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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
26
Wearedoomed · 18/09/2026 11:34

I’ve been thinking of doing the same for dog walks!

oviraptor21 · 18/09/2026 11:33

JasmineMac · 18/09/2026 10:19

The big regatta logo on the back is awful. Besides for that, I hate everything about it.

Yes the logo is bad. I agree.
Everything else is perfect!

Rocknrollstar · 18/09/2026 11:31

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

Show quote history

Look at Cotton Teaders. They have long warm waterproof coats. You can’t wear a dry robe.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 18/09/2026 11:27

I have a Regatta one for actual open water swimming and think they are pretty good up to a point, certainly for autumnal squalls but when it's really freezing and I'm walking the dog I need a proper padded winter coat.

I also find my Seasalt yacht-type jacket is slightly better when it's wet and windy as it has more of a waxy surface. There ain't no wind getting through that.

Disclaimer: I probably have far too many coats.

Ohyoudodoyou · 18/09/2026 11:25

I have an ice blue one that’s sat in my wardrobe for 18 months and not yet worn. In my head I was gonna go wild swimming and look nice too but as it is it’s likely to go on hoody’s with me to a rural retreat where I’ll wear it at 3am in the freezing pissing rain to let the dog out. Can’t wait!
(having said that I love them and think they are ace and I think we’ve moves past the snobbery so but one as there are loads of nice one!)

Neighbourmystery · 18/09/2026 11:24

I have one as my winter coat and I LOVE IT
I don't understand why they are called wanky

PenelopePinkerton · 18/09/2026 11:21

I’ve got one and it’s great for keeping warm and dry. I’m not bothered what it looks like.

LlynTegid · 18/09/2026 11:19

If you live in Brighton, you have to wear one or get an exemption. I am exempt because a family member was a local teacher.

Look at alternatives as they are expensive.

ConsideringBaby2 · 18/09/2026 11:14

Following as I am in the same predicament
The only difference being that I don’t think they are that ugly at all, lots of the mums in my area wear them and can look nice. Although I know looking nice isn’t owed to anyone and if they work, that’s most important. I did try a dry robe last year (tried a few brands actually) but hated how the hoods weren’t big enough and how they felt quite chunky but not in a nice way. If I can’t find a good coat this year I’ll just go for a dry robe for school runs

oviraptor21 · 18/09/2026 11:10

cestlavielife · 18/09/2026 08:57

RED does a slimner version Women's Pursuit Waterproof Lightweight Changing Robe Jacket-Ocean Blue – Red Equipment - UK https://share.google/rLtRT46xRW9OEMhXB

Interesting. I think OP's link looks way more stylish. The RED one just looks boring - to me.

Crumpelstiltskin · 18/09/2026 11:07

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 10:36

I need something waterproof though. I have a couple of “water repellent” coats (Uniqlo) and they just get soaking wet

Show quote history

There are plenty to choose from. Didrikson, New Forest, Seasalt etc. All have proper waterproof coats that won't flap about like a tent Grin

ERthree · 18/09/2026 11:05

Buy it. Who cares what it looks like. What looks worse is fashion victims that refuse to dress for the weather, the soaked wet through and blue with the cold is really not a great look no matter where your jacket comes from.

snowmichael · 18/09/2026 11:05

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 08:51

This is all I really want. I’m kind of willing to accept looking like a tit if I am warm and dry

Show quote history

Absolutely the right attirude
Comfort first
Practicality second
Everything else a far distant third

bababamama · 18/09/2026 11:01

At least 20% of people seem to wear them in winter here, also sw. I personally prefer a long line waterproof jacket with thermal liner you can remove

HesterLeggatt · 18/09/2026 10:59

Honestly they look terrible but who cares?! I wear mine all the time - we live by the sea. Between the rain, and the sea fret, it’s a godsend!

ItsAlwaysTwins · 18/09/2026 10:59

I think the ‘Dryrobe Wanker’ thing has died off as so many people wear them. They are utterly hideous things, but I bet they’re cosy.

I have the Sweaty Betty longline parka. It’s really light, which matters to me. Also completely waterproof and flattering.

NoMoreLifts · 18/09/2026 10:58

FlorenceBlack · 18/09/2026 09:04

I wouldn’t wear it myself, purely because I have something similar and find it too big and bulky for everyday use, but I wouldn’t look twice at someone else wearing one. Didriksons Erika parka is warm and waterproof £150-£200

I have a Didrikson, was about half price in Summer Sale. Was amazing last winter.
Also have a DR for swimming which is great. But they are heavy and noisy.

YourAmberExpert · 18/09/2026 10:58

Non issue, you like it , it does what you need it to do and IRL noone will bat an eyelid and will probably admire it. ☺️

Blessedbethefruitloopss · 18/09/2026 10:54

Sweaty Betty Nimbus is meant to be waterproof.

Tacotuesdayfan · 18/09/2026 10:51

I kinda dig it 😅

thesugarbumfairy · 18/09/2026 10:51

I'm pretty sure my winter coat is a dry robe. However I don't give a monkeys. Its waterproof and warm and vast. It called itself a "fleece lined waterproof raincoat " but lets face it, it still looks like a dry robe. I wish I'd had one back when the kids played football.

Itiswhysofew · 18/09/2026 10:50

Looks really cosy. Maybe size down, so it's not too mad lookingGrin

Sugarsnapfairy · 18/09/2026 10:50

Not sure if its already been mentioned but look at the Le Mieux Anya coat. Mine is primarily for riding in, but it's smart, warm and waterproof

Arcticbattle32 · 18/09/2026 10:49

You should do whatever you like and don’t worry about what other people think…! But since you asked - not a good look!!

jeaux90 · 18/09/2026 10:48

Nope to the dry robe. New Forest clothing do decent waterproof or have a look at a site like Willliam Powell they usually have multiple brands like Barbour with last seasons coats at a decent discount. I have a hooded waterproof Barbour I bought from there.

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