Get cosy for your next swimming session. Here are our top picks for the best changing robe for open water swimmers, triathletes, surfers and winter dippers.Swimming, paddleboarding, triathlon, surfing, sailing \u2013 however you love to get out and enjoy the water, when temperatures drop, there\u2019s one thing that can make water sports and swimming more comfortable \u2013 the best changing robe.
\nThe best changing robe is, as the name suggests, designed for use on shore, to make wriggling into a wetsuit before a swim or pulling your clothes back on after a surf less of a faff (and to help you avoid flashing the whole car park!).
\nChanging robes are ideal for warming up fast after cold water swim.
\nInsulated, waterproof changing robes stop you from losing precious body heat, especially if you\u2019re swimming in \u2018skins\u2019 (swimsuit only). They\u2019re a must if you\u2019re an all-year-round swimmer.
\nYou can also find lightweight, towelling-style robes available to take with you when swimming in warmer weather. Use these to for quick changes on the beach or by the lake, or pop them on to dry off with, instead of a towel.
\nChanging robes come in lots of designs, but some are so smart and stylish you could easily wear them as a coat, which makes a nice versatile option for daily use in the winter. You\u2019ll get more bang for your buck if you invest in one that you can also wear to walk the dog or do the school run when it\u2019s foul outside.
\nIn this comprehensive guide, we\u2019ve included options for every season: lightweight towelling robes, packable waterproof robes and warmer, heavier fashion-forward robes.<\/p>\n
Best changing robe options for outdoor swimmers
\nGill Aqua Parka<\/p>\n
Specifications: Material: 100% polyester shell and lining | Sizes: S-XL | Colours: 3 |Waterproof: Yes | Gender: Unisex
\nReasons to buy: very lightweight, roomy, soft high loft thermal lining, storm-safe zipper
\nReasons to avoid: runs oversize
\nThe new Gill Aqua Parka feels like a cocoon. It\u2019s roomy, warm, and impressively lightweight. Outside, the shell\u2019s stitch-free, welded seam construction wicks water right off and makes the coat smooth and easy to clean. Inside, the high loft thermal lining keeps you warm even when thrown over wet clothing. Its cut is unrestrictive and offers great ease of movement when slipping out of wet layers or scrambling around. The sleeves are loose enough to pull your arms into, and a two-way zipper makes exposure to cold air minimal. It also\u00a0has a generous hood and deep, easy-access hand-warmer pockets. Internal compartments give you the option of keeping items dry, safe, and accessible even when you don\u2019t want to unzip the whole garment. This is slick technical kit that won\u2019t look out of place even when you\u2019re in between adventures.
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Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0Recycled nylon and recycled polyester | Sizes:\u00a0S-XL | Colours:\u00a013 | Waterproof:\u00a0Yes | Gender: Men\u2019s and women\u2019s available
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0reliably warm and waterproof, soft snug inner lining, lots of colours to choose from
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0thick and heavy
\nProbably the best-known brand on the market, Dryrobe\u2019s designs are a big hit with swimmers, surfers and triathletes alike \u2013 head to any official swimming event and there\u2019ll be an array of fuzz-lined Dryrobes ready for by the water\u2019s edge for their intrepid owners. Waterproof, windproof and lined with synthetic \u2018lambswool\u2019 material, these robes will save you when you get out of winter water and feel the cold bite, and are roomy enough to get changed under in chilly, windy conditions. Our top pick is the Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve, made with recycled materials \u2013 if you want a robe that\u2019ll make you feel instantly snug year-round, this is the design to invest in.
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Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Red Equipment Pro Change Robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0Recycled fabrics | Sizes:\u00a0S-XL | Colours:\u00a07 | Waterproof:\u00a0Yes | Gender: Men\u2019s and women\u2019s available
\nReasons to buy: warm lining, more breathable than most winter robes, waterproof, packable
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0too thick for warm water dips, compression bag sold separately
\nRed Equipment are best known for their popular stand-up paddleboards, and now they\u2019ve taken their water sports know-how and designed a new changing robe. The Pro Change Robe has a great adjustable hood and is fully waterproof and windproof, so it\u2019ll trap body heat even in high wind and bad weather, and it\u2019s also breathable enough to use right into the warm weather of spring. We like that the Pro Robe is more compact than your average waterproof robe, and is designed to pop easily into a dry bag for easy storage on a yacht or on a paddle board, although it\u2019s a pity that Red\u2019s compression stash bag, designed to fit the Pro Robe, is sold separately (\u00a334.95, https:\/\/red-equipment.co.uk\/products\/pro-change-robe-stash-bag-navy)<\/p>\n
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Zone 3 Heat-Tech Changing Robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0fleece | Sizes:\u00a0XS-XL | Colours:\u00a0Black | Waterproof:\u00a0Yes | Gender:\u00a0Unisex
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0very warm, generous longer length, good pockets
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0not breathable enough for summer
\nIf you tend to feel the cold when heading out for a swim session, you should definitely add Zone 3\u2019s changing robe to your kit bag. Lined with a generous amount of fleece and designed with a triple-layer construction that really traps in body heat, the Heat-Tech Robe offers instant, welcome warmth when you pull it on after emerging from the water. A waterproof and windproof outer shell cuts rain and wind and keeps you cosy even in stormy conditions, and we like added design elements such as the adjustable Velcro straps on the sleeves and the internal handwarmer pockets.<\/p>\n
Vivida All Weather Puffer Changing Robe \u2013 Aventurine Green
\nSpecifications: Material: \u00a0100% post-consumer recycled polyester | Sizes:\u00a0S, M, L, XL | Colours:\u00a0Green, Blue and Slate Grey | Waterproof: yes | Gender:\u00a0Unisex
\nReasons to buy: Stylish, understated, quick to dry, easy to pack
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0high price point, sleeves might be a little snug for some
\nIf you are looking for something a bit special and don\u2019t mind the premium price tag then have a look at this Vivida All weather Puffer changing robe. It comes in three understated classic colours and has a really thoughtfully designed style with substance. The long sleeves have a good closure at the cuff and the hood will keep your head warm when you have wet hair. It\u2019s stylish enough to wear as an oversized coat during the day when your gadding about town or even for lounging at home and want to save some money on the heating bills because you spent it all buying this coat! It\u2019s made of 100% recycled materials, though it was made in China, so what you save on the planet with recycling, you lose on shipping emissions.<\/p>\n
Seasalt Exploring Waterproof Changing Robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0recycled polyester, cotton | Sizes:\u00a0M-XL | Colours:\u00a0navy, khaki | Waterproof:\u00a0yes | Gender:\u00a0women\u2019s
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0great wear-anywhere looks, warm and waterproof, partly recycled materials
\nReasons to avoid:very roomy, so consider going a size down
\nHey, good-looking \u2013 Seasalt\u2019s Exploring stands out from the crowd for its smart, logo-free looks and neutral hues, which make it feel far more like you\u2019re wearing a smart winter coat than most bright changing robes. This Cornish-designed robe is swim-ready, though, with a waterproof outer shell, an adjustable hood and a pleasingly soft quick-dry fleece lining. The Exploring is roomy enough to get changed under anywhere \u2013 so roomy, in fact, that we\u2019d recommend ordering a size down from your usual. Our top pick if you want one coat to rule them all for cold weather, that will also come along on your surf and swim expeditions.<\/p>\n
Cape Cove Snug Coat
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0recycled sherpa fleece | Sizes:\u00a0XS-L | Colours:\u00a04 | Waterproof: water-resistant | Gender:\u00a0women\u2019s
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0fun bright looks, beautiful quality, great hood, recycled fleece lining
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0expensive, not fully waterproof
\nMost swimming robes are pretty boring-looking, often in plain black or grey \u2013 where\u2019s the fun in that? If you want to shake it up (or even wear your new robe as a winter coat when you aren\u2019t swimming), head to Cape Cove \u2013 this female-owned brand make beautiful robes in an array of bright designs, from eye-catching leopard print to this pastel marble coat. There\u2019s substance as well as style here \u2013 the Snug Coat is very warm, water-resistant enough to withstand a shower and has an adjustable and removable hood as well as a soft lining made with sherpa fleece. Cape Cove also offer smart \u2018changing dresses\u2019 from \u00a395 that make a nice lightweight alternative to a bulky robe in summer (https:\/\/www.cape-cove.com\/collections\/changing-dresses).<\/p>\n
Best changing robe options for warm weather
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Billabong Salty Hooded Towel Change Robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0polyester and polyamide | Sizes:\u00a0One size | Colours:\u00a01 | Waterproof:\u00a0No | Gender:\u00a0Unisex
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0fun bright pattern, quick to dry, easy to pack
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0limited warmth, not windproof
\nHere comes the sun \u2013 on warm summer days by the shore you can swap your heavy-duty waterproof changing robe for a lightweight hooded towelling number that\u2019s simple to change under and quick to use to dry off. If you\u2019re shopping for something easy and breezy, we rate Billabong\u2019s Salty Hooded Towel Poncho, which is affordable at under \u00a340 and does the job well in warm weather. This hooded towel robe, which is unisex and one-size-fits-all, is easy to pack in a backpack when you\u2019re on the go and comes in a bright striped patter that doesn\u2019t show dirt and sand after a day at the beach.<\/p>\n
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Zhik Hooded Towel changing robe
\nSpecifications: Material:\u00a0Polyester and polyamide | Sizes:\u00a0One size | Colours:\u00a01 | Waterproof:\u00a0No | Gender:\u00a0Unisex
\nReasons to buy:\u00a0fun bright pattern, quick to dry, easy to pack
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0limited warmth, not windproof
\nZhik make some really great looking kit and they\u2019ve launched this limited edition colourway changing robe for Breast cancer awareness month. It\u2019s just like their other change robes but more colourful. So the towelling robe is ideal as a light weight option, which can be useful if you are in a sheltered area or warmer weather. You can pack this and take on holiday with you easily so it\u2019s handy for the beach. When you\u2019re not using it to get changed in, you can use it to sit on or lounge on the sand. It has ample space to get changed inside without feeling too constrained.<\/p>\n
Not sure where to start shopping for the best changing robe? Here\u2019s what to look for
\nFit & Design
\nChanging robes are designed to be oversized, with plenty of room to manoeuvre underneath. Some are one-size-fits-all, others come in different sizes \u2013 and you may find sizing down suits you best if you don\u2019t want to feel swallowed whole in your new robe. Look for large pockets, which are useful for warming up hands or for stashing personal belongings on the beach while you head into the sea. Changing robes usually come with either long or short sleeves \u2013 short sleeves are cooler in summer, but we prefer long-sleeved designs, as they\u2019re warm year-round. Sleeves with Velcro closures further help to trap in heat. A well-fitting, adjustable hood is a must, to keep your head warm and help dry wet hair.
\nMaterial and thickness
\nYou\u2019ll find changing robes of different thicknesses and materials \u2013 as a rough rule, fleece-lined robes with a weatherproof shell are best for winter, and light, breathable towelling ponchos are best for summer.
\nWaterproofing
\nNot all changing robes are waterproof, but most designs are aimed at winter use (and often priced at the more expensive end of the market!) will feature a water and wind-resistant outer shell to protect you from the elements, coupled with a softer fleece lining. These are ideal in cold, wet weather, shielding you from the elements and helping you warm up.<\/p>\n
Want more gear guides for open water swimming?
\nCheck out our buyers guides to swim floats, swim gloves, swim caps, swim shoes!
\nThe post Best changing robe: 9 of our top picks for outdoor swimmers appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Get cosy for your next swimming session. Here are our top picks for the best changing robe for open water swimmers, triathletes, surfers and winter dippers.Swimming, paddleboarding, triathlon, surfing, sailing \u2013 however you love to get out and enjoy the … <\/p>\n