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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

OP posts:
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26
DeftGoldHedgehog · 18/09/2026 11:47

Mine is the khaki one.

Lomonald · 18/09/2026 11:48

Panama2 · 18/09/2026 11:45

I love these but I am 5’ 3” I think they would swamp me

I am 5ft 1(ish) they are absolutely not for us 😀

Whatifitallgoesright · 18/09/2026 11:51

If you don't like it you're a Dry Robeaphobe as rapped so pithily by Goldie Lookin Chain here...."make like a binbag full of pubic hair."

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHgHGXwQTwo

SpanielsGalore · 18/09/2026 11:51

I have the Regatta one in bright pink. I love it for walking the dogs. It keeps me warm and dry. I'm North Scotland and I rarely needed to wear more than a t-shirt underneath it throughout winter.
I agree the hood is not the best. You need to wear a hat underneath it or it constantly slips off your hair.

plominoagain · 18/09/2026 11:54

I couldn’t understand why they were so popular until I was at some horse event and it was pissing down . Someone lent me their Equidry coat , and I’ve never been so cosy . Went out and got one the next day !

thoughtsandprayersdownthestairs · 18/09/2026 11:57

I was looking at these for exactly the same reason as you OP, however, as with another poster above, I have heard the regatta ones have terrible hoods that aren’t big enough, so it’s really put me off, despite how reasonably priced they are

HappyNewt · 18/09/2026 12:02

I loved my first one of these so much I purchased a second last year....
It has kept me dry and warm in the winter in Iceland, the Alps and here on any day I choose when dog walking, watching rugby, in silly old cars with no roof, at the coast or just sitting outside etc....
Thankfully I didn't know that there was an anti dry robe opinion when I purchased my first.
I have the green 😍

https://www.saltyearth.uk/collections/salty-earth-robes

Applegram · 18/09/2026 12:04

Wetcoatsandmudagain · 18/09/2026 09:51

Reincoat Pro by Reinwear is the best 100% waterproof coat I have found and very very warm. Any of their range of Raincoats are brilliant though and lots of styles

This. The equestrian clothing brands are v worth looking at - equidry (which is essentially a dry robe) is another - in my bit of the rural SW this would be a perfectly acceptable ‘look’. Or as PP has said a Didrikson - my Didrikson is almost too warm for the UK but still keeping me dry after 12 years

Fairislesweater · 18/09/2026 12:10

Has anyone tried one of these? They market it as a less ‘changing robey’ version. I’m tempted but not sure if it’ll swamp me at 5ft

wildandfreeoutdoors.com/products/the-classic-cobe-black?variant=55023148302722

Librarina · 18/09/2026 12:16

I find the dryrobe hate quite baffling. I've mine for 6 years and I love it. I got it as my Christmas present in the 2020 lockdown and it was great for socialising outside. Once I could swim outside again I used it for it's intended purpose.

I used to like how it meant I could spot another wild swimmer but now everyone wears them for Dog walking, parkrun marshalling and watching their kids play sports... Just as I do. It's brilliant for camping when you're all round the fire.

It's warm, it's practical and it cost a lot when I got it so why wouldn't I wear it for lots of things?

Jonesmaximus · 18/09/2026 12:19

LuckyHazelFox · 18/09/2026 08:46

Ann wearing hers in Amandaland summed up how ugly they are. Sorry.

Do you think the model in the OP looks ugly with it on? I think she looks great.

IStillHearTheWaves · 18/09/2026 12:28

If it keeps you warm and dry, does it matter what it looks like? Who looks good in howling wind and rain, anyway? Not like you're prancing around 5th Avenue in one, dress for your situation.

Sophue · 18/09/2026 12:29

justtosayihelped · 18/09/2026 08:51

If a dry robe is off the charts where can I find a good coat?! It needs a hood!

I bought a black one with a hood and fleece lining from Tesco last year. They have one on sale now in black or brown.

baaabaaa · 18/09/2026 12:33

Have you seen the oodie coats?

Excellentboiledpotato · 18/09/2026 12:37

Stravaig do a waterproof changing robe that looks less bulky than the dryrobe. I am very tempted by it but cannot justify it when my Passenger one is still in great condition.

Lemonyyy · 18/09/2026 12:38

I walk my dog in my neon pink dry robe. I don't give a shit if people think I look stupid, I am warm and dry. For the really wet days I also have lined waterproof trousers from regatta.

Cooshawn · 18/09/2026 12:38

If you want one you really don't need anyone's permission!

I have an Element Karbon one. It's very warm, keeps me bone dry and has loads of pockets which are big enough to put dog leads, poo bags, balls etc in when walking the dog.

I don't give a single shite who thinks I look a twat because I'm wearing something practical for a practical task and I'm not out to impress anyone!

Neighbourmystery · 18/09/2026 12:39

Genuinely- why are they so hated?

HardStopAt4 · 18/09/2026 12:45

I'm in the SW too and agree on the relentless rain!

Dry robes of various brands were a staple on the school run last winter, I'm seriously considering getting one.

RaininSummer · 18/09/2026 12:54

I actually ordered six different coats for rainwear last year before settling on the regatta. It's definitely no beauty and hood is pretty rubbish but it was the only one, for five foot two me, which wasn't too long or with gorilla arms. So many suggestions posted above are either crazy expensive or shorter coats which is pointless as wet legs are horrible.

Lostinbrum · 18/09/2026 12:55

I got an equidry couple of years ago because I have horses and was sick of spending endless months in the pouring rain in coats that let water in or didnt cover my legs so I was always soaked. Its been a life saver one of the best things ive ever bought. Even when it was minus zero out i only needed a t shirt on underneath otherwise id end up sweating. Its filthy now and I dont give a flying fuck what I look like when I go the shops in it after ive been up the yard. Im warm and dry and thats all I care about

TeaIsLovely · 18/09/2026 12:57

they’re twatty ugly things - I have family and friends in Cornwall who wouldn’t be seen dead in them. It’s bad enough seeing holiday makers wearing them paired up
with Crocs.

Mokel · 18/09/2026 13:00

Could someone recommend a long (not ankle long) thick coat with a hood, pockets (seen many coats without these) for me 5ft 8, size 20 and got bloaty belly

ParmoParmoPARMO · 18/09/2026 13:01

I bought a massive bench coat from the local rugby club to stand on the sidelines during the winter. It's brilliant. Nearly reaches the floor, water proof, hood. Massive pockets!

Cost £103. Worth every penny. I layer up underneath it because I'm mostly static, but it would still be warm enough without layers if walking about.

Really dont care about looking like the Michelin man!

Morninginesa · 18/09/2026 13:01

TeaIsLovely · 18/09/2026 12:57

they’re twatty ugly things - I have family and friends in Cornwall who wouldn’t be seen dead in them. It’s bad enough seeing holiday makers wearing them paired up
with Crocs.

Would you say something like that around your kids out of interest? @TeaIsLovely

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