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Once a niche item, the changing robe has gone mainstream. Often referred to as a 'dry robe' (though that is the name of the well-known changing robe brand), this versatile piece of kit is ubiquitous at obstacle course races, triathlon finish lines and rugged outdoor swim spots.
Ready to shop? Here's our pick of the best changing robes, at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full reviews.
What everyone's reading
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Although a long-time favourite of winter obstacle course racers, the boom in
Dryrobe Advanced Long Sleeve
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Best streamlined changing robe
Red Women's Long Sleeve Waterproof Dry Changing Robe Alter Evo
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Plenty of pockets
As with most sports items, much comes down to personal preference and intended use; a heavyweight robe suited to winter swimming might be overkill for a fair-weather runner seeking finish-line warmth on a dry summer’s day.
team have used and cherished for years.
How we test
Our team of testers put these robes through their paces in the Peak District during a freezing January and February. Think: icy winter dips, minus-temperature trail runs and hours spent spectating sports in the cold and rain. We considered their warmth, protection from the elements, thoughtful features and, where relevant, absorbency.
We also tested waterproofing claims under the shower head, how well each robe packs down and how easy they are to transport when not in use. The list below represents the dry robes that came out top in our tests, as well as some editor-favourites members of the RW team have used and cherished for years.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our product round-ups for essentials like running shoes and sports bras are based on the hard work of our test team, who put the latest and greatest running gear through its paces day in and day out. If it doesn’t get their approval, it doesn’t end up in one of our reviews. In 2025, the Runner’s World test team is led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball, a 12-time marathoner and ultramarathoner who has over eight years experience testing fitness gear and tech. Complimenting this, Hattie Parish handled additional research and testing for the selections included in this guide. Hattie has worked as a journalist for over a decade and tests fitness and running gear for many publications, including Men's Health and Women's Health.
The best changing robes for 2025
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing
- Spacious and stretchy
Cons
- Limited colour options
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Thermal fleece (inner), Polyester (outer) |
With decades of wet weather expertise behind it, we suspected this Aqua Parka from waterproof clothing specialist Gill would set a high bar, and we weren’t wrong. Looking more like a waterproof coat than a changing robe, its slimline outer shell has an almost rubber-like texture and includes welded seams for a permanent waterproof finish. To put it to the ultimate test, we sprayed it at close range with a powerful hand-held shower for several minutes. Impressively we remained bone dry inside.
On the changing front, it’s spacious, stretchy (it includes four-way stretch fabric) and easy to manoeuvre inside. The cuffs adjusted tight on narrow wrists, and we felt warm in the furry high-loft thermal fleece lining. Pockets-wise, there are four, including two soft-lined hand-warming zip pockets and a large internal zip valuables pocket. Our meagre grumble? The rubbery outer material feels a tad cold if it touches bare skin.
Dryrobe Advanced Long Sleeve
Pros
- Great absorbency
- Choose from 15 designs
Cons
- On the bulkier side
| Sizes | S – XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | 100% recycled polyester (inner), 100% recycled nylon (outer). PFC-free BIONIC-FINISH ECO Durable Water-Repellent finish |
Dryrobe’s pioneering changing robes were originally designed for founder Gideon Bright to use after surfing, but more than a decade later, they’ve saved the bacon of many a hyperthermic obstacle course racer and are loved by outdoor enthusiasts and cold-water swimmers alike (including Ross Edgley, who wore one during his Great British Swim challenge).
Uber-warm, the recycled synthetic lambswool lining includes long fleece fibres designed to draw water away from the body, and it certainly kept our testers from becoming cold in damp kit. 'It’s like being cocooned in a giant fleecy shelter,' said one tester. There’s ample changing space, two-way, reversible YKK zips, an internal waterproof chest pocket, fleecy zip hand warmer pockets and an internal poacher’s pocket. The robe is made from 100% recycled fabrics, and the DWR coating is PFC-free. This isn’t a robe for packing light, but otherwise, it ticks every box – for swimming, sports, spectating and beyond.
Red Women's Long Sleeve Waterproof Dry Changing Robe Alter Evo
Pros
- Super cosy while remaining lightweight
- Roomy cut and stretch panels make changing easy
Cons
- Cotton towel lining
| Sizes | best Olympic-distance triathlons in the UK |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Fur-Style Sherpa Fleece (inner), Recycled Polyester (outer) |
If bulky robes turn you off, this one from watersports specialist, Red, is for you. Made from soft-drape recycled fabric with recycled lining, it feels lighter than most (almost blowing away when one tester took a windy dip outdoors!), yet its snuggly-soft, thick-pile Sherpa fleece and waterproof outer offer substantial warmth and wind protection.
The considered features impressed us, too: a zipped waterproof outer chest pocket, magnet-close fleece outer pockets (because zips feel cold against cold skin), wind baffle, furry toggled hood, adjustable cuffs, side stretch panels for easy changing, taped seams and one of the softest linings we encountered. There's even an interior hot water bottle pocket that doubles as a handy place to stash your underwear — so no hopping around looking for it once you're out the water.
It was a pleasure to wear this robe for a myriad of activities, including hockey coaching, boot camp, and a swim in zero temperatures. We suggest towel-drying before wearing it, but otherwise, thumbs-up all around. We didn’t want to take ours off.
Want to save a few pennies? The older (but still excellent) version of this robe is discounted and still available in a few sizes. Shop the women's here and the men's here.
Pros
- Lightweight, low-bulk and fast-drying
- Thick, absorbent pile
Cons
- Size up if you're going to be changing under it
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Fleece (inner), Nylon (outer) |
Possibly the most versatile robe on this list, Delta Roam's plush offering doubles as a stylish winter coat, ideal for dog walks and coastal strolls as well as beach to brunch. Being waterproof and windproof it adapts to any and all conditions, all while looking the part.
One of our more extreme tests for this robe included donning it after swimming in a frozen lake in January and we were amazed at how quickly we warmed up. The lining is thick, cosy and absorbent, so you don't feel like you're sitting in a puddle during your post-dip coffee, plus the oversized hood has toggles to help trap in heat and protect against wind chill.
Bonus features include tactile two-way zips, adjustable Velcro cuffs and a large hanging loop, plus there are tons of pockets — more than we could reasonably use — including a key stash, valuables compartment, a large open section for easy access to underwear and socks, and fleece-lined hand warmer pockets.
The fit can be a little snug, so size up if you're planning to change under it regularly. Available in five colours.
Pros
- Plenty of pockets
- Reflective aluminium thermal layer
Cons
- An investment
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Sherpa fleece (inner), Polyamide (recycled Polyamide fibres) with Polyurethane membrane (outer) |
As one of the world's leading swimwear brands, we had pretty high expectations when it came to Speedo's Therma Change Robe – and we weren't disappointed. While it might be on the premium side in terms of price, this changing robe exudes quality down to the finest detail.
The outside is made from windproof and waterproof Berghaus Hydroshell fabric, which kept our tester dry during a heavy downpour. You’ve also got a mid-layer of reflective aluminium to maximise heat retention, with a Sherpa fleece lining and large hood providing ultimate warmth.
For easy changing, there’s drop-shoulder sleeves and a large two-way YKK zipper – the latter making things seamless when you're grappling with cold and wet fingers. To top it off, you’ve got no less than four pockets, including a phone-sized internal zip pocket for added security, as well as adjustable cuffs on the sleeves. An investment, yes, but a worthy one.
Red Pursuit Waterproof Lightweight Changing Robe Jacket
Pros
- Zippable side stretch panels
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Cons
- There are cosier options
| Sizes | S – XL (regular and long length) |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Recycled polyester fleece (inner), Recycled polyester, elastane (outer) |
Maybe you want to warm up post-dip but don't want a fleecy robe that announces to everybody on your after-swim coffee stop that you've been swimming? We have the answer.
At first glance, this looks like the sort of smart parka donned by the earliest and most organised of dog walkers. But this super slim changing robe has been designed with athletes in mind, boasting features like a lightweight, packable construction, superior breathability and clever side zips that transform this item from coat to changing cubicle. Confused? Allow us to explain — on each side of the robe is a hidden zip that runs from hem to elbow. Unzip it and you reveal large stretch panels that instantly give you plenty of space to change in. Genius.
The outer shell is waterproof and stretchy, while the interior grid fleece is super soft, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you're warm post-exercise or seeing off chills on the way to your early morning swim. The waist is cinchable too, for a more versatile fit that's a far cry from the bulky, oversized coat fit we've come to expect from changing robes.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design: wear the towelling robe, the waterproof outer shell, or both together
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Probably won't be mistaken for a coat, making it a little less versatile than some others
| Sizes | XS – L |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Polyester |
A more winter-suited option from the Devon-based company above, this is probably the best Dryrobe alternative we’ve tested – importantly, at a slightly more wallet-friendly price.
It’s got that instant premium feel, with a fleecy inner that dries you quickly and then proceeds to keep you toasty warm (vital after a morning dip in the Cornish sea). The outside is waterproof, keeping you dry even in downpours, and it’s got a really handy adjustable hood – a feature we haven’t seen on many other products, but that adds an extra degree of warmth (and keeps your beanie on if it's particularly gusty).
Like the Dryrobe, it has two external fleece-lined zip pockets, and a waterproof zipped internal chest pocket. It’s worth noting that the fit definitely runs true to size. We opted for the L to be on the safer side, and probably could have done with a M. The longer length is perfect for getting changed discreetly, though. Overall, there really is very little to fault here. The bonus? It’s around £30 cheaper than a Dryrobe, too.
Pros
- XS – XL
- Fast-drying lining
Cons
- An investment
| Sizes | S – L |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Three-quarter length |
| Fabric | Polartec (inner), REPREVE recycled polyester (outer) |
Yes, this robe is expensive. But it's made with high tech materials that shed weight and dry in a flash, plus the whole thing packs down into a compact 38cm zipped stuff-sack— making this ideal for triathletes or those who want to travel with their robe.
The fleece lining is made from hydrophobic Polartech, which is lightweight but insulates incredibly well, so you don't have to sacrifice warmth for weight. It also dried super fast, so you can wear the robe multiple times a day without feeling like you're sitting in a wet towel. And for the outer shell you have excellent wind- and waterproofing, and it's treated with water-repellent tech too, just to be safe.
To help keep the robe lightweight the sleeves are a little shorter and they're not cuffed, which does take away some of those cosy points, but aids faster changing (probably more of a priority). Plus there's two-way zips and side splits to help make changing easier, and pockets to stash valuables as well as spare clothing.
Pros
- Very insulated
- Includes pack-away bag
Cons
- On the pricier side
| Sizes | S – XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Post-consumer recycled polyester |
Oozing understated luxury, this waterproof Puffer looks and feels like a high-end coat but offers the warmth, protection and space of a changing robe. Uniquely, it uses a synthetic down fill to trap in heat and includes a recycled honeycomb fleece lining. The cosy quilted toggle-fit hood kept us feeling toasty and cocooned in freezing temperatures, and there was unanimous love for the soft wrist gaiters among our testers. There’s also a draft collar, Velcro cuffs, easy-grab two-way zip and six pockets for squirrelling away valuables.
On the changing front, we could have done with little more arm wriggle space, but otherwise it’s roomy. This isn’t the robe for sitting around in wet kit, but for warmth, wind protection, and a luxurious lightweight feel, it impressed us. It also squashes into the free lightweight reversible pack-away bag, which doubles as a travel pillow (soft side) and change mat (water-repellent side).
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Recycled sherpa fleece lining (inner), Recycled REPREVE polyester ripstop (50D) with a PFC-free water repellent coating (DWR) (outer) |
There’s a lot to love about this changing robe, from the stunning colour options to the large logo on the back, and the fact that it’s made from 85 recycled plastic bottles.
It arrives packed down into a surprisingly small, but very handy reusable bag (or stuff-sack), and the sherpa fleece lining is super cosy.
The recycled polyester outer is water-repellent, but not fully waterproof, there are side slits to make changing easier and adjustable velcro on the cuffs to keep the warm in. Additional points are awarded for lined pockets which keep valuables safe and hands toasty.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Stretchy side panels aid easy changing
Cons
- S – XL
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Recycled Heat-Tech Fleece (inner), Polyester (outer) |
With its streamlined aesthetic, you’ll look every inch the pro wearing this sleek changing robe from triathlon brand Zone3. Featuring a 100% recycled outer shell and inner fleece, it’s one of the lightest and most comfortable robes we reviewed. It also has one of the softest fleece linings: moisture-wicking Heat-Tech thermal fleece, which feels incredible against bare skin (tester tip: towel-dry first). The stretch side panels allow easy manoeuvrability (helpful when wrestling with a wetsuit), while the shin-length design, breathable outer shell and neck guard lend protection from the elements.
Although not fully waterproof, it kept us dry during January showers. Stash your energy gels in one of two phone-sized zipped pockets (internal and external) while your hands stay toasty in the fleecy outer ones. Our one gripe is the draughty wrist cuffs – we couldn’t adjust them tight enough.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- On the pricier side
Cons
- Just the two (unzipped) pockets
| Sizes | S/M – L/XL |
|---|---|
| Sleeve | Long |
| Fabric | Fleece (inner), Recycled polyamide (outer) |
For days when a heavyweight robe would be overkill, there’s the Tego from surf brand Finisterre. This lightweight, streamlined robe has no bulk to it and is easy to pack down for races and adventures overseas. The sleek, shin-length design includes a thin yet warm honeycomb fleece lining (ideal for milder temperatures), an adjustable hood and a water-resistant outer for protection from the elements. The fit is roomy but not tent-like, the cuffs adjust super tight, and the reversible zip allows you to unzip from inside the robe during changing. Pockets-wise, there are two fleece-lined external ones, although these are non-zip, so stash your valuables elsewhere.
Finisterre takes sustainability seriously: the Tego is made from a recycled nylon outer material and 100% recycled fleece inner. It uses fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellents), and it arrived in a water-soluble, ocean-safe, biodegradable bag designed to break down into non-toxic biomass.
Pros
- Cotton towel lining
- Very roomy
Cons
- There are warmer options
| Sizes | Unisex - one size |
|---|---|
| Sleeves | Long |
| Fabric | Cotton (inner), Polyurethane, polyester (outer) |
Sometimes, a thick, fleecy changing robe can be overkill. This is a great value robe from Decathlon that’s tailored to those milder days in and out of the sea – 'a sort of hybrid between a quick-dry microfibre robe and a traditional changing robe,' described our tester. The inner is lined with cotton – a soft, towel-like texture – to dry you as you come out the water. It’s very absorbent, but it's not as insulating as fleece-lined robes we've tested when it comes to warmth. Pocket wise, though, there’s two front pockets and one zipped chest pocket for your keys or credit card.
And on the changing front, it’s excellent – the one-size-fits-all design means there’s ample room in the sleeves and body to get in and out of a wetsuit discreetly. If you're on the smaller side, it might be slightly too spacious, On the bulkier side.
What is a changing robe?
Weather-proof on the outside, roomy on the inside and usually featuring a warm, fleecy lining, the changing robe emerged more than a decade ago to keep surfers warm and sheltered from the elements while they changed out of their swimsuits and wetsuits. Intentionally oversized, their spacious design creates a portable changing room for the wearer, allowing them to slip their arms out of the robe sleeves and discreetly remove wet kit from within it – all while staying cosy and protected from the wind and rain.
Jump to Products wild swimming put the changing robe on the mainstream radar, and since then, they’ve become a mainstay of the outdoor enthusiast thanks to their brilliant versatility. Post-swim cosiness? Tick. Race changing station? Tick. Marshalling in a hailstorm? Pre-training warmth? Side-line spectating? Tick, tick, tick. Bung one in your boot, and you’re good to go.
What is the best changing robe?
Runner’s World voted the Gill Aqua Parka as the best changing robe for those who want a traditional design. It’s impressively waterproof, spacious and stretchy, with a warm fleecy lining and plenty of pockets.
How we test Decathlon's Olaian Adult Surf Poncho. It's sort of hybrid between a quick-dry microfibre robe and a traditional changing robe, with the inner lined with cotton – a soft, towel-like texture – to dry you as you come out the water.
More cold water gear
- The best wetsuits for open water swimming and triathlon
- 13 rash vests and wetsuit tops for surfing, SUP and more
