If you swim, surf or spend weekends at outdoor sports clubs, getting changed afterwards can be one of the least enjoyable parts of the day.
A poncho towel can make it easier, but when the weather is cold, wet or windy, a changing robe offers another level of warmth and protection.
What Are Poncho Towels?
Poncho towels are essentially wearable towels, designed to help you dry off and get changed while staying covered. They’re usually made from cotton or microfibre, making them absorbent, lightweight and easy to pack.
They’re a great choice for warmer weather, holidays and beach days when you mainly need something to dry off with.
The downside is that most poncho towels offer little protection from wind and rain. Once the temperature drops, a towel alone may not be enough to keep you comfortable.
What Is a Changing Robe?
A changing robe is designed to keep you warm and cosy while you get changed outdoors. Unlike a towel poncho, it works more like a piece of outdoor clothing, with features such as a weatherproof outer, fleece lining, hood, sleeves and pockets.
Our warm robe has a 5000mm waterproof and windproof outer, a soft Sherpa fleece lining and an oversized fit that gives you plenty of room to change underneath. It also has a fleece-lined hood, pockets and a two-way zip.
For cold mornings, wet swimming lessons and muddy sports days, it gives you somewhere warm and dry to retreat to when you’re finished.
Poncho Towels & Changing Robes Head-to-Head
The best option between the two depends on how and where you use them.
| Feature | Poncho Towel | Changing Robe |
| Drying | Excellent | Good |
| Warmth | Moderate | Excellent |
| Rain protection | Limited | Excellent |
| Wind protection | Limited | Excellent |
| Easy to pack | Yes | Bulkier |
| Best for | Warm weather | Cold, wet weather |
If you mainly want to dry off after swimming on a summer’s day, a poncho towel might be all you need.
A changing robe is a more versatile choice for people who face wet and windy weather. You can put it on straight after swimming or sport, get changed underneath and keep it on while you pack away your kit or head back to the car.
Why Choose a Changing Robe for Kids?
Changing robes are ideal for children who spend their weekends swimming, playing football, or taking part in other outdoor activities.
Instead of standing around in the cold while they get changed, they can put the robe on straight away and stay warm and covered throughout the process.
Our warm robe has a generous fit, soft fleece lining and practical pockets, making it easy for children to wear between activities as well as when changing.
How to Choose Between the Two
Choose a poncho towel if you want something lightweight, absorbent and easy to carry, particularly for warmer weather.
Choose a changing robe if warmth, privacy and protection from typical British weather are your priorities.
For year-round outdoor use, a changing robe is likely to give you more versatility.
How to Look After a Changing Robe
A changing robe will last much longer if you look after it properly.
The best warm robes are machine washable, which is useful when they’re regularly exposed to wet sports kit, mud, sand and other outdoor grime.
Always follow the care instructions rather than assuming it can be washed in the same way as normal clothes. In particular, avoid using products that could affect the water-repellent outer layer.
After a wet day, allow the robe to dry properly before putting it away. Don’t leave it scrunched up in the boot of the car overnight if you can avoid it.
A little bit of care makes a big difference, especially when your robe is being used week after week.
Discover the Muddy Rug Warm Robe
Designed for cold, wet days, the Muddy Rug Warm Robe combines a waterproof and windproof outer with a cosy Sherpa fleece lining. The oversized design gives children room to get changed underneath, while the hood and pockets make it practical to wear between activities too.
And once everyone is warm and dry, Muddy Rug’s car seat rugs and footwell rugs help keep the wet sports kit out of your car.