Your Ultimate Guide to Changing Robes

The Regatta Changing Robe is designed for real family life: quick to throw on, easy to move about in, and exceptionally comfy!

What is a Changing Robe?

A changing robe is a loose-fitting, longline garment designed to help you get changed outdoors with privacy and ease.

The idea is simple: pull it on over your wet or muddy kit, and you've got the warmth, coverage, and wriggle room to get changed underneath. Which means, no juggling towels or hunting for a hidden corner of the car park!

Families love them because:

• They’re easy to pack and throw on after outdoor adventures like swims or hikes
• They work for all kinds of weather, including rainy days
• They make outdoor activities run a little easier.

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

 

 

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.

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 robe to date, and they’re still one of our most-loved pieces for getting outdoors. That almost tells the story for us!

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, whereas others are built tough with a waterproof outer and a thick thermal lining. So how do you know which one’s right for your next outdoor adventure? That’s what Avenue 85 is 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

If this sounds like your kind of robe, one of our favourites to check out is the 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 Robe

For those chillier, windier, and wetter days, a waterproof changing robe is the one to reach for. A waterproof outer shell keeps the elements out, while the warm inner lining (usually fleece or towelling) helps you dry off and warm up 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

dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe is one of the best on the market in this category, with its high-spec waterproof rating and unique super-warm fleece lining. If you've ever stood in a car park trying to peel off a wetsuit in the wind and rain, you'll understand exactly why dryrobe has the reputation it does.

How Do You Use a Changing Robe?

There are two main ways people tend to use their changing robe:

Getting Changed

Ultimately, this is what changing robes were made for. 

You pop it on over your swimwear, walking gear, or wet clothes, and get changed underneath; with no juggling towels or awkward shimmy behind the car door. 

The oversized, roomy cut gives you plenty of space to wriggle, stretch, and swap, and the warm lining gets to work drying you off while you do it. What's not to love?

Wearing It as a Warm Outer Layer

Some people also use it as an extra layer you can wear for the drive home, a walk back to the tent, or while packing up after a swim. 

You could even wear it for dog walks and/or the school run, zipped up over your everyday clothes so splashes and rain showers are no bother at all.

Which brings us neatly to two of the questions we get asked a lot...

 

Can You Wear a Changing Robe as a Coat?

Yes, absolutely, and plenty of people do.

A waterproof changing robe with a good outer shell and a warm lining works as a perfectly capable outdoor layer for all sorts of occasions. School runs, beach walks, festivals, camping mornings; if it's cold, damp, or blustery, your changing robe is ready for it.

However, it is worth noting that it’s not going to be quite the right layer for everything, as the natural roomy sizing and long length need to be taken into consideration. For example, if you were hiking, you'd want to stick with your usual waterproof jacket for the walk itself.

 

Do You Need to Dry Off Before Putting on a Changing Robe?

Not fully, no. You can pull your changing robe straight on over wet kit, and the warm inner lining will start absorbing moisture and warming you up straight away.

That said, a changing robe isn't a direct swap for a towel. If you want to be properly dry before getting dressed, a quick towel off first is still the way to go. What the changing robe gives you is the privacy and warmth to do exactly that, without standing around in the cold or wrestling with a towel in the wind.

So think of it as the two working together rather than one replacing the other.

A selection of our best kids changing robes from brands like Regatta, dryrobe, and Snuggaroo

 

What Features Should You Look for in 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, as 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 as we’re always happy to help.

Waterproofing

If you're buying a changing robe for anything beyond warm, dry summer days, waterproofing is well worth prioritising. 

So how waterproof do you need to go? Well, for most activities, a rating between 3,000 - 10,000mm is enough. But for cold water swimmers and serious watersports enthusiasts, you may want to go for a higher spec. If so, we’d recommend the dryrobe Advance as your changing robe of choice.

Keen to read a bit more about how waterproof ratings work? Check out our guide on waterproof vs water resistant.

 

Lining

The lining affects both warmth and how quickly you dry off. The main options are:

• Fleece-lined: Warm, soft, and insulating. The go-to for thermal changing robes aimed at cold water swimmers and winter outdoor use
• Towelling-lined: More absorbent, so ideal when drying off quickly is the priority

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

Fastenings

Most changing robes zip all the way up, but you do find some, like the Saltrock robe we referred to earlier, that pull on over your head like a poncho.

• 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 keeps your head warm, helps dry wet hair, and blocks out the wind when you’re standing around outdoors
• Deep pockets are handy for cold hands, car keys, goggles, etc. Some also come with internal or zip pockets for keeping valuables dry and safe while you change

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 and well-priced. These best-selling 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 unique 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.

For a full side-by-side breakdown across all brands and categories, our dedicated comparison guide is the place to go.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Changing Robe (for You or the Kids)

Here are a few quick questions to help you get the best fit and design:

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 for activities like daily dog walks, wet school runs, muddy car parks after kids sports matches… 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, as we’ll be more than happy to help you pick one that suits your plans, your weather, and your people.

A selection of men and women's changing robes available at Avenue 85. We've got fantastic brands like Regatta, dryrobe, Saltrock, Red, and more!

 

 

How Do You Look After a Changing Robe?

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

1. Check the care label: Some robes can go in the washing machine, but others may 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.

2. Storing between seasons: If your changing robe is going into storage for a while, make sure it's clean and completely dry before you pack it away.

Key Takeaways:

• A changing robe is a loose, longline garment designed to help you get changed outdoors with warmth, privacy, and ease
• They're loved by cold water swimmers, surfers, hikers, dog walkers, and families who spend time outdoors
• Waterproof changing robes are ideal for colder, windier conditions; towelling styles suit warmer days and summer swims
• Key features to look for include: waterproofing, lining type, zip quality, pockets, hood, and fit
• You can shop changing robes from top outdoor brands like Regatta, dryrobe, Bleubird, Saltrock, Red, and many more at Avenue 85

Find Your Perfect Changing Robe at Avenue 85

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, the differences between styles, and how to find one that fits your kind of family adventures. Whether you're heading to the coast, the Peak District, a beach campsite in Wales, or just the local park on a drizzly Sunday, there's a changing robe in our range with your name on it!

 

 

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!