Use cases of dry robe in 2025
In the UK and Ireland, where the weather can switch from sunshine to sideways rain in minutes, the right outerwear makes all the difference. That’s why the dry robe has become a must-have piece of kit for anyone who spends time outdoors. But what exactly is it used for? Why has it grown from being a surfer’s essential to an everyday lifestyle jacket?
Let’s break it down.
The traditional use
Dry robes were first popular with open-water swimmers, surfers, and triathletes. They were designed to be hugely oversized so that people could change within them, waterproof, and fleece-lined and quick drying, which means you can:
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Stay warm after coming out of cold water (often 10–15°C in UK & Irish seas).
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Use it as a portable changing room on the beach, with space to swap wet gear for warm clothes underneath.
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Avoid shivering while packing up or waiting for friends.
This is where the dry robe earned its reputation as a game-changer for watersports.
Everyday lifestyle uses
Over the years, dry robes have stepped beyond the beach and into everyday life. You’ll now see them:
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On dog walks in the rain.
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School runs when mornings are damp and chilly.
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On the sidelines of rugby or football matches.
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During coffee walks with friends, when you want comfort and warmth without sacrificing style.
This shift happened because people realised that a dry robe isn’t just for post-swim recovery. It’s a highly versatile all-weather, all-purpose coat that makes outdoor living easier, drier and cosier.
The Wild & Free Approach
At Wild & Free, their cult product the COBE (COat + roBE) takes the idea of a dry robe and refines it for both adventure and daily life. While traditional robes can feel bulky, the COBE is:
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Slimmer and lightweight - perfect for every day city wear as well as coastal paths.
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Elegantly designed with subtle luxury branding
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Made from 100% recycled nylon, making it eco-friendly as well as practical.
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Designed with luxury hand-warmer pockets and a tailored silhouette, so it feels like a coat you’d actually want to wear anywhere.
This makes it more than just a “swim robe”. It’s a 3-in-1 changing robe, raincoat, and everyday jacket puffer coat in one.
So, what is a dry robe used for?
Adventure: As a changing robe, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, camping, festivals, etc.
Everyday life: Dog walks, school pickups, coffee catch-ups, sports sidelines.
Comfort: Staying warm and dry in temperatures as low as 0-5°C, even with winds up to 25mph.
In short, a dry robe is used for making outdoor life more comfortable and enjoyable, no matter the weather.
Final thought
While dry robes began as a solution for cold-water swimmers, they’ve grown into something much bigger. In the UK and Ireland, where the outdoors is part of daily life, a dry robe is no longer about changing, it’s about living Wild & Free. With the right one, like the COBE, you’re not just prepared for the elements - you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
