Having grown up by the sea (and now living even closer to it), I’m happiest swimming outdoors during the colder months, when the mental health benefits feel amplified. As extreme ice swimmer Wim Hof puts it, “cold water is merciless, but righteous”, and research backs up the appeal, too. Cold water swimming can even “improve blood pressure and fat levels in the blood”, according to British Heart Foundation cardiac nurse Chloe MacArthur.
That said, the prospect can feel intimidating, particularly when wind and rain are thrown into the mix – which is where a good changing robe proves its worth. For those who aren’t familiar, these oversized, weatherproof coats are lined with cosy fleece and designed to help restore body heat after a cold-water dip.
Whether you’re swimming at an outdoor lido, a lake or heading straight into the sea, these plush coat-windbreaker hybrids offer welcome warmth after an icy plunge. Their generous fit also makes changing back into dry clothes far less awkward, saving you from the dreaded towel shuffle on the shoreline.
The downside is that changing robes don’t come cheap. To find out which are worth the investment, I tested a selection at my local beach. While Dryrobe may be the most recognisable name on the market, it’s far from the only option. The standout for me came from Red, which delivered impressive waterproofing and comfort at a more accessible price point. Read on for the rest of my top performers that earned their place in my round-up after rigorous testing.
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The best changing robes for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Red men's long sleeve waterproof dry changing robe alter evo: £159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk
- Best budget option – Mountain Warehouse tidal womens waterproof changing robe: £114,99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best luxury changing robe – Delta Roam beaufort D-robe: £155, Deltaroam.com
- Best changing robe for winter – Dryrobe advance changing robe: £165, Dryrobe.com
How I tested
In a bid to establish the best changing robes for men and women, my partner and I took a handful of the most popular models down to our local beach to put them through their paces. We tested them in a variety of conditions, from mid-summer sun to September downpours, and donned the robes while walking and post-swim, the latter to warm ourselves up.
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Red men's long sleeve waterproof dry changing robe alter evo
Best: Changing robe overall
Size range: XS-XL
Outer: Recycled polyester with PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment and 8k breathability
Inner: Recycled polyester sherpa fleece
Waterproofing: Up to 15,000mm
Sleeve length: Long (can also do short-sleeve)
Colourways: Blue, light blue, orange, deep teal, forest green, sage green, red, black
Why we love it
- Highest waterproofing and breathability of models tested
- Inner fleece is soft and snuggly
- Sizing options to suit all from 4ft6in to 6ft8in
- Washing machine and tumble dryer friendly
Take note
- Compression packing back is sold separately
Previously the evo robe, Red’s newer alter evo model is a step up in every sense, even positioning the brand as a market leader in certain categories. For instance, the alter evo boasts 15k waterproofing (meaning it can withstand 15,000ml of water before moisture will penetrate the fabric) and 8k breathability, where the previous iteration offered 8 and 3k ratings.
It features adjustable turn-up sleeves for the long- and short-armed among us, and a peaked hood cap for those inescapable downpours. A new back panel boosts manoeuvrability for every body shape, while a ventilated hem speeds up drying time post-use.
Coincidentally, my partner was already in possession of the original evo robe, so it was interesting to put the two side-by-side. When testing, we both agreed that the alter ego was more plush, with the sherpa lining feeling extra squidgy and inviting. Compared to other changing robes on the market, Red’s lining was my favourite, and the fleece-lined zip guard was a thoughtful touch to prevent heat loss.
For seasoned sea swimmers, the large internal pouch can stash a hot water bottle or, if pulling your undies out in front of the British public isn’t your style, a pair of pants. Keep those intimates close to your chest, literally.
As for the robe’s weight, it sat somewhere in the middle of the pieces I tested and, while sizeable, wasn’t a pain to carry on foot. And don’t worry about sticky sun cream or sea salt residue – the entire robe can be machine-washed and put in the tumble dryer.
Buy now £159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk
Mountain Warehouse tidal womens waterproof changing robe
Best: Lining
Size range: S-XL
Outer: Taped, waterproof polyamide with UPF 50+
Inner: Polyester borg with isotherm heat technology
Waterproofing: Up to 3,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Black, dark purple
Why we love it
- Sherpa inner is softer than competitor brands
- Side vents create extra wriggle room for changing
- Drawstring toggles prevent heat from escaping
- Two year warranty
Take note
- Easily creased
This changing robe from Mountain Warehouse features a soft, plush lining that perfectly balances warmth with comfort. This is a feature unique to Mountain Warehouse’s robe, with competitors – including Dryrobe or Passenger – either opting for a warmer and slightly abrasive wool style or a soft, yet lighter sherpa. By contrast, the fabric delivers maximum heat and minimum bulk, thanks to its tightly packed fibres. It was also impressive at preventing moisture build-up and, in my experience, was less prickly on my sensitive, icy skin after swimming.
I tested the robe in a medium and found the sizing to be generous, especially given my 5ft7in height. The sleeves are wide, which makes it easy to slip arms in and out while changing, and the extra 1in-2in of length kept my hands warmer for longer.
The outer appeared creased, but I wouldn’t say this is a priority for your average cold water swimmer, especially when up against cold water.
Buy now £64.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
Delta Roam beaufort D-robe
Best: Breathable changing robe
Size range: XS-XL
Outer: Taped, waterproof recycled nylon with 5k breathability
Inner: Recycled polyester fleece
Waterproofing: Up to 10,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Navy, forest green, dark grey, opal grey, beige
Why we love it
- Pattern detail on lining
- High-end design can plausibly double as duvet coat
- Includes removable pouch for valuables
- Numerous pockets, internal and external
If there’s such a thing as a preppy changing robe, Delta Roam’s is it. With rugby shirt stripes lining the inside and a high collar that nods to a sailor’s spray top, this design blends form and function.
If, like me, you prefer to carry your robe in a bag rather than wear it en route, be warned: it’s a bit of a load on your back or shoulders. Still, you’ll be glad for the weight once you’re out of cold water and shivering like a leaf. The warmth it provides is well worth the haul.
At first glance, the D-robe's fleece felt just as thick as Dryrobe's, but the two diverge in breathability. To break it down: breathability is measured in grams per square metre, per day (g/m²/d), which reflects how much moisture can escape the fabric in 24 hours. Dryrobe comes in at 3,000g/m²/d, while Delta Roam hits 5,000. That’s a 2,000g/m²/d advantage in moisture-wicking, meaning it feels significantly less clammy. And, it’s £20 cheaper.
Before this test, I'd only ever used a Dryrobe, so the noticeable drop in perspiration was instantly apparent. The D-robe strikes a smart balance between keeping heat in and letting sweat out. When my partner tried it too, he immediately praised the quality and appreciated the snug, non-claustrophobic fit.
One unexpectedly handy feature? The removable pouch, which made ferrying wallets and phones to the ice cream truck (a seaside must) a breeze. And when it’s time to hang the robe up at home, the sturdy metal D-ring along the back shoulder makes it simple.
Buy now £155, Deltaroam.com
Saltrock recycled changing robe
Best: Changing robe for windy conditions
Size range: XS-L
Outer: Taped, waterproof ripstop recycled polyester with 3k breathability
Inner: Recycled polyester borg
Waterproofing: Up to 3,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Blue print, black print, black/red, blue
Why we love it
- Unique pattern options
- Borg lining has a middle-weight thickness for year-round wear
- Five pockets
- Cinch cords on hood for a more protective fit
Take note
- Gap between hem and start of zip is large, which allows the cold to get inside quicker
Saltrock’s change robes blend reliable weatherproofing with a fit that’s slightly softer around the shoulders. The result? A beach-worthy outer that looks more stylish than specialist equipment – though that’s not to say it’ll leave you cold and damp. On the contrary, the fluffy borg lining was soft against my prickly skin after a chilly dip. The relaxed structure meant that there were more points of contact between fabric and my body (versus stiffer models, like Dryrobe’s, that hold their own weight). This prevented the cool sea breeze from circling inside the change robe, and it kept the heat where I wanted it.
The split hem below the central zip is quite deep, so the fabric in that area can flap in the wind, leaving your knees and lower thighs exposed. Then again, this same hem makes it easier to walk while wearing the robe.
Uniquely, Saltrock’s changing robe features four pockets on the outside (plus an inner chest pocket), which means you can store your keys and wallet in two of them and take advantage of the remaining two as hand warmers.
Given the high winds at my local beach, I loved the drawstring toggles that secure the hood in place, and found it ten times easier to get out of my wet swimmers without my damp hair whipping about my face. Likewise, the velcro straps across the arm cuffs gave the wind zero opportunity to blow up my sleeves. Consider it your solution to the post-swim changing fluster.
Buy now £130, Saltrock.com
Dryrobe advance changing robe
Best: Changing robe for winter
Size range: XS-XXL
Outer: 100 per cent recycled nylon with heal-sealed seams, PVC-free waterproofing and 8k breathability
Inner: Synthetic lambswool from 100 per cent recycled polyester, OEKO-TEX certified with fast-drying back2skin water-wicking technology
Waterproofing: Up to 25,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Choice of 22 solid and patterned designs
Why we love it
- Back2skin technology means you can use the robe several times in a day without it feeling damp from previous swims
- Remix designs (pictured) help to reduce waste
- Abundance of pockets, plus a hot water bottle pouch
- Zip operates from inside and outside for modest changing
- One-year guarantee
Take note
- Lining, albeit effective, is scratchy on skin
- Heavy to transport
- Very hot in spring and autumn months
- Expensive
Dryrobe has become such a popular brand that its changing robe products have become synonymous with ‘dry robes’. In fact, you’ll often hear cold water swimmers describing changing robes as ‘dry robes’. This dressing gown, waterproof jacket, and changing tent hybrid was the brainchild of Dryrobe founder Gideon Bright back in 2010. As the original makers, it’s understandable that the brand would charge the highest price among competitors for its product – £175, no less.
But Dryrobe’s high price is reflective of the product quality, with the technology behind the brand’s water-wicking fleece actually trademarked for its efficacy. And the recycled lambswool-style lining is as impressive in practice as its trademark implies. Somehow, the fabric manages to absorb the droplets from your skin without letting them sink within the pile, meaning you won’t be left with a water-logged robe to trudge home.
For casual dippers like me, the lining can feel rough on bare skin and, compared to Passenger and Red’s change robes, the feel is less snuggly. Of course, this is a case of form over function, but when you’re paying an extra £15, it’s something to bear in mind.
The fact that the zip operates from both the inside and outside is great. When changing, you can simply slip your arms within the main body, slide on your dry items and zip off the robe without wrangling your limbs through various tight openings. Given the warmth of the Dryrobe, I’d argue this feature is necessary, unless you have a hot flush while getting dressed in the shoulder seasons.
The extra warmth means the Dryrobe is best for divers, windsurfers, kite surfers and anyone spending an extended period in the water. As for those spending less than 20 minutes in the waves – say, cold water plungers and sailors not intending to get wet – I’d advise you to look elsewhere. You simply don’t need the extra weight, technology or cost, unless you’re a sucker for a brand name.
Buy now £175, Dryrobe.com
Passenger tempest recycled waterproof changing robe
Best: Changing robe for spring and autumn
Size range: XS-XXL
Outer: 100 per cent recycled ripstop polyester with a PFC-free water repellent coating
Inner: Recycled sherpa fleece
Waterproofing: Up to 10,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Black, forest green/ black
Why we love it
- Ultra-soft lining
- Flattering and light enough for dog walking and camping
- Carry bag included
- Large pockets for wallets, keys, poo bags and dog leads
Take note
- Water repellent, not waterproof
- Perhaps not thick enough for winter swimmers
Arguably the most fashionable changing robe I tested, Passenger’s tempest model is understated, making it ideal for those looking for a two-in-one wet and dry use. Admittedly, it’s not as plush on the inside, with the fleece feeling notably thinner and lighter than Dryrobe’s. However, the texture is unrivalled, and I’d say it’s the softest of all the changing robes I wore.
Donning this on the way to the beach and after a cold water dip, the robe proved as comfortable in June as it did in blustery September, not to mention feeling like a warm hug after the bracing temperatures of the sea.
Given its £150 price, I’d have hoped for a few more technical features, but for those camping or hiking on foot (or both), the tempest would no doubt be your changing robe of choice, with its ultra-lightweight design and included carry case. For context on its weight, I’d compare it to a pair of pillows.
Buy now £149.95, Passenger-clothing.com
Animal hazey waterproof beach parka
Best: Changing robe for casual winter swimmers
Size range: S-XL
Outer: 100 per cent recycled and waterproof polyester
Inner: 100 per cent recycled polyester fleece
Waterproofing: Up to 5,000mm
Sleeve length: Long
Colourways: Blue, dark blue
Why we love it
- Aesthetic design with branded motif
- Soft, mid-weight fleece lining
- Dries quickly after use
Take note
- Two-way zip can be hard to fasten
Animal’s hazey changing robe is my top choice for casual winter swimmers. With the mid-level waterproofing (5,000mm) and middle-weight sherpa lining, it provides just the right amount of durability for open water and lido swimmers to take the edge off the chill, without looking too kitted out for the occasional dip.
The lining is soft yet plush, and the design is understated enough to wear out and about without drawing attention. It’s fitted with all the useful pockets, hood toggles and cuff adjustments you’ll need, and it works well in spring and autumn with the zip open or, as temperatures drop, with the zip closed. Aside from a few wrestles with the two-way zip, I couldn’t fault it. In fact, it’s become my go-to.
Buy now £199.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
Your changing robe questions answered
What is the best changing robe?
Ultimately, it was Red’s alter evo long sleeve waterproof dry changing robe that impressed me the most, with its price point at less than £200, soft and inviting lining, and high waterproofing rating of 15,000mm. For seasoned surfers looking to catch the waves multiple times in a day, I couldn’t deny the appeal of Dryrobe’s advance changing robe, with its trademarked quick-dry back2skin lining. And, for those on a tighter budget, the Mountain Warehouse tidal womens waterproof changing robe was the most affordable option I tried, but the Sherpa lining was still soft enough to rival that of its competitors.
How I tested the best changing robes
While using the changing robes, we paid attention to the following factors:
Are dry robes waterproof?
Yes, most changing robes are waterproof. The Dryrobe brand specifically waterproofs its changing robes up to 25,000mm, which is the highest rating of all those I tested.
It’s worth double-checking if your chosen changing robe is waterproof, as opposed to water repellent, with some brands – like Passenger – offering a selection of models with a water repellent coating, lending them to more moderate climes.
Can you put a dry robe in the washing machine?
Dryrobe advises that its advanced changing robes (listed above) be washed only if absolutely necessary, to maintain the quality of the lining and waterproofing. However, if needed, they can be machine washed using a mesh laundry bag or hand-washed at 30C. As for changing robes from other brands, it’s best to check the guidelines for your specific product, as care instructions can vary. For instance, Red’s changing robe boasts easy cleaning and is machine washable at 30C so long as you use a re-waterproofing product on it every five washes.
What is the difference between a Dryrobe and a changing robe?
Nothing. Dryrobe is simply the brand name of the first company that marketed changing robes back in 2010. Being the original founders of the product, the name gained noun status with adventurers and, to this day, people often describe competitor brand changing robes as ‘dry robes’.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith has been writing for IndyBest since July 2024, reviewing a mix of products across lifestyle and fitness, including the best beach towels and the best hypochlorous acid sprays for a post-gym refresh. Living a stone’s throw from the sea in Brighton, Lucy was well placed to test the best changing robes, especially given her penchant for a cold plunge from summer through winter. She’s been practising cold water swimming since 2021, when she took to braving a 13C lido swim, and has been using a changing robe since then, too. These are her top picks.
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