Cosy up in and out of the water in a weatherproof changing robe. Even the hardiest wild swimmer or winter surfer will be surprised by how cosy and comforting a changing robe can be at the end of a chilly sea session – and added bonus, they stop you flashing your pants to the whole car park when you’re getting in and out of a wetsuit. These are 11 of the best changing robes, from tough waterproof coats that will battle winter conditions to lightweight towel ponchos ideal for summer adventures.
Need something to wear under your robe? Try one of my top-rated sporty swimsuits and don’t forget comfy aqua shoes with good tread if you’re swimming somewhere that’s rocky underfoot. Want to make your robe unique? Add pin badges UK to celebrate your milestone swims.
11 of the best changing robes for wild swimmers and surfers
1, Seasalt Exploring Waterproof Changing Robe
Coastal-inspired Cornish brand Seasalt have just launched their first changing robe – and the Exploring Robe stands out for being so smart that you can easily wear it as a warm winter coat when you aren’t by the water. If you’re after subtle rather than sporty, this is the cosy changing robe to pick.
£170, Seasalt
2, Dryrobe Advance Robe
Dryrobes are a classic changing robe choice for a reason – the weatherproof outer material is tough in cold or wet conditions, and the lining is soft, fluffy and comforting against the skin. No wonder everyone’s wearing them to do the school run and the weekly shop when they aren’t swimming. Dryrobes are also constructed using recycled materials, for extra brownie points.
£160, Dryrobe
3, Red Pro Change Robe
Snuggly on the inside, warm and waterproof on the outside – you can’t go wrong with Red’s long-sleeved robe, which is lined with moisture-wicking fleece. Available in bright blues as well as classic grey and black. I especially like the ‘underwear pocket’ for stashing your pants in.
£150, Red Original
4, Cape Cove Snug Coat
Wild swimming, but make it fashion. Cape Cove design seriously beautiful, water-resistant coats lined with sherpa fleece. Ideal if you want an eye-catching design you can wear from city to shoreline, or if you’re just bored by plain-hued outdoorsy kit. The brand also make a lightweight and surprisingly flattering towelling dress, ideal for lazy days on seaside holidays.
£299, Cape Cove
5, Nudibranch Towel Poncho
The talented Maya hand-makes beautiful printed and patterned towelling ponchos that are perfect for summer swims. Find her ever-changing collection on Etsy, including mini robes for small swimmers.
From £22, Nudibranch Bristol
6, Zone 3 Polar Fleece Parka Robe
One of my favourite robes for fuss-free outdoor swimming and surfing, Zone 3’s Polar robe is lightweight and packable enough to pop in a rucksack but still waterproof and fleece lined for warmth. This slimmer design is ideal if, like me, you don’t love enormous tent-like robes and want something a tad more fitted.
£79, Zone 3
7, Dock and Bay Towel Poncho
On bitter winter swims, a thick, wind-proof robe is your best bet – but on balmy summer days or if you’re travelling somewhere tropical, a lightweight and breathable towelling robe is ideal for drying off in. Dock and Bay’s lightweight Surf Poncho is available in bright and beautiful stripes – and at an affordable price tag.
£30, Dock and Bay
8, Finisterre Tego Cold Water Changing Robe
Warm and weatherproof but still portable, Finisterre’s Tego robe is ideal for shoulder-season surfs in spring and autumn. Like a lot of Finisterre’s collection, this is an eco-conscious choice, using recycled materials to craft the fleecy inner lining and the water-resistant nylon outer.
£125 (some colours reduced to £75), Finisterre
9, Voited Surf Poncho
A lot of robes come with a hefty price tag – not so Voited’s rather gorgeous but affordable Surf poncho. Snuggly on the inside and waterproof on the outside, this robe is also made with 100% recycled materials, and even packs up small to double up as a camping pillow – ideal for coastal #vanlife adventures. Great bang for your buck, and an eco-friendly choice too.
£79.95, Voited
10, Gill Marine Aqua Parka
Designed with sailors and explorers in mind, Gill Marine’s Parka has a tough, fully wind- and waterproof shell and a hefty thermal lining that feels lovely against the skin. It traps in more warmth than flimsier robes can – if you’re serious about water sports, diving or sailing, this is a well-made and weatherproof choice.
£145, Gill Marine
11, Vivida Lifestyle All Weather Puffer Changing Robe
If you’re after a changing robe that really does double as a wonderfully warm winter coat, wrap up in Vivida Lifestyle’s All Weather robe. Built-in insulation and a water-repellent outer material makes this robe perfect for the coldest surfs and swims, and the ocean-inspired blue and green colourways are rather lovely too. For spring and summer, a more streamlined robe is available for £165.
£240, Vivida Lifestyle
