Best changing robes: Waterproof robes for outdoor sports and swimming

• Material: Waterproof and windproof 100 per cent recycled nylon.
• Lining: Synthetic lambswool made from 100 per cent recycled polyester.
• Sleeve Length: Long and short
• Colours: 10 combinations
• Sizes: Adults - S, M, L and Kids - 5-9 & 10-13
• Carry/Storage Bag? Available at an extra cost with a one-year performance guarantee

It’s the name you’ll spot most ubiquitously in wild swimming hotspots and for good reason. Dryrobe has some of the most advanced changing robes on the market to the point where the label is almost synonymous with the product type.

The Advance takes the original design and incorporates high-performance elements that make this a staple in your outdoor adventure kit. No matter the activity – be it swimming, surfing, paddleboarding or the like – this silhouette will see you through thanks to its oversized construction. It comes in short and long sleeves and in an array of colours and patterns. There’s a two-way reversible zip to simplify the outdoor changing process, velcro fastenings at the wrists and a capacious inside pocket for valuables as well as an exterior where you can stash damp garments.

The best part? The cosy interior lining that comes very welcome for that post-paddle chill. It is made to replicate lambswool but is synthetic and made from recycled polyester and post-consumer plastic, giving it a sustainable edge. This material was selected for its ability to insulate and wick away the water from your body in a speedy fashion, while drying quickly so you can avoid that dreaded wet towel feeling between dunks. It’s also breathable.

On the exterior though, you’ll find a waterproof outer (also made from recycled fabric) that ensures you’ll stay snug inside during an eventual downpour. The technology makes the droplets roll right off – it’s almost magical.

Lastly, and if you needed any additional convincing, this was the brand of choice for Team GB during the Olympic Games in Rio, Tokyo and Beijing so that the athletes could maintain their core temperature.

• Material: Treated with a durable water repellence
• Inner lining: Microfibre towel which absorbs 4 times its weight in water
• Sleeve Length: Long and short
• Colours: Various
• Sizes: S, M, L and Kids – one size
• Storage/Carry Bag? No. Will fold into a 10L dry bag (sold separately)

The Red Original changing robe was the least “boxy” shape of all the robes we tested and one of the longest length. It has a little less room to change in than some of the larger options but it is still perfectly easy to do so. The longer length keeps your lower body cosy and warm and it actually looks more like a casual coat so you won’t look out of place as you head to your adventuring destination.

There are lots of pockets for valuables, headphones, undies and most importantly, cold hands. There’s the added bonus of toggles on the hood to tighten up come windy days and the reversible zip has a stud covering for extra warmth if you are standing around. We found this changing robe so easy to get on and off, as well as super warm and toasty.

The company puts a big emphasis on sustainability by using less packaging, avoiding toxic materials, and supporting socially responsible activities and campaigners.

• Material: Recycled, water-repellent outer shell
• Lining: Recycled fleece
• Sleeve Length: Long
• Colour: Black and Khaki
• Sizes: Unisex, XS, S, M, L, and XL
• Storage/Carry Bag? The former

The Zone3 changing robe we tried was a medium and one of the largest fit robes we tested. On our tester’s 5ft 5in frame, the medium size was perhaps too big. So be wary of this when ordering. Size down if you are looking for something more fitted but for those hoping for plenty of room to change inside it, this may be the robe for you.

This was one of the warmest changing robes we tried and was a dream to slip into after a cold swim. The long design also meant we were covered from head to (almost) toes.

The features keep on coming; lots of pockets, big tags on the reversible zips, a sizeable hood, velcro sleeves and the zip complete with a studded flap to further protect you from the wind.

• Material: Windproof & Water repellent outer
• Lining: Fast drying, extra warm Sherpa fleece inner
• Sleeve Length: Short
• Colours: Khaki and Black/Yellow
• Sizes: Adults - S, M, L, XL
• Carry/Storage Bag? No

Another robe with sleeves on the shorter side, the Speedo Adult Thermal Dry Change Robe is nevertheless easy to slip on and off both before and after your cold water swims.

You’ll be protected from the elements and able to acclimatise with ease thanks to the high collar design and thermal hood. The robe is full-body with an extra oversized fit for freedom of movement and also boasts a water-repellent shell.

Meanwhile, the lightweight Sherpa fleece lining is naturally moisture-wicking to keep you dry and warm after that oh-so-chilly dip. What’s more, there’s a handy waterproof storage compartment inside the robe with a zip closure, so there’s no danger of losing your valuables during the quick change.

• Material: 100 per cent recycled polyester with a PFC-free water-repellent coating
• Lining: Sherpa fleece
• Sleeve Length: Long sleeve
• Colour: Black, Rust
• Sizes: Unisex, S, M, L, XL
• Storage/Carry Bag? Yes

The Escapism Changing Robe by Passenger promises a snug embrace after a chilly dip in the sea. Perfect for outdoor explorers, the generous piece offers privacy and comfort in the extreme. Change whenever and wherever by simply wrapping the insulating piece around you.

This is also the ideal pick for eco-warriors. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled single-use plastic bottles with a PFC-free water-resistant coating, making it a shielding, sustainable choice.

Stay warm with the array of features the robe has to offer. These include a two-way zip and side slits for easy changing, two front pockets with a hand-warming tricot lining, an internal patch pocket with a Velcro seal, and a back neck hanging loop.

Snuggle into the soft Sherpa fleece lining and enjoy a night in the open air roasting marshmallows by the fire.

• Material: Waterproof outer fabric
• Lining: Thick Sherpa fleece made from recycled plastic bottles
• Sleeve Length: Long and short available
• Colour: Four Camo shades as well as Red, Black, Blue, and Purple.
• Sizes: Unisex, XS, S/M, L/XL & Kids 10-13
• Storage/Carry Bag? Yes with a free DryBag

Charlie McLeod's changing robe was one of the warmest robes we tried when getting out of the water on a single-digit-degree day with impressive gusts.

While a bit boxy looking, there is a drawstring on the inside which you can tighten to give the coat a waist. It is also packed with much-welcomed extra features like a hook on both the outside and the inside to hang it up, fitted, elasticated cuffs with thumb holes and for just £5 extra, you can give it the personal touch with your name embroidered on the front or back.

There are big tabs on the reversible zip that make it a breeze to get on and off and the lovely fleece lining helps to keep you dry no matter what the British weather throws at you. It also has pockets galore including a poacher’s pocket on the inside that has an additional metal ring inside (for keys perhaps?).

With each changing robe, you will get a free 40L Dry Bag which is entirely waterproof. The changing robe and your valuables will fit inside the bag which comes with shoulder straps and an air-release valve to make everything as small as possible. This is great for towing behind swimmers, taking on your board or just packing everything away.

Each coat is made from approximately 110 recycled plastic bottles. The brand is an advocate of social responsibility and spot-checks suppliers to ensure all are adhering to ethical standards.

• Material: Waterproof, windproof three-layer outer fabric with four-way stretch
• Lining: QuiltedCloud fill and lined with sustainable Honeycomb fleece
• Sleeve Length: Long sleeve
• Colour: Four Camo shades as well as Red, Black, Blue, and Purple.
• Sizes: Unisex, S, M, L, XL
• Storage/Carry Bag? Yes, a pack-away back is included which doubles as a travel pillow

So stylish is this hi-tech changing robe from Vivida that many have been known to size down and wear as an everyday winter coat. Available in Fossil Grey, Aventurine Green and – our personal favourite – Mineral Blue, the All Weather Puffer Changing Robe is chock full of incredible features which makes it one of our top picks.

The oversized, roomy fit paired with the raglan-style long sleeves allows for wonderful freedom of movement as well as the ability to bring your arms inside the robe to change with the utmost privacy and ease. The outer shell also features a flexible four-way stretch, afforded by the multilayer technology employed to ensure breathability and insulation at the same time. The first layer is made from a PFC-free water-repellent coating, the second is a soft-touch peached 100 per cent recycled polyester, and the third is a 5000mm waterproof laminate. That’s already an unbelievable amount of protection against the elements, and we haven’t even discussed the robe’s lining.

Filled with 100 per cent recycled polyester 200gsm fleece – otherwise known as ‘advanced honeycomb’ fleece lining – the Vivida changing robe effectively wicks away sweat and moisture while warming the body fast. The additional 135 grams of synthetic fill insulation mimics the properties of traditional down in terms of its ability to provide unbeatable insulation.

The fleece-lined hood is adjustable and sports a foam-supported peak, while the external hand-warmer pockets are designed to keep your extremities cosy at all times. There are additional, large internal pockets with zips to stow your valuables.

One of the most fantastic, subtle features of the Vivida changing robe is the fact that the carry bag doubles up as a padded travel pillow. If that doesn’t speak to the sheer versatility of this wild swimming essential, we don’t know what else we can say.

• Material: 100 per cent waterproof outer shell
• Lining: Fleece
• Sleeve Length: Long & short
• Colours: Black, Red, Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Camo
• Sizes: Adult - S, M, L and Kids - 5-9 and 9-15
• Carry/Storage Bag? Good storage but less good for carrying

We tried the short-sleeved version of this changing robe and it had all the qualities you’d hope for; a waterproof outer shell, warm fleecy lining, reversible zips, not one but two fleece-lined outside pockets and an inside breast pocket for your valuables.

While this robe kept us warm when we came out of very cold water on a cold day, the short sleeves did leave our lower arms a little exposed. Still, you could stand around comfortably. We went in and out of water and back to the robe and it still felt dry and welcoming. It has good sustainability points too - there’s the ethical sourcing through the Better Cotton Initiative and Community Support Schemes.

Our only gripe? There was no big pocket or “poacher pocket” for valuables on the inside of the robe.

The Frostfire Moonwrap changing robe comes with a one-year guarantee.

• Material: Polyester and micro towel lining
• Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
• Colour: Jet grey with Blue lining
• Size: One Size
• Storage/Carry Bag? No

The Palm Poncho Grande was the only poncho-style changing robe we tried and the most purse-friendly. It has a waterproof outer shell with a towelling inner lining and just one big kangaroo pocket on the outside with the same soft lining to keep your hands toasty.

No zips to fuss with, the on/off process here just consists of a simple over-the-head. We thought this poncho would be the quickest changing robe to get in and out of, however, when you are wet, it was actually a bit more of a faff than the changing robes with zips.

The design only comes in short sleeves and is much lighter than the coat-style robes. This does mean it is not as warm, so we would recommend it for use in milder weather. It does fold up to a handy size if you want to put it in a tow bag or take it on the go.

• Material: Waterproof and windproof recycled nylon
• Lining: Recycled heavyweight shearling fleece
• Sleeve Length: Long and short
• Colour: Black and grey and two-tone blue
• Size: Adult S, M, L, XL and Junior Kids
• Carry/Storage Bag? Yes

Our tester headed to their local outdoor pool on a frosty day to try this changing robe out and was very pleasantly warm post-swim. Feeling warm and dry, we were happy to stand around and chat without the cold setting in. The changing robe is still cosy even after multiple trips in and out of the water.

There are plenty of pockets for your shore essentials including a headphone port on the inside zipped pocket and that very useful “poacher’s” pocket for your valuables on the inside. The changing robe comes in its own drawstring storage/carrying bag which was a great backpack that could also house plenty of other bits too.

Can’t decide? Maybe this will sway you. Robie Robes are guaranteed or your money back. The brand also uses recycled and responsibly sourced PFC Free materials that have been certified by the Global Recycled Standard and entirely recyclable FSC-certified packaging.

• Material: Water-resistant and breathable polyester
• Lining: 100 per cent cotton
• Sleeve Length: Long only
• Colour: Red, Black and Blue
• Sizes: Adults - one Size fits all and Kids - 6-12
• Carry/Storage Bag? Yes

We tested the Northcore Beach Basha 4 season changing robe. For this robe, Northcore quotes water-resistance rates of 5000mm and a breathability or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate of 5000g. Sounds very technical, but does it work?

Well, the outer shell is definitely wind and water-resistant. However, despite the thickness of the inner lining, we found this 100 per cent cotton lining not as warm as some of the other robes we tried during one classically English winter’s day. It also felt wetter when going in and out of the water and back to the robe.

On a plus note, the inner lining zips out of the robe completely so you can use just the lining in summer without the outer shell or simply as a beach towel. We tried the inner towelling robe on its own and it did a great job as the latter.

The Beach Basha does have a very bulky, block appearance and there are only two outside pockets on the outer shell and none on the inner lining. It comes in plastic-free packaging and the brand practices both recycling and carbon offsetting.

• Material: Waterproof and breathable outer shell made from 100% recycled polyester.
• Lining: Fleece also made from recycled material.
• Sleeve Length: Short
• Colour: Blue
• Sizes: One Size
• Storage/Carry Bag? Available at additional cost

The Finisterre Adelie only comes in one unisex size with short three-quarter length sleeves and in just one shade, navy blue. While the sleeves did cover most of the arm, the shorter length does mean your lower arms are exposed to the elements.

Otherwise, the changing robe is snug, stays dry and offers plenty of room to change. We tested on a windy day and the toggles to tighten the hood helped keep it firmly in place and our head warm.

There is but one small pocket on the inside of the robe so not a lot of room for your undies or valuables but luckily, your hands will stay cosy with the two exterior pockets that have a fleecy lining.

The piece has a reversible zip but the small tag makes it less easy to use from the inside. It is made from 100 per cent recycled nylon.