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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To buy a dry robe as a winter coat?!

163 replies

justtosayihelped · Today 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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kombuchabucha · Today 10:05

justtosayihelped · Today 08:51

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

I have bought this Passenger parka for this winter - I tried a changing robe but it was so roomy it just felt ridiculous, even the XS! This parka is still quite roomy but not as bad as the changing robes.

Haven't worn it through a winter yet so can't say how warm it really is but it looks cool and less wanky than a changing robe! I think the quilted part makes it look more like a proper coat..

www.passenger-clothing.com/products/campscape-parka-khaki-dark-denim?variant=43942453870787&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22719480223&gbraid=0AAAAADmrDyAmmDoRQPE0D48N-2hsMvida&gclid=CjwKCAjwwrPVBhA1EiwAv_YO-eqWxQjPLNwftNS0wmJxgURDV24rFqWFm4K7SpgDrH5c3tR9J8C0KhoC0akQAvD_BwE

Obeseandashamed · Today 10:06

I have a Holland cooper version and LOVE it. It looks less like a wanky dry robe and more like a coat. I always get compliments and ended up using it as my winter coat instead of the winter coat I actually bought.

GustyGertie · Today 10:06

A dry robe is designed to get changed under so it’s hugely over sized. I think it’s a bit much for every day but I agree there needs to be more out that fits the bill in the winter months.

Vetoncall · Today 10:07

I live at the coast in Northern Ireland and have dogs which require at least 2 daily walks 365 days a year. I'm an 'outdoor' (as in outdoorsy/not dressy) coat obsessive, I collect them and have waterproof and/or insulated coats from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Paramo, Schoffel, Fjallraven and Helly Hansen, but I still wouldn't be without my Dryrobe. I wouldn't wear it on a long walk or for hiking or anything, but on a miserable January morning when the rain is blowing sideways and I don't have loads of time and just want to get the dogs out for a half hour run, I can throw the Dryrobe on over whatever I'm wearing and stay completely dry and warm. It's a brilliant dog walking coat, the hood is great and it has massive zip pockets, they really are incredibly practical. We rarely meet anyone else at the places we walk on days like that but I don't give a shit what it looks like anyway. I don't wear it out shopping or anything but absolutely tons of people around here do and nobody bats an eye. Honestly, go for it,

The other one I'd recommend if you want a really waterproof and warm big parka type thing would be Helly Hansen, but they're a lot more expensive and not exactly high fashion either.

Obeseandashamed · Today 10:08

P.S I don’t actually think they’re wanky at all and my kids both have a dry robe branded dry robe. I just don’t like the text on the back of them so decided to go for an alternative.

HedgerowD · Today 10:10

We have them (the regatta ones!). We use them to get changed at the beach and going to the shower blocks whilst camping. You wouldn't want one for everyday wear. The armpits hang almost down to the elbow because they are designed to get changed under.

Grammarnut · Today 10:11

That looks like an entirely acceptable winter coat - fashionable, even and quite stylish. I have a duvet coat which makes me look like Michelin man - but it's warm and has a hood, and is long and waterproof - I don't know if they are still around, I had mine from Next two years ago (they come in different colours).

Crumpelstiltskin · Today 10:14

I think they don't look good, and I don't see how they can keep your lower half warm as they're so baggy and flappy

I've got a Seasalt Janelle and a Didrikson parka. They're both warm, dry and whilst they aren't stylish, they look fine.

summater · Today 10:14

They are no worse than other stuff people wear for walking in the cold and wet like fleeces and waterproof over trousers so I would just get one

Molleeeee · Today 10:14

They are great for what they are intended changing. Horrendous to walk in. If there is any wind you are literally battling along into the gale in a massive coat that will take off.

If you do any walking they are way too hot - you cant take them off and carry them.

Hoods blow off alll the time. If they do get wet they take up a ot of space to dry.

Fine for standing around but rubbish if any movement or exertion is required.

SilverTotoro · Today 10:15

Dryrobes are great for what they’re designed for practical and warm also perfect for dog walks when it’s cold wet and dark! Would I wear one day to day probably not.

on a side note having seen the RainSisters recommendation from another poster I think I’ve found my dream coat!

catsflorafauna · Today 10:15

Best item of clothing I’ve ever bought. I do think anything that is branded is wanky tbh. I got a snuggz unisex one-no branding apart from a very small orange tag, zipped pockets on the inside, pockets on the outside, waterproof, warm. Honestly love it. Don’t have to carry a bag or an umbrella. My husband also uses it.

minnowonthesay · Today 10:18

I bought a black dry robe lite, as I like to call it, last year from Tesco and it was my most worn coat, warm, light and waterproof. It’s not as functional looking as the real dry robes I’d say, more a cross between a parka and a dry robe.
I’m even considering getting the burgundy version this year, I’m just not sure I like the cream lining.
I love a tailored wool coat, suede coat, leather coat as much as the next person, but our weather does not love them!

To buy a dry robe as a winter coat?!
To buy a dry robe as a winter coat?!
JasmineMac · Today 10:19

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

LillyLeaf · Today 10:22

I've just bought the Jaeger one from M&S. It's thick waterproof fabric but not fluffy lined which is fine as I can wear it now if it rains and with chunky knits in the winter. I sized up 2 sizes and it looks really nice. I tried the green and brown, both gorgeous colours

BananaPopcorn · Today 10:25

LadySparrow · Today 09:48

I’ve got the black outdoor Oodie coat. It’s enormous and ugly and I love it so much.

Another vote for this. I have this as well and it's SO warm. Stylish, no but I don't care.

dreamingofgoodhair · Today 10:29

Have you got a Go Outdoors near you ?
They have good options.
You have to pay a yearly membership fee (£5) but they have really good prices.

peachgreen · Today 10:30

I have a Dryrobe brand one primarily for actual sea swimming, but I won't lie, I have, on occasion, thrown it on OVER my coat for extra protection on the school run (like many PPs I live in rainy NI, right by the sea). It really does work!

justtosayihelped · Today 10:32

I have one very similar to this but in khaki. It’s nice but not the warmest in the winter!

OP posts:
Bluffinwithmymuffin · Today 10:33

I bought mine for the beach but I often wear it in bad weather, which it’s perfect for. Sod what anybody else thinks, I’d rather keep warm and dry. My advice would be to go ahead and buy it.

Happyjoe · Today 10:34

Should be ok, but can you get one without the massive logo? I do hate clothes with a logo.
Warm, dry - far more important than fashion, esp when just out and about.

Edited, Seasalt do a good range of waterproof coats, there may be one that's lined warmly? Worth a gander.