Growing up in coastal Wales, I was all too familiar with the hardship of getting changed under a towel in the freezing cold, still damp and somehow carrying half the beach home with me beneath my clothes. The unwanted sand scrub made the shuffle from shoreline to car rather unpleasant.
So, when changing robes started to become popular, I could 100% see what all the fuss was about. A windproof cocoon you could throw on post-swim made total sense.
But then they migrated and began to infiltrate everyday life. Among the sea of suits and gilets, I started spotting them on the Tube, at the gym and in the park. The Thames, last I checked, was strictly for admiring from afar. So why was everyone dressed for an Arctic dip?
It’s safe to say, if I saw you wearing one on the walk to my local Tesco, I was probably judging you. But that was before I was invited to try out the latest Dryrobe myself. The brand has leaned into its unlikely following of dog walkers and city dwellers with a new dual-purpose design: the Nexus, billed as its “most innovative yet” and (spoiler) I’m a huge fan.
Here’s my verdict.
The Nexus Dryrobe at a glance
Pros
- Quickly warms up outdoor swimmers or cold plungers
- Well-insulated
- Waterproof and tear resistant
Cons
- Vulnerable to judgement if worn in urban settings
- Expensive initial investment
- Not easy to store if you’re limited on space
Key specifications
| Lining | Sherpa fleece |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Pockets | Two external, one internal |
What makes the Nexus different to the original Dryrobe?
“But isn’t it just a changing robe?” said my colleague, peering over at my screen while I was writing this – which, admittedly, is exactly what I thought before doing a bit of research. Yes, it can be used for changing out of sodden swimwear, but the Nexus has been designed with everyday wear (so British rain, wind and freezing cold) in mind.
It’s made from durable, water-repellent material that causes moisture to bounce off the surface, making it fully waterproof in both blustery coastal settings and rainy commutes and dog walks. The tapered sleeves further reduce the chance of water creeping in.
When it comes to style, the brand has slightly dialled down the obviously “walking towel” elements, opting instead for a slightly more tailored silhouette that blends almost seamlessly into a sea of puffer jackets. The branding is also more subtle, so it won’t stand out in urban environments.
For those who want to use it like a changing robe, it still delivers the array of practical features you’d expect from Dryrobe. This includes these brilliant internal reach-through pockets, which allow easy access to mid-layers or a wet cossie underneath, without you having to expose your bare derrière to the beach.
My final verdict on the Nexus Dryrobe
I underestimated the potential of a Dryrobe, pigeonholing it as something solely for the beach. But on a recent trip to my community sauna, I was extremely grateful for it after an icy cold plunge.
It’s extremely warm, and I can see why many have decided to add it to their city armour, especially on, shall we say, ‘fresher’ days. As someone who spends most of their time in the city but also a considerable amount of time on the coast back home-home, I feel I’m in a unique position to enjoy the best of both worlds with the new Nexus Dryrobe.
Regular sauna-goers or lido frequenters will also appreciate the dual benefits of its practical-yet-wearable design. Don’t feel obliged to participate in any water-based activity, though, as this fleece lined jacket is comfortable for all wearers.
When I wore it to the office, my colleague Ella, said she was jealous of how cosy it looked. ‘It's definitely the least Dryrobe-y looking Dryrobe,” was her verdict. The honest truth is, there's still a style compromise there, but it's less of one – it's basically a generous duvet-style coat.
I’m definitely drawn to the slightly more subtle black design, but there’s also a camo and orange fleece-lined colourway for those bold enough to bat off potential side-eyes. Like all the brand’s robes, it is oversized, which makes it less than ideal for storing in my teeny London flat. However, I’m very much looking forward to taking it home to Wales during the summer and swagging it out alongside the smug surfers and swimmers.
We’ve also tested the best changing robes at the Good Housekeeping Institute – these are our panel’s top picks:
Score: 95/100
Score: 90/100
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
