Dryrobes aren’t the only swim robes out there. Here are 10 Dryrobe alternatives to consider for wild swims, watersports and other chilly outdoor adventures
The word ‘Dryrobe’ has almost become synonymous with swim robes in general, but since the Dryrobe brand launched in 2010, a huge number of similar products have entered the market.
While some people might invest in a Dryrobe without considering any alternatives, it’s worth doing a little bit of research to find the best option for you. You may even be able to save some money on a budget-friendly robe.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite Dryrobe alternatives at a range of different price points.
Best Dryrobe alternatives
Gill Aqua Parka Changing Robe
Best features:
- Stitch-free welded seams for waterproofing
- Smart look with contrast trim
- Changing mat and wet bag also available
Within a market that’s seemingly saturated with swim changing robes, can watersports brand Gill Marine bring anything new?
Sitting at a reasonable price point (with 10% off online for new newsletter subscribers) we actually liked the Aqua Parka a lot during December when it felt like it rained every day.
Heavy duty with taped seams, it was fully waterproof even in the heaviest downpours and seemed to offer a halfway house between a waterproof coat and a swim robe, looking less ‘obvious’ and being slightly more fitted, though our size medium (5ft7in female tester) still had plenty of room to change.
Zipped pockets, a large zip pull and a generous hood add to the features, with a black and a green option also offered.
Verdict: Substantial and very waterproof robe/coat with plenty to offer.
Score: 92%
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Vivida All Weather Sherpa Changing Robe
- Buy now from Vivida (£165.00)
Best features:
- Made with recycled polyester
- Bag doubles as a travel pillow
All of Dryrobe’s weatherproof products use recycled fabrics, so we like the best Dryrobe alternatives to also have an eco-friendly construction. That’s why we love Vivida’s All-Weather changing robe, which features post-consumer recycled polyester.
As you’d expect, there’s a cosy fleece lining inside, which helps you dry off after a swim. You’ll find an internal zipped compartment to keep your valuables safe, as well as a roomy ‘stash pocket’ with a bungee clip that you can pack your robe away into.
On the outer, there’s a water-repellent layer, complete with deep hand-warmer pockets and a two-way zip to give you more space when changing. Taped seams, a draft collar and an adjustable hood and cuffs help keep out the wind and rain in bad weather.
Verdict: We like the eco-nature, but that’s a pretty high price tag.
Score: 83%
Read our full review in our list of the best swim robes.
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Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe
Best features:
- Stretch panels for flexibility
- Magnet-closure pockets
- Fits into a 10L drybag
- Super soft lining
Red’s Pro Evo robe caught our eye with its smart contrast-trim colourways, but it also comes with some clever technical features.
As well as a zip, the designers have hidden five poppers underneath the wind baffle, so you can close the robe in just one or two places for extra freedom of movement. They’ve also included magnets in some of the pockets, giving you easy access to your belongings.
There are adjustable Velcro cuffs to keep out chilly draughts. Plus, the entire changing robe fits into a 10L drybag (check out our favourite dry bags if you need one).
Verdict: Hard to fault; one of the best Dryrobe alternatives on the market.
Score: 93%
Read our full review in our list of the best swim robes.
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Zone3 Heat-Tech Robe
Best features:
- Warm ‘polar’ fleece lining
- Long sleeves with Velcro cuffs for added protection
Although Zone3’s Heat-Tech Robe lacks the sort of eco credentials incorporated into similarly priced Dryrobe alternatives, it’s a smart choice and should keep you warm in chilly conditions.
The robe has a triple-layer construction, a wind guard at the collar and extra-long sleeves to protect your hands – complete with Velcro cuffs, so you can adjust them to fit snugly.
At the front, expect to find a convenient two-way zip, as well as a storm flap and poppers for improved protection against the weather.
Verdict: Great features and excellent protection from the elements.
Score: 90%
Read our full review in our list of the best swim robes.
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Dhb Hydron Robe
Best features:
- Three-quarter-length sleeves
- Water-resistant internal pocket
- Cheaper than similar Dryrobe alternatives
If you’re on the lookout for a Dryrobe alternative with a slightly smaller price tag, try the Dhb Hydron. It comes with three-quarter-length sleeves for greater freedom of movement, so it’s an ideal option in warmer months.
Of course, you’ll still get a cosy sherpa lining inside the robe and hood, as well as a waterproof outer to protect against rain showers. A zipped, water-resistant internal pocket and a two-way zip with easy-grip pulls complete the package.
Verdict: A budget friendly option best suited to milder months.
Score: 78%
Read the full review in our list of the best swim robes reviewed.
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Also consider…
Lifeventure Changing Robe
Best features:
- Stretchy sleeves
- Odour control treatment
- Cheaper than similar Dryrobe alternatives
Lifeventure’s changing robe looks like another great choice if you want to save some money. It comes with all the elements you’d expect from a high-quality changing robe, including a claimed waterproof outer and a fleece lining inside the robe, hood and pockets.
One of the standout features of this Lifeventure changing robe is its Polygiene odour control treatment, which is designed to eliminate bad smells. The makers have also incorporated a ‘stretch sleeve design’ and an internal zip pocket.
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Saltrock Four Seasons Changing Robe
- Buy now from Saltrock (£120.00)
Best features:
- Eye-catching patterns
- Waterproof ripstop outer
- Taped seams
It’s hard to ignore Saltrock’s stylish changing robes. The brand was launched in Cornwall more than 30 years ago by two surfing brothers from South Africa, and they’ve now created a wide range of outdoor clothing and accessories.
If you’re looking for something with a little personality, one of Saltrock’s changing robes would make a fantastic Dryrobe alternative.
Not only do they look great, but they also come with lots of convenient features. The outer is made with strong ripstop fabric to help you avoid snags and tears, and it’s taped at the seams for extra protection against the rain.
Inner and outer fleece-lined pockets and an adjustable hood also come as standard.
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Osprey Hooded Changing Robe
Best features:
- Simple, fuss-free design
- Two-way zip
With its all-black look and fuss-free design, Osprey’s changing robe is a mid-range option worth considering. Expect the classic weather-resistant outer and fleece-lined inner to keep you cosy and warm, as well as full-length sleeves with Velcro cuffs for extra protection.
Like a lot of the best Dryrobe alternatives, this one comes with a two-way zip, which gives you more flexibility in how you use the robe. If you’re wearing it for chilly walks, just pull up the zip from the bottom to allow for more space around your legs.
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Smoc Smoc Eco Changing Robe
Best features:
- Sustainable bamboo lining
- Made in the UK
- Reversible zip accessible from both sides
The best Dryrobe alternatives always incorporate recycled or sustainable materials. The Smoc Smoc robe uses bamboo, which is naturally hypoallergenic and biodegradable, so it won’t pollute the planet. It’s also impressively soft, which makes it a great replacement for polyester.
This robe comes with two bamboo-lined pockets on the outside, as well as an internal zip-up breast pocket for valuables and a large open pocket for storing clothes.
One of the best additions, though, is the reversible zip, which you can move from inside the robe – ideal when you’re getting changed in chilly conditions.
There are also toggles on the adjustable hood so you can adjust it to fit better.
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Northcore Beach Basha Sport Long Sleeve Changing Robe
Best features:
- Triple-panel hood with peaked cap
- Looped zipper pulls
- Lots of pockets
Northcore’s Beach Basha robe is another Dryrobe alternative that’s worth a look. It’s got a PU-coated nylon outer and a soft fleece lining, but the standout feature is the hood.
That’s because the brand says it’s been ergonomically designed with a triple-panel construction and a peaked cap to keep the rain out of your eyes.
Northcore has included Velcro cuff straps to help you get a snug fit, as well as plenty of storage compartments.
The Beach Basha has large fleece-lined pockets on the outside and shoulder compartment with Velcro closure for smaller items. Inside the robe, you’ll find one big pocket and a fleece-lined, zip-up section for valuables.
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While cold water swimming has its benefits, it’s important to be safe. Investing in a swimming robe can be a great way to provide immediate warmth and insulation through the seasons.
If you’re looking for more cold water kit, check out our list of the best cold water swimming gear.