How To Choose a Towelling Swim Robe For Your Cold Water Swims
So, you’ve caught the sea swimming bug, and your dips are becoming more frequent. It could be time to invest in some bits of kit that will enhance the experience. Forget the challenging exercise of battling against wind and rain whilst protecting your modesty. Here at Vivida we are big advocates of the changing robe, and below we’ll explain why, and how to choose a towelling swim robe from your cold water swims and waterside activities.
The boom of cold water dipping has taken the world by storm. Blue health is rising to the forefront of mental health and wellbeing, and watermen and women are reaping the benefits of taking the plunge. By diving in, connecting with nature, boosting endorphins and getting outside, we are cultivating a sense of calm whilst feeling energised. Honouring the earth and immersing ourselves in it. Welcome to the world of cold water swimming. 
There are a few points that are important to consider if you’re new to sea and river dips. For one, know your spots. Do your research, either online or by asking around, to find the best and safest spots to swim. Be aware of tides and currents, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Even better, find a swimming buddy and arrange dipping dates! Another integral consideration is warmth. Cold water swims are incredibly exhilarating, but it’s important to get warm quickly afterwards. Have you heard of after-drop? It’s when your body continually cools down, even after you’re changed and feeling warmer. To combat this we recommend bundling yourself straight into your changing robe when you exit the water, bringing lots of warm, natural, loose fitting layers, a hat, a flask of tea and maybe even gloves, if you’re braving the winter waves! To avoid getting too cold, you can also wear neoprene boots and gloves, and don’t spend too long in the water, especially if you’re not used to it.
Click here to read our 8 Top Tips For Getting Started With Cold Water Swimming.
How to choose a towelling swim robe?
This brings us to the core question - how do you choose a towelling swim robe?
We recommend choosing a robe based on these key features and functionalities below. Decide to what extent you need or want various features and then see which brand and style provides you with your set of must-haves.
1. Roominess for changing
Finding a toweling robe that is spacious enough to change in is essential in getting the most use out of your robe. Too small and you’ll be struggling to change into or out of your swimwear or wetsuit, leaving you frustrated and yearning for more space. Sometimes you may consider sizing up if you are in the middle of sizing recommendations. We suggest that you look closely at size guides and designs that allow for movement. For example, this Vivida poncho towel integrates convenient side opening slits, so that you can easily access your swimwear from the outside. Genius, if we do say so ourselves!
2.Quick-drying for activities around water
Pay close attention to the fabric of the towelling swim robes you consider. Is it highly absorbent and quick drying, or is it made of a fabric that may become heavy when wet and take a long time to dry? If you’re using your towelling robe out and about, you’ll think twice about throwing a heavy, wet towel poncho in the car, where it may sit for too long and become rather pungent. Vivida Poncho Towels are made of a quick drying and ultra-absorbent microfibre material that really shines waterside.
3.Warm & insulating for corresponding weather conditions
You will want to decide whether you want an ultra warm robe or a lighter towelling robe for warmer weather conditions. Compare and contrast the insulating materials that will best fit your most traveled to destinations to help you determine your towelling swim robe style of choice. It’s also possible you may need a light changing poncho for warm summer weather or vacation, and a super warm, insulating robe for winter months and colder climates.
4.Easily packable for travel friendly convenience
No one wants to lug around a bulky extra piece of kit, especially when you’re setting out for adventure or unpredictable exploration. If packability is important to you, make sure to find out the pack-down measurements of the towel, as well as the weight. This will help you determine whether the toweling robe you are considering will fit into your backpack or travel bag. For example, the Vivida Puffer Changing Robe is perhaps the most compressible changing robe on the market - it fits into its free packaway bag for ultimate travel-ability.
5.Look & feel that you love
Moving beyond performance and technical features, find a towelling robe that aligns with your preferred style and feels as good on as it looks. Whether you like bright colour or more muted tones, obvious branding or a particular look or feel, we recommend comparing your options with this in mind.
Additionally, there are plenty of people you can ask and places you can go. We are always more than happy to answer any questions, and the Vivida team have first hand experience in both cold water swimming and towelling robe changing! When it comes to making a purchase, one of the easiest ways is to buy online, or support your local surf shop. We’re big fans of recommendations, so asking someone with the same swim-intentions as yourself can be really valuable, too.
Why do you need it?
You know your old bath towel isn’t quite cutting it, but why would a towelling swim robe be any better? Changing robes allow you to cover up whilst changing in public places, avoiding embarrassing situations and making you feel more comfortable. By bookending the experience, you’ll inadvertently enhance your water activities, as you’ll naturally be feeling calmer and more in control. Looking past privacy and comfort, a towelling swim robe also dries your whole body at once, and can be worn to and from the beach; no more struggling into jeans post-swim! 
What purpose do you want your towelling swim robe to serve?
Is your towelling swim robe to cover you up, dry you off or be worn either side of your cold water swim? Or all three? Consider the purpose you’d like it to serve before you choose the right robe for you. Would you like it to have a hood to keep the wind off and dry your hair? Sleeves that stop it gaping? A pocket to keep your car keys and swimsuit in? Vivida changing poncho’s offer all three.
Where are you using yours?
An important factor to consider when choosing a towelling swim robe is where you’ll be using it. If you are on the move, either travelling on foot, hitchhiking or by bicycle, with your life in your backpack, then it’s important to choose a changing poncho that is lightweight, quick drying and compacts easily. This is less important if you’re settled in one place and nip to the beach in your car, or living the dream as a van-lifer, with a little more space. However, in both instances, quick-drying materials can be really helpful, especially during the winter months when the sun is scarce!
Changing robes can also be really useful for surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, pool swimming, or simply hopping out of the shower! The environment may change, but the outcome is always the same; a changing robe keeps you covered, warm and comfortable, and gets you dry. 
When should you invest in one?
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the idea of sea and river therapy, or are a seasoned cold water swimmer, there’s no time like the present. If you’re considering investing in a towelling changing robe to keep you covered and warm, whilst drying you off, then make sure you buy something that’ll last. By carefully selecting a product based on it’s quality and durability, you’re making an active choice to care for our planet. If you look after your changing poncho it’ll look after you, and by choosing something that will last, and loving it for years to come, you’ll minimise waste and your carbon footprint. If, after many adventures, you decide to part with your changing robe, consider donating it to charity, recycling it or giving it another life as a bath mat, dog towel or picnic blanket!
The feeling we find in water is like no other, peaceful yet exhilarating, powerful yet humbling. A sea swim in the morning is stronger than coffee, and has become a daily practice for many of us. If you’re yet to feel the effects of cold water swimming, and are curious to take the plunge, then we can’t encourage you enough. The healing benefits of nature are ten-fold and blue health is our favourite kind of medicine. By considering the points raised in this blog, we hope you feel comfortable choosing a towelling swim robe for your cold water swims! You can browse the Vivida changing poncho’s by clicking here.
