It might be a shock, for anyone who has recently visited a UK lido, beach or riverbank, to hear that outdoor swimming is entirely possible without a changing robe.
Scandalous I know!
As my toes are ably demonstrating above, when it comes to swimming, all you really need is some water.
But the pull of the change or drying robe is strong. So strong that the number of manufacturers supplying them appears to increase daily.
‘The best swim robes: 20 options.’ (220 Triathlon)’
’13 best changing robes.’ (Glamour Magazine)
Which must surely be contributing to the 140 million pounds worth of clothing sent each year to UK landfill.
After all, drying robes are bulky!
But they do appear to be handy in all kinds of outdoor (and indoor) situations. And I have lots of friends who can linger longer after swimming than I can.
I’m the only person in my swimming group without one of the big dry robes.
(September 2024 – this is no longer true. I’ve just been sent a D-Robe Beaufort Robe and am looking forward to trying it out as the days get colder.)
Drying robes are really popular
When it comes to sustainability and eco-conscience, there can be no doubt about it.
The best swimming gear for the planet is the swimming gear you don’t buy.
But what if you really want a changing robe? What if having one helps you keep swimming through the winter? What if it’s lovely to wear round the house? What if it’s cosy on chilly dog walks? What if it helps you feel part of the club?
Well you could buy one.
The environmental impact of swimming robes
But what if you also care about the environment? What if you value recycling? What if you want to be a force for good?
But still want to buy a drying robe?
Well, we’re back to the REUSE, REPAIR, RECYCLE mantra.
All change robe manufacturers are not made equal. But it is possible to find ones that use recycled materials and offer a repair service.
On brand websites, look for ‘sustainability’ and ‘impact’ information.
Top on my list when it comes to outdoor gear sustainability are manufacturers who will take post-useful-life responsibility for their product.
In other words, make sure it doesn’t end up as landfill.
A good example of this would be Alpkit’s Continuum project, which found a home for 5 tonnes of used outdoor gear in 2022.
This type of commitment to reducing the impact of fashion is sadly still tricky to find, even in the outdoor industry.
Something to think about if you’re considering buying a new swimming robe.
Or indeed any outdoor gear.
Which is the most sustainable dry robe for outdoor swimming?
Sustainability in the outdoor industry isn’t just about using recycled materials and PFC-free waterproofing (although both of those are great). What happens to a product after its useful life, and the manufacturer’s contribution to the planet are just as important.
Here’s what I found out about the reuse, repair, recycle credentials of six top dry robe brands, as well as what else they do to look after our planet. (January 2024).
But before you read, please remember that, although it’s important to support businesses that are taking sustainability seriously,
NOT BUYING is usually the most sustainable thing you can do.
Finisterre – Tego Robe
- Stars: 5 plus *****
- Clear sustainability information? Yes
- Recycled materials? Recycled nylon fabric
- PFC-free? FC-free waterproof coating on the outer. Finisterre have been PFC-free since 2017.
- Repair service? Yes – charged but lots of options
- End of use recycling service? YES! Finisterre’s Reskinned project repairs and finds new homes for old gear
- Donating to the planet? Big time! The Finisterre Foundation supports small scale charitable projects to remove barriers to accessing the sea. Sea7 Masterclasses help other people learn ocean activism skills. And Finisterre’s ocean partners include Surfers Against Sewage, Project Seagrass and Oceana UK.
- Recognised eco credential? Certified B Corporation
D-Robe Beaufort Robe
I’m in the process of trialling my D-Robe Beaufort Robe but am already impressed with its versatility. It’s cut in a more slimline style than many change robes, and I’m already using it for a range of activities, which of course, is better for the planet than buying multiple coats.
- Stars: 3***
- Clear sustainability information? Yes
- Recycled materials? Yes – outer shell 100% recycled nylon (mainly old fishing nets), fleece lining 100% recycled polyester (from plastic bottles)
- PFC-free? Not stated
- Repair service? None listed
- End of use recycling service? None listed
- Donating to the planet? No obvious information
- Recognised eco-credential? None listed
Robie Robe – Dry series changing robe
- Stars: 4 ****
- Clear sustainability information? Yes – easiest to access on product pages
- Recycled materials? Yes – outer shell and lining (Global Recycled Standard)
- PFC-free? Yes
- Repair service? Yes – for a ‘nominal fee’
- End of use recycling service? None listed
- Donating to the planet? 1% of sales to 1% For the Planet, which supports environmental charities
- Recognised eco credential? Certified B Corporation
Dryrobe – Advance range
- Stars: 4 ****
- Clear sustainability information? Yes
- Recycled materials? Yes – 100% recycled polyester lining, 100% recycled nylon outer
- PFC-free? PFC-free waterproof coating on the outer
- Repair service? Yes – a charged service for some types of repair
- End of use recycling service? Not listed although dryrobe do redistribute repaired robes through their Warmth Project
- Donating to the planet? £1 from each dryrobe Advance will go to the RNLI
- Recognised eco credential? Certified B Corporation
Red – Pro Change Robes and Parkas
- Stars: 3 ***
- Clear sustainability information? Yes – easiest to access on product pages
- Recycled materials? Outer shell and lining
- PFC-free? PFC-free waterproof coating on the outer
- Repair service? I couldn’t find one for robes
- End of use recycling service? None listed
- Donating to the planet? The Red Foundation supports individuals and groups making water-based adventures accessible to all
- Recognised eco credential? Certified B Corporation
ddipp – Sea Monster Hydro range
- Stars: 2 **
- Clear sustainability information? Yes
- Recycled materials? Yes – 100% fabrics and zip tape fabric
- PFC-free? No information given about the waterproofing method
- Repair service? None listed
- End of use recycling service? None listed
- Donating to the planet? No obvious information
- Recognised eco credential? None listed
Passenger – Recycled Sherpa Lined range
- Stars: 2**
- Clear sustainability information? Yes – easiest to access on product pages
- Recycled materials? Outer shell recycled polyester, lining recycled fleece
- PFC-free? PFC-free waterproofing on the outer
- Repair service? Yes – for a ‘nominal fee’
- End of use recycling service? None listed
- Donating to the planet? One tree planted per order
- Recognised eco credential? No
Of course, there are many (some might say too many) other swim changing robe manufacturers out there. There are also other environmental factors to consider in your purchase-or-not-purchase choice, including the use of polluting forever chemicals.
How durable is outdoor gear?
If you’re trying not to buy too much outdoor gear for sustainability reasons, you’ll be interested in the durability of the pieces you do buy. I know I am.
Which is why I’m running a long-term ‘how long will it last’ experiment with my favourite jumper.
Click below to find out more…
Sustainable outdoor knitwear. How long will my new Finisterre jumper last?