Check out our favourite Dryrobe alternatives for wrapping up warm after your swim

The word ‘Dryrobe’ has almost become synonymous with swim robes in general, but since the brand launched in 2010, a huge number of Dryrobe alternatives have entered the market, and they’re pretty good too.

While some people might invest in a Dryrobe without considering any alternatives, it’s worth doing a little bit of research to find the best option for you. You may even be able to save some money on a budget-friendly robe.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best Dryrobe alternatives at a range of different price points, as tested by our expert reviewer and open water swim coach Helen Webster.

Meet our tester

Helen Webster is the editor of 220 Triathlon, an open-water swim coach and dedicated cold-water swimmer herself who doesn’t let bad weather get in the way of her training.

Best Dryrobe alternatives in 2026

1. Red Original Long Sleeve Alter Evo Change Robe

Price	$249 / £159.95
Features	Peaked hood, roll-down cuffs, waterproof chest pocket, fleece-lined hand pockets, internal water bottle / underwear pocket
Sizing	XS to XL women’s and men’s
Weather protection	15k waterproof, 8k breathable

Red’s Alter Evo robe caught my eye with its smart contrast-trim colourways, but it also comes with some clever technical features.

As well as a zip, the designers have hidden five poppers underneath the wind baffle, so you can close the robe in just one or two places for extra freedom of movement.

They’ve also included magnets in some of the pockets, giving you easy access to your belongings.

There are adjustable Velcro cuffs to keep out chilly draughts. Plus, the entire changing robe fits into a 10L dry bag (check out our favourite dry bags if you need one).

2. Zone3 Thermotech Changing Robe

Price	$199 / £155
Features	Peaked hood, velcro cuffs, sherpa lining, five pockets/two zip
Sizing	S to XL unisex
Weather protection	Waterproof BIONIC-FINISH ECO

Made from recycled materials with eco-waterproofing this robe ticks the style boxes in a subtle blue colour with orange details (including a funky mountain and wave design on the back).

It feels light and comfortable too, but don’t let that deceive you as this is Zone3’s top-end robe, designed to help you face the harshest conditions.

It’s waterproof and there’s a snuggly sherpa fleece lining which wicks away moisture without being too clingy.

Details have been well thought out too with a generous hood, front storm flap with poppers and five pockets, two of which zip up for small valuables like car keys.

Sizing is S to XL and the cut is slightly tapered, which makes it feel a bit less voluminous than others available.

Review by Helen Webster

3. Passenger Waves Recycled Sherpa-Lined Robe

Price	£119.95
Features	Peaked hood, velcro cuffs, sherpa lining, chest zip pocket and hand pockets, comes with stuff sack, made from PFC-free recycled polyester, two-way zip
Sizing	XS to XXL unisex
Weather protection	Waterproof coating

Available in a wide range of colours, this robe has been available for a few years but I love this new Fig/Heritage Yellow colourway – classy but cheerful and visible on a grey day!

All the materials used are recycled plus the waterproof coating on the fabric is PFC-free. Passenger plant a tree with your order, plus you can track the journey of the product and its environmental impact online.

In a market where so many changing robes are now available, this is all-important and good to see. Performance-wise the snuggly sherpa lining was a real treat after chilly swims and the zip and construction felt good quality.

It’s relatively lightweight, stood up to showers well and came with a bag to stuff it into for storage. That price is very reasonable, too.

Review by Helen Webster

4. Orca Thermal Parka

Price	£125
Features	Mid-length, fleece lining, hook, adjustable cuffs, two-way zip
Sizing	S – L unisex
Weather protection	Fully waterproof

This understated parka from Orca has a touch of the Henry Fords about it (the automotive designer is alleged to have famously said “any colour the customer wants, as long as it’s black”), which is a shame because I like a bit of colour post-swim.

The polyester isn’t recycled, but Orca tell us that’s for reasons of durability. Where this parka excels though is in cold, wet weather as it’s windproof, waterproof and resistant to abrasion which makes it perfect for throwing on in outdoor environments and sitting on in the cold and damp.

The fleece lining here was very soft too, making this a favourite to pull on in testing. Large zip pulls are easy to operate with cold hands and there are Velcro cuffs and an adjustable hood. It comes in three sizes (S, M and L).

5. Red Original Pursuit

Price	£159.95 (Europe only)
Features	YKK zips, four fleece-lined front pockets, chest pocket, underwear stash, fleece-lined inner, four-way stretch outer
Sizing	Women’s and men’s S-XL (regular and long)
Weather protection	10k waterproofing, 30k breathability

Breaking the mould in this B category, the Red Original Pursuit is more of a high quality raincoat when you first see it – but that’s the genius of the design.

Two long side zips plus a waist cord undo to reveal anough extra fabric and room to easily change within.

The jacket is also light and easily packable, perfect if you tend to carry your robe around a lot, or are prone to having impulsive swims mid-hike (I do this a lot!).

Quality touches like ‘sticklebrick’ cuff adjusters and an inner wicking fleece are all welcome.

I’d say this is perfect if you want a changing robe that is practical and versatile, but without actually looking like a changing robe.

The only downside is it won’t give you the warmth of the bigger, snugglier ones on test.

6. Passenger Tempest

Price	$175 / £149.95
Features	YKK zips, storm flap on two-way main zip, Sherpa fleece-lining, taped seams, internal patch pocket, adjustable Velcro cuffs
Sizing	XS-2XL unisex
Weather protection	Waterproof

Arriving with a nifty matching stuff sack, the Passenger Tempest was winning points for portability from the start.

This one is designed, as the name suggests, with inclement weather in mind.

The robe is constructed from 100% recycled polyester 50D ripstop, with a PFC DWR water-resistant coating and did well in showers during testing. Passenger cite it being able to withstand an hour in a sustained shower.

The cosy lining is 100% recycled polyester sherpa fleece. I enjoyed using this one in testing as it was a nice balance between warmth and weight.

More zipped pockets would be nice though and the front zip was a touch fiddly with cold hands.

7. D-Robe Beaufort

Price	$195 / £155
Features	Fleece lining, taped seams, storm flap, adjustable hood, two-way YKK zip, internal and external pockets
Sizing	XS-XL unisex
Weather protection	10k waterproof, 5k breathable and wind-resistant outer

This is the second time I’ve tried the D-Robe Beaufort, here in a snazzy new Opal Grey colourway. I sized up this time though having found they come up quite small.

Although this time the coat fitted comfortably (size medium and I’m a UK14) it was a slim not oversized fit and I didn’t have room to easily change inside – the coat comes in unisex XS to XL though so just one to be aware of.

That said, this was a very warm and cosy robe with a fleece lining and superb protection against the elements with taped seams, a waterproofed outer and a storm flap. Large fleece pockets and a removable valuables pouch are a nice touch.

The robe is made from 100% recycled materials and comes in five colours plus smaller versions for kids.

Price	$195 / £150
Features	Fleece lining, taped seams, storm flap, hood, handwarmer pockets, internal zip and stow pockets, adjustable cuffs
Sizing	XS-XL unisex
Weather protection	Waterproof, windproof, breathable

Within a market that’s seemingly saturated with swim changing robes, can watersports brand Gill Marine bring anything new?

Sitting at a reasonable price point (with 10% off online for new newsletter subscribers), I actually liked the Aqua Parka a lot during December when it felt like it rained every day.

Heavy duty with taped seams, it was fully waterproof even in the heaviest downpours and seemed to offer a halfway house between a waterproof coat and a swim robe, looking less ‘obvious’ and being slightly more fitted.

That said, my size medium (5ft7in female tester) still had plenty of room to change. Zipped pockets, a large zip pull and a generous hood add to the features, with a black and a green option also offered.

9. Wild Moose Ocean Moose Eco Long Sleeve Changing Robe

Price	$143 / £130
Features	Fleece lining, two-way YKK zip, Velcro cuffs, adjustable hood, handwarmer pockets, internal zipped and waterproof pocket, one internal open pocket
Sizing	S, M, L, Curvy, Super curvy
Weather protection	Waterproof, windproof

Founded by a wild swimmer based in Yorkshire, Wild Moose makes changing robes, handy waterproof bags and a range of other accessories for wild swimmers.

This eco robe is made from recycled nylon with sherpa fleece lining, which is made from recycled materials.

It’s wind and waterproof and one of the more ‘sturdy’ feeling robes on test, which gave superb protection against the elements and still allowed enough room inside to change.

The zip was easy to operate with cold hands thanks to handy rubber pull tabs, while Velcro at the cuffs allowed them to be tightened out of the way.

Two main pockets have a large loop zip pull, while one inner breast pocket is handy for valuables. You also get a large fleece inner pocket for a hot water bottle or bobble hat.

Five sizes are available with provision for curvier swimmers, while the four bold primary colours hit a nice balance between being fun but also wearable.

10. White Water Robes Arctic Camo Hardshell

Price	$160 / £140
Features	Fleece lining, taped seams, adjustable cuffs, fleece-lined external pockets, internal water bottle pocket, hood
Sizing	S, M, L
Weather protection	10K waterproof, windproof, breathable

Another UK-based brand, White Water were founded in 2020 and the range includes Hard Shell robes (as here), Soft Shell robes ($150/£130), which are lighter and more packable, and kids’ robes.

Pricing is competitive and the features here are good. The fabrics are fully recycled with a waterproof, windproof and durable outer with taped seams.

I found the coat warm and able to withstand the worst of the spring weather. The zip is quality and a large pull tab features, along with loops on the three pockets.

The cuffs have large Velcro adjusters to pull them in, much like on the Drybones robe below. Reflective logos are a nice touch and I liked the grey camo effect (other colours/designs are available).

There are three fleece-lined pockets on the outside, while inside there’s one large fleece pocket suitable for a hot water bottle. All in all, this is a solid contender that should last well and is priced competitively.

11. Cape Cove Snuggler Waterproof

Price	£259 (UK only)
Features	Fleece lining, hood, drawcord waist, two-way zip, lowered hem, three zipped pockets
Sizing	S, M, L
Weather protection	Waterproof, windproof

Chances are you may not have come across Cape Cove, a small independent womenswear brand stocked online and in John Lewis.

Crafting (beautiful) quality clothing inspired by the coastline, the Snuggler is one of the brand’s changing range.

The brand sent us two sizes and designs for testing, the Ikat print (shown here) in a medium and a pale pink version in a small. There wasn’t much in it so on balance I’d size down to make it more versatile day-to-day.

I loved the quality of this coat, which featured a recycled sherpa lining which extended to the hood and a cute collar that could be turned up or down for extra warmth.

There’s a draw cord to cinch it in at the waist and one on the hood as well as a tab with popper. The two-way zip is good quality with a large pull and three zipped pockets feature.

The coat is made from 100% recycled materials inside and out and comes with a nice quality branded drawstring bag for travel. The price may understandably deter some, though. 

12. Manao Anu Siso Robe

Price	$203/£149.99
Features	Fleece lining, adjustable hood and cuffs, internal zipped pokcet, handwarmer pockets, YKK zipper and storm flap
Sizing	XS-L
Weather protection	Waterproof, windproof

New brand Manao Anu (translating to ‘cold self’) was born from the founder’s search for better mental health by pushing himself in the outdoors. That translates to a robe which is substantial and warm and offers a waterproof outer shell with a black sherpa lining.

I liked the look of this one – the dusky pink and black colourway was subtle enough to get away with wearing it without drawing too much attention and it felt good wearing it out and about after swims.

Three other hand-dyed colours are available (blue, sand and brown).

I tested a size medium which was large enough to easily change in and snuggle up in afterwards, though the brand recommend sizing down if you want to wear it as a coat rather than a changing robe.

The nylon shell is made from 90 recycled bottles which is good to see. In heavy showers it repelled water well and the hood with drawcord kept me warm in poor weather.

The details are reassuringly chunky with quality zips, chunky pulls and a good number of pockets as well as large velcro wrist adjusters.

The main pockets are fleece-lined, good for keeping chilly hands warm. I liked the borg lining too, which soaked up any remaining dampness from my skin without feeling soggy or leaving fluff behind!

How we tested Dryrobe alternatives

The products reviewed above have been tested by 220 Triathlon‘s editor (and open-water swim coach) Helen Webster. She has dozens of years of swimming and reviewing experience.

Testing was done in mixed weather conditions, with each robe used multiple times after open-water swims.

We also tested the outer fabrics in a controlled environment to check how they coped with a consistent stream of water droplets.

Aside from that, we also rated these Dryrobe alternatives based on how warm they are, how well they absorb moisture when drying off post-swim, how easy it is to change under them and how good their features are.

Features to look for in Dryrobe alternatives

Material

Seek out a waterproof and windproof outer coupled with a fleece-lined inner. If you pay a bit more, you can get something breathable too, which can stop you from overheating while walking. 

In a bonus for triathlon sustainability, more and more robes are made from recycled materials. 

Sizing and fit

Dryrobe alternatives need to have an oversized fit to give you room to change underneath in privacy. 

Ensure the sleeves, hem and tail are long but not restrictive. 

A two-way main zip, capacious arms, stretchy outer, drawcord waist and side vents can boost range of movement where you need it. 

Weather protection

Besides that rain and windproof exterior we’ve mentioned above, you’ll want additional weather protection. 

A peaked hood with drawcords to pull it in, waterproof zip with storm flap, taped seams and adjustable cuffs are great to have in foul weather. 

Pockets and storage

On the outside of the robe, roomy, fleece-lined pockets keep your hands warm. You may also want chest pockets to store smaller items. 

Inside, it’s handy to have a zipped pocket for valuables, a larger open pouch for a flask or water bottles, and somewhere to hold underwear to change back into. 

Stowability

Lighter, more portable Dryrobe alternatives are sometimes supplied with a stow bag they fold into. 

For their compactness, they usually compromise warmth though. 

While cold water swimming has its benefits, it’s important to be safe. Investing in a swimming robe can be a great way to provide immediate warmth and insulation through the seasons.

If you’re looking for more cold water kit, check out our list of the best cold water swimming gear.

Recent updates

• 24 November 2025: we checked the stock of all items and highlighted a Black Friday deal on the Zone3 robe
• 19 December 2025: we added fresh reviews to our round-up and updated product links to our current reviews
• 20 February 2026: we added specs tables to every review for a full deep-dive into the details of each robe