Which Changing Robe Do You Need? Sea Swimming, Camping & Family Use

If there's one thing that keeps appearing on outdoor lovers' wishlists, it's a changing robe. 

And the summer season in particular brings with it a whole host of reasons to want one: sea swimming at the coast, weekends on the campsite, long days out with the family. However you love spending your time outdoors, a changing robe will be a worthy addition to your wardrobe!

The question is which one to go for. Different activities call for different features, and getting it right from the start means you'll get far more use out of it. So we're here to help, with this guide where we'll cover the best options for sea swimming, camping, and family use, plus discuss some popular recommendations to help you choose well.

Quick Overview: Which Changing Robe Should You Choose?

Best for:	Changing Robe
Sea swimming	dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe
Camping	Regatta Outdoor Active Adults Waterproof Changing Robe
Children	Regatta Kids Spirit Of Adventure Waterproof Changing Robe

 

 

Best Changing Robe for Sea Swimming

To get a sense of which changing robe would be best for swimming, the first thing to think about is what it will need to do. 

When you’re swimming outdoors in the UK, you’ll either be dressed in your swimsuit or a wetsuit. If it’s somewhere like Anglesey, you’ll probably opt for a wetsuit, because the Irish Sea isn’t quite like the Mediterranean!

And as soon as you both leave the water and stop being as physically active, your body temperature will fall quickly. Being out by the coast means the wind may be a little bit biting too, even during the warmer months of the year. 

So once you’re back on the beach, getting warmed up as quickly as possible should be a priority. Beach towels have usually been the go-to option, but we all know that with towels, you have to multi-task: holding the towel with one hand, while you try to undo your wetsuit with the other and wriggle out of it, without getting sand everywhere and without flashing the whole beach in the process.

Changing robes offer a practical solution to this scenario, combined with more benefits than just being able to dry off.

What is a Changing Robe for Swimming?

A changing robe is an oversized, long-length robe used for warming up and getting changed after a swim. It looks a little bit like a dressing gown, but with the material and (often) weatherproofing of an outdoor coat.

To use one, put it on like a normal coat and zip it up. When you want to get changed underneath, pull your arms into the body of the robe and swap out your clothes as usual. Simple as that!

What are the Main Benefits of a Changing Robe for Swimming?

The two things people love most about their robes are the privacy and the warmth.

1. On the privacy front, you can swap out of your wetsuit on the beach without having to traipse across to the changing rooms. That's especially handy if you're on your own and don't want to leave your stuff unattended, or if you've got small children who'd have to traipse across with you!
2. On the warmth front, it's always a relief knowing you can come out of the cold water and slip into a warm piece of clothing. Even if you're not ready to get changed, you can still pull it on while you relax and catch your breath. The long sleeves and length keep your arms and legs covered too, so the sand becomes less of a bother.

What Features Swimmers Should Look for in a Changing Robe

Sea swimmers have specific needs when it comes to a changing robe. These are the features worth prioritising:

• A windproof outer. Wind is often more of a problem than rain for sea swimmers, and if you're swimming regularly in exposed locations, this is the feature to focus on
• A warm, fast-drying lining. To both help warm you up after being in the water, and to help you stay warm once you're more stationary 
• A two-way zip. This makes getting in and out of the robe much easier, and gives you control over ventilation as you warm up.

 

What are the Best Changing Robes for Swimming?

The first brand that will tend to pop into your head here is dryrobe. 

You’ll almost always spot plenty of these dotted around beaches all over the UK, keeping swimmers and surfers warm after their time in the water. 

There are a couple of reasons why they are the name on the tip of everyone’s tongue when choosing a changing robe for sea swimming:

1. dryrobe is considered to be the original weatherproof changing robe
2. It is high-specced and clearly well thought-out with its features, specifically for supporting those who have been in the water and want to dry off

For example, if we look at the features of the dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe:

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell made from 100% recycled nylon
• Super-warm unique fleece lining made from 100% recycled polyester
• Tailored, fitted sleeves with wrist fasteners
• Finished with BIONIC-FINISH® ECO water-repellent technology

The windproof outer tackles that coastal chill head-on, the fleece lining gets to work warming you up from the moment you pull it on, and the fitted sleeves with wrist fasteners lock in the heat rather than letting it escape at the cuffs. It's a robe built around the specific demands of cold water swimming, and that shows in how it performs.

dryrobe is the market leader for good reason, but there are other well-made options that offer similar performance at a slightly lower price point. Here's how two options from Bleubird and Saltrock rate as alternatives.

Feature	Bleubird Nordic Adults Waterproof Changing Robe	Saltrock Adults Four Seasons Robe Recycled Changing Robe
Waterproofing	Heavy-duty ripstop exterior material with waterproof membrane	Robust 3K waterproof ripstop outer layer
Lining	Super soft sherpa fleece lining	Borg lining, drawing the water off your body
Zip	Two-way zip	Two-way zip
Pockets	External waterproof chest pocket & internal breast pocket	Inner and outer fleece-lined zipped pockets
Sleeves	Long sleeved with velcro adjustable cuffs	Velcro cuffs to adjust the length of the sleeves
Design	Unisex design	Unisex design
RRP	£150	£130

 

All three robes discussed share the core features sea swimmers need: a weatherproof outer, a warm fleece lining, and a two-way zip for easy on and off.

The dryrobe is the premium choice if budget isn't a concern, but if you're looking for strong performance at a slightly lower price, the Bleubird and Saltrock both deliver.

 

Best Camping Changing Robes

For camping, a changing robe is more about general wear and comfort than providing instant warmth between temperatures. 

You’ll likely be wearing it at various parts of the day, and so it needs to be versatile and super easy to take on and off.

For example:

• You might wear it as you walk between the tent and toilet blocks, as a substitute for a coat and just to keep you covered
• You might use it to change out of your outdoor walking clothes to your comfies as you settle in for the evening, which gives you options especially if your tent is on the small side and not made to move around in
• If you’re camping by the beach and want to head down for a walk or to watch the sunset, it’s also really handy to pull on as an outer layer

 

What Features Campers Should Look for in a Changing Robe

Because you're wearing it in more varied situations, the priorities shift slightly from what a sea swimmer would look for.

These are the features to focus on:

• A waterproof outer. Campsites tend to be exposed, and the weather can change quickly. A waterproof-rated outer is a step up from water-resistant, and for regular camping use, that upgrade is worth having
• A warm lining. You need something warm across a wide range of temperatures that you'll likely experience when camping 
• Pockets. On a campsite, having pockets to carry your phone, purse etc around in is a big advantage, especially if you’re wearing it walking between communal areas

What are the Best Changing Robes for Camping?

The Regatta Outdoor Active Adults Waterproof Changing Robe is a great all-rounder for campsite life.

The Hydrafort waterproof outer keeps the rain out, the towelling lining is comfy, and the loose cut gives you plenty of room to layer up or change underneath. It also comes in a huge range of colours, in a unisex design, so it's easy to find one that suits how you like to dress.

Alongside Regatta changing robes, you've got many more fantastic choices from brands like Snuggaroo and Trespass.

Feature	Snuggaroo Waterproof Hooded Changing Robe	Trespass Havelock Waterproof Changing Robe
Waterproofing	Waterproof outer fabric	Tres-Tex® waterproof and windproof outer shell with taped seams
Lining	Sherpa fleece lining	Warm fleece lining
Pockets	External pockets and one internal pocket	Two exterior zipped pockets and one interior zipped security pocket
Design	Unisex design	Unisex design
RRP	£90	£120

 

Both have those features we mentioned earlier, so either would be a great choice as a camping changing robe. Sometimes, it simply comes down to the design you like the best!

 

 

Best Changing Robe for Families

As well as after a swim or during a camping trip, a changing robe can come in really handy for children and family life in all sorts of situations:

• Before and after sports matches when they need to get in and out of their kit
• When they've been playing outdoors and it's time to head home
• To wear during dog walks or after hikes
• For the walk to or from school on a cold winter's day

If you're after a changing robe for general family use, any of the robes in the sea swimming or camping sections above will serve you well for adults.

Then when it comes to the kids, there are some great options made specifically with them in mind.

 

What to Look for in a Kids Changing Robe

Kids' changing robes need to work across a lot of different situations, so it's worth knowing what to prioritise before you buy.

• Weather protection. A waterproof outer with windproofing keeps children warm and dry in the kind of exposed, breezy spots where you tend to end up after a swim or a long walk
• Easy fastenings. A chunky two-way zip with a large pull tab makes getting in and out of the robe much easier, both for little hands and for parents in a hurry
• Roomy fit with enough length. A generous cut gives children room to get changed underneath, and means the robe will see them through a couple of seasons before they grow out of it
• Warm lining. To provide that comfort after they've been in the cold sea or after a wet weather playtime
  

 

What is the Best Kids Changing Robe?

The Regatta Kids Spirit Of Adventure Waterproof Changing Robe is an easy, great-value option for many families.

It ticks all the boxes with the features listed above, and it comes in lots of colour options for kids to pick from. The size ranges from 3 years up to 13 years old, so toddlers through to teenagers are sorted.

For those who love a bit of personality in their kit, another choice from the Regatta range would be the Regatta Kids Orla Kiely Changing Robe. It brings the same Hydrafort waterproof protection and Borg fleece lining, but with the bold, distinctive prints that Orla Kiely is known for.

Then you've got the dryrobe Kids Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe, which, similar to the adults version, is great if you've got any keen young swimmers in your family. It does come in at a slightly higher price point due to its higher performance-driven specs, so those looking for a more budget-friendly option may wish to stick to Regatta.

	Regatta Kids Spirit of Adventure	Regatta Kids Orla Kiely	dryrobe Kids Advance
Best for	Everyday family use	Kids who love patterned clothing	Keen young swimmers or surfers
Waterproofing	Regatta's Hydrafort tech	Regatta's Hydrafort tech	25,000mm extreme waterproofing
Windproofing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lining	Borg fleece	Borg fleece	Full fleece inc. hood
Pockets	2 lower pockets + 1 internal	2 zipped + 1 internal	Fleece-lined external + 2 internal
Recycled materials	No	Yes	Yes (GRS Certified)
RRP	£80	£90	£145

FAQ about Choosing a Changing Robe

Before we finish up, here are a few quick answers to commonly asked questions our customers have about their changing robe.

Do I need a different changing robe for different activities?

Not necessarily, as most waterproof changing robes will cover more than one scenario reasonably well. 

But if you're a regular cold water swimmer, it's worth investing in a robe built specifically for that use, like the dryrobe or Bleubird Nordic, where the windproofing and lining are designed with post-swim warmth in mind.

For general family use, the Regatta range covers most situations and comes in at a great price.

 

How do I pick the correct changing robe size for optimal comfort?

Changing robes are designed to be worn with room to spare, so you can get changed underneath without the robe being too restrictive. 

As a general rule, if you’re between sizes, go up; especially for children. The extra room gives them space to move and means the robe will last longer before they grow out of it.

 

How do you wash a changing robe?

If you’re wearing your changing robe after physical activities like swimming or walking, you might be wondering how best to keep them clean.

As always, the best thing to do is double check the care label of the robe you choose, just to confirm any specific instructions for that garment. But as a general rule, most brands will advise simply spot-cleaning as much as you can, and then periodically doing a machine wash when really needed. 

A waterproof changing robe will need to be treated similarly to how you would wash your waterproof jacket, as you want to make sure you protect any membrane or tech used in the fabric.

Don't use the tumble dryer; just hang it up to dry naturally.

 

Shop Changing Robes for Swimming, Camping and Families

Changing robes are an outdoor essential, and no matter where your adventures take you, they will certainly be put to good use! 

We hope you've spotted a new favourite within our recommendations here, but we also have a full changing robe collection with plenty more options for the whole family.

 

 

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!