Dry Robe Advance review: is the original still the best changing robe?

Telegraph

20-02-2025

Price: £165, Dry Robe
Also available: at Amazon for £165
Our rating: 9/10
We like:
Warm and weatherproof
Well-fitting and easy to change under
Quick-drying fleece lining
Doubles up as a coat
We don't like:
Pricier end of the market
Bulky and heavy at 1.3kg
What is the Dry Robe?
Cosy changing robes seem to be everywhere this winter, both warming up wild swimmers and worn as waterproof coats about town. If you want to get in on the action, you might be eyeing up an offering from Dry Robe. One of the brand's own taglines is 'the original and best' and it's true that this was the first branded, waterproofed robe to hit the UK market in 2010, designed by British surfer Gideon Bright and subsequently worn by Team GB. And although there are plenty of competitors on the market these days, the term 'Dry Robe' is still so popular that it's often used to refer to any changing robe.
So is the OG waterproof changing robe vastly different from other robes on the market? Most models designed for changing after a swim combine a waterproof shell with a fleece lining plus a hood, so in some ways, not really. But when testing out the Dry Robe Advance robe I did think quality shone through – this changing robe ticks all the boxes for comfort, fit and weatherproofing.
A recycled synthetic lambswool lining plus a recycled waterproof shell kept me reliably warm and dry and there are plenty of pockets, plus a waterproof hood. It ticks the sustainability box too and I think it's worth the spend for serious outdoor swimmers and water sports lovers who will use it regularly. It also doubles up as a reliable winter coat, even if wearing changing robes as casual coats is a bit of a Marmite subject.
How we test changing robes
A great changing robe should be warm, weatherproof and offer instant comfort when you step out of cold water. I tried out a range of robes after outdoor swimming sessions in the coldest conditions that February could offer and looked for instant heat-trapping warmth, a quick-drying lining and ease of getting changed while wearing each coat. I also tested that changing robes were fully rainproof and looked for a well-fitting hood for further weather protection. Finally, I squished each robe into a backpack to see how portable and lightweight they were to bring along to swim sessions.
Comfort: 10 out of 10
The rumours are true – a Dry Robe really is like a fleecy cuddle when you're wet and cold. Dry Robe are proud of their coat's fleece lining, designed to feel warm and dry even after multiple uses and on test I did notice the fleece wicked away water faster and felt drier next to the skin than other robes. The hood fits well and helps to dry wet hair and while the Dry Robe Advance isn't lightweight at 1.3kg, it's not uncomfortably heavy to wear all day.
Changing robes are designed to be roomier than a coat, so that you can get out of your swimsuit or wiggle into a wetsuit without taking them off. If you're planning on wearing a Dry Robe Advance as a coat, the brand recommends picking a size down (the robes are unisex) and they offer two size guides online, one for swimmers and one for coat wearers. I'm a UK 12 and tried out a size M – it was the perfect fit for swimming, giving room to manoeuvre layers underneath but still trapping in enough heat after a swim to keep me warm. It's too wide and bulky for me to regularly wear as a coat, so sizing down sounds sensible.
Temperature regulation: 8 out of 10
The Dry Robe Advanced changing robe is perfect for winter swimming sessions, warming me up quickly by trapping in body heat, wicking away cold water thanks to that fleecy inner lining and keeping rain and wind out with a weatherproof outer shell. Rain beaded off the surface of the robe and it also kept chilly wind at bay.
The two-way zips are quick and easy to use even with freezing cold hands, with easy-to-grab pullers and fleece-lined zipped pockets. In summer, this robe would dry you fast, but you won't want to wear it for long, as it's not super breathable. There's also a short-sleeved version that could serve you better in warmer weather and an adaptive version suitable for wheelchair users.
Weatherproofing: 9 out of 10
I've tested out plenty of waterproof jackets as well as changing robes over the years, so I know decent waterproofing when I see it. The Dry Robe advance is waterproofed to 10,000mm (this is tested according to a fabric's hydrostatic head, which assesses its waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure), which should be able to cope with steady rain and on test water beaded right off its surface. It's also windproof, stopping the cold from chilling you. Plentiful pockets are good for keeping your valuables dry too – I liked stashing my phone and wallet in the internal waterproof zipped pocket.
Portability: 6 out of 10
The Dry Robe Advance isn't super portable – these changing robes are bulky and heavy at 1.3kg even when dry and folded up neatly. I loved having mine ready to use in the boot of the car or stuffed into a larger backpack to take on a short walk to reach an outdoor pool, but I wouldn't take it on a long hike to a remote swim spot or an inaccessible beach. You'll also need space at home to dry and store the robe, which might not suit swimmers with limited storage space. That said, it's not significantly heavier or bulkier than some of its competitors.
Sustainability: 10 out of 10
Dry Robe use 100 per cent recycled fabrics to make their Advance robe, including recycled nylon for the outer shell and recycled polyester (rPET) for the fleece lining, both approved by the Global Recycle Standard and certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (labels showing that textiles have been tested for harmful substances). The robe is waterproofed using PFC-free chemicals (Perfluorochemicals or PFCs are synthetic chemicals harmful to the environment).
You can also go one better and choose one of Dry Robe's Special Edition REMIX robes, which use the company's surplus material to make limited edition robes, thus saving scraps from landfill. Dry Robe also donates a minimum of £100,000 annually to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Top marks all round.
Technical specifications
Here's how the Dry Robe stacks up against its biggest competitor the Gorilla Robe...
Telegraph verdict: 9 out of 10
The original may well be the best – the Dry Robe Advance changing robe is reliably warm, comfy and waterproof and feels like it will last for years of swimming adventures. Yes, there are more affordable versions that will do a good job of drying you, especially if you're a more casual swimmer looking for a robe for occasional use. But if you're serious about water sports or if you want a robe that will double up as a waterproof winter coat, the Dry Robe Advance changing robe could be worth splurging on.
FAQs
What size Dry Robe should I get?
The unisex Dry Robe Advance changing robe comes in sizes S, M, L and XL. I'd recommend using the brand's sizing guide to find the right fit and picking one size down if you're planning to use it as a winter coat more than as a changing robe.
How warm is the Dry Robe in winter?
The Dry Robe Advance has a generous fleecy lining and weatherproof shell that traps in body heat and makes me feel cosy fast – I found this robe as warm to wear as my favourite winter coat. The Advance is not very breathable, so it's too warm and bulky to wear for getting active or in the summer.
What do you use a Dry Robe for?
Pop this changing robe over your swimsuit or wetsuit after you exit cold water to get warm and dry fast. You can leave the Advance on for the walk or drive home. Dry Robes are having a bit of a style moment too, so you'll see them worn casually as coats for shopping, dog walking and the school run.