Our Story

The 'dryrobe' was designed by British surfer Gideon Bright. The first prototype was based on a garment his mum made for him when he was a teenager, this change poncho 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.

Standing in a freezing cold parking lot 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.

The ‘dryrobe® Advance’ change poncho 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.