You might have seen a rise in people wearing changing robes for a myriad of occasions. In fact, because they’re so versatile, they’ve become the go-to waterproof coat for lots of people. In this guide, we’ll answer any questions about what is a changing robe. Your all-season staple will soon become your favourite coat for all weathers.
What is a changing robe?
It might just look like a standard oversized coat but it’s been designed to be so much more. Think of it as a hybrid coat between a waterproof jacket, a cosy blanket and a sleeping bag. It should fit longer than your knees and be spacious enough to get changed underneath. It should have lots of features too, from larger armholes to lots of pockets, and a full-zipped front. Both of our men’s and women’s changing robes feature extra pockets and a fleece lining to help you get dry or stay warm.
When do you need a changing robe?
Originally, you only needed a changing robe after an outdoor swim or surfing, whether in nature or at the beach. The idea is that it takes three seconds to slope your arms through it and the fleece or towelling lining dries and warms you up quickly. Outdoorsy folk wanted to swim or surf all year round so Cornish surfer Gideon Bright came up with the idea of the DryRobe and now there are lots of alternatives.
Now, changing robes have become more than just for swimmers and surfers. From parents wearing them on the sidelines of their child’s sporting events to frequent campers needing a warm coat for colder nights outdoors, they‘re much more than a surfer’s robe. In fact, many influencers wear them because they’re roomy enough to change outfits underneath, ideal for filming content on the go.
Because of the insulation, they’ve become the go-to coat for many people during the winter months. There’s enough space to layer plenty underneath and it tends to be a longer length than many traditional waterproof coats. The fleece lining gives such a cosy feeling too and has been designed to keep you warm but not sweaty.
The key features of our changing robes
Our design is a standard design for both men and women. However, we’ve included some of our usual Rydale benefits to take your coat to the next level and become your go-to item. If we’ve yet to convince you that a changing robe is the next coat you need in your wardrobe, here are some of the key features you should know about.
- Waterproof outer lining - If there’s any crucial feature of a coat, it’s that it must be waterproof. We know it needs to help to dry you with the inner lining but on the outside, you don’t want to get wet either.
- Taped seams - The taped seams will help to keep water out, especially if it’s a heavier downpour. It helps to give it a more streamlined fit too. Changing robes are meant to be oversized but that doesn’t have to mean shapeless.
- Full-length style - A changing robe is no good if it’s not a long length. It should reach your mid-calves in order to be a suitable length. Of course, you don’t want it to be too long that you’re tripped over it so hitting between your knees and ankles is the perfect fit.
- An oversized hood - It’s no good to have a waterproof coat if it doesn’t have a hood. Often, hoods are just too small to keep your head dry during the rain so we’ve made sure ours are oversized. It also has a fleece lining, ideal for after swimming or surfing to dry your hair off a little.
- Lots of pockets - It wouldn’t be a Rydale coat if it didn’t have lots of pockets. Especially for women, it’s handy to have more than one. Our changing robes feature two large front pockets as well as an external and internal chest pocket. This is perfect for when you don’t want to carry a bag around but need enough space for the essentials, such as your phone, a small purse and your keys.
- Side zips with riding vents - Because we want to have a changing robe that’s as versatile as possible, we’ve included side zips. When opened, they reveal riding vents so this coat can be worn for horse riding. When we said this coat is for every outdoor activity, we really meant it!
- Internal leg straps - Because it’s an oversized style, we wanted to give you the option of a more streamlined fit. We’ve added internal leg straps that use Velcro to attach around your calves. They can be handy when walking outdoors or horse riding and you don’t want the coat flapping in the wind.
- Fleece lining - A light fleece lining is exactly what’s needed in a changing robe. You need it to be thick enough to absorb water but not so thick that it takes too long to dry so you can reuse it again. Equally, it’s got to be warming but not too thick that you’re left sweating underneath!
- Velcro cuffs - Stormproof cuffs are a must for a waterproof coat so our changing robes are no exception to that rule. The sleeves are a standard length but if you want to have a tiger fit, simply use the Velcro when it’s raining.
- A drawstring waist - Again, because a changing robe is an oversized fit, we wanted to add in a drawstring waist so if you’d rather, you can have a more streamlined look.
If you’re going to invest in one coat for just about every season, a changing robe fits the bill. Even if you’re not a swimmer or surfer, it’s a fully waterproof style and the long length will also help to protect you from the elements. We’re sure women will love the additional pockets included, making it one of the most versatile and practical coats in our waterproof range. Lots of our customers wear those out and about and we love to see it! We’re sure the smaller features, such as stormproof cuffs and hidden riding vents, make our customers content and we wanted to have a coat that offers everything you might possibly need in a coat.
