About Dryrobe

Dryrobe® is an outdoor clothing brand created to make changing outdoors warmer, easier, and more comfortable. Built around the original weatherproof changing robe, Dryrobe® has developed a new category of outdoor gear for surfers, swimmers, athletes, adventurers, and anyone who spends time outside.

Where It All Started

The story of Dryrobe® began on the beaches of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Founder Gideon Bright grew up surfing throughout the year and knew firsthand how difficult it could be to change in and out of wet gear during cold, wet, and windy weather.

The original inspiration came from Gideon's mother, Anne, who made him a homemade changing garment when he was a teenager. It was essentially a large waterproof cape with a towel lining, created to help him stay warmer while changing after surfing.

Years later, Gideon remembered that homemade garment while standing in a cold, rainy car park after surfing. Conventional towel changing robes were not providing enough protection from the weather, so he decided to develop something better.

Creating a New Kind of Changing Robe

Gideon began experimenting with a waterproof and windproof changing robe. The early prototypes went through numerous improvements, including changes to the construction, lining, sleeves, and overall design.

In 2010, Gideon wore one of the first weatherproof Dryrobe® designs while surfing in Woolacombe, Devon. Friends and other surfers quickly became interested, and the first Dryrobe® products were produced with the help of a local business.

The first waterproof and windproof Dryrobe® was sold online in December 2010. What began as a practical solution for surfers soon developed into a completely new category of outdoor clothing.

From Surfing to the Wider Outdoor World

Dryrobe® was initially created for surfing, but its usefulness quickly extended beyond the beach. Open-water swimmers, triathletes, paddleboarders, obstacle-course racers, mountain bikers, rugby players, and other outdoor athletes began using the changing robes as part of their equipment.

The products have also been adopted by elite athletes and major sporting organisations. Team GB specifically requested Dryrobe® changing robes for swimming events at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Today, Dryrobe® products are used by professional athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and everyday adventurers around the world.

Built Around Performance

The Dryrobe® Advance is designed to provide weather protection and warmth while giving users space to change outdoors. Its weatherproof outer construction is combined with a warm, fast-drying fleece lining designed to help users stay comfortable before and after outdoor activities.

Since the original launch, the design and materials have been continuously refined. Performance, durability, and practical functionality remain central to the development of every Dryrobe® product.

A Commitment to the Outdoors

Dryrobe® believes that spending time outdoors can create meaningful experiences and strengthen people's connection with nature. The company's mission is to spread warmth and make outdoor experiences more accessible while helping protect the natural world.

Through the Dryrobe® Warmth Project, the company supports charities and non-profit organisations connected with outdoor activity, wellbeing, environmental protection, and access to nature.

Sustainability

Durability is an important part of Dryrobe®'s approach to sustainability. The company follows the principle of making products that last, encouraging customers to buy fewer products and choose products designed for long-term use.

The Dryrobe® Advance and its accessories use recycled fabrics, while the company's waterproof products use PFC-free water-resistant finishes. Dryrobe® has also developed Dryrobe® PURE, a 98% bio-based version created using renewable materials as part of its ongoing work to reduce reliance on petrochemical-based fabrics.

Dryrobe® is also a certified B Corp, reflecting its commitment to considering people and the planet alongside business performance.

Our Purpose

Dryrobe® was created to solve a simple problem: how to make getting changed outdoors easier when the weather is cold, wet, or challenging.

From a homemade garment made by a mother for her surfing son to a globally recognised outdoor changing robe, the Dryrobe® story continues to be driven by innovation, performance, durability, and a passion for life outside.

Our purpose is simple: to build products that last, making the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.