Wild swimming is surging in popularity, with millions now taking to lakes, rivers and coastlines across the UK. In London, wild swimming spots include the picturesque Hampstead Heath ponds, Beckenham Place Park lake, or the Serpentine Lido.
As of May 2026, you can even swim in the River Thames, following the official designation of a section between Ham and Kingston. Beyond the obvious swimsuit and goggles, any keen cold water swimmer knows the importance of a good changing robe.
In recent years, one brand has dominated: DryRobe. Its fleece-lined robes offer unmatched weather protection for swimmers and surfers while changing. A towel/ jacket hybrid, DryRobe’s have become so popular that many now wear one as a duvet-like coat.
But at £175, the ankle-grazing layers are quite the investment. Enter Decathlon’s £12.99 alternative that gave me exactly what I needed after a swim: somewhere private to change, and a soft cotton fabric to dry me off.
As a fitness writer and wild swimmer, I tested dozens of changing robes after a dip in the River Thames – and this budget buy surprised me. Here’s everything you need to know.
Read more: 11 best changing robes for wild swimming in 2026, tried and tested
Decathlon adult surf poncho
★★★★☆
What we love: Incredible value, dries you while you change, packs easily into a beach bag, and is perfect for holidays
Take note: No hood, fleece lining or waterproof outer
“At just £12.99, I wasn't expecting much from the Decathlon Surf Poncho, but it turned out to be perfectly functional. While there's no cosy fleece lining, waterproof outer or hood, it gave me exactly what I needed after a swim: somewhere private to get changed and a soft cotton fabric that helped dry me off while I changed out of my swimsuit.
Since it's made entirely from cotton, it feels more like wrapping yourself in a large towel than wearing a coat. On warmer days, I wore it while changing into my shorts and t-shirt, before rolling it back up neatly in my swim bag. On colder days, I added an extra step of putting a hoodie on after it was packed away.
It won't replace a fleece-lined robe for winter wild swimming, but at just £12.99, it's fantastic value. I’m genuinely tempted to buy a few more for the family before our next summer beach holiday, as they're an affordable and practical alternative to lugging bulky towels around.”
Buy now £12.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Dryrobe Advance
★★★★★
What we love: Exceptional warmth, dries quickly between swims, 20 design options, recycled fabrics, and cute pink lining
Take note: Heavy at 1.3kg
“Dryrobe is practically synonymous with changing robes, so I was keen to find out whether it really deserved its reputation. From the moment I pulled it on after swimming in the Thames, I was impressed. It trapped body heat almost immediately, taking the sting out of those first few freezing minutes while I packed away my swimming costume and goggles and chatted to other swimmers. It’s like being wrapped in a thick duvet.
The soft sherpa fleece lining didn't just feel incredibly cosy; it also dried surprisingly quickly, so I never felt like I was putting on a damp robe between swims. The oversized fit gave me plenty of room to get changed underneath, while the two-way zip was easy to use even with cold hands. The pink sherpa lining adds a splash of personality.
At 1.3kg, it's one of the heaviest changing robes here, but that's the compromise for outstanding warmth. If you swim throughout autumn and winter, or simply spend hours outdoors in cold weather, this will make exiting the water much more bearable.”
Buy now £175.00, Dryrobe.com
Is Decathlon’s £12.99 changing robe worth it?
The Decathlon surf poncho is an impressive budget buy for warm-weather swimming, beach days and holidays, offering everything most casual swimmers need for just £12.99. The Dryrobe, meanwhile, earns its premium price with exceptional warmth, weather protection and comfort, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone who swims regularly through autumn and winter.
Following tests following swims in the River Thames, one isn’t universally "better" than the other – they simply suit different swimmers. If you only need somewhere to change and dry off on sunny days, save your money and buy the Decathlon poncho. But if you're braving cold water year-round, the Dryrobe's warmth and performance are hard to beat.
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