Changing Robes: The benefits of a change robe & review. Press samples provided.
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to get warm and dry after being in the freezing cold sea, struggling to get changed without flashing everyone around you, then you need to get yourself a changing robe.
Changing robes are wind and waterproof oversized coats that allow you to get warm, while having the room inside to change out of your wet swimming gear and into dry clothes. Perfect for open water swimmers, surfers, or even just to wear on a wet and windy day to take the dog for a walk.
This post will walk through the benefits of changing robes as well as reviewing the Regatta adult and child options available.
What is a changing robe?
Dry robes or changing robes are essentially oversized coats that allow you to bring your arms inside the main body to be able to get changed discreetly.
Designed to allow swimmers or surfers (or any other water-based activity) to be able to come out of the water and surround themselves with something warm, whilst also being wind and waterproof.
When would I need a changing robe?
Although they started off as being for surfers (the first design being put together by the mother of a surfer who hated getting changed in the cold), they have now been adopted by so many people for so many reasons.
If you find yourself out in the elements frequently, whether that be for the school run, dog walking, cheering your child on from the sidelines, open water swimming, paddle boarding or something else, a waterproof changing robe will keep you warm.
And of course, if your activity involves getting yourself changed then the oversized nature of the changing robe allows you to do that discreetly and comfortably.
Benefits of a changing robe
Privacy. We aren’t all comfortable getting undressed in public and trying to wrangle wet clothing and balance a towel at the same time can be tricky. If there aren’t any changing facilities then having a changing robe takes away that issue. With large long sleeves and a spacious body, you can bring your arms inside to change out of your wet clothes into a dry outfit.
Warm. Changing robes have a warm inner liner which help keep you warm and toasty while you are outside. So whether you are warming up after outdoor swimming or trying to stay warm while walking the dog, the fluffy lining will do the job.
Weatherproof. There aren’t many coats that are truly weatherproof, but changing robes are specifically designed to be 100% waterproof and wind proof. This all helps to protect you from the elements while you are outside enjoying nature.
Versatile. You may buy a changing robe for one purpose, but end up using it for various activities. A portable changing room, a warm coat for a cold day, a waterproof coat for those days when it pours down. Whatever you need, it has you covered.
Changing robes by Regatta
One of the best changing robe options comes from Regatta, the experts in the great outdoors. They offer different sizes – an adult version in S/M and L/XL as well as a child’s option in ages 5-9 or 9-13.
Their size guide doesn’t specifically cover oversized coats but from our experience if you are a small or medium in usual clothes then go for a S/M. And equally, if you are usually a size large or extra large then go for a L/XL. The oversized nature means they aren’t meant to be a perfect fit but instead have plenty of room to change in.
The children’s options work in the same way – go for your child’s usual sizing according to age bracket and the coat will allow for growing room as well as the space to get changed after their outdoor adventures.
Features we love:
Pockets. The changing robe has outer pockets on both sides as well as an inner pocket with a zip – perfect for keeping small items safe.
Waterproof outer shell. Using a high quality Hydrafort 5000 fabric, the changing robe will protect you from the elements.
Fleece lining. Made using a soft Borg fleece it will keep you warm and comfortable on those colder days.
Two-way zip. The front zip has the ability to zip up from the bottom as well as down from the top. With a longer length to the coat, being able to zip up from the bottom allows you to sit comfortably as well as being able to manoeuvre easily while getting changed.
Adjustable cuffs. The Velcro straps on the cuffs allow you to adjust to suit different sizes and prevent any heat from escaping.
Variety of colours. Regatta have changing robes in various colour ways, including a camo print with shocking pink lining.
Final thoughts
During the colder months with poor weather, having a fully weatherproof coat is a must. Regatta have created the ultimate changing robe by combining weather protection with room to get changed, a super soft lining and colour-ways that will turn heads.
We aren’t particularly water sports enthusiasts, but we love a trip to the beach and always struggle to get the kids changed – not to mention the fact they always say they are freezing after about 5 minutes.
Having changing robes to hand means they can sit in their swimming things and warm up for a bit, before heading back into the water for more fun. And when they’ve had enough, they are able to get dressed into dry clothes without worrying about being seen.
And when we’ve not been wearing them at the beach, the rain we’ve had this year has already meant they’ve come in handy for dog walks and standing on the sidelines cheering on the kids during football matches.
Discover more at Regatta.com