If you've been up for your Boxing Day stroll by the seaside, you might have noticed a few people walking around wearing a coat which looks something like a dressing gown, a towel and parka jacket after their dip in the sea.
With sea swimming having become a massive hit during lockdown, many swimmers have tried to find the right accessory that will help ease the pain of swimming in freezing cold temperatures.
For many, ultra-warm changing robes seem to be the solution.
These robes, which were originally created to keep athletes warm whenever they were exposed to the elements, have a warm, insular woolen layer on the inside of the coat, with a waterproof, windproof outer shell.
For those brave enough to swim during the winter, but smart enough to know that you need to get warm right away afterwards, these robes are absolutely essential.
And, seeing as sea swimming has become all the rage, we imagine a few people will be eyeing up these robes.
Here's all you need to know about Dryrobes and their local alternatives:
Easily the most well-known outdoor changing robe, the Dryrobe brand has become a bit like the 'Hoover' brand with vacuum cleaner - in that many people use the brand name to refer to the actual item itself.
Dryrobes are massively popular and have a proven track record of keeping 1,000s of people warm after their sea swims.
However, at around £150 for a standard long-sleeve Dryrobe, they certainly don't come cheap!
For those who picture themselves sea swimming on the Irish or Northern Irish coast - this is a brilliant local company who know a thing or two about keeping you warm out there!
The Cosimac robes, which are similar to Dryrobes, are priced at £120.
They offer purchase and collect options from their pick-up point in Helen's Bay.
Another local company, Wild Atlantic Surfboards is highly rated by those who use it.
Both Cosimac and Wild Atlantic Surfboards include a hot water bottle pocket on the inside (we've got your attention now!)
The Wild Atlantic robes come in at £89.
Frostfire are a UK company who cover a range of outdoor activities. They've branded their cosy changing robes a 'Moonwrap' robes.
These robes start from £89.
