Our Story

From car parks to Olympic parks. Find out how dryrobe® revolutionised getting changed outdoors by creating a whole new category of clothing…
Man stood on the beach wearing the first prototype dryrobe®
Man stood on the beach wearing the first prototype dryrobe®

1983

The 'dryrobe' was designed by British surfer Gideon Bright. The first prototype was based on an idea his mum had when he was a teenager, this change robe was a huge cape made from waterproof material, a towel lining and a hood. This soon became an essential piece of kit whenever he and his friends went surfing all year round on the cold Atlantic coast.

dryrobe® Ambassador Andrew Cotton, wearing his dryrobe® Advance
dryrobe® Ambassador Andrew Cotton, wearing his dryrobe® Advance

2010

Standing in a freezing cold car park on a rainy day, with a soggy towel robe on, Gideon decided to reinvent his mother's initial design using state-of-the-art garment technology. The first time he wears it to the beach, two people ask him where they can buy one. dryrobe® was born.

Young person holding a surfboard wearing Pink Organic Cotton Towel dryrobe®
Young person holding a surfboard wearing Pink Organic Cotton Towel dryrobe®

2012

The ‘dryrobe® Advance’ changing robe is further developed with improved quality and the introduction of new features including pockets, details and trims. The Towel dryrobe® is introduced to the range.

Team of three athletes wearing Red Bull branded dryrobe® Advance
Team of three athletes wearing Red Bull branded dryrobe® Advance

2014

This year saw the beginning of long-term partnerships with Red Bull, RLSS UK and Nuclear Races, as the dryrobe® Advance began to be adopted by a huge range of sports including open water swimming, triathlon, cliff diving, mountain biking and obstacle course racing. The long-sleeved dryrobe® Advanced is launched along with additional sizes and new accessories.

“Team GB Beijing 2022” branded dryrobe® Advance
“Team GB Beijing 2022” branded dryrobe® Advance

2016

Working alongside Adidas, we produced custom dryrobe® Advance change robes for Team GB at The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio. We’ve worked with Team GB ever since, supplying athlete kit for summer and winter games.

dryrobe® ambassador popping champagne
dryrobe® ambassador popping champagne

2018

Ambassadors Ross Edgley and Cal Major both set world records on adventures supported by dryrobe®. Ross becomes the first person to swim around Great Britain and Cal SUPs from Lands End to John O’Groats. 

Person carrying stand up paddle board in front of mountains
Person carrying stand up paddle board in front of mountains

2020

As part of our commitment to sustainability, all new dryrobe® Advance products are now made using 100% recycled fabrics, and the Towel dryrobe® is produced using 100% organic cotton.

Ben Skinner wearing Black Camo dryrobe® Advance on a beach
dryrobe® Ambassadors, The Skinners, carrying surfboards in front of a beach

2022

We became a certified B Corp™, taking a huge step in our sustainability journey. This means our business practices are independently recognised for promoting positive environmental and social change.

By creating a product that didn’t exist before, we made changing outside easy, warm and fun; expanding the limitations of your comfort zone and enhancing participation in life's extraordinary moments.