To buy a dry robe as a winter coat?!

[justtosayihelped]

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

Mine is the khaki one.

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

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."

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.

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 !

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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.

Have you seen the oodie coats?

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.

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.

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!

Genuinely- why are they so hated?

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.

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.