Wild swimming has surged in popularity, with more people swapping heated pools for lakes, rivers and the sea. The best changing robes help you warm up quickly, stay protected from the elements and change in privacy after a swim. In 2026, 13 new official bathing water sites opened across the UK, including London's first designated River Thames bathing site between Ham and Kingston. As a triathlete, I've been swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea for more than 10 years, so I've experienced my fair share of shivering car parks and awkward towel changes. A good changing robe takes the misery out of getting out of the water.
How I tested
From Decathlon's £12.99 poncho to Dryrobe's viral design, I tested each robe after open-water swims on the newly designated stretch of the River Thames. I also wore them on dog walks, family days out and while watching my son's football matches to see how they performed away from the water. I assessed each robe on warmth, weather protection, comfort of lining against damp skin, ease of changing, practicality (pockets, breathability, packability) and whether the performance justified the price.
Best overall: Delta Roam Beaumont robe
The Delta Roam Beaumont delivers premium construction with a warm fleece lining, excellent 10,000mm waterproofing, a fully lined hood, and a design that looks like a premium winter coat. After swimming in the Thames, the thick fleece lining took the chill off quickly, and the two-way zip made changing easier. At £155, it's not the cheapest, but the quality impressed from the moment I put it on. Outer material: recycled polyester. Lining: fleece. Sizes: XS-XL. Colours: six. Waterproof: yes, up to 10,000mm. Hood: yes.
Best budget buy: Decathlon adult surf poncho
At just £12.99, the Decathlon Surf Poncho is perfectly functional. It provides privacy to change and soft cotton fabric that helps dry you off while changing. Made entirely from cotton, it feels like wrapping yourself in a large towel. On colder days, a hoodie is needed after packing it away. It's fantastic value for summer beach holidays. Outer material: cotton. Lining: cotton. Sizes: one-size. Colours: one (grey). Waterproof: no. Hood: no.
Best for cold water swimming: Dryrobe Advance
The Dryrobe Advance trapped body heat almost immediately after swimming in the Thames. The soft sherpa fleece lining dried quickly, and the oversized fit with two-way zip made changing easy. At 1.3kg, it's heavy, but the warmth is outstanding. Outer material: recycled nylon. Lining: recycled polyester sherpa fleece. Sizes: XS-XXL. Colours: 20. Waterproof: yes (up to 10,000mm). Hood: yes. £175.
Best for sustainability: Passenger Escapism changing robe
Made from 100% recycled polyester (equivalent to 85 plastic bottles), this robe is lighter and thinner than others. It packs into its own stuff sack, has a two-way zip and side slits, and fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets. Suitable for warmer months. Outer material: 100% recycled polyester. Lining: sherpa fleece. Sizes: XXS-XXXL. Colours: seven. Waterproof: showerproof. Hood: yes. £99.95.
Best for style: Regatta Cath Kidston changing robe
The Regatta x Cath Kidston collaboration features cheerful candy stripe designs among 43 colourways. It kept me warm after open-water swims, with soft borg fleece lining and zipped pockets. The hood is smaller than others, with no face coverage. Outer material: HYDRAFORT 62% polyester/38% recycled polyester. Lining: 70% polyester/30% recycled polyester borg lining. Sizes: XS/S, S/M, M/L. Waterproof: yes. Hood: yes. £72.50.
Best for triathletes: Zone3 Active-Flex changing robe
Lightweight and less restrictive than other robes, the Zone3 offers decent warmth while allowing freedom of movement. It's water-resistant, not fully waterproof, and only available in one colourway. Under £100. Outer material: recycled polyester. Lining: recycled sherpa fleece. Sizes: XS-XL. Waterproof: water resistant. Hood: yes. £99.
Best for outdoor enthusiasts: Xtreme V2 weatherproof robe
With an impressive 20,000mm waterproof rating, thick sherpa fleece lining, longer length and generous hood, this robe doubles as an everyday outdoor coat. Too warm for summer. Outer material: recycled nylon. Lining: sherpa fleece. Sizes: XXS-XXL. Colours: 19. Waterproof: yes, up to 20,000mm. Hood: yes. £124.99.
Best for versatility: Toastie Explorer adult waterproof changing robe
The Toastie Explorer balances changing robe and everyday outerwear with beautiful colours, matching children's robes, reflective details, breathable underarm vents, and an adjustable hood. Outer material: recycled polyester. Lining: sherpa fleece. Sizes: XS/S, S/M, M/L. Colours: five. Waterproof: yes, up to 10,000mm. Hood: yes. £149.99.
Best for year-round adventures: Voited Drycoat 3.0
The Voited Drycoat 3.0 concentrates extra insulation with a CloudTouch lumbar warming panel. The microfleece lining wicks moisture, and the ripstop outer is hard-wearing. Not suitable for freezing conditions. Outer material: 100% recycled 50D Ripstop fabric. Lining: quick-dry, absorbent microfiber fleece. Sizes: XS-XL. Colours: six. Waterproof: yes, up to 18,000mm. Hood: yes. £150.
Best for active kids: Toastie Explorer kids waterproof changing robe
The kids' version features warm sherpa lining, adjustable hood and cuffs, reflective safety patches, and matches adult robes. A nine-year-old tester loved the bright lilac colour and soft lining. Waterproof to 10,000mm. Sizes: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 years. Colours: six. £85.
Best for camping trips: Nomadix Graphene Puffer Blanket
This lightweight insulated blanket transforms into a wearable wrap with snaps. It packs down small but provides less privacy for changing. Graphene insulation delivers warmth. Outer material: 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Lining: recycled polyester. Sizes: one-size. Colours: five. Waterproof: water-resistant. Hood: no. £99.96.
What are the best changing robes?
The Delta Roam Beaumont impressed most, ticking every box with warm fleece lining, excellent waterproofing and a stylish design. For dedicated cold-water swimmers, the Dryrobe Advance trapped body heat fastest. For budget, the Decathlon Surf Poncho is incredible value at £12.99. The Passenger Escapism offers a lighter, sustainable alternative for spring and summer.
Fitness and lifestyle journalist Zoë Griffin has been competing in Olympic-distance triathlons for almost a decade and has completed countless open-water swims, including the Serpentine Swim and training in Shepperton Lake and the River Thames.
