14 best changing robes to buy in 2026, tested by wild swimmers and walkers

Score: 94/100

If you’re still adamant about going for a dip, or need something for the dog walk in cold, wet conditions, this highly waterproof robe with sherpa fleece lining would definitely suit. It has a 15,000mm waterproof rating, which means the fabric can withstand the pressure of 15 metres of rain before letting anything through. Our panellists raved about it, saying rain beaded off the jacket and kept them dry, while staying warm and toasty inside.

It has a peaked hood, roll-down cuffs and a ventilated hem, which went down well with our testers, and the thoughtful design was one reason it narrowly beat Dryrobe and ORCA below. “It’s been designed by someone who knows what changing robe users need,” said one tester.

It has an oversized fit, which did mean some people found it a little too bulky. We recommend saving it for colder weather for this reason. That said, it was spacious enough to change underneath, and not too oversized for wearing on daily dog walks. “The fit is flattering, but there’s still enough room to get changed inside it,” one of our swimmers said.

Available in nine colours, other thoughtful touches include dedicated pockets for your phone and a zipped hot water bottle pocket inside, which our testers appreciated on cold days.

Score: 93/100

Excellent weatherproofing capabilities? Check. Warm, cosy inner lining? Yep. Adjustable hood and zipped pockets? You bet. This Orca robe was a big hit with our testers, with one saying, “I’d highly recommend it, it’s a great investment,” and another telling us it was better than any changing robe they'd tried before.

Performance-wise, it proved extremely windproof and waterproof, with strong seams to keep water at bay, and fast-drying zips. One tester said it kept them bone-dry, even in torrential rain! It also ticked the box in terms of comfort – according to our panel, the fleecy fabric lining the robe, hood and pockets was “buttery soft, absorbent and luxuriously warm”.

The zipped pockets allow you to safely store your valuables and the spacious design means it’s great for getting changed under. A few panellists found it came up rather large, so we recommend sizing down if you’re unsure.

Score: 93/100

Dryrobe is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to changing robes, so we were expecting a lot – thankfully, the Nexus didn’t let us down. The parka-style coat is practical while being stylish enough for everyday wear.

Made with a comfy fleece lining, it kept testers warm and dry after a swim. “The fleece lining warmed me quickly after cold-water activities, while the fabric dried faster than expected after use,” said one cold-water swimmer.

If you like taking a dip whatever the weather, the outer shell comes with a 30,000mm water-resistance level, which is designed to protect you even in torrential rain. It’s also windproof, highly breathable and has a clever reach-through design, which allows you to access clothing underneath without opening the main zip. However, it is bulky, which makes it tricky to transport, according to some of our panellists.

It's pricey too, but it offers lots of value with its high water-resistant rating and clever features, such as the reach-through design.

Score: 92/100

This robe was a big hit with our panellists, thanks to its warm borg lining and considered construction. “It’s very impressive - comfortable, warm and has a quality feel,” said one panellist.

Although it only has a relatively low water-resistant rating, at 2,000mm, it performed well in our testing. “The robe is water- and windproof, as it survived gales and torrential rain while on a North Yorkshire beach,” another panellist told us.

Some testers found the sizing larger than expected, so we recommend sizing down if that’s a concern. However, there was plenty of room to change underneath, while everyone appreciated the internal zip, adjustable hood and two handy side pockets.

Score: 90/100

If you’re fed up with feeling like a soggy mess after getting out of the water, this poncho-style changing robe could be the answer. It’s made from a suede microfibre that the brand claims can absorb up to four times its weight in water, a feature our swimmers appreciated. “The microfibre was stunningly good at its job of drying,” one said.

It has a generous cut too, so there’s lots of room to get changed underneath and the fit was good for most. “It’s true to size, the perfect fit and not too tight so you can change under it,” said one. However, a few said it came up small, so if you’re between sizes, we’d go up one for the best fit. It has a hood and handy pockets, including a large kangaroo pocket at the front, which you can pop your phone and snacks in.

The lightweight design meant it was comfortable for summer; however, some panellists questioned whether it would be warm enough all year round, which is why it’s our fair-weather pick. Available in five colours, including orange and sage, it packs away neatly, allowing you to pop it into your bag after a swim.

Score: 90/100

This Dryrobe was popular with our swimmers, who raved about the quick-drying, absorbent lining and said it successfully protected them from wind and rain. They liked the range of zipped interior and exterior pockets for all their essentials and appreciated the hooks on the zips, which made it easy to open and close the pockets with cold, wet hands.

If warmth is a priority, this dry robe should be on your radar – one tester said the dry coat felt like “a massive fleecy hug around me” and another said they would “100% recommend it to friends”. The generous design also means there’s plenty of room to get changed while wearing it and it boasts reversible two-way zips to make the process even simpler.

There are a range of colours and patterns to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that you like, and it’s machine washable, so you can keep it in tip-top condition. It is on the bulky side and can be a bit of a faff to lug around, but that’s our only gripe.

Score: 87/100

Whether you’re taking a chilly dip, strolling through the park or doing the school run, this bestselling style from D-Robe is a sound choice. Testers loved the parka-esque design, saying it looked more like a roomy coat than a traditional dry robe. “It’s more versatile and can easily be worn as a good daily waterproof coat, not just after being in the water,” commented one panel member.

Thanks to the sturdy fabric, waterproof nylon shell and taped seams, it’s guaranteed to protect you from the elements – one tester said it kept them bone dry even in torrential rain. It has a super-soft fleece inner for warmth, a secure hood and numerous interior and exterior pockets to fit all your essentials. “It was really cosy but didn’t make me feel overheated or sweaty,” said one tester, while another told us: “It’s the best dry robe I've tried.”

A few testers found the two-way zip a little sticky, but that wouldn’t stop them from wearing it again and again. It's the ultimate combination of style and functionality.

Score: 86/100

You’ll definitely stand out in this Regatta robe, which is available in either bright pink and orange or bright green - one tester called the colours ‘fabulous’. It features an ISOTEX 15000 fabric, which has a durable water-repellent finish, while the outer shell is also designed to be windproof.

To keep you warm inside, you’ll find a soft microfleece lining, along with fully taped seams and elasticated cuffs. “The lining felt warm and cosy to touch,” one panellist told us. There were some complaints about the hood, as some testers said it kept falling down, but it is fully adjustable, so make sure you toggle it tight for particularly breezy days.

The fit was spot on for most of our testers. “It was roomy enough to change underneath comfortably without feeling excessively oversized,” said one swimmer. However, it’s quite bulky, so bear in mind if you need something that’s easy to transport.

Score: 84/100

“This robe is a little slice of heaven after a cold swim or breezy walk,” is how one panel member described this versatile Regatta design. It’s packed with thoughtful features, including plenty of storage (there are multiple zipped pockets for your valuables) and taped seams to prevent chilly water from seeping in.

Thanks to the brand’s waterproof and windproof Hydrafort 5000 fabric, it kept testers dry in wet, windy conditions. The thick Borg fleece lining (which feels impossibly soft and snuggly, by the way) kept everyone ultra warm and prevented any post-swim shakes, too.

Everyone loved how roomy it is – it was easy to get changed under discreetly, without any awkward manoeuvring – and the sturdy zips moved smoothly, even with cold, numb fingers. It also comes in an array of colourways and patterns to suit all preferences.

Score: 83/100

There’s lots to love about this mid-length parka from legendary surf brand Animal. Testers rated the oversized design, which gave them plenty of room for quick and easy changing post-swim and they liked the soft fleecy inner, which was quick to dry and helped them warm up quickly.

It’s made of water-resistant fabric and has a drawstring hood and taped seams to keep the wind and rain out and features roomy pockets at the front for stuffing your hands into. Note, they aren’t zipped and there are no interior pockets, so you can’t store your valuables, and the robe is on the heavier side when wet. On the plus side, we found the high-quality design washed extremely well and it was highly breathable.

With shorter arms and a slightly shorter length, it’s a good choice for petite swimmers or for those who want something less heavy duty during the milder months.

Score: 82/100

If you want something less bulky, this poncho-style robe is made from absorbent towelling fabric, which our panellists said kept them consistently warm and dry.

Its lightweight design makes it easy to throw on after a swim, while the cut meant it was practical too. “There was enough room to get changed easily without it being so oversized that it swamped me,” one tester told us. Some would have preferred longer sleeves for extra coverage and warmth, but we’d pick another option on our list if you’re after warmth. It does, however, have generous pockets and an oversized hood.

It won’t keep you dry when there’s a downpour, but most testers said it was perfect post-swim when the sun was out. At under £50, it’s an affordable buy too.

Score: 80/100

While performance is important, we also want a design that will look good, whether we’re on the beach or walking the dog.

This stylish Orla Keily number won our testers over within moments. They loved the vibrant pattern and said they’d happily wear it on a daily basis. “Usually, changing robes are ugly so it was a refreshing change to see a really beautiful design,” said one tester.

Good looks aside, it offers deep zipped pockets for warm hands and valuables, a soft and fluffy inner lining for ultimate comfort and a hood to keep in the heat. Testers said it shielded them from rain and wind, although it’s worth noting that the un-cuffed sleeves are on the shorter side and may not be the warmest. We also would have preferred a range of sizing options as some testers reported it was too tight for larger bodies.

Score: 80/100

After a lightweight changing robe that you can take with you on the go? This featherweight design from Mountain Warehouse should be on your radar. It scored top marks for portability on test, proving a cinch to pack down and shove into a beach bag or rucksack.

It has a water-resistant outer layer, so it will do the job nicely in light rain, but it’s not one to whip out in the depths of winter or in torrential rain. The soft towelling inner helped our testers dry off as they came out of the water, and they said it was great for getting changed under. It’s not the most technical robe out there, but it does include features like an adjustable hood, large front pockets and built-in UV protection.

For a fuss-free, great-value design that will see you through the milder months in comfort and style, this is an excellent choice.