What is a Dryrobe?
A Dryrobe is a long towelled robe that is used for changing under and warming-up after an open water swim. Dryrobe is one of the leading brands in this type of garment, the name of this brand having become synonymous with swim changing robe. For winter, a changing robe will have a water-resistant shell and thicker towel lining, while for summer, a robe will be more minimal and light-weight, consisting of a thin jersey material.
What is a Dryrobe used for?
A changing robe has multiple uses and has boosted to popularity with a recent surge in open water swimming. Winter changing robes can be quite bulky, kitted out with inner and outer pockets for valuables, a hood to keep your head toasty post-swim, thick and cosy inner lining, and a waterproof outerlayer.
Robes can also come with two-way zips and side zips to allow for extra room within for changing. The versatility of such a snug robe for winter activities makes this a popular garment amongst the open water swimmers community.
For warmer climes, a swim robe can look completely different. Made purely from a jersey material, the main aim for this robe will be providing a thin and breathable layer for changing under and towelling yourself dry.
What are the best swim robes?
Robie Dry-Series Long Sleeve

- £149.99
The new ‘Dry-Series’ range of waterproof changing robes is a development of Robie’s original 2007 towel robe. This longsleeve version is made from recycled nylon for the weatherproof outer shell and recycled shearling fleece lining on the inside. It features extra deep fleece microfibre cargo pockets that double up as hand warmers.
The waterproof material and taped seams do a stellar job of keeping the rain off after a drizzly early-morning dip, while the electric-blue, waterwicking inner kept us toasty and feeling stylish. Full review coming soon.
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Zone3 Fleece Parka Robe

- £99.00
The Parka comes with long sleeves for added pre- and post-swim warmth, and there’s also the soft internal fleece for maintaining temperatures. Added features include a water- and wind- resistant outer shell, and both internal and zipped pockets. Two front fleece pockets can keep your hands warm while the two internal pockets, including one smaller zipped pocket, can securely store items.
At 3/4 length, the jacket is designed to regulate your temperature while absorbing and wicking away sweat. Zone3’s fleece parka can be a warm and functional addition to your swimming sessions.
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Dryrobe Advance Short Sleeve

- £130
Dryrobe are the original swimming robe brand, and they now produce a wide range of styles, sleeve lengths and colourways. The SS here is their best seller, and comes with multiple pockets, a lining that draws water away from the skin and two-way zips.
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Red Original Pro Change

- £119.95
Red Original are new to us and here’s their entry into the swimming robe market. It features a triple-layer construction and a soft inner lining. There’s a chest pocket for valuables and a two-way YKK zip with finger pulls for ease of use.
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Red Original Pro Change long-sleeved

- £144.95
Pick up Red Original’s latest version of their pro robe, this time with long-sleeves to keep you toasty. We tested this robe during icy January swims (water usually 5°C, air around 1°C) and the deep and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets were wonderful. The waterproof chest pocket and outer shell also withstood 2021’s soggy start, while the internal fleece lining is quick to dry, wick water from the body, and maintain warmth. The Hawaiian Blue colour will also stand out from the crowd!
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