Your Ultimate Guide to Changing Robes

The Regatta Outdoor Active Adults Waterproof Changing Robe is designed for real family life — quick to throw on, easy to move in, and exceptionally comfy!

What is a Changing Robe?

A changing robe is a loose-fitting garment designed to help you get changed outdoors.

The idea is simple: it gives you the wriggle room and privacy to switch out of wet or muddy clothing while keeping you warm and covered — without juggling towels or finding somewhere hidden. 

Think of it as a wearable towel, coat, and portable changing room in one.

Families love them because:

• They’re easy to pack and throw on
• They work for all kinds of weather
• They make outdoor activities run a little easier!

 

What Are Changing Robes Used For?

These robes started out as a favourite among swimmers and surfers, but they’ve quickly become useful far beyond the beach.

So you’ll also see them being worn:

• After paddleboarding or kayaking, when you need something warm while you sort the equipment
• On campsites - especially with young children or a pitch that ended up a long way away from the changing block! 
• At the side of kids’ sports matches, so they can quickly swap into warm and dry clothes afterwards
• On dog walks or hikes, where you might get rained on or work up a sweat
• At festivals or outdoor events, when you just want an easy layer to throw on.

But just why are they so helpful? Well, for us, we’ve found they have three fantastic uses:

1. Getting changed outdoors with privacy and ease (aka not doing the towel dance!)
2. Drying off quickly after enjoying water sports or getting caught in wet weather
3. Staying warm when the temperature drops but you’re not quite ready to head home.

We've sold over 100,000 of the Regatta changing robes to date — and they’re still one of our most-loved pieces for getting outdoors.

Are they like ponchos? 

Do they need to be waterproof? 

How long should they be?

All questions our lovely customer service team have heard — and all completely valid!

So in the next few sections, we’ll walk through the different types, the features worth knowing about, and the best way to wear yours.

 

Types of Changing Robes: What’s the Difference?

We’ve mentioned the Regatta changing robe, and you’ve probably heard of dryrobe too, but changing robes now come in all sorts of shapes, fabrics, and features depending on what you’re after.

Some are lightweight and towel-soft. Others are waterproof and have a thick inner fleece lining. So how do you know which one’s right for your next outdoor adventure? That’s what we’re here to help with!

Towel Changing Robes

These are the classic towelling styles. Soft, absorbent, and ideal for warm-weather days when getting dry quickly is your main goal.

You might have used something similar on the kids after bath time… and now you’ve got the outdoor-ready version too!

Best for:

• Summer beach trips
• Indoor pools and swimming lessons
• Quick changes when the weather’s warm

One of our favourites to check out: Saltrock Adults Corp Hooded Changing Towel

Fast-drying and soft, this Saltrock changing robe is a summer staple. Just enough coverage to get changed comfortably, with a pullover style you’ll love having ready to go.

 

Waterproof Changing Robes

If you’ve ever stood in a car park trying to peel off a wetsuit in the wind,  this one’s for you.

Waterproof changing robes are designed for those chillier, windier, or wetter days. They’ve got a water-resistant or waterproof outer shell and a warm lining (usually fleece or towelling) to help you dry off and stay warm at the same time.

Best for:

• Open-water swims in colder seasons
• Watching pitch-side on rainy Saturday mornings
• Warming up after paddleboarding or kayaking
• Throwing on at the campsite before breakfast

One of our favourites to check out: dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe

This dryrobe is warm, weatherproof, and roomy enough to change in, with a full length zip and super-warm unique fleece lining.

 

How to Use a Changing Robe

Before we get into all the finer details, let’s quickly look at how to wear a changing robe, because there are two main ways people tend to use them.

Getting Changed

Ultimately, this is what changing robes were made for. 

You pop it on over your swimwear, gym kit, or wet clothes, and get changed underneath — no juggling towels, no awkward shimmy behind the car door. 

Wearing It as a Warm Layer

However, some people don’t use it to get changed at all. They just throw it on as an extra layer you can wear for the drive home, a walk back to the tent, or while packing up after a swim. 

Some also love wearing their robe for dog walks, as you can zip them up over your everyday clothes and not have to worry about splashes or looming rain clouds.

 

Features of a Changing Robe

So, we’ve talked through the two main types (towel-style and waterproof) and how they’re used in real life.

Now it’s time to take a closer look at the features that make each one work. 

Sizing

Changing robes are meant to be roomy. That extra space is what gives you the freedom to wriggle, stretch, bend, and swap out of wet kit.

That said, too much room and it might feel like you’ve been swallowed by a tent. Too little, and you lose the whole point of having space to change underneath!

To help guide you, we’ve included a size chart on each product page, and it tends to look something like the below:

But if you’re ever unsure on how to get the right size, please feel free to get in touch. Our team is full of people who’ve used all types of changing robes, so we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.

Lining

The inside lining affects both warmth and how quickly you dry off, and you’ll usually see two types of material:

• Fleece-lined robes feel warm, soft, and insulating, so tend to be ideal for colder conditions or lingering outside after a swim.
• Towelling-lined robes are more absorbent, so they’re useful when your priority is drying off fast.

You’ll find both options in our range, so it really comes down to how and when you plan to use it.

Fastenings

Some robes pull on over your head like a poncho. Others zip all the way up. Both are great — it just depends on what feels easier for you.

• Poncho robes are quick to throw on and good for fast changes. They tend to be lighter and more compact.
• Zip robes offer more coverage and tend to feel more secure once you’re inside, particularly useful in cold or windy weather.
  

 

Pockets and Hoods

Finally, it’s the little things that make a changing robe extra useful.

For example:

• A good hood can make all the difference after a swim or walk. It keeps your head warm, helps dry wet hair, and blocks out the wind when you’re standing around outdoors.
• Deep pockets are brilliant for cold hands, car keys, goggles, etc. Some also come with internal or zip pockets for keeping valuables dry and safe while you change.

 

What a Great Changing Robe Looks Like in Real Life

By now, you’ve seen how changing robes work and what features to look for — but what does that actually look like when you’re stood in the car park, damp and windswept, trying to sort out the kids and yourself at the same time?

Let’s walk through one of our go-to favourites: Regatta Outdoor Active Adults Waterproof Changing Robe, and show how it really earns its place in your boot, kit bag, or hallway hook.

At first glance, you’ll see the features listed as:

• Hydrafort, waterproof outer fabric
• Full zip closure
• Versatile loose fit for changing on the move
• Towelled lining
• Two front pockets

But it’s how those features come together in the moment that really makes a difference.

After a swim, a surf, or just being out near the water, the next step is usually a bit of a shuffle — trying to get dry, dressed, and warm again without dragging half the beach into your clothes.

A changing robe takes care of that.

No need to wrestle it over your head, especially when your arms are still damp or full of kit; as the full-length zip makes it easy to get on quickly. 

Inside, the towelling lining starts drying you off straight away. The Hydrafort waterproof outer blocks out the wind and keeps you warm while you do it, so you’re not rushing, and you’re not standing around getting cold.

Once it’s on, you’ve got the space to get changed properly underneath. No balancing acts. No hoping a towel will stay up. There’s enough room to pull off wet swimwear, get dry, and pull on your warm clothes - with two roomy pockets to stash your phone, keys, or goggles while you change.

So, all-in-all, it’s something that simply makes everything feel much more doable.

 

Worn by families, loved by families. Regatta changing robes bring the big smiles!

 

Which is the Best Changing Robe?

You’ve probably guessed we’re big fans of the Regatta changing robe, but when it comes to choosing the best changing robe, it really depends on who’s wearing it, where you’ll be using it, and what you need it to do.

That’s why we stock a mix of brands, styles, and sizes, so you can find the one that fits your kind of outdoor life.

For example:

• Regatta: Reliable, well-priced, and made for real-life adventures. These robes are waterproof, fleece or towel-lined, and come in adult and kids’ sizes
• dryrobe: A favourite among open-water swimmers and anyone braving the elements. The fleece lining is a particular highlight of their designs.
• Saltrock: They offer a mix of pullover towelling robes and waterproof zip-up styles, which makes them a really versatile option for families.

Which then leads us onto…

How to Choose the Right One (for You or the Kids)

Here are a few quick questions to help you figure it out:

1. What’s the weather (probably going to be) like when you’ll be using it?
   For summer beach days and swimming lessons, a towelling robe might be all you need. If you’re out in the wind, rain, or chillier months, go for a waterproof changing robe with a warm lining.
2. Will it be used year-round, or just seasonally?
   Some people end up using their robe more than they thought — dog walks, wet school runs, muddy car parks… If that sounds like you, it might be worth choosing something waterproof and hard-wearing from the start.
3. Are you buying for a growing kid?
   Go a little bigger! It gives them room to move, layer up underneath, and grow into it (and saves you buying another one next season).
   

Still not sure? Drop us a message or give us a ring — we’ll help you pick one that suits your plans, your weather, and your people.

Beach days need Regatta changing robes!

 

How to Look After Your Changing Robe

Finally, before we wrap up (no pun intended!), we wanted to finish with a few care tips for your new changing robe.

1. Dry it out properly: If your robe’s wet after use, hang it up to dry as soon as you can. Fleece-lined robes can take a while to air out, especially if they’ve been stuffed in a bag or boot. Peg it on the line, hang it inside-out over a rail, or use a clothes horse.

2. Check the care label: Some robes can go in the washing machine. Others need a gentler approach. Always check the label before you do a full wash, especially if the robe has waterproofing or a specific lining. If you’re machine-washing a waterproof robe, use a cool wash and steer clear of fabric softener, which can break down the water-resistant coating.

3. Storing between seasons: If you’re not using your robe for a while, make sure it’s clean and completely dry before you store it somewhere cool and dry.

Ready to Find Yours?

Changing robes have come a long way from their surf-side beginnings, and they’ve become something a lot of families now count on for everyday outdoor life.

We hope this guide has made things a little clearer: what to look for, what the differences are, and how to find one that fits into your kind of day out.

So if you’re ready to have one on standby, take a look at our full range of changing robes.  We’ve got trusted brands, plenty of choice for all ages, and all the info you need — so you can feel good about picking the one that fits right into your kind of outdoor life.

 

About the Author

A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!