’s room to change underneath it, it isn’t as voluminous as some competitors and looks more like a coat in silhouette, especially as it’s available in wear-anywhere navy or olive colourways.
The Tego sports deep pockets and a well-fitting hood and at 900g it’s not too heavy to wear for long periods or to carry in a rucksack. It also folds down easily, so it’s portable enough to take on camping trips, to pack for a holiday or to stuff in the washing machine.
The lining isn’t as thick and fleecy as some other robes on test – if you’re after something that adds proper warmth as well as keeping you dry, I’d pick something heftier.
Best Budget Changing Robe
Regatta does a range of towelling and weatherproof changing robes for the whole family, with options for kids from just £6 and adult robes starting at £25, so this is my best pick if you’re on a budget.
Currently reduced from £120 to £48, Regatta’s Adult Changing Robe was the cheapest model I tested. It’s perfectly functional and fine for casual use – if you’re an occasional wild swimmer or paddle-boarder but fancy owning a changing robe, there’s no need to spend more.
The fit has room for easy changing underneath, but I’d recommend sizing up if you’re just using this robe for water sports, while your usual size is best if you’d like it as a coat for winter walks. This coat has a soft fleece lining offering limited warmth, but it will withstand light rain thanks to a shell waterproofed to 5,000mm, plus taped seams.
The four available colourways are eye-catching – I especially like the blue floral robe, which looks rather lovely on and there’s also a version in an Orla Kiely print. All in all, a bit of a bargain if you’re getting into wild swimming.
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