According to major media, the Dryrobe brand was the first to nail the changing robe formula. The original 1983 Dryrobe prototype was an enormous cape made from a waterproof outer and towel lining, which was the brainchild of Dryrobe founder Gideon Bright's mum after seeing him and his friends shivering after surfing. The new Dryrobe Nexus feels like a fitted item of clothing, more so than previous models, and fits like a parka rather than a traditional changing robe.
People are now wearing Dryrobes further and further from water. The Dryrobe Nexus has a premium feel with a lightweight sherpa fleece lining providing warmth without too much bulk, and its ripstop waterproof outer effectively keeps wear, tear and weather at bay. The outer now boasts an industry-leading 30,000mm waterproof shell, though the specific materials used in this shell are not detailed.
I have heard from people who bought early-edition Dryrobes more than 14 years ago and continue to wear them today.
" The expected lifespan of the Dryrobe Nexus based on these durability claims remains unclear. Breathability is a major bonus over other changing robes, aided by new 'fast-drying back2skin' technology that wicks water away from the body, but how this compares to similar features in other brands is unknown. The Dryrobe Nexus feels lighter and more wieldy than any other changing robes tried.
It retails at £225, though how much cheaper Dryrobe's competitors are compared to this price is not specified. Dryrobe remains a B Corp, verified as having high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, but the exact standards verified are not detailed.