Best DryRobe alternatives for UK watersports

Looking for a DryRobe alternative but aren’t too sure where to start? Check out our top recommendations for the best changing robes on the market today.

For some, a super high-quality robe is a no-brainer and there are plenty of wild swimmers, beach dog walkers, hikers and campers that live in their changing robes.

They’re super comfy with a deep-pile lining, they’re waterproof, easy to clean, are available in a range of different colours and look great. But the original DryRobe may have been surpassed in quality and, if you’re willing to dish out the big bucks, there are some seriously impressive alternatives out there that take the changing robe to the next level.

For others, especially those using a DryRobe to change into a swimsuit at the beach, when wild swimming, or after a particularly messy hike, an inexpensive alternative will do the job all the same. It’s no secret that the original DryRobe changing robes are expensive, but if you’re happy to sacrifice some of the features, an affordable alternative can easily be sourced. 

So whether you’re searching for something to dry off with after a wild swim, something to change into after paddleboarding, or something to wear whilst walking the dog, we’ve got a selection of the best DryRobe alternatives available in the UK today.

Author’s notes

The DryRobe quickly gained popularity as the original changing robe – but original doesn’t always mean the best. With direct competition from Red Equipment and budget options available elsewhere, it might be time for the grandfather or changing robes to bethroned.

1. Best value DryRobe alternative

If it’s great value that you’re looking for in a DryRobe alternative, it doesn’t get much better than the Osprey Unisex changing robe. 

The Osprey changing robe is the perfect example of removing the fluff without removing the function and offers a high-quality changing robe at half the price of its competitors. Similar to the original DryRobe, the Osprey changing robe offers a durable waterproof design, comfortable sherpa fleece lining and the all-important double zip closure.

Additional useful features include velcro cuffs, a wind-resistant hood and an internal phone pocket, keeping your most valuable electronics away from the Great British weather.  

The DryRobe alternative is available in three different colours (black, blue and red) and five different sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). Robe sizes are primarily chosen by the height of the wearer, although a full-size guide can be found in the product listing. If you are looking to wear the changing robe more like a fitted coat rather than a changing robe, buyers should size down one size.

Best valueOsprey Unisex’s Changing Robe

The Osprey Unisex changing robe is our go-to recommendation for a high-quality changing robe that doesn’t break the bank. There’s a range of high-spec features with an agreeable pricetag that we just can’t argue with. 

  • Waterproof design with water-resistant hood 
  • Sherpa fleece lining and internal phone pocket
  • Double zip closure and velcro cuffs
  • Three colours (black, blue and red) are available
  • Not a one-size fits all design
  • Sizing: S-XL

2. The best direct DryRobe alternative 

The Red Original Pro Change Robe Evo is our top pick as the best overall DryRobe alternative, and our favourite gift for wild swimmers, that offers a direct competitor rather than an inexpensive alternative. 

Red Equipment is a name synonymous with adventure watersports worldwide and are the go-to guys for everything from stand-up paddleboards to cool bag backpacks. It’s no surprise then that when the team turned their attention to a changing robe that they came out with some of the best on the market. 

The Red Original Pro Change Robe Evo is our pick of the bunch from their current lineup and offers the best direct DryRobe alternative that we’ve had the pleasure of trialling. Even with all of the creature comforts that you’d expect from a DryRobe alternative, the Red Original excels in all areas. 

The changing robe is currently offered in 10 different colours ranging all the way from Teal (our favourite) to Fuchsia Pink. There are four different sizes available (S, M, L, XL) – we found the Medium size to be perfect for most, but there is a full-size guide over on the Red Equipment site. 

Amazingly, the Change Robe Evo isn’t at the top of the food chain and the brand actually offers the class-leading Revolution 3-in-1 Change Parka, an uber-high-quality change robe that really does offer the best that money can buy. 

Red Originals Changing Robe

Best overallRed Original Pro Change Robe Evo

The Red Original Pro Change Robe Evo is our overall top pick for a direct DryRobe alternative. Packed full of features and of the highest quality, the robe takes the crown as the best on the market. Use the code ADVENTURE10 for 10% off your order at Red Equipment.

  • Longer length for changing
  • Waterproof and breathable outer shell
  • Soft inner fleecing
  • Chunky YKK zips
  • Would prefer larger hand pockets
  • Size M dimensions: L110cm W84cm S73cm
  • Robe weight: 1.6kg
  • Suitable for: Swimming, camping, hiking, paddle boarding and more

3. The most stylish DryRobe alternative 

We often hear from wild swimmers, dog walkers, surfers and beach bums that their DryRobes just don’t quite look the way they want.

A quick look at the current market and there’s a sea of overly vibrant colours and harsh patterns – fantastic if that’s what you’re looking for, but what if you’re looking for something a little more stylish? That’s the exact gap in the market that Seashell have gone for with their changing robe, now on its third iteration.

With three different, subtle colours available (black, sand and ocean), the changing robes prove to be some of the best-looking on the market. It’d be easy to stop there – to create a great-looking product and call it a day – but Seashell is the real deal.

The changing robe is waterproof and windproof (rated to a huge 10,000mm). The super-warm synthetic sherpa lining and the nylon outer is made from 100% recycled materials. Huge, warm pockets are found on the outside with an enormous A4 pocket on the inside.

It’s not just a super stylish changing robe, it’s one that’s had a huge amount of time and energy spent on it to get it just right. It’s a proper product that we’re happy to recommend, and we managed to secure a discount code for AP readers! Use ADVENTUREPENDING on the Seashell website for 10% off your purchase.

SeaShell Changing Robe

Most stylish – Seashell Robe 3.0

Not only a great-looking product but one that ticks all of the right boxes. Made from 100% recycled materials, the super-warm DryRobe alternative is wind and waterproof, tested to 10,000mm. Code ADVENTUREPENDING gets you 10% off any Seashell purchase.

  • Waterproof and windproof (rated to 10,000mm)
  • Uber-warm 400GSM synthetic sherpa fleece lining (100% recycled)
  • Tailored sleeves with hook and loop fasteners
  • Deep external zip pockets and large A4 internal pocket
  • Would prefer larger hand pockets
  • Size: S/M, M/L, L/XL

4. Mid-range DryRobe alternative

Looking for a mid-range DryRobe alternative that both looks great and performs with high quality? Check out the Beach Basha Changing Rove from Northcore. 

As well as owning the title of the DryRobe alternative with the best name, the Beach Basha is one of our favourite changing robes that takes a simple, but effective approach to its design. 

The black, one-size-fits-all changing robe offers some of our favourite features of other high-quality robes. Velcro sleeves, multi-use pockets, and a handy phone pocket designed to keep your tech dry are just some of the handy bits and pieces that you’ll love about the robe.

Northcore Changing Robe

Mid-range pickNorthcore Beach Basha Changing Robe

The Northcore Beach Basha is our recommended mid-range pick as a DryRobe alternative. It’s priced between the Osprey and Red Equipment robes and offers a sensible mid-way point in quality.

  • Showerproof, wind-resistant rugged PU-coated nylon outer 
  • Sherpa fleece lined inner
  • Unisex, one-size-fits-all design
  • External phone pocket instead of an internal pocket
  • Length: 114cm 
  • Width: 86cm

5. DryRobe alternative from a British icon 

Founded in the South West in 1987, Animal is a British brand that really needs no introduction.

What started as a rugged surf brand has evolved over the years to form one of the most recognisable,  free-spirited lifestyle clothing brands in the UK. Their DryRobe alternative, the Misty, has quickly become one of our favourite products from Animal.

The changing robe is available in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes with a variety of sizes and colourways to choose from. The price won’t break the bank and with free shipping and returns, you can purchase with confidence.

Animal Misty Changing Robe

Also greatAnimal Misty Changing Robe

The Animal Misty Changing Robe is another great DryRobe alternative from the legendary British brand. A range of sizes, colours and fits for men, women and kids are available.

  • Available in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes
  • Waterproof upto 2,000mm
  • DWR-coated and PFC free
  • Free delivery and returns
  • The garment colour is navy (not black) in person 
  • Size: XS – XXL
  • Waterproof: 2,000mm

6. Best budget DryRobe alternative

Changing robes are, unfortunately, expensive. That’s just something that comes with the territory. If you’re looking for a deep-pile lined, waterproof, big old chunk of quality material, it is going to cost a little more than some of us may like. 

But what if we wanted a simple, high-quality changing robe with minimal features that doesn’t break the bank? Well, you’d end up with the towelling change robe from Red Equipment. 

Our second featured changing robe from the team over at Red Equipment is the back-to-basics towelling robe – a simple poncho-style changing robe that makes the perfect entry-level robe. It may not come with the fancy features of some of their more premium changing robes, but at a fraction of the price without compromising quality, it’s the perfect solution for a budget pick. 

The towelling change robe is available in two different colours, both a simple grey and a simple navy option, and men’s and women’s sizes. If you are looking for a quality cheap DryRobe alternative, the Red Equipment Towelling Change Robe has to be the one. 

Red Original Towelling Change Robe

Budget pickRed Original Towelling Change Robe

Changing robes don’t have to be expensive and if you’re happy with sacrificing features without quality, there’s no better choice than the Red Equipment Towelling Change Robe. A no-frills poncho-style robe that makes the perfect entry-level DryRobe alternative.

  • Made from 430gsm premium 100% cotton
  • Drawcord hood and large side pockets
  • Available in different sizes based on height
  • Fantastic budget option without compromising quality
  • Fewer features compared with other DryRobe alternatives
  • Material: 430gsm premium 100% cotton
  • Size: M, L

FAQ: Best DryRobe alternatives for UK watersports

Have a question about the best DryRobe alternatives available in the UK? Check out our FAQ section below where we’ll (hopefully) be able to get your questions answered!

There is a common pattern that the original is usually the best – but with the changing robe industry moving so quickly, this no longer seems to be the case.

Our current favourite brand of DryRobe alternatives is Red Equipment which not only offers a direct DryRobe alternative but both budget and high-end competitors.

The best DryRobe alternatives are usually sized in reference to height, rather than alternative measurements.

All of our top picks come with a size guide available on the product listing.

The traditional DryRobes are packed full of features (waterproof exterior, adjustable velcro cuffs, internal pockets, etc.), all of which add cost to the manufacturing process.

There’s no real way to get around that if you’re still looking for a quality item – that’s why we recommend the back-to-basics Towelling Change Robe from Red Equipment as our best budget alternative.

It’s still the high-quality changing robe that you’d expect from one of the best brands in the business, just with less features to keep the costs down whilst still performing the fundamental functionality.

Struggling to find the answer to your question? Don’t be afraid to reach out and send us a message on one of our socials – we’re always happy to help!

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