A changing robe that turns heads

After 20 years of swimming events and testing kit, Editor Ella finally gets her hands on the changing robe that started it all. Does the Dryrobe® Mosaic Palm Advance live up to its reputation?

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After 20 years of taking part in swimming events and working in the industry, Editor Ella had somehow never actually owned a Dryrobe®. That finally changed in time for the cold-water season, when she put the Dryrobe® Mosaic Palm Advance Changing Robe (£175) through its paces.

And after trying it for herself, she understands why it’s become such a familiar sight at swim venues.

There are plenty of changing robes on the market now, with different features and clever variations on the original concept. But for Ella, it’s the quality and attention to detail that set the Dryrobe® apart.

And then there’s the print.

“The Mosaic Palm print stopped people in their tracks every time I wore it, drawing more comments than any kit I’ve tested in years,” says Ella.

The distinctive design features an illustration by Dryrobe founder Gideon Bright’s father, giving the tropical-inspired print a personal story behind it. It’s inspired by heritage designs but reimagined with the British coastline in mind.

The robe is made from 100% GRS-certified recycled materials, with a recycled nylon outer shell and recycled polyester interior.

Ready for British weather

Of course, a changing robe needs to do more than look good – particularly when you’re standing beside a lake, river or beach in the depths of winter.

The Dryrobe® Advance combines its weather-resistant nylon outer shell with a warm fleece lining. The outer fabric repels water, allowing rain to bead on the surface rather than soaking into the robe.

Ella put that claim to the test in a downpour.

“The rain simply beaded off the surface,” says Ella.

The fleece lining is designed to draw moisture away from the skin while helping you warm up quickly after getting out of the water. The robe is also designed to allow sweat and moisture to escape without compromising its warmth and weather protection.

And the hood provides another layer of protection when the wind picks up.

Practical details

The design is about more than warmth, too. There are practical storage options for the things you don’t want disappearing into the bottom of a swim bag, including an internal zipped pocket for a phone and wallet and a large, soft-lined internal ‘poacher’ pocket.

That makes the robe useful beyond simply getting changed after a swim. Ella found it equally useful as protection from the elements when outdoors.

The verdict

For Ella, the Dryrobe® Advance manages to combine the things you actually want from a changing robe – warmth, weather protection, practical storage and comfort – with a design that looks good enough to attract attention.

“Plenty of other robes have good qualities, clever ideas, variations on the original concept, but the quality and small design details that make Dryrobe® unique set it apart,” says Ella.

It’s also backed by a three-year performance guarantee, while Dryrobe® donates at least 1% of its profits to the RNLI each year.

After waiting 20 years to try one, it seems Ella thinks it was worth the wait.

Find out more about the Dryrobe® Mosaic Palm Advance Changing Robe (£175)