Unless you prefer the freedom of movement from short sleeves, I’d opt for a long sleeve one for warmth. In this section I outline all the different factors to consider when choose the perfect dry robe or dry robe alternative changing robe for you. Adults between 5′ 8″ and 6′ 2″ (173 cm – 188 cm) will most likely be good with the medium size. In my experience they’re a little on the large size. Tis the season. The season of changing robes, that is. As temperatures wobble and drop, the pursuit of outdoor swimming in the UK becomes less ubiquitous and more, well, brave. Whether it's Parliament Hill Lido, the North Sea or Lake Windermere, you can rest assured there will be people bobbing about in water throughout even the iciest of days. And what do all of these people have in common? Other than a stout constitution, the answer always invariably is this: a change robe.

A changing robe is a large waterproof that has a warm fleece towel lining. Like your own portable changing room, changing robes are used by swimmers to keep dry and warm up after a dip. They have been carefully designed for people who love the cold and need a private place to change. Some sleeves on full length robes can be tightened whilst an issue with some short ones is that wind whistles up your arms! Having a well made zip (that will last for years) and a handy pull cord makes doing your changing robe up as painless as possible – all the more important when your hands might be freezing cold and you want to keep your zip faffing time to a minimum. When you emerge from the water or any cold activity you don’t want to be fumbling around with a zip.The dryrobe’s outer shell is totally waterproof. They do this through using one huge sheet of fabric, rather than multiple pieces which need to be sewn together, creating areas where water can get in. Dry robes are fantastic – I can’t entertain the thought of getting out of the water without a warm, waterproof and windproof tent to change and warm up in!

Bear in mind that with short sleeved robes you will get gusts of winds up your arms! Full length zip front Dryrobe’s pioneering changing robes were originally designed for founder Gideon Bright to use after surfing, but more than a decade later, they’ve saved the bacon of many a hyperthermic obstacle course racer and are loved by outdoor enthusiasts and cold-water swimmers alike (including Ross Edgley, who wore one during his Great British Swim challenge). Before investing in a changing robe, first decide how often you will use it. Are you a seasoned swimmer? Will you wear it only occasionally? Need one for your New Year's Day dip? Answering these questions will help you decide how much to spend — a dryrobe, for example, may be worth the investment if you wear it often. What is a changing robe? Dryrobe keeps improving there designs and the most popular dryrobe design we have found is camo style. What is a Dryrobe? If a dryrobe encourages you to get out and about more than otherwise (and then keeps you dry and protected from the wind) then I would say that is excellent value. Dryrobe Size GuideThe Smoc Smoc’s are lined with bamboo which is a natural highy-absorbent, insulating hypo-allergenic fibre.

dryrobe moved away from old school square designs. These led to bits of skin being exposed to the wind (or rain) when changing. As well as letting the chill in, they were also particularly problematic for women, with unwanted chest flashes. Value for money Surfing is great fun. But when it comes to getting into your wetsuit in the car park or on the beach, there's always the risk that we might expose ourselves to all the other beach-goers. So what's the alternative? WHAT ARE CHANGING ROBES?Dryrobes will keep you warm but no more so than many other competing products, many at a far lower price. A more winter-suited option from the Devon-based company above, this is probably the best Dryrobe alternative we’ve tested – importantly, at a slightly more wallet-friendly price.