Your questions about changing robes answeredWhat is the best changing robe?Ultimately, it was Red’s alter evo long sleeve waterproof dry changing robe that impressed me the most, with its price point at less than £200, soft and inviting lining, and high waterproofing rating of 15,000mm. For seasoned surfers looking to catch the waves multiple times in a day, I couldn’t deny the appeal of Dryrobe’s advance changing robe, with its trademarked quick-dry back2skin lining. And, for those on a tighter budget, the Mountain Warehouse tidal womens waterproof changing robe was the most affordable option I tried, but the Sherpa lining was still soft enough to rival that of its competitors. In a bid to establish the best changing robes for men and women, my partner and I took a handful of the most popular models down to our local beach to put them through their paces. We tested them in a variety of conditions, from mid-summer sun to September downpours, and donned the robes while walking and post-swim, the latter to warm ourselves up. While using the changing robes, we paid attention to the following factors:Waterproofing and breathability: If you’re getting out of your swimmers in the midst of the wind and rain, the last thing you need is to get your dry clothes wet or for the process of getting changed to bring on a hot sweat, so I took into account the waterproofing and breathability ratings, plus how they fared in practice. Aesthetics: While a hot pink and camo design might be perfect for some, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, so it was a bonus if the changing robes had a variety of printsWarmth: I assessed how snuggly each lining was, including whether they were too insulated for year-round wear or, on the contrary, not warm enough. Extras: Pockets, hood toggles, adjustable cuffs, two-way zips and movement vents were all noted, and their usefulness considered. Size and weight: I compared how cumbersome each of the changing robes was to wear and carry, taking this into account when judging their suitability for campers and dog walkers. Are dry robes waterproof?Yes, most changing robes are waterproof. The Dryrobe brand specifically waterproofs its changing robes up to 25,000mm, which is the highest rating of all those I tested. It’s worth double-checking if your chosen changing robe is waterproof, as opposed to water repellent, with some brands – like Passenger – offering a selection of models with a water repellent coating, lending them to more moderate climes. Can you put a dry robe in the washing machine?Dryrobe advises that its advanced changing robes (listed above) be washed only if absolutely necessary, to maintain the quality of the lining and waterproofing. However, if needed, they can be machine washed using a mesh laundry bag or hand-washed at 30C. As for changing robes from other brands, it’s best to check the guidelines for your specific product, as care instructions can vary. For instance, Red’s changing robe boasts easy cleaning and is machine washable at 30C so long as you use a re-waterproofing product on it every five washes.What is the difference between a Dryrobe and a changing robe?Nothing. Dryrobe is simply the brand name of the first company that marketed changing robes back in 2010. Being the original founders of the product, the name gained noun status with adventurers and, to this day, people often describe competitor brand changing robes as ‘dry robes’. Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsLucy Smith has been writing for IndyBest since July 2024, reviewing a mix of products across lifestyle and fitness, including the best beach towels and the best hypochlorous acid sprays for a post-gym refresh. Living a stone’s throw from the sea in Brighton, Lucy was well placed to test the best changing robes, especially given her penchant for a cold plunge from summer through winter. She’s been practising cold water swimming since 2021, when she took to braving a 13C lido swim, and has been using a changing robe since then, too. These are her top picks.I live by the sea – read my review of the best beach towels