Best changing robes: Waterproof robes for outdoor sports and swimming

Adding to the numbers of surfers and boarders taking to the water, over the last couple of years there has been a rise in the number of people “open water” or “wild” swimming in the UK’s seas, lakes, lochs and rivers. According to Open Swimmers, this has been by as much as 45 per cent.

If you swim, surf, SUP or do any sport outdoors for that matter, chances are you will also need to get changed outdoors. That’s where a good changing robe comes in. A changing robe is your very own portable changing room. It makes going from wet to dry in your very own cosy wrap around space so you can get changed anywhere, anytime, all while protecting you against the elements and preserving your modesty.

Changing robes are essentially large baggy coats, which you wear over your swimwear or clothing with loose sleeves to allow you to bring your arms inside and change without a struggle and in privacy. They come in a waterproof outer material with long or short sleeves, reversible zips, may be fleece, microfiber or towel lined, in winter or summer weight and/or complete with waterproof pockets.

In this review, we are testing the robes to make sure that they do what the name suggests, i.e you can easily get changed inside one. Secondly, we are looking for a changing robe which will stand up to the classic British weather, come rain, wind or shine.

Charlie McLeod Eco Sports Cloak

Material: Waterproof outer fabric

Lining: Thick Sherpa fleece made from recycled plastic bottles

Long and short available