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Stay warm, dry and protected from the elements with our pick of the best waterproof and towelling changing robes.

There's nothing quite like the invigorating hit that comes with plunging yourself into icy cold water. And nothing quite so uncomfortable as the violent, chilblain-like shivers that set in once you get out. But you don't have to put up with the post-swim shakes to reap all the benefits of cold water swimming. Say hello to your new BFF: changing robes - if you’ve been mainlining Bad Sisters on Apple TV like we have, you’ll have seen the cast sporting them throughout.

In a hurry? Here's our pick of the very best changing robes on the market right now. Keep scrolling for the full list, plus the benefits.

Sometimes known as a change robe or dry robe, changing robes are essentially toasty portable capsules designed to protect you from the elements. 'Changing robes are clothes that work as mobile changing huts,' says Kate Rew, author of The Outdoor Swimmers’ Handbook and founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society.

First favoured by chilly surfers needing somewhere to shelter while changing out of wetsuits, they're now also used by wild or cold water swimmers, paddle boarders and general outdoorsy folk.

'There are two types,' says Rew. 'Microfibre or towelling ones where you dry yourself off in them, change in them (neatly avoiding flashing or doing the towel dance) and then take them off. And then there's the big coat variety, which have fleecy linings and waterproof outers, where you can change in them and then keep them on, creating an individual micro-climate.'

While changing robes are by no means essential, if you make a habit of submerging yourself in freezing cold water, it's a good idea to have some means of warming yourself up afterwards. 'One of the many great things about outdoor swimming is that the kit needs are minimal,' says Rew. 'You can dry yourself in a standard towel, or make your own changing robe by sewing two towels together. And afterwards you can just wear a coat.'

Changing robes do come with a host of handy benefits, like cosy hoods and pockets for days, so they're worth the investment if you're regularly in need of a cold water companion. 'If you do become fanatic about cold water swimming, you might find changing robes make themselves on to your wish list as a nice thing to have,' says Rew.

It's also important to warm up quickly after swimming - especially in the colder months - thanks to a phenomenon called 'afterdrop,' where your body temperature continues to decrease after exiting the water. 'You will be colder 10 minutes after you get out the water compared to when you are in it,' says Rew. 'So make getting dry and dressed a priority in winter particularly.'

Using your changing robe is simple - just pop over wet gear after swimming, paddle boarding or surfing and get changed underneath. Then, if you've opted for a parka-style variety, you can stay cocooned inside to stay cosy.

'Take all wet things off, put warm things on (thermal base layers are good), layer up, and get a hot drink inside you,' advises Rew. 'In winter when skin is cold it's hard to dry it completely - clothes like jeans become very hard to get on as skin remains sticky. Bear that in mind when you consider what to wear to the river, lake or sea for a swim - you want clothes that are easy to pull on afterwards.'

Not just a convenient way to tick the post-swim warm and dry boxes, change robes are also great for camping, walking the dog or any outdoor activities in the colder months - just add as your final layer to stay snug and sheltered from winter weather.

A changing robe is a big investment, but a good one should last you a lifetime, so if you do decide to take the plunge make sure you've considered the following:

From celeb-favourite Dryrobe to the coveted Red Original Pro Change Robe EVO, we've handpicked the very best change robes to shop in 2022.

A true multitasker, it's no surprise this incredible changing robe was designed by women. A removable inner layer means you get three products for the price of one: use the fleece liner on its own for a lightweight change robe; don the quilted, waterproof parka for day-to-day wear; or zip the changing layer inside the outer jacket for an insanely snuggly coat and/or changing robe. All the fabric is 100% recycled and unlike other changing robes the outer is made from premium twill, so it really feels like a proper coat. There's still plenty of room to change and tons of handy pockets, plus toasty-boosting features like a toggle cord on the hood and a magnetic wind baffle. We're already wearing it out and about despite the weirdly warm Autumn we're having - it's just that gorgeous.

Lining: Fleece Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Available in blue and black Sleeve length: Long

With a water-repellent 100% recycled outer and thick, sherpa-style recycled fleece lining, this unisex changing robe from B Corp certified brand Finisterre is practical and unfussy, while scoring serious eco points. The full-length zip runs two-ways, plus there are spacious side pockets and bungee cords to adjust the hood. There’s only one small inner pocket, but it’s spacious enough to change comfortably and lightweight while still feeling cosy.

Lining: Deep fleece pile Sizes: One size Colours: Navy and olive Sleeve length: Short, but will be 3/4 length on most

As iconic as they are ubiquitous, changing robe pioneer Dryrobe counts Harry Styles and Rita Ora among its fans, and we can see why. It’s really roomy, so easy to change comfortably underneath, and the recycled lining is made to replicate lambswool - big cosy points. The outer is also recycled - it’s made from waterproof and windproof nylon, plus the sleeves are fitted to help you feel less like you’re flailing about in a tent, and it has loads of deep, fleece-lined pockets, including a huge A4-sized internal section and a zipped waterproof chest pocket that's ideal for stowing your phone.

Lining: Synthetic lambswool Sizes: Small, medium, large Colours: Black outer with grey lining, pink lining, red lining or blue lining, grey camo print with pink lining or black lining, and it's available in limited edition Alpine White for £175 Sleeve length: Long sleeve

Unique not only in shape, this puffer change robe from Vivida has an insulated fill style, rather than thick layered towelling like most changing robes on the market. So as you’d expect, it’s super cosy. Construction-wise there are three layers, starting with a water and wind-proof shell, then synthetic down insulation, then a soft fleece lining made from 100% recycled polyester. The oversized fit allows enough room for changing, but if you want to use it purely as a coat (and why wouldn’t you?) size down. Clever features like adjustable velcro cuffs, a draught-free collar and lots of deep pockets put this up there with the very best of changing robes.

Lining: Sustainable honeycomb fleece Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Grey, green and mineral blue Sleeve length: Long

A solid favourite among cold water swimmers, the Red Original Pro Change Evo Robe ticks all the boxes - it’s waterproof, breathable and lightweight, and comes in a range of colours with fun, contrasting linings. It feels super-soft, with a moisture-wicking, thick pile lining, wind baffle and velcro cuffs to preserve precious body heat, and a snug-fit, toggled hood means your head stays warm too. Quick-closure fastenings are easy enough to operate with numb fingers, plus there’s loads of pockets and stretchy panels on the side to make changing a doddle. Grab one of the brand’s compression bags too if you want to pack it down small.

Lining: Pile fleece Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Available in 10 colours, including parker green, black, teal and navy Sleeve length: Long

This puffer style parka from Sweaty Betty is not officially a changing robe, but if you’re a fan of ice baths or you’re after a super cosy full body coat that doubles up as a ski jacket/duvet, this is for you. It’s made from water-resistant fabric and padded to the max so you will feel toasty warm in even the chilliest arctic tundras, while side seam zips lend themselves well to quick wardrobe changes in awkward locations. And it also features handy internal webbing straps which transform the jacket into a rucksack while you enjoy a refreshing hot chocolate (additional brandy shot optional) by the lake before/after your dip. Genius.

Lining: Recycled polyester with 100% recycled down Sizes: XXS-XXL Colours: Available in black, red, green and purple Sleeve length: Long

This super-soft, uber cosy coat is THE changing robe seen on the Apple TV series Bad Sisters (if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you doing?), but it has more than just the celeb seal of approval. The nylon shell is breathable while staying windproof and fully waterproof, thanks to an eco-friendly repellent, while the lining is an incredibly snuggly synthetic lambswool, which is moisture-wicking and doesn’t become scratchy after continued use. The fitted sleeves have velcro on the cuffs and there’s plenty of room to get your arms inside to change, plus there are two big fleece-lined pockets, and an internal valuables pocket.

Lining: Polyester and lambswool Sizes: Medium, large, extra large Colours: Available in eight colours, including navy, grey, fluro orange and magenta purple Sleeve length: Long

This changing robe from Voited takes a unique approach in its lining - different materials are used in different places. Around the upper torso and legs is moisture-wicking microfibre towelling (ideal for drying off), while the hood and arms are lined in thick polar fleece, and there’s a cosy insulation panel around the lumbar. Meanwhile the outer is water-resistant and coated in a bio-based Teflon for extra protection. The hood and cuffs are adjustable, there are plenty of pockets and a full-length reversible zip. The brand also makes a great short-sleeved poncho for the warmer months.

Lining: Microfibre and fleece Sizes: Extra small, small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Navy, black, turquoise, dusty sand and dark camo print Sleeve length: Long

Will camo print ever go out of fashion? We don’t think so. This reasonably-priced robe does come in more demure colours if you’d prefer, plus it’s super-spacious, waterproof and windproof and has a cosy fleece pile lining. The 3/4 length sleeves do leave wrists a little exposed to the elements, but there are two fleece-lined external pockets to warm hands up in, plus an inner pocket for valuables. For the price, it’s a great shout.

Lining: Fleece Sizes: One size, suitable for those between 5’1” and 6’5” Colours: Black, blue, navy, red or camo print Sleeve length: 3/4 length

We love everything about this change robe - the gorgeous rust colour, the large logo on the back and the fact that it’s made from 85 recycled plastic bottles. It arrives packed down into a surprisingly small, but very handy reusable bag (or stuff-sack), and the sherpa fleece lining is super cosy. The recycled polyester outer is water-repellent, there are side slits to make changing easier and adjustable velcro on the cuffs to keep the warm in, plus it has lined pockets to keep valuables safe and hands toasty too.

Lining: Sherpa fleece Sizes: Extra small, small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Black, larkspur blue and rust Sleeve length: Long

This may just be the warmest changing robe out there. The thick sherpa fleece lining is made from recycled plastic bottles, plus there are velcro cuffs and a drawstring on the inside that you can use to tighten the waist to increase the toasty factor or to turn it into a more presentable coat. Meanwhile the outer is super durable and waterproof, there are long zip pulls for chilly fingers and the mesh goggle pocket is a nice touch. Plus it comes with a 40L dry bag!

Lining: Sherpa fleece Sizes: Extra small, small/medium, large/extra large and children 10-13 Colours: Navy, purple, turquoise and burgundy, plus four camo prints Sleeve length: Long

If you’re after a simple poncho-style changing robe, you can’t go wrong with this chuck-on cotton terry number from Northcore. Wide arm holes make getting in and out of it a doddle, it has a cosy hood to help dry those beachy waves, and is machine washable - score. At 76cm wide it’s not the most roomy, but it’s a great option for those who are after something less technical or just a towel layer to throw on under a coat. This striped version is wider at 85cm and includes a velour outer layer for better protection from the elements.

Lining: Single layer cotton terry towelling Sizes: One size Colours: Black, or the blue and grey colourways are currently on sale Sleeve length: Short

If you’re reluctant to shell out mega bucks for a robe you’ll only wear occasionally, finding a jacket that can multitask means better cost per wear. This super-light puffer from Sweaty Betty is also not strictly speaking a changing robe, but it is sumptuously padded and comes with fleece-lined zip pockets that are ideal for keeping digits warm and valuables safe in inclement weather. The oversized hood is also perfect for protecting your head and neck from bracing winds. It’s not full body so won’t provide full coverage from the elements. But we wore it for a chilly dip in the Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath on a wintery morn and went for coffee afterwards without feeling even remotely self-conscious about our attire.

Lining: Responsibly sourced down Sizes: XXS-XXL Colours: Black or white Sleeve length: Long

Unlike many other change robes on the market this eco number from Gorilla Roves doesn’t zip open all the way down the centre, but has two-way side zips from armpit to ankle to make changing easier, plus the arm holes are big enough to easily move your arms in and out of the main body. The waterproof and windproof nylon outer shell is made from recycled plastic bottles and the robe is lined in thick sherpa fleece for quick-drying and ultimate cosiness, plus there’s a huge front pocket ideal for valuables and chilly hands - hot water bottle optional!

Lining: Sherpa wool fleece Sizes: Extra small, small, medium, large Colours: Blue Sleeve length: Long

Someone on Cosimac’s marketing team had their head screwed on right when they came up with the brand name - this changing robe really is incredibly cosy. It’s lined in a super soft faux shearling fleece, the robe is longer than most on the market, the fleece-lined hood is ginormous, plus there’s a dedicated hot water bottle pocket (why don’t all coats come with that?). Despite all these toasty extras it’s surprisingly lightweight, which is even more impressive when you consider the exterior is tough and weatherproof. There are zipped pockets inside and out, and did we mention it comes in leopard print?

Lining: Synthetic shearling fleece Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Black with red, harbour blue or ice blue detailing, or leopard print Sleeve length: Long

This sharp unisex changing robe is made with a completely water and wind-proof polyurethane shell and has welded seams to keep it that way, plus it’s lined in a snuggly, fluffy fleece that dries really effectively. The fabric has four-way stretch to make changing underneath it easier, and pocket-wise it boasts outer hand warming pockets, an internal zipped pocket and a large internal valuables pocket. There’s no adjustable drawstring in the hood, but velcro cuffs keep you toasty and the full-length zipper is two-way for quick changes in chilly conditions.

Lining: Fleece Sizes: Extra small, small, medium, large, extra large Colours: Graphite, eggshell or navy Sleeve length: Long