If you’ve been in the market for a Dry Robe, but don’t fancy splurging upwards of £100, we’ve spotted a similar design from Regatta that, according to Sports Direct, is currently on sale. Originally designed for swimmers and surfers, Dry Robes have become a popular option for dog walkers and football parents who use them as a warm, extra-waterproof outer layer. Daily Express Affiliates journalist Eve Wagstaff says she swears by hers for walking the dog. She said: “It’s so thick. I’ve thrown it over my pyjamas before, and with just a T-shirt and leggings on, it still feels properly insulated, even on freezing mornings.”

With some designs retailing at £175, they can be quite expensive, but if you’re curious, we’ve spotted a Regatta design discounted by 50% on the Sports Direct website. 

Regatta is known for its rain jackets, but it also makes its own changing robe, which is available in multiple colours and sizes on the Sports Direct website (including the eye-catching leopard print featured above). According to Sports Direct, the Regatta Changing Robe originally retailed for £120 on their website, but has been discounted to £60. That said, we’ve also spotted some of the designs available on Amazon for between £42 and £65, though prices vary depending on the colour you’re buying. For example, the leopard print design is £65 on Amazon, whereas the £60 deal is available at Sports Direct. 

Changing robes are quite oversized by design, as they were originally intended to be roomy enough for people to change out of a wetsuit. This design is also made from Regatta’s Hydrafort 5000 fabric, which they claim is waterproof and windproof. It’s waterproof up to 5,000mm, which Regatta says means it offers “maximum protection”. 

To make sure no water gets in, it has a tall neck, hood and adjustable cuffs, while the outer pockets have taped seams. There’s even an inside pocket for valuables, and if you do get wet, the brand claims the fabric is quick-drying.

They’re great for keeping in the car to throw on for a hike when it’s raining, but can also be a convenient option for walking the dog when you don’t want to change out of your cosy house clothes. This Regatta one is fully lined with a thick Borg fleece to keep you warm, and the oversized fit makes it perfect for layering over other clothes. 

The Regatta changing robe is available in seven colourways at Sports Direct, from plain black or blue to fun patterns like camo and leopard print. Although it’s not very clear on Sports Direct’s website, it’s available in three sizes to suit your fit. The XS to S fits women’s sizes 6-14, S to M fits sizes 8-16, and L–XL fits sizes 16–22. 

Regatta’s changing robe is very popular with dog walkers, with one saying it’s “excellent as my dog walking coat. Warm and weatherproof.”

Another wrote: I love this coat. I don’t actually partake in water sports, but bought this for walking my dog after getting fed up with being wet and cold when it rained. Since I have been wearing this robe, I have never been wet or cold once. It’s really lightweight, and the soft lining makes it really cosy. When it does get wet, it dries really quickly. 

A third review said: “As a professional dog walker, this is the perfect coat for wet walks. Pairing the coat with muck boots means I stay cosy and dry all day long.”

It was also a hit with sportier shoppers, with one writing: “This robe has been brought for sea swimming and to keep me warm at football training while standing on the sidelines! It’s perfect.”

One compared it to competitor brands, saying: “Brilliant changing robe, a lot cheaper than most others I have seen on the market and not drastically different in quality. Having previously owned a DryRobe that got ripped, I was hesitant to spend another £100+ on another, so this was perfect for me, and the quality is not far off for the drastic price difference.”

One potential drawback some pointed out was that the hood could be bigger. One reviewer said: “The waterproofing and the fleece lining both perform well, keeping you warm and dry. However, there are a few issues with the design. The biggest being the hood. It’s too short, so it doesn’t reach to cover the front of your head. This is no good when it’s raining, as your face and the front of your head still get wet.”