Cold water swimming season is here once again in the UK, even if we didn’t get much of a summer in the first place… But, that means it’s time for cozy sweaters, better waves, and chilly ocean dips.
That also means busting out my trusty Passenger changing robe. If you’re on the fence about buying one, here’s my honest review.
(It is genuinely honest – I have not been paid or sponsored to do this post. Though, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed if someone from Passenger read this…)
Style points: 10/10
Okay I know we’re here for practical reasons, but deep down there’s a part of us that wants to look good once we get out of the water even though our hands and feet are on the verge of numbness. With a variety of styles to chose from, Passenger takes the win on this account.
Practical use: 9/10
What can I say other than: pockets! When it comes to carrying hats, a thermos of tea, phone, and keys, there’s plenty of room for everything and then some.
One of my favorite features about this dry robe is that there’s also an internal pocket so if something needs to be kept warmer or extra dry, it’s the perfect spot. Plus, we love a secret pocket. Translates as: more room for snacks.
As well as bountiful pockets, this changing robe also comes with a bag which makes it ideal to travel with. Dry robes tend to take up a lot of space, so rolling it down makes it much more manageable when packing up for a weekend away or even just for storage. It packs down to roughly the size of a sleeping bag.
Photos sourced from Passenger.
Inner lining: 6/10
I’m slightly conflicted when it comes to the inner lining on this Passenger changing robe. It’s lovely and soft to the touch. It keeps you nice and toasty in all weathers. But with that being said, I’m not sure it’s the best when it comes to wick-ability.
When compared to the corse material found in the branded Dry Robes, this material seems like it would hold onto the moisture rather than dry quickly. I say ‘seems’ because, even though I’ve had this robe for over a year, I’m still too nervous to get the inside properly wet! Personally, I feel like putting it back on after changing will leave my other clothes to get damp again.
It would be great to hear other’s opinions on the inner lining. For me, the softness and warmth of the Passenger robe is great, but perhaps not the best on a practical level.
Sizing: 8/10
The sizing runs accurate to description on the website. I’m 5’4 with an athletic build and found the women’s medium a great fit. I’m not swamped in the material, but find there’s plenty of breathing room left for changing (even though I still struggle every single time – but that’s just a Sophie problem).
This is a women’s medium and it goes about halfway down my shins, so it keeps me warm but doesn’t get caught up when walking.
Affordability: 5/10
At £119, the Passenger Changing Robe clocks in at roughly £40 cheaper than the Dry Robe’s £165 long sleeved option. At the date of writing, the women’s Waves Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robe has been knocked down to £101, which makes it considerably cheaper than its branded counterpart. Plus, Passenger typically runs a few sales across its different changing robes, if you can be flexible on color choices.
As for personal taste, my vote would be to go with the Passenger robe. Not just because it’s already in my possession, has cool patterns and warm lining, and the ridiculous amount of pockets, but because Passenger is a local, Cornwall-based brand, compared to the international Dry Robe.
I’m certainly not preaching from a high horse here, I love my big brands as much as the next person does, but I always try to buy local where possible. It keeps small creatives on the map and ensures big brands don’t monopolize the market.
Overall rating: 8/10
In general, Passenger uses its clothing lines to remind us to get back into nature and reconnect with both ourselves and the world around us. For me, that looks like a cold dip to wake up the body and the mind. If I get to do that, and wear a cool locally sourced changing robe, that’s just the cherry on top.
