We've all had that awkward experience with a towel coming loose while struggling to get changed at the beach. That's why in recent years changing robes have become quite the revelation for anyone who loves the surf and the water. By freeing up your hands and providing protection from the weather, they make getting changed on the sand or in cold car parks a little more enjoyable.
These towelling dry robes have taken the watersports world by storm, with reputable brands like Olaian, Vivida and Culthood catering toward water babies and hardened sea veterans alike. Amazon and Decathlon have far too many quality changing robes to choose from, so we've made your life a little easier by whittling them down to the very best of the best!
Quick List - Top Changing Robes
Vivida Lifestyle
Vivida's Emphasis on Style and Design Is on Show With This Robe
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In this simple buying guide, you'll come to know the different types of changing robe materials and features, as well as learning a few defining features such as those all-important pockets. Keeping these things in mind will ensure that even on the bleakest midwinter's day, you'll be getting changed with a teeth-chattering smile on your dial.
A changing robe will either be a perfectly-slim travel companion or a thick and woolly number to keep the changing chills at bay. Whether it's made from cotton or microfibre will tell a lot about a robe's best features, but the thickness still needs to be addressed, especially when on the hunt for a microfibre variety.
Cotton changing robes are wonderfully warm, so they're perfect to whip straight on after exiting the cold British sea. They give the feeling of entering a cosy, comforting cocoon, and feel the most like a normal towel with good drying potential. Due to their thick cotton loops, they can absorb a lot of water.
Because of this water absorption, however, cotton generally doesn't dry as quickly as synthetic materials. This means that if you're surfing multiple times a day, you'll be lucky if your cotton robe isn't sopping wet by the end of it. Obviously, it all comes down to how well you mediate this throughout the day, but it's still something to consider.
Plus, as a result of their thickness, cotton robes won't pack down as compactly as those made from microfibre. This is OK if you're staying local, but it could make all the difference if suitcases or backpacks are at play.
Microfibre changing robes can either be super plush or ultra-thin. Either way, they are mostly made of polyester, which means they'll typically be quick to dry compared to their cotton counterparts.
The thin microfibre changing robes are lightweight and easily foldable to fit wherever you want them to, making them perfect for travel. They are the quickest drying changing robes available as their thin fibres can only absorb small amounts of water.
Plush microfibre robes are thicker, which allows for added protection against the elements. They subsequently won't dry as quickly as the thinner microfibre options, but they are a popular choice as they strike a good balance between warmth and drying time.
Changing robes have a few telling features to look out for. Finding the right robe for you might come down to a subtle difference in one particular feature – from pockets, hoods, changing holes and side snaps, there are different styles of robe that excel in different ways.
One feature that's sure to have you hanging around in your robe for a little longer than you really need to is a pocket. It may seem trivial, but having a deep pouch pocket to tuck your frozen hands into will have them thawing out in no time.
Some changing robes have even gone so far as to include a zip pocket to allow safe storage of your keys and phone while changing. This alleviates the risk of misplacing your essentials in the potentially cold and sandy car park. Clever changing robe fodder indeed!
What good would a changing robe be without a hood? Nestling your weary head into a comforting hood is one of the greatest pleasures of any changing robe experience.
It's the cotton and plush microfibre changing robes that will have your head covered and then some. Look out for words like over-sized, baggy, or simply just 'large' when on the hunt for the cosiest hood in all the land, especially if you have long hair that takes a while to dry.
Some of the higher-end changing robes also add drawstrings to their hoods, which are an even better option for keeping you more tucked away from the elements than you ever thought possible.
Side splits are built into changing robes for the sole purpose of giving your legs more room to move. By having this additional movement, you'll be able to change with ease and gain confidence in your ability to get dressed without taking an unfortunate tumble.
The additional leg mobility will also make walking and chilling in your robe pleasurable and easy.
Another small but clever feature to look for in a robe is the addition of a set of changing holes for your hands. By not having to put your arms inside the robe, you'll have extra mobility while dressing and undressing.
This can be a lifesaver when you're bending, reaching and wriggling back into your clothes, especially when your limbs have become numb!
Side snaps are a priceless feature for when you want some diversity in your changing robe. Their ability to turn your robe into a large beach towel in a matter of seconds is very useful, especially when the priorities of the day revolve around as much beach or pool time as possible.
Their interchangeability doesn't stop there though. With these nifty little snaps, you'll be able to clip your robe to a sun lounger or chair while on holiday, gaining extra comfort for lounging wherever you and your robe go.
If a changing robe has one side snap on each side, its purpose is to give you more privacy while getting changed. Snapping shut the bulk of the armhole will really tuck you in so there'll be no accidental flashes while you go about getting changed inside.
Many surfers and fish-people in general want the biggest and baggiest changing robes available. With an over-sized changing robe you will benefit from more space to get changed in and less chance of your privacy being compromised. Also, your surfer 'steeze' car park cred will go way up if you're adorned in the baggiest, comfort-crushing robe.
Changing robes have become so popular in recent years that you can now find a perfect fit for the whole family. From your toddler to the still-growing 18-year-old giant you somehow helped to grow, there's now a changing robe for everyone. Just be sure to check out any sizing guides against your measurements.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Olaian Surf Poncho 500 | ![]() | The Changing Robe That Has It All for Less | |
2 | Culthood Changing Robe Towel Poncho With Zip Pocket | ![]() | A Plush Microfibre Robe With Pockets Galore | |
3 | Fit-Flip Changing Robe for Women & Men | ![]() | The Ultimate Changing Robe and Lounging Towel | |
4 | Vivida Lifestyle Hooded Poncho Towel Changing Robe With Zip Pocket | ![]() | Vivida's Emphasis on Style and Design Is on Show With This Robe | |
5 | Oksun Changing Robe Towel Poncho with Hood | ![]() | Plush and Over-Sized - This Robe Has You Covered in Style | |
6 | Citycomfort Kids Hooded Towel Poncho | ![]() | An All-Cotton Robe to Keep the Kids Warm | |
7 | Vulken Extra Large Thick Hooded Beach Towel Changing Robe | ![]() | An Oversized Changing Robe With Steeze and Ease | |
8 | Northcore Beach Basha Changing Poncho | ![]() | One of the Originals That Prides Itself on Quality and Warmth | |
9 | Vivida Original Baby Hooded Poncho | ![]() | The Finest Changing Robe for Any Prince or Princess Under 3 | |
10 | Jian Ya Na Children's Unisex Outdoor Changing Robe | ![]() | A Cute and Inexpensive Changing Robe for the Kids |
This changing robe has all the features you would expect from a quality robe but for a fraction of the price. The 100% cotton material will give you plenty of warmth alongside the over-sized hood and pouch pocket, and it promises to dry in about an hour and a half.
The extra-stretchy arm holes coupled with the changing holes will give you plenty of privacy and movement while getting changed, so you can enjoy your day without worry. Coming in two colourways, this quality, stylish changing robe for under £20 ensures Olaian have outdone their competitors yet again.
Made in Europe, this changing robe from Culthood ticks all the boxes and then some. For starters, it will keep you super warm with its plush microfibre material, over-sized drawstring hood and deep pouch pocket.
The features don't stop there: the additional zip pocket will mean stashing your phone or keys while getting changed will be safe and easy, and the extra length at the back gives added protection from the weather. Plus, the side splits give added mobility – crucial for running back from checking the surf forecast and getting changed at a rapid rate!
This thin microfibre changing robe from Fit-Flip comes highly recommended on Amazon for its entirely snapped sides. They quickly turn this robe into an extra-long lounging towel in a matter of seconds.
The perfect changing companion for taking it slow on beach and pool days, this robe comes in five different bright colours, allowing for a touch of personalisation with this envy-inducing double act. At around £25, it's a small investment for an invaluable product.
Vivida have created eight styles of beauty-defining robes for the avid water enthusiast who wants to dry off and look good while doing so. They have a design for everyone within this range, while two adult sizes (one of which is suitable for wider builds up to a generous 6 foot 5) offer even more inclusion.
These robes come with plenty of features too, from an over-sized drawstring hood to a pouch with an additional inner-zip pocket. The side openings and side splits round out a truly remarkable plush microfibre delight. Just be ready to pay for all this stylish feature-filled robe-wearing glory!
This stylish robe from Oksun will keep you warm and looking good the whole year round. Its oversized hood and extra long sleeves give added protection from the elements, while oozing those dressed-down baggy surf vibes.
The changing holes allow for ease while getting dressed and the wide pouch pocket will keep your hands toasty even on the breeziest of days. Added side splits compensate for the oversized length, allowing for extended movement in your legs.
This 100% cotton robe from Citycomfort will have the kids warming up in no time. As well as a few different colours and patterns it comes in two sizes, so kids from 6-13 will have the chance to rug up in a thick and water-absorbent changing robe.
The pouch pocket will have their hands warming even after hours of water-based fun. From the pool to the beach, the lake or even the river, this robe will become a staple of any day family day out where chilly water and weather is certain to be found.
This oversized changing robe will give you the look and feel of an ancient surf warrior. It comes in two sizes – S/M and L/XL – which allows everyone to adorn this insanely baggy robe that oozes style and steeze.
In terms of practical features, its large armholes can be snapped shut, giving you added privacy while changing. You won't have to worry about tripping up in the added length either, as there's a large side split down each side.
This is a tried-and-tested changing robe from Northcore that will keep you warm on those chillier days spent by the beach. It's also made from 100% terry towelling making it very water absorbent.
The Beach Basha doesn't overcomplicate things with too many bells and whistles; it just does what it says it does well, and that's it. This does make it less practical for travel as it's thick and featureless, but if you're in the market for warmth above all else you could do worse than the Northcore Beach Basha.
Vivida are in the business of making seriously stylish and comfortable surf and lifestyle wear, and this changing robe is no exception.
Designed for the water baby under 3, these cuddly plush microfibre hooded robes will have your child feeling as snug as a bug at all times of the day. The only hitch is that when you know they're ultimately destined to grow out of their robe, a price like this can seem expensive.
This cheap and cheerful changing robe comes in six bright and fun colours. It's a thin microfibre robe that's perfect to fit in the beach bag or suitcase for weekends away and holidays.
The side snaps allow for added privacy while changing, and the side splits will also give the kids more movement when having fun is the order of the day. They'll really start to adore this robe for its light and breezy feel. However, it's really only suited to the summer months due to its thin design.
If the water and its holy healing powers have got you hooked, line and sinker, maybe it's time to invest in a beginner surfboard or a stand up paddleboard? Both are excellent ways of making the most of all the wonderful waterways and seas that the British isles have to offer. Follow the links below for more expert buying advice.
Changing robes have become an invaluable addition to the checklist of anyone who takes their water-time seriously, making those awkward and unwanted changing moments a thing of the past. We hope through reading this article that you've found the perfect changing robe; the one that is set to keep you warm and equipped for whatever is likely to come your way.
Author: Connor Macanally
No. 1: Olaian|Surf Poncho 500
No. 2: Culthood|Changing Robe Towel Poncho With Zip Pocket
No. 3: Fit-Flip|Changing Robe for Women & Men
No. 4: Vivida Lifestyle|Hooded Poncho Towel Changing Robe With Zip Pocket
No. 5: Oksun|Changing Robe Towel Poncho with Hood
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