If you're an avid swimmer, both in the pool or in the wild, you'll know just how sticky and uncomfortable getting changed immediately after some open water swimming can be. Trousers are a nightmare to peel on; you have to hope you packed those undies in a rush out the door. Or you're having to get changed awkwardly in sub-par conditions when you'd just prefer to go straight home and jump in your own hot shower.
Fortunately for us all, dryrobe has come to the rescue with a cosy, all-season coat that'll keep you snug and is quickly becoming the ‘best friend’ for outdoor enthusiasts.
What is a dryrobe?
The dryrobe is self-described as "The world's warmest, most versatile change robe", and we'd have to agree. First launched in 2010 by surfer Gideon Bright, it's been developed with a fast-drying and super-warm inner fleece lining, a weather-resistant outer shell, and a hood to be worn in all weather. It's breathable, has a two-way zip for easy changing, and even waterproof zip pockets.
Adopting both practicality and style, you can opt for designs ranging from plain black to a fun, pink-lined camo and the dryrobe will dry you in an instant so your skin can return to its natural warmth for the trek back home. Plus, with its oversized nature, you can even use it to change in - no more shivering in the changing rooms or on the beach for us!
If you're not a swimmer or into cold water therapy tub dunks, the dryrobe has also become a favourite away from the water. Thanks to the supreme warmth and waterproof coating that’ll keep you dry no matter what, it's fast becoming a must-have coat perfect for dog-walking, popping to the shops, or for wearing on your daily stroll.
You can shop the beloved dryrobe below.
Shop the dryrobe
Top pick
dryrobe.com
The dryrobe Advance long-sleeve changing robe is equipped with a fast-drying, super-warm lining with the long-sleeves providing extra warmth when you need it. Made with 100 per cent recycled materials, it's available in a bunch of designs - from block colours to camo - and sizing ranging from S-XL.
Our review: "I absolutely love going wild swimming and doing cold plunges. Not only is it truly invigorating, but it does wonders for regulating your nervous system. Although the thrill of jumping into the freezing sea or cold water river seems exciting, when it comes down to doing it, you do get put off by the thought of freezing afterwards. Having this Dryrobe is the solution to this. I know as soon as I have completed my time wild swimming or going into the ocean, I can warm up with the robe."
"It is fleece lined and feels inviting after the cold plunge. I am 5'2, so often clothing like this swallows me up, but the size small fit perfectly and allowed me to warm up before changing. If you enjoy cold plunges in nature or even need something to grab when doing your cold water practises in your garden, this is an excellent investment."
Recommended
dryrobe.com
Alternatively, try the Short Sleeve dryrobe Advance Changing Robes - it has all the same features as the long-sleeve version, just with short sleeves instead.
Our review: "While I'm not one for outdoor swimming, I go swimming at my local pool 3-5 times a week and the one thing I dread is the faff of the changing rooms post-swim. I bought myself the dryrobe and I haven't looked back. After a swimming session, I simply put this on and walk back to the car to drive home and shower there. It keeps me toasty on route, keeps the car dry for the journey and means I can shower in the comfort of my own home. I went for the short-sleeve version as it's slightly more affordable and as I was only using it for those short trips - not for bearing the brunt of winds and cold weather at the beach - and it was the perfect fit."
Best on a budget
dryrobe.com
From the creators of the dryrobe comes the premium hooded towelling robe, perfect for getting dry and dressed without unwanted exposure. It doesn't have the same properties as the dryrobe coat but if you're looking for a cheaper alternative just for the benefit of being able to change in public, this is the one for you. It's made of 100 per cent organic cotton and comes in a range of designs and sizes M-L (as well as kids sizes).
Customer review: "All our family are committed Dryrobe owners, well made product and good value for money."
Best for outdoor adventurers
dryrobe.com
Super smart and great for outdoor adventures, this dryrobe is truly unique in its adaptability. The upper and lower halves zip together to form a long coat (rather than a changing robe), or you can use them detached as a jacket for warmer days and a 'sleeping bag' for colder climates. Available in sizes S-XL, this coat is waterproof and windproof, not to mention highly recommended by reviewers for wheelchair users.
Customer review: "This is an excellent product, using a wheelchair has become much more comfortable and cosy. Easy to wear. Went out for 3 hours on a cold, showery day and it does everything it says it does. I would recommend this to anyone who uses a wheelchair."
Best for portability
dryrobe.com
Designed for ultimate portability and built with high-performance eco fabrics throughout, the dryrobe Lite is perfect for holiday adventures. Compared to the original changing robe, this one is lightweight and easily packable in its own stuff-sack so you can carry it in your rucksack without it being too bulky for any impromptu wild swimming or day-long adventures.
Customer review: "This DryRobe is fantastic; I can pack it in my backpack with my other essentials without having a gigantic bag to carry with me. The quality is also excellent, good waterproof and warm enough to get changed and hang out on the beach for a while after swimming or surfing. It’s quite a budget, but I don’t regret it at all!"
Best for dogs
dryrobe.com
Want to get your dog involved too? Dryrobe does a dog robe that is the ultimate jacket for pups. just like the regular dryrobe, the outer shell is waterproof, it's fleece-lined, and has added straps, reflective safety piping, and harness access. It's available in a range of designs and has sizes to fit most dogs.
Customer review: "The best fitting coat we have found for our Cavapoo. I ordered a medium and it fits perfectly, and he looks so smart."
Best for the car
dryrobe.com
If you're determined to keep your car clean and dry, and you warm of course, you can buy the Dryrobe Car Seat Cover. It has elasticated adjustable straps with hook and loop fastenings, offering a universal fit for most car and van front seats, and has options for colours and number of seats.
Customer review: "Ordered the Dryrobe car seat cover to use in my husband's work van, which we use when we go away. Got it so that I didn't have to sit on dirty seats. Same as my Dryrobe and Dryrobe mat, it is really well made. Easy to fit on the car seat. So nice that I will probably use it in my car as well, nice and cosy for after swimming."
Who is wearing the dryrobe?
It’s not just us everyday folks that are fans; the £165 coat has become a favourite with warmth-hunting celebrities, Olympic medalists, elite athletes, and open-water swimming super-fan influencers alike.
Keri-anne Payne, two-time Open Water 10k World Champion, and Lucy Campbell, British Women’s Surfing Champion, are keen advocates and ambassadors of the brand, wearing theirs for training.
One commenter on Lucy’s post even wrote, “I love Dryrobe! I use mine for scuba, surf, free dive, and just about anything cold really. I’m sure you could use an oversized robe as a tent in the Arctic and still stay cosy”.
Meanwhile, journalists Bryony Gordon and Lorraine Candy have worn theirs for outdoor swimming adventures.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Candy said, "My Dryrobe is as much a part of my wardrobe as Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes are a part of hers. It was given to me, a small Lorraine monogrammed on the right sleeve, by Dryrobe in 2017 when I was training for a 70km relay swim across Lake Geneva, which changed my life. I slept in it on the boat and I spent most weekends in it beforehand as we trained.
"The first time I wore it for coffee on the high street, after a local lido swim, people stared at me and a stranger asked me what it was, but nowadays everyone wears them when the weather turns rough. I worked in fashion for 30 years and believe in the power of clothes to transform your mood, when I put mine on I just feel happier. It’s one of my most precious items of clothing."
The dryrobe has even been spotted on the likes of Poldark’s Ross and Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow (Kit Harington) who have worn theirs on set to keep them lovely and warm and their costumes protected on cold and windy film locations.
If it's good enough for them, it's definitely good enough for us!
Are dryrobes worth it?
We think so. Of course, there's no denying that dryrobes are quite expensive but they'll quickly prove to be excellent value for money especially if you enjoy wild swimming or visiting your local outdoor pool. But as mentioned, it can also come in handy to keep you warm when out and about or when coming home for an indoor pool.
If you love the idea of a dryrobe but are looking for a more affordable option, you can find some great alternatives on Amazon. Some brands like Regatta and Oodie has jumped on the hype too, but you can't go wrong with the original.
How often do you wash a dryrobe?
Dryrobe offers care instructions for each of its products. For the dryrobe Advance, for example, you do not need to wash it regularly. Dryrobe says, "if it gets covered in mud or sand, try shaking it off or cleaning it with a damp sponge. Due to the dryrobe’s waterproof outer shell fabric washing should be limited as much as possible, as the process could age the garment, the same as with any other outdoor waterproof clothing.
"Unless you get it very dirty and would prefer it clean, your dryrobe will function just the same if simply dried at room temperature between uses. In fact, it works just the same even if it's covered in mud, gets forgotten about and lives in the car between uses. (We've tested it too!)."
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.