Ever since the UK fell in love with its own shores in 2020, changing robes have become an essential bit of kit for anyone who swims, paddles or surfs through the colder months, making post-water warm-ups far more comfortable than a hurried towel change on the beach. As someone who grew up by the sea, lives on the coast as an adult and still swims outdoors year-round, I rarely head out without one, whether I’m testing the best inflatable kayaks, spending a morning on an inflatable SUP or simply going for a bracing dip in our Baltic-temperature waters.
The appeal of cold-water swimming goes beyond the challenge, too. As extreme ice swimmer Wim Hof puts it, “cold water is merciless, but righteous”, while British Heart Foundation cardiac nurse Chloe MacArthur says it can even “improve blood pressure and fat levels in the blood.”
Pair your changing robe with kit from one of the best swimwear brands, and you’ll be well equipped for year-round adventures. To find the styles and brands worth investing in – from Red to Dryrobe – I tested a range of the most popular pieces at my local beach, comparing warmth, waterproofing, comfort and ease of changing after getting out of the water. Here are my top picks.
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The best changing robes for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Red men’s long sleeve waterproof dry changing robe alter evo: £159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk
- Best budget option – Mountain Warehouse tidal womens waterproof changing robe: £69.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
- Best luxury changing robe – Delta Roam beaumont robe: £155, Deltaroam.com
- Best changing robe for winter – Dryrobe advance changing robe: £165, Dryrobe.com
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