Many water sports enthusiasts may, at some point, have experienced the awkward juggling required to shimmy out of a wetsuit while holding a towel to protect their privacy. Thankfully, changing robes are helping to make this a thing of the past.
What are changing robes?
Changing robes help you stay comfortable and covered while changing in public. Oversized sleeves allow you to pull your arms into the interior, giving you the room to change while staying covered.
In addition to privacy, changing robes also provide protection from the elements as you change.
Towelling material on the inside also dries your body as you move around, which means there’s less chance of making a dry change of clothes damp.
How should a changing robe fit?
Changing robes of all sizes offer a roomy fit. This is so you can easily move around inside once the robe is zipped up, allowing you to remove saturated wetsuits or summer swimwear and dress yourself in dry clothes.
Large sleeves make it easy to pull your arms inside to undress and redress, while preventing anyone seeing beneath the robe. There should be room enough to move around inside the robe without it catching or riding up.
Changing robes for warmer weather will likely be made of a light towelling material with short sleeves and a shorter cut. These are designed mostly for privacy and drying purposes. Weatherproof changing robes often have longer sleeves and hems for better protection.
Height measurements and zip length are the most important factors for changing robe sizing as these provide an indication of coverage. In addition, hip and torso measurements need to be sufficient for changing, or a closer fit if you intend to use your robe as an outer layer after changing.
Do I need a changing robe?
Besides the convenience and privacy, being able to exit the water and instantly be warm and dry saves time. A changing robe also allows you to jump straight into the car or a beachside bar without leaking water onto seats or sitting in damp clothing.
The advantages of changing robes
Insulate muscles during sporting events
The fleece lining of a changing robe helps insulate warmed-up muscles before a swimming race or between waves in surfing competitions. Outside conditions and poolside temperatures can cause muscles to cool and contract, wasting energy and increasing the chances of tears and damage.
Freedom to change wherever and whenever you need
If there are no changing facilities available on site where you plan to swim, dive, surf, or paddle, you will have to struggle to hold a towel and remove wet swimwear with one hand or stay in your wet gear.
Changing robes provide another option by keeping you covered, with room to easily disrobe, wherever you are.
Warm up and dry off after cold water swimming
Wrapping up straight after climbing out of cold water prevents the loss of body heat and preserves energy needed to maintain body temperature. A changing robe that dries the body will ensure you are less likely to become ill or experience muscle stiffness from tensing up in the cold.
Weatherproof changing robes protect from the elements
External waterproofing prevents outside moisture from getting in while also excluding wind chill, allowing you to change in comfort without shivering at the water’s edge.
Ultra-soft sherpa lining, Velcro fasteners on the wrists for additional warmth, and protective fleece-lined hoods work together to envelop the body and shut out the cold.
Convenient zip for easy dressing
Easy zip fastening means no more fumbling over buttons with numb fingers. Some weatherproof changing robes feature two-way zips for improved access and flexibility.
Towelling robes often use a convenient over-the-head poncho design for easy access. The absence of shoulder or waist seams also ensures the robes are impermeable to outside conditions.
Practical, comfortable, and durable changing robes from Two Bare Feet
Effortless convenience matched with simple style and undeniable comfort make changing robes an essential accessory for discerning water-goers of all disciplines.
At Two Bare Feet, we provide a range of premium quality weatherproof changing robes and towelling robes for when you need to get dry and get changed on the go.
Either can be combined with a changing mat for complete protection from the elements and a luxurious and protective dry surface to stand on when changing.
Visit our online store to see our complete selection of clothing and accessories for water-based activities, including wetsuits and swimwear for men, women, and children.
