![]() The outside is waterproof, keeping you dry even in downpours, and it’s got a really handy adjustable hood – a feature we haven’t seen on many other products, but that adds an extra degree of warmth (and keeps your beanie on if it's particularly gusty). It’s got that instant premium feel, with a fleecy inner that dries you quickly and then proceeds to keep you toasty warm (vital after a morning dip in the Cornish sea). Gorilla Robes Eco Recycled Waterproof Dry Changing RobeĪ more winter-suited option from the Devon-based company above, this is probably the best Dryrobe alternative we’ve tested – importantly, at a slightly more wallet-friendly price. This isn’t a robe for packing light, but otherwise, it ticks every box – for swimming, sports, spectating and beyond. The robe is made from 100% recycled fabrics, and the DWR coating is PFC-free. There’s ample changing space, two-way, reversible YKK zips, an internal waterproof chest pocket, fleecy zip hand warmer pockets and an internal poacher’s pocket. 'It’s like being cocooned in a giant fleecy shelter,' said one tester. Uber-warm, the recycled synthetic lambswool lining includes long fleece fibres designed to draw water away from the body, and it certainly kept our testers from becoming cold in damp kit. In addition, Vivida, Red, Dryrobe and Finisterre use eco-friendly durable water repellents (DWR), which are better for the environment.ĭryrobe’s pioneering changing robes were originally designed for founder Gideon Bright to use after surfing, but more than a decade later, they’ve saved the bacon of many a hyperthermic obstacle course racer and are loved by outdoor enthusiasts and cold-water swimmers alike (including Ross Edgley, who wore one during his Great British Swim challenge). ![]() Dryrobe and Finisterre are both B Corp certified, meaning they are recognised for high standards of social and environmental performance. Most brands we’ve featured include an element of recycled or sustainable materials, with some others pledging to move in this direction. Meanwhile, fleece-lined outer pockets will help keep your hands toasty and warm. Weather-proof detailsįor maximum protection from wind and rain, opt for full-length robes with details such as waterproof outer shells, taped seams (which keep water out of the stitching), moisture-wicking linings, storm flaps, adjustable hoods and cuffs and two-way, reversible zips, so you can unzip your robe from the bottom and the inside. However, check individual size guides most are based on height rather than dress size, so you may need to rethink your usual choice. If warmth is your only requirement, many brands suggest sizing down. SizingĬhanging robes are intentionally oversized, so you can change beneath them. However, traditional zip-up robes are often simpler and less faffy to put on and take off. If you find tackling zips with cold, numb fingers frustrating, you may prefer a simple over-the-head poncho. ![]() Short-sleeve or ¾ sleeve robes allow greater arm movement (helpful when removing a wetsuit, for example) and are better for milder days, but if you want your robe for the coldest, wettest weather and require max warmth, longer sleeves offer greater coverage and protection. That said, here are some things to consider. What to look for in a changing robe?Īs with most sports items, much comes down to personal preference and intended use a heavyweight robe suited to winter swimming might be overkill for a fair-weather runner seeking finish-line warmth on a dry summer’s day. ![]() Bung one in your boot, and you’re good to go. Marshalling in a hailstorm? Pre-training warmth? Side-line spectating? Tick, tick, tick. ![]() Intentionally oversized, their spacious design creates a portable changing room for the wearer, allowing them to slip their arms out of the robe sleeves and discreetly remove wet kit from within it – all while staying cosy and protected from the wind and rain.Īlthough a long-time favourite of winter obstacle course racers, the boom in wild swimming put the changing robe on the mainstream radar, and since then, they’ve become a mainstay of the outdoor enthusiast thanks to their brilliant versatility. Weather-proof on the outside, roomy on the inside and usually featuring a warm, fleecy lining, the changing robe emerged more than a decade ago to keep surfers warm and sheltered from the elements while they changed out of their swimsuits and wetsuits. ![]()
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