Winter sea swimmers - i need a Dry robe alternative without polyester fleece

[HollywentLightly]

I've been resisting getting a dry robe but heading into my sixth winter in the Irish Sea, I need something warmer and with more coverage than my towel and dog walking coat! But as practical as they are, I really don't like the inside of dry robes (or similar alternatives), the polyester fleece sets my teeth on edge and I hate the feel of it against my skin. I found a gorgeous looking cotton lined one on Rapanui clothing but they cancelled my order and refunded me without any explanation (maybe because I'm not in the UK?). If there are any non dryrobers out there, what do you wear?

I mean I do but it’s never against my skin.

so I get out, put towelling poncho on. Stand on square of foam. Swimsuit off, leggings and socks on. T shirt on under towelling poncho.

then take poncho off and layer up as body is now covered and base layer is on.

so I add trackie bottoms, oodie and dry robe.

by this pint there’s two or three layers between my skin and the dry robe.

I've got a Mountain Warehouse version which is more of a towelling fabric.

Fleece sets my teeth on edge too but to be completely honest my skin is so numb when I get out I can’t feel anything at all! I drive straight home in my dry robe and get out of it immediately 😂
I have just seen something called cuddle trousers which I’m going to look at again although again they look like they have a horrible fleecy lining 😭

Cuddlr trousers, damn autocorrect!

Towelling robe any good - https://seashell-clothing.com/collections/changing-robe-towelling-robe-collection/products/towelling-robe-teal

@HollywentLightlyI’m in NI so if you want to order to mine I can post it on to you.

Thanks for the suggestions. The mountain warehouse one is still too fleecy for me (being damp seems to magnify the squeaky feeling) and I have towling ponchos but they are too thin for winter.

@Octavia64 Layering up under the coat might work, but do you find frozen fingers and lots of layers just make you slower? I'll test it out though!

You are very kind @MrsPositivity1 , I actually have someone in NI I could ask, I hadn't thought of that!

I found Sitting Suits earlier whihc are beautiful and expensive but they look like they'd be about a foot too long for me.

Dh suggested a wool dressing gown under my coat. 🐏

I was coming on to suggest Rapanui...

Moss pigs on Instagram might suit your brief

I take a flask of hot (not boiling) water with me. Then I pour it over my fingers once I’m out. It warms them up enough that I can get layers on.

no undies or buttons though!

I have a By Betty Blue https://www.bybettyblue.uk/collections/clothing/products/the-patterned-blou-robe robe which has a bamboo towelling lining.

I have the towelling dry robe which I prefer in many ways to the coat type.

My finisterre one is a lovely soft waffle fabric - would recommend. I also have a microfibre towel one with full zip that works well!

I forgot that my other changing robe (which is super heavy and very windproof) is a Smoc Smoc https://www.smocsmoc.co.uk/products/smoc-smoc-weatherproof-change-smoc-with-eco-bamboo-inner-layer-full-zip?srsltid=AfmBOop2QCQzI-dJwEcehamCk15TBmxlIBnhSVSG5ahnLguNHTmol_pO and is also towelling lined

https://www.aquadash.com.au/collections/adults-swim-parkas-regular-length/products/tropical-blush-adults-parka

I have one of these and it's Terry towelling inside.

It's super warm and cozy.

Never thought to look for something bamboo lined, they look perfect @CMOTDibbler thank you. What is the sizing like on the Smoc Smoc ones?

@HollywentLightly mine is a medium and nice and roomy to change under without being too flappy.