Flanci Huggle swim robe: first impressions
It’s the bright colors and fabulous design that first struck me when choosing the Flanci Huggle online. There are so many! The brand is well known for making brilliantly bright and uniquely patterned running skorts, shorts and tights and the Huggle robe is made in more than 50 different designs.
In the end, I chose the Llama Dramas pattern, which I love. However, this is not a swim robe for shrinking violets because when you wear it everyone asks who makes it.
While this swim robe, just like all others, is too big, too flappy and really quite unflattering, it's the practicals that make it a good idea - and an excellent alternative to a towel.
The large, outsized robe is comfortable and easy to wear. It has a smooth, two-way front zip and a choice of velcro-closed cuffs or open-zipped lower arms.
List price: $142-148 (US) / £129.99 (UK)
Outer: Polyester Oxford fabric with PU, PVC and silicone coating technologies. Showerproof PU1500mm rating.
Inner: Grade 3 Sherpa deep-pile fleece
Weight: Unisex size S is 1.48kg / 3.26lb
Sizes: Unisex XS-XXL
Colors: More than 50 colorful patterns
Pockets: Inner fleece open; inner waterproof zipped; outer-zipped 2 x hand pockets
Other features: Zipped lower arms and velcro cuffs; fleece lined hood; two-way front zip and press-stud storm flap; hanging loop
Best use: Wild swimming and water-based adventures
It is immediately warming although it does feel big and bulky. Most changing robes I’ve tried are big and bulky so this is not unusual, although the durable fabrics of the Huggle makes it feel a bit stiffer.
I like the large hood and the length of the robe. It can be purchased in longer sizes, should you want to. The zips work well and I like the internal waterproof zipped pocket for valuables such as my phone, plus there is an open-top fleece pocket for storing items such as swim goggles and hat inside.
I would have liked to see another deeper inner pocket for items such as a flask and snacks. But it looks well made, with thoughtful features, including an internal hanging hoop and a fleece-lined hood.
Flanci Huggle swim robe: in the field
Changing robes are large and long and this makes them a bit cumbersome, in my opinion. I would not be keen to go for a long walk in a changing robe, whatever the brand, but the Flanci Huggle is particularly warm and heavy.
I use the swim robe for a 10-minute stroll to my local loch or the sea, so I don't mind the weight and bulk of the Flanci version. In any case, after a swim I very much welcome the cosy warmth of the robe.
The showerproof outer fabric is useful, especially if you plan to swim when the weather is damp or drizzly. This is not a waterproof fabric, but rather it’s water-resistant.
I think that any product that will be used around a water-sports should have a level of water-resistance, so the Flanci Huggle scores fairly well. It would be even better if the outer polyester fabric was more waterproof and also if it was made with more care for the environment – for example, being created from recycled materials.
The two-way zip is pleasingly smooth and there is a storm flap over the zip. The press-studs are quite stiff to close but they get easier with use.
The idea of the robe is to keep swimmers warm after a cold swim and also to create a changing area. It’s easy enough, while wearing the Huggle, to change lower garments and if you take your arms inside the robe, you can also take off and put on upper garments.
The part that requires more thought – and a bit of wriggling – is taking off and putting on over-the-head items, such as a t-shirt and sports bra. It’s possible, but you need to take your head inside the robe.
I always feel warm across most of my body (except my feet) when zipped up inside the robe and the thick fleece is nice against the skin.
I wish the outer pockets were not zipped, however, because when I have cold hands the plastic of the zips rubs against my skin, which is sore.
Sizing
The Flanci Huggle is over-sized so you can get changed underneath. I am a UK10 and I have the size “S”, which is nicely large.
I would quite like the arms to be a bit longer so they keep my hands warmer but I have long arms so I expect the length is fine for most people.
The hem length is excellent and the hood is great. There are longer hem lengths available if you would like it made 10cm, 15cm or 20cm longer.
The hood is large but actually a good fit.
Absorbency and drying capability
The fleece is fairly absorbent but not super soft. It is not a substitute for a towel and I would usually have a small packable towel to dry off wet skin while inside the robe.
The fleece is meant to be warming rather than absorbing, I think.
Weight and packability
This is not a lightweight changing robe and there are other lighter versions. It is not highly packable either. When I want to carry it to the wild swimming location, it takes up most of the volume of my 25L daypack.
This is a robe to be worn for short walks to and from your wild swim.
Care
If you need to wash the Flanci Huggle robe, choose a cool wash setting on your washing machine and do not use fabric conditioner. Hang dry after washing.
It’s recommended that you occasionally re-waterproof with something like Nikwax, as you would any outdoor garment.
Any mud etc can be wiped off the outer fabric with a damp cloth.
