About Wild Robes by Ali

The story so far…

Living by the sea in beautiful West Cork I noticed that more and more people were taking up outdoor swimming and surfing during the Winter Lockdown. People were socialising more outside and they, myself included, were cold.
So I looked at what swimming/changing robes were available here in Ireland. Most of the brands I found were made in Asia, a few are designed here in Ireland but not actually made.
This fuelled me to go further.
I asked questions of open water swimmers, surfers and outdoor life stylers. What they wanted from a changing robe.
Their feedback was great.  People didn’t want zips as their fingers were too cold to fasten them. They wanted somewhere to put a hot water bottle, big comfy hoods, breathable waterproof and windproof fabrics, side pockets, a raglan fit sleeve, lots of room to get changed in, machine washable, full length sleeves, cool colours, soft cosy fabrics that didn’t feel like a sports bag and long so you could sit down and feel wrapped up in the robe.
All of these requests were used in my finished Wild Robe design.
I then researched and sourced suitable fabrics. I chose a breathable, windproof waterproof microfibre for the outer shell and a sustainable bamboo cotton towelling fleece for the cosy inside. Both fabrics are supplied from European companies.
I launched in May of 2021 with three colours, I now have seven. There’s a colour for everyone.
Each Wild Robe by Ali is made to order one at a time in Clonakilty West Cork Ireland.
Occasionally I have made bespoke fit for petite and larger people too.