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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want a hooded towel that's actually a towel?

56 replies

WilliamBell · 17/08/2025 13:04

Bought DC some new hooded towels/ponchos from John Lewis. Used them the first time and realised that for some bizarre reason, they are towelling material on the outside, but different material inside so they don't actually dry properly! Reading reviews this seems to be the John Lewis style, which makes no sense as surely the toweling bit needs to be inside where they actually need to dry?!

It's hard to find hooded towels beyond toddler age, but I need ones for DCs aged 6 and 7. Happy to have a bit bigger to grow into.

It's impossible to tell from online pictures which are actually towelling on the inside/all the way through. Can anyone recommend anything please?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Jamfirstest · 18/08/2025 13:41

@WilliamBell sure it’s these
https://amzn.eu/d/7oDuTjD

Wibbs · 18/08/2025 12:43

Theses are brilliant.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northcore-Beach-Basha-Changing-Robe/

My son has been using this brand for years. Got him his 2nd Full Size one for university!

MassDebate · 18/08/2025 12:34

I was going to recommend Hooded Owls but others got there first! They are expensive but great quality - my kids have had theirs for years and they have lasted really well. They now do giant ones which are big enough for teens/adults (15yo DS uses them). Lovely thick proper towel material.

sanityisamyth · 18/08/2025 12:30

greenmarsupial · 17/08/2025 15:06

I’ve had these ones for years and they are great. Come in a variety of sizes too https://www.hoodedowls.co.uk/pages/hooded-owl-towels

DS has one of these. He’s 5’7 and still uses it for changing. It’s lush.

Dogaredabomb · 18/08/2025 12:12

I was thinking of sewing myself something for swimming. I have a smaller towel that I could sew onto the corner of the bigger towel... possibly. Or cut it in half and make a hood in the middle?

fruitpastille · 18/08/2025 12:11

I've got a Robie and it's pretty good. Mine is too big for me which means I can get dressed inside it which is handy at the beach. It's heavy cotton and quite bulky though.

CopperWhite · 18/08/2025 12:07

WilliamBell · 18/08/2025 08:44

Ah, this is exactly what I want to avoid. Can I check that the other suggestions made are proper towel material and not microfibre please?

Are the decathlon ones?

Show quote history

The Robie ones are like a proper thick towel.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/08/2025 11:31

These are good, and proper towelling https://www.saltrock.com/products/corp-kids-changing-robe-red?pos=23&sid=8524ccf25&ss=r

https://www.saltrock.com/search?q=towel

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/08/2025 10:49

WilliamBell · 18/08/2025 08:44

Ah, this is exactly what I want to avoid. Can I check that the other suggestions made are proper towel material and not microfibre please?

Are the decathlon ones?

Show quote history

Decathlon do some towelling ones and dome microfibre. The kids ones with the poppers up the side are cotton. It says in the item description online.

AzureCats · 18/08/2025 09:01

AlphaApple · 17/08/2025 13:14

Wear it inside out??

Yes surely try this first before wasting money buying new ones they'll outgrow. @WilliamBell

Original poster
WilliamBell · 18/08/2025 08:44

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/08/2025 08:32

I had one of these. It’s horrible non-absorbent microfibre fabric, that made my skin crawl. I didn’t even like touching it. Total false economy. It’s worth noting that these are the same as the OHS ones.

Show quote history

Ah, this is exactly what I want to avoid. Can I check that the other suggestions made are proper towel material and not microfibre please?

Are the decathlon ones?

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/08/2025 08:32

WilliamBell · 18/08/2025 04:26

Thank you!

And thanks for all the other great suggestions.

Show quote history

I had one of these. It’s horrible non-absorbent microfibre fabric, that made my skin crawl. I didn’t even like touching it. Total false economy. It’s worth noting that these are the same as the OHS ones.

MyAcornWood · 18/08/2025 04:32

I’ve got an ikea one for my son which is the best by far I think but also an animal one, bought from mountain warehouse. Both handy!

Original poster
WilliamBell · 18/08/2025 04:26

YetanotherNC25 · 17/08/2025 17:22

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BZ5L5QQ1?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_FKYHRXJ5G00VFMAAKNAW&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_FKYHRXJ5G00VFMAAKNAW&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_FKYHRXJ5G00VFMAAKNAW

Show quote history

Thank you!

And thanks for all the other great suggestions.

OP posts:
Laura95167 · 17/08/2025 20:20

OHS, its online - think it stands for online home store or online home shop or something

hopspot · 17/08/2025 17:40

Another person mentioning Decathlon! All of ours are from them. All different sizes and all proper towelling absorbency.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 17/08/2025 17:31

TK Maxx sometimes have them - and if you pick up a red label one they can be v. v. cheap (mine is a good quality one and cost £8).

Cheapo shops in run down seaside towns also have reasonably priced ones. The trendier towns often only have very expensive ones.

FrangipaniBlue · 17/08/2025 15:47

I have a dry robe one https://dryrobe.com/products/towel-dryrobe-adults-pink

they’re pricey but honestly best money I’ve spent. I’ve had it almost 5 years and it doesn’t look any different! apart from the colour is ever so slightly faded.

it’s really thick/heavy so while not waterproof on the outside it’s incredibly warm/windproof if you wanted to use it at the beach or after outdoor swimming

Woman smiling wearing dryrobe® Organic Cotton Towel Robe in Pink

Pink Organic Towel Changing Robe | Dryrobe®

Dry off and change in comfort with the Pink Dryrobe® Adult Towel Robe - soft, absorbent, lightweight, and perfect for beach or poolside adventures.

https://dryrobe.com/products/towel-dryrobe-adults-pink

cadburyegg · 17/08/2025 14:26

I buy ours from Amazon too. This is the most recent one I bought, they do them in different colours. Towelling all through.

https://amzn.eu/d/gJk41gP

Original poster
WilliamBell · 17/08/2025 14:23

I'll check decathlon too.

OP posts:
Original poster
WilliamBell · 17/08/2025 14:23

YetanotherNC25 · 17/08/2025 13:11

I bought a cheap one off amazon for my teenager to wear on holiday as she won’t wear a wrap/sarong. Fully towelling and about £6. Thin towelling so not too hot and it worked fine. Go cheap not John Lewis and you might find what you want.

Thanks, do you have a link please?

OP posts:
Mulledjuice · 17/08/2025 13:27

And Morrisons for kids' ones

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