DryRobe, the Worlds Most Advanced Changing Robe - UK Brand Profile

TVSC caught up with DryRobe founder Gideon Bright to get the lowdown on the changing robe company that took a homemade changing towel to become the worlds most technologically advanced robe... 

TVSC: Hi Gideon. Thanks for taking the time out to speak to us about DryRobe. Can you tell us about when, how, where and why the company began?

DryRobe: I designed the first 'Dryrobe' in 2010, and it quickly became a full time occupation. My mum had designed a robe-type thing one Christmas, and I just decided that as there wasn't a product like it out there, (and I needed it myself as I spend a lot of time surfing in England and getting changed in freezing cold car parks), that I would make the first Dryrobe, so that I could get changed inside of it whilst keeping warm and dry. 

TVSC: What is the company ethos?

Dryrobe: ​T​he company ethos is get changed, and stay warm. We believe that for anyone that spends time outdoors, the Dryrobe will make their experience just that little bit easier and nicer. Whether you are an athlete in your chosen sport, or just like dog walks on the beach, the Dryrobe enables you to keep warm, always. 

TVSC: What sets you apart from your competitors?

DryRobe: Dry Robe has a waterproof & windproof exterior shell fabric & a synthetic lambswool lining that dries you & keeps you warm. The design allows you to pull your arms in through the sleeves & get changed inside it. You can get a wetsuit, swimsuit or tri suit, on or off, easily, while staying warm, dry & fully protected from the elements. Other features include: soft lined external pockets, large internal storage pocket & MP3 player pocket. Our unique chunky YKK zip front is an essential element in providing fast, easy exit & entry which allows you to get in & out of the Dryrobe while you have all your kit on. This is simply not practical with the more traditional 'pull over the head' poncho design.

TVSC: Could you tell us about in your environmental credentials?

DryRobe: We are always looking at the best ways to become more environmentally friendly, particularly as we do use plastic in the production of our products, so we are currently looking into more economical ways of doing so. We are always open to explore new ideas, especially as we spend a lot of time surfing and in the sea, so plastic is a really big deal to us and we do all that we can to ensure as little plastic as possible is used. 

TVSC: What do you most enjoy about surfing in the UK ? And most dislike?

DryRobe: The beach is on our doorstep here in Devon, so getting waves on quiet days when you can be the only person out. We dislike how cold it is, but that is why we love wearing our Dryrobes!! 

TVSC: How do you support UK athletes and the wider surf community?

We love working with UK athletes, across all sports platforms. It makes us proud to be a British company, and we have a sponsorship process here at Dryrobe, where we do all we can to help athletes reach their dreams.... and of course, keep warm during races and events!!  

TVSC: Which athletes do you currently have on your pro team?

DryRobe: Currently, we have Andrew Cotton, Big Wave Surfer who is a local down here in Devon, and also Will Bailey, who is also a very high competitive surfer. We work with a lot of sports teams and schools across all sports, as well as Wakeboarders and Kayakers. We also supplied Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics, which was a great achievement for us and we were so proud to be represented by them

TVSC: What do you see for the future of your company?

DryRobe: We are looking at designing a few new products, which we are very excited about. Currently in progression so keep posted!! 

TVSC: What do you see for the future of the industry in the UK?

DryRobe: As more and more people spend time outdoors, we hope that people will try are products and love them. We really think it helps make time outside in the cold UK that little bit more enjoyable. Check out- Our instagram is @dryrobe, our Facebook is @dryrobe and our twitter is also @dryrobe. Our youtube is @dryrobe too, and if you ever have any pictures of how your dryrobe has helped you, we would love to hear from you!Eva@dryrobe.com is our social media manager, so send any pictures into her as its always great to our customers loving their dryrobes!