Change Warmer: Changing Robes & Wild Swimming Accessoroies

Sitting on rocks with the Snug Bud

Change Warmer

Products that encourage a gradual warming from the inside.

Beat The After Drop. Minimise Fuss. Stay Snug.

After a cold-water swim, the real challenge is warming up before after drop hits. Changing mats, robes tubes & Buds aren’t just for comfort - they’re safety gear. They keep the heat & deliver a steady flow to where you need it while you regain control of your core temperature.

Woman wearing hot water bottle Snug Bud warm post cold water swim sea swim

The Wild Swim Store Top Changing Accessories

Changing after a swim isn’t just about comfort — it’s about staying safe, warm, and a little more dignified than Mr Bean on the beach. We’ve learned the hard way that cold hands, sandy feet and tangled kit can turn a magical dip into a faff. That’s why we’ve pulled together our favourite bits of kit to make changing simpler, cleaner and much warmer.

  1. 1. Wearable Hot Water Bottles

    Snug Bud are the original wearable hot water bottle brand — and we’ve stocked them at The Wild Swim Store since the very beginning. They wrap heat around your core and hands while you change, making them a must-have on colder days. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll never go back.

  2. 2. Changing Robes/Tubes

    Retain your modesty easier than Mr Bean managed in that infamous beach episode (below).

    Changing robes and tubes give you privacy while you get dressed, and double up as an outer layer to help trap warmth. Just remember to towel off quickly before putting one on — a damp robe isn’t ideal for warming up.

  3. 3. Changing Mats

    A simple piece of kit that makes a huge difference. Changing mats don’t just stop sand or mud sticking to your wet gear (and following you home), they also give you a clean space to lay out your clothes.

    Pro tip: set them out in the order you’ll put them on, so when you step out of the water, you can get dressed quickly without faffing around.

  4. 4. Layers & Accessories

    Cosy hats, gloves, fleeces — anything that helps you layer up fast after a swim is worth its weight in gold. The key is flexibility: add warmth when you need it, strip away layers once you’ve settled.

  5. 5. Drinking Vessels

    Nothing beats wrapping your hands around something hot after a swim. Whether it’s tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, the right flask or insulated mug keeps your favourite drink warm and ready, wherever your adventures take you.

"I CANNOT THINK ABOUT GETTING CHANGED ON THE BEACH WITHOUT THINKING OF THIS SCENE FROM MR BEAN....CLASSIC. "

Jay || Co-Founder || The Wild Swim Store

Enjoy the Cold

DID YOU KNOW?

Jumping into a car heater or hot shower can make aslow or even reverse the warming up process.

The right changing gear helps you warm up gradually and safely.

CHANGE WARMER FAQ'S

Q: Can extra layers and accessories really stop After Drop?

A: Layers don’tstopAfter Drop (your body still reacts to the cold), but they help your body manage it better. Hats, gloves, fleeces, and a hot drink give you the comfort and warmth you need as your body settles. For the full science on After Drop and why it happens, check out ourAfter Drop page.

Q: What’s the deal with wearable hot water bottles?

A: They’re a game-changer. Snug Bud have been with us since the start, and we’ve never looked back. Think of them as portable, wearable radiators for after your swim — a proper way to get heat back into your core.

Q: Aren’t towels enough instead of a changing robe or tube?

A: Towels work for drying off, but robes and tubes do more. They keep you warm, give you privacy (without the Mr Bean shuffle), and act as an extra barrier against the cold. Just remember to towel off quickly before slipping into your robe — damp fabric won’t help with warmth.

Q: Do I really need a changing mat?

A: No oneneedsone, but it makes a huge difference. It keeps sand and mud off your kit and lets you lay clothes out in the order you’ll put them on. It’s a small upgrade that makes a cold, clumsy change much smoother.