Overwhelmed by the number of new changing robes out there? We tested 10 to find the best from emerging and smaller brands
WORDS HELEN WEBSTER IMAGES DAVE CAUDREY
BUYER’S GUIDE
DRYBONES OCEAN CAMO COAT £140
wearedrybones.co.uk
We don’t see many products with skeletons on them here at 220, so this one caused a stir right out of the box! Based in the UK and the brainchild of two outdoor enthusisasts, the Drybones brand offer adult, child and dog change robes in a multitude of fun colours and designs – all with their unique skeleton branding, the idea being that these keep you dry to the bone!
Our camo version with orange lining was striking and there’s a good range of colours we haven’t seen in the market before. Features feel good quality and are easy to get on with. The zip is chunky and simple to manage with cold hands and the zip pulls are nice big loops, which also appear on the pockets. Large Velcro straps make it easy to adjust and draw in the cuffs once you’re done shuffling about and getting changed inside the coat.
Our size medium (for a female UK14 tester) was oversized enough to get changed inside but not so big that it felt like it swamped us wearing it after our swim. The coat was very warm thanks to that snuggly synthetic sherpa lambswool lining, made from recycled plastics. The outer is made from polyester, which is treated with eco-friendly water repellents. On a cold rainy day, we didn’t see any water ingress and the large hood stayed put and was big enough to get a woolly hat underneath.
The limited edition camo versions attract a slightly higher price, but at £130 for a plain colour or £120 for a shorter-sleeved plain colour, the value here is good. Bespoke and custom available, too, as well as versions for your dog from £35!
88%
VERDICT Warm, good quality and offering something a little different, plus good solid, chunky features
CAPE COVE SNUGGLER WATERPROOF £259
Chances are you may not have come across this small independent womenswear brand before – stocked online and in John Lewis. Crafting (beautiful) quality clothing inspired by the coastline, the Snuggler is one of their changing range. Here the brand sent us two sizes and designs, 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 we’d size down to make it more versatile day-to-day.
We loved the quality of this coat, which featured a recycled sherpa lining which
