Regatta Changing Robe Review: Warm, Practical and Surprisingly Versatile
Changing robes might have begun as a practical solution for surfers and outdoor swimmers, but they have quickly become useful for anyone who spends time outdoors in unpredictable British weather.
The Regatta Changing Robe combines the warmth of a substantial coat with enough space to change out of wet clothing discreetly. Its oversized cut allows you to bring your arms inside the robe, making it much easier to remove wet swimwear or sailing kit without having to struggle with a towel.
Warm and weatherproof
The outer shell is made from Regatta’s waterproof Hydrafort 5000 fabric, helping to protect the wearer from rain, spray and cold winds. Inside, the soft Borg-fleece lining provides welcome warmth after swimming, paddleboarding, sailing or simply getting caught outside in poor weather.
This combination makes the robe particularly useful around boats, beaches and marinas, where staying completely dry is not always possible.
Designed for changing outdoors
A changing robe needs to be roomy, and the Regatta design provides plenty of space without feeling unnecessarily complicated. The long sleeves allow your arms to be pulled inside while changing, while adjustable cuffs can be tightened afterwards to help retain warmth.
The two-way front zip is another practical addition. It can be opened from the bottom, providing better movement when sitting down, walking or changing underneath the robe.
Useful storage
The robe includes external pockets for warming your hands or carrying everyday items. A zipped internal pocket provides a more secure place for keys, a phone or other small valuables
Not just for watersports
Although ideal for sailing, swimming, surfing and paddleboarding, this is much more than a specialist watersports garment. It also works well as a warm waterproof coat for:
- Walking the dog
- Watching children’s outdoor sports
- Camping and festivals
- Wet and windy beach days
- Standing around the marina
- Changing after sailing or watersports
Parents may find the children’s version particularly useful. Children can put the robe on immediately after leaving the water, warm up in the fleece lining and then change into dry clothes when they are ready.
Sizing
Regatta offers separate adult and children’s sizes. The robes are deliberately oversized, so they should not fit like a conventional coat. The extra room is an important part of the design, providing space for changing and allowing the robe to be worn over wet clothing or additional layers.
Our verdict
The Regatta Changing Robe is warm, waterproof and genuinely practical. It provides privacy when changing, protection from difficult weather and enough versatility to be used throughout the year.
For sailors, swimmers, paddleboarders and families who regularly spend time beside the water, it is the sort of garment that is likely to be used far more often than originally expected. It also represents excellent value compared with many of the more expensive changing robes on the market. At £60 for an adult and £40 for a child, you can kit out the whole family for the price of one of the market leaders products.
Available from YouBoat in adult and children’s sizes.