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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To buy a dry robe as a winter coat?!

391 replies

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 08:45

I live in the south west. From October to March, our weather is 99% driving rain and howling wind. I’ve tried over the years to find a decent winter coat that keeps me warm and dry. I’ve found a few that work somewhat, including a lovely M&S rain jacket, but it’s a bit thin.

im considering just biting the bullet and buying a big waterproof changing coat from regatta and being cosy.

But does it look a bit wanky?! Is it okay?!

this is the one I have my eye on

https://www.regatta.com/adults-waterproof-changing-robe-dark-cherry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_16108952393&utm_content=%7Badgroupname%7D_&utm_term=&utm_brand=regatta&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16097452002&gbraid=0AAAAADQdSE8zgQrK5ij4KWiKVriu-WZ3p&gclid=CjwKCAjwwrPVBhA1EiwAv_YO-URMzXzdUfe_4pedDIy1IwFhHmTq04jbmI2WidUesYp3VTPhi4AJvBoCfVEQAvD_BwE

YABU - accept the soggy legs and wear something more dignified

YANBU - stay warm and dry

Adult's Waterproof Changing Robe | Dark Cherry

Oversized, weatherproof and warm, our Adult Waterproof Changing Robe will give you freedom of moveme

https://www.regatta.com/adults-waterproof-changing-robe-dark-cherry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_16108952393&utm_content=%7Badgroupname%7D_&utm_term=&utm_brand=regatta&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16097452002&gbraid=0AAAAADQdSE8zgQrK5ij4KWiKVriu-WZ3p&gclid=CjwKCAjwwrPVBhA1EiwAv_YO-URMzXzdUfe_4pedDIy1IwFhHmTq04jbmI2WidUesYp3VTPhi4AJvBoCfVEQAvD_BwE

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aperolspritzbasicbitch · 22/09/2026 14:22

theneighbourgotmycake · 22/09/2026 14:09

but it's very weird to imply that people who have dry robes will exclusively use it a changing robe. You can find much cheaper changing robes for a start.
Of course they use it as a coat too?
How many people really spend £175 on a changing robe and never use it as a coat, when it's literally designed to be a coat too.
Even the website has always advertised them worn by fully clothes people, not doing any kind of specific sport.

I couldn’t start calling my dressing gown a trench coat just because I fancy wearing it on the school run or a pillow case or whatever, obviously

but again, normal people have always used their dry robe as a coat

They wear them before , after and to pop to the shop on the way home.
And yes, because it's so comfortable and practical, they wear them all the time.

But equally, why would someone spend £175 on a changing robe, never to use it as a changing robe, but as a bulky coat? Especially when there’s nicer, more practical coats available for less.

I’d much rather, and have, spend roughly the same money on a decent coat, fit for many more occasions than a dryrobe would be.

and of course there are people modelling them that are fully clothed. I don’t wear just a dryrobe and a swimsuit from home to beach. I wear my clothes down to the water.

theneighbourgotmycake · 22/09/2026 14:09

but it's very weird to imply that people who have dry robes will exclusively use it a changing robe. You can find much cheaper changing robes for a start.
Of course they use it as a coat too?
How many people really spend £175 on a changing robe and never use it as a coat, when it's literally designed to be a coat too.
Even the website has always advertised them worn by fully clothes people, not doing any kind of specific sport.

I couldn’t start calling my dressing gown a trench coat just because I fancy wearing it on the school run or a pillow case or whatever, obviously

but again, normal people have always used their dry robe as a coat

They wear them before , after and to pop to the shop on the way home.
And yes, because it's so comfortable and practical, they wear them all the time.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 22/09/2026 13:32

theneighbourgotmycake · 22/09/2026 13:22

but ... it is?

I am well aware what a dry robe is, but being a coat is one of its use.

The marketing team behind the "dry robe wanker" nonsense has never wanted to restrict its use 😂

Dryrobe have something called the nexus, which is a hybrid between parka and changing robe, but the standard one that the world and their dog (me included, and my dog) is a changing robe. That’s what it is.

I couldn’t start calling my dressing gown a trench coat just because I fancy wearing it on the school run.

I absolutely have nothing against dryrobes,
but they aren’t coats and it’s an odd
choice for a stroll to the office.

justtosayihelped · 22/09/2026 13:23

DraigCymraeg · 21/09/2026 12:04

Has anybody else noticed how boiling a lot of shops are already?
Four have lost sales from me because I couldn't bear to stay in there!

Ugh, yes. It sucks!!

OP posts:
theneighbourgotmycake · 22/09/2026 13:22

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 22/09/2026 13:16

I think people are missing the fact that the reason people think it’s so odd to choose a dry robe as your coat is because….its not a coat.

I say this as someone who lives in the south west also, owns a dryrobe, and uses it for the intended purpose and winter beach walks only.

I also happily wear crocs when I’m out in the camper. 🤣

but ... it is?

I am well aware what a dry robe is, but being a coat is one of its use.

The marketing team behind the "dry robe wanker" nonsense has never wanted to restrict its use 😂

Happysnappydays · 22/09/2026 13:19

I've ordered a Tesco one - tried a different colour on in shop and to look more coat-like a small was right for me, though I'm a size 18. It was so cosy I didn't want to take it off.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 22/09/2026 13:16

I think people are missing the fact that the reason people think it’s so odd to choose a dry robe as your coat is because….its not a coat.

I say this as someone who lives in the south west also, owns a dryrobe, and uses it for the intended purpose and winter beach walks only.

I also happily wear crocs when I’m out in the camper. 🤣

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 22/09/2026 10:10

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 08:47

Oh I’m aware they’re ugly, I’m not too bothered by that as I would only really be wearing it on my commute. I just can’t find a decent winter coat that is long, warm, dry and doesn’t cost £300

Regatta does some properly long quilted coats. I bought one such for a dd last Christmas.

allthiscarryon · 22/09/2026 10:07

One of my fav comments was from so old fat geezer, you know the type with the selfie picture that makes them looked like they took it lying down crossed eyed, bemoaning the fact that in his day all the women were beach
and glam on the beach and wore swimsuits and would have dared to try to wear anything as unladylike as a changing robe or coat when getting dressed…

allthiscarryon · 22/09/2026 10:04

Neighbourmystery · 21/09/2026 08:46

This thread is crazy - woman finds a coat that she likes and suits her needs - people warn her that people in cornwall might think shes a knob

This is the MN version of middle aged men blatehring on to teenage girls about band t shirts

Yup! Theres a Dry Robe Wankers FB group full of people embracing the fact that they are indeed a dry robe wanker!
The original one got shut down because of all the shitty comments ls from mainly men, taking photos of mainly women without their permission and saying things like ‘look at this ugly c&nt in a shop no where near water!!! ‘ etc.
Far prefer the new one. I live by the sea and recognised some of the people being photographed doing outrageous things like being in the COOP right by the beach after a swim or walking back from the beach on the promenade STILL in their coat. How FUCKING dare they!!!! Everyone knows you need to pack it away as soon as your feet leave the sand or shingle…

DraigCymraeg · 21/09/2026 12:04

justtosayihelped · 21/09/2026 11:26

As I’ve said though the layers are all well and good till I have to shed 15 layers of thermals in the office!

Has anybody else noticed how boiling a lot of shops are already?
Four have lost sales from me because I couldn't bear to stay in there!

justtosayihelped · 21/09/2026 11:26

Bjorkdidit · 21/09/2026 09:45

No, it's advising that it's not the most practical solution for what the OP wants, because it's too hot once you start moving around, bulky, not actually that waterproof and lacking a decent hood.

So people don't spend a lot of money on something that doesn't do the job they want it to do.

In the OPs case, it sounds like she has a suitable coat for wet weather, and when it's not warm enough, all she needs to do is layer up underneath, so if she's buying anything, she might do better with base layers (eg Uniqlo Heatech, M&S also have good ones) also a lightweight puffa jacket or fleece, the puffa jacket being an especially good choice because if you end up being too warm, you can take it off and stuff it in your coat pocket.

But if she wants to go out and buy a dryrobe because she's seen other people wearing them around town, she's free to do that and find out for herself why people are saying it probably won't be suitable for walking around in weather that's wet, windy and not particularly cold.

As I’ve said though the layers are all well and good till I have to shed 15 layers of thermals in the office!

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 21/09/2026 09:45

allthiscarryon · 20/09/2026 15:52

Dickheads are the ones insisting that you can only wear a changing robe near water! It’s bizarre, can you imagine another coat that people insist can ONLY be used under certain circumstances.

No, it's advising that it's not the most practical solution for what the OP wants, because it's too hot once you start moving around, bulky, not actually that waterproof and lacking a decent hood.

So people don't spend a lot of money on something that doesn't do the job they want it to do.

In the OPs case, it sounds like she has a suitable coat for wet weather, and when it's not warm enough, all she needs to do is layer up underneath, so if she's buying anything, she might do better with base layers (eg Uniqlo Heatech, M&S also have good ones) also a lightweight puffa jacket or fleece, the puffa jacket being an especially good choice because if you end up being too warm, you can take it off and stuff it in your coat pocket.

But if she wants to go out and buy a dryrobe because she's seen other people wearing them around town, she's free to do that and find out for herself why people are saying it probably won't be suitable for walking around in weather that's wet, windy and not particularly cold.

Neighbourmystery · 21/09/2026 08:46

This thread is crazy - woman finds a coat that she likes and suits her needs - people warn her that people in cornwall might think shes a knob

This is the MN version of middle aged men blatehring on to teenage girls about band t shirts

VanGoSunflowers · 20/09/2026 19:16

My theory is that a lot of the wild swimming crowd treat their hobby like their entire personality and how on earth will everyone know that they are special wild swimmers if anyone is allowed to wear the ‘special’ coat that should be reserved to denote actual special wild swimming people?

Imdunfer · 20/09/2026 17:09

Fizbosshoes · 20/09/2026 15:41

All the people who think dry robes can only be worn within a 50 metre radius of water.....might also think the equestrian jacket can only be worn in close proximity to a horse!

And the only person it matters to whether the coat is right is you.

Why are you worried what other people are thinking about a coat you are buying because it fits your needs?

Personally I think the equestrian coats are much smarter than dry robes but my opinion on that is not relevant for you.

allthiscarryon · 20/09/2026 15:52

Fizbosshoes · 20/09/2026 15:41

All the people who think dry robes can only be worn within a 50 metre radius of water.....might also think the equestrian jacket can only be worn in close proximity to a horse!

Dickheads are the ones insisting that you can only wear a changing robe near water! It’s bizarre, can you imagine another coat that people insist can ONLY be used under certain circumstances.

Fizbosshoes · 20/09/2026 15:41

Imdunfer · 20/09/2026 14:49

Acceptable to whom?

The only person it needs to be acceptable to is you.

All the people who think dry robes can only be worn within a 50 metre radius of water.....might also think the equestrian jacket can only be worn in close proximity to a horse!

Greenmouldycheese · 20/09/2026 14:53

Go for it. I have been thinking of getting ine too. They are great for being outdoors during kids sports training and the school run. I dont think any winter coats are nice except for fur coats, but you obviously cant wear them during rain.

Imdunfer · 20/09/2026 14:49

Fizbosshoes · 20/09/2026 11:04

Are these acceptable if youre not a riding instructor or not doing anything to do with horses? Some people are quite strict about how and where dry robes should be worn!
(I sometimes do cross country races in the winter and lots of runners seem to have them - sometimes they get changed under them, sometimes they are just for warmth, before or after a race)

Acceptable to whom?

The only person it needs to be acceptable to is you.

allthiscarryon · 20/09/2026 11:46

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 08:45

I live in the south west. From October to March, our weather is 99% driving rain and howling wind. I’ve tried over the years to find a decent winter coat that keeps me warm and dry. I’ve found a few that work somewhat, including a lovely M&S rain jacket, but it’s a bit thin.

im considering just biting the bullet and buying a big waterproof changing coat from regatta and being cosy.

But does it look a bit wanky?! Is it okay?!

this is the one I have my eye on

https://www.regatta.com/adults-waterproof-changing-robe-dark-cherry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_16108952393&utm_content=%7Badgroupname%7D_&utm_term=&utm_brand=regatta&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16097452002&gbraid=0AAAAADQdSE8zgQrK5ij4KWiKVriu-WZ3p&gclid=CjwKCAjwwrPVBhA1EiwAv_YO-URMzXzdUfe_4pedDIy1IwFhHmTq04jbmI2WidUesYp3VTPhi4AJvBoCfVEQAvD_BwE

YABU - accept the soggy legs and wear something more dignified

YANBU - stay warm and dry

Get an actual Dry Robe. They’re amazing and there is no other brand that come close to the quality and cosiness! Be prepared for people - mostly
men- to call you a Dry Robe Wanker whichever brand you go with. There’s something about women wearing clothes that disguises their figure and keep them warm and dry that pisses a lot of blokes off!
I love mine but live by the sea, open water swim, walk on the beach daily,
walk the dog is howling weather, go camping etc and importantly couldn’t give a shite what anyone else thinks!
Can be used as picnic blanket, to sit on outside, as emergency child warmer in the back of the car etc

blueskydays45 · 20/09/2026 11:43

I've got a regatta one. It looks wanky and I feel like a bit of an idiot in it but it does keep me warm and dry when walking the dog or standing on the sidelines. The hood is rubbish though, too small so it sits too far back on my head.

Fizbosshoes · 20/09/2026 11:04

Imdunfer · 20/09/2026 09:11

The Equestrian market has a number of similar coats designed for riding instructors standing out teaching in all weathers. They are a bit less voluminous!

Are these acceptable if youre not a riding instructor or not doing anything to do with horses? Some people are quite strict about how and where dry robes should be worn!
(I sometimes do cross country races in the winter and lots of runners seem to have them - sometimes they get changed under them, sometimes they are just for warmth, before or after a race)

rosagarten · 20/09/2026 10:04

WorthyOpalZebra · 18/09/2026 08:54

I have a Seasalt Janelle which is fairly long, waterproof and warm without being too heavy. It's not particularly stylish but I'm at the point in my life where I will take warm and dry over looking cool!

Just to add here that Seasalt is 20% off today.

VivIsBlonde · 20/09/2026 10:04

Yes if you’re going to use it for it’s intended purpose, going to the beach for a cold water swim 🤣
if it’s for everyday use then no, they’re so ugly and I am near where they’re made and by the beach