Whether you\u2019re a seasoned cold-water swimmer or just someone who likes to browse the shops on a Saturday afternoon, you are bound to be familiar with dry robes. A cosy mixture of coat and robe, the dry robe has moved way beyond its origins as an outdoor swimming must-have, and has now taken the high street by storm. With an array of colours and designs to choose from, everyone and their dog seems to have one. But what is the hype all about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Featuring on every must-have list<\/a> imaginable, dry robes were originally intended to make the life of the outdoor swimmer a lot easier. The robes are styled to have a loose fit to provide a handy solution to getting changed outdoors. Instead of stripping down and exposing yourself to the cold sea air, the dry robe is big enough for you to get changed underneath it. Complete with a water-resistant outer material and a fleece inside lining, the robes are designed to withstand every climate; keeping you warm before and after you slip into your costume and head to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different changing robes on the market, but it all started with the company Dryrobe<\/a>. On their website, Dryrobe founder and experienced surfer Gideon Bright recalls<\/a> that their success is all thanks to his mum! After accompanying him to surfing sessions, she spotted a gap in the market to make getting changed outside a more enjoyable experience. This inspired her to create the first Dryrobe prototype. After some refining, the Dryrobe launched for real in December 2010, and the rest is history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since then, it is unlikely to see a cold-water swimmer without their trusty changing cape in tow. Fourteen years since the launch of Dryrobe, many other brands have begun to offer similar attire, all made from practical materials with long sleeves and cosy hoods. From Dock & Bay\u2019s beach ponchos<\/a> to Regatta\u2019s changing robes<\/a>, there is officially a dry robe out there for everyone; ranging in price points and styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Given its background as an outdoor swimmer\u2019s best friend, many people have been surprised to find that the dry robe has now moved far beyond this. Dry robes have not only begun to flood the highstreet, but this latest fashion frenzy has also sent social media into meltdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the past few weeks, dry robes have really been given the spotlight on our screens. A Facebook community group, controversially named Dryrobe W*nkers<\/a>, have taken it upon themselves to post pictures of people inappropriately wearing dry robes. In other words, if you\u2019re seen sporting a dry robe anywhere but the beach, these watchful Facebook fiends will snap your picture and share it to the 52,000 members who are also part of this online community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearly, wearing a dry robe outside of its intended context is controversial. Some can\u2019t fathom why people are taking the robes for a spin around the shops, while others seem more onboard with the latest trend. Newport-based hip hop group Goldie Lookin\u2019 Chain<\/a> even went as far as releasing a song in solidarity with dry robe wearers, labelling anyone who doesn\u2019t like the look \u201ca dryrobaphobe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom the sea to the streets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n