How To Select The Right Surf Poncho / Change Robe That Is Best For You
So the time has come to finally invest in a new poncho? maybe a first-time buyer or replacing old faithful. Maybe you are totally new to the idea and wondering what the rave is about and where to start?
Good news, this is the article for you!
The first question to be asking yourself is for what purpose would I like it to serve?
Depending on your geographic location/climate, the sport you are into, and what functionalities are most important to you it will help narrow down which style option will be of most value.
Considerations based on the above will be fabric weight and warmth, water absorption and drying ability, resistance to extreme conditions, and public changing or lounging comfort.
The history of the first original surf poncho isn't clear. However I like I imagine some surf legend on the beach having a game-changing epiphany moment where he (may have been a girl but given the largely male dominance of the sport over the past 2 decades, it’s my imagined assumption) sewed his towel into a wearable item after just wanting an easier way to change in public while being warm and dry. Huge appreciation to just another awesome innovation the surf community has given the world!
Surf ponchos/changing robes have now been adopted as an essential item across most water sports; from kiteboarding and surfing to Scuba Diving or even to use at the public leisure centers. Major brands and stores are leveraging exposure through merchandising ponchos too. This means branding a generic (and often low quality) item and selling at the market rate without consideration for actually developing features for specific user functionality.
Note: it’s worth mentioning if you are purchasing your local store-branded merchandise primarily to support their business; I personally love and encourage this.
fcbescolatfe Ponchos: Community Designed
Check out the fcbescolatfe range of ponchos to select which is best for your needs.
Large Weatherproof Poncho
Designed specifically for those die-hards that can’t get enough of what they love regardless of how extreme the weather conditions are. The fcbescolatfe Weatherproof poncho stops freezing winds from reaching your skin while the water beading shell to keep you dry. The inside is lined with the thickest 350gsm 100% cotton lining for total warmth and comfort.
Pros
- Designed for the coldest conditions
- Protects from both wind & rain
- Extra length to cover tall humans
Cons
- Bulker than the other poncho styles
- Does not have internal access pockets
- The slightly higher price point
Regular Weatherproof Poncho
As with the large version, The fcbescolatfe Weatherproof poncho protects you from the wind and rain in the most challenging conditions. The regular size has been designed to suit females and or active males who value freedom of movement. It’s shorter and vest style without arms.
Pros
- Designed for the coldest conditions
- Protects from both wind & rain
- Great protection without compromise of movement
Cons
- Bulker than any other poncho style
- Does not have internal access pockets
- The slightly higher price point
Regular Fit 100% Cotton Poncho
The regular fit poncho serves those who want a one-size-fits-all approach for those couples who like to share everything or when gifting an item that is really for yourself! The thick 100% cotton provides maximum warmth and comfort while maintaining a natural fiber status for being environmentally friendly. Has the internal access pockets to maximize changing functionality in public spaces.
Pros
- Thick terry cotton for a luxurious feel
- Warmer than microfibre
- Unique internal access pockets
Cons
- Bulker than microfiber fabric
- Heavy & longer dry times when wet
Long Fit 100% Cotton Poncho
Long fit is best suited for those taller humans that have always wished regular ponchos would reach below the knee. Females that prefer a spacious fit for changing and lounging in also love this style too. As with the regular fit cotton poncho, this has been manufactured with the thickest 350gsm terry cotton fabric for those who appreciate the feeling of luxury against the skin.
Pros
- Warmer than microfibre
- Unique internal access pockets
- Extra length for taller humans
Cons
- Bulker than microfiber fabric
- Heavy & longer dry times when wet
- Reduced sex appeal due to extra leg cover
Women’s Thick Microfibre Poncho
Inspired by those girls on the beach that acknowledge there is not enough female-specific gear available. This poncho has been made both shorter and narrower for a more fitted feel. The unique feature is the internal access pockets being slighter higher for changing bikini top with true ease. Being thick and soft microfibre it has great water absorption while being lightweight and the ability to dry quickly. Best suited for girls wanting a cute beach look or dudes who are comfortable with their sexuality and love the attention!
Pros
- Lightweight & compact best for packing
- Water absorbent & quick dry fabric
- Higher internal access pockets for changing bikini/bra
Cons
- Not as warm in cold conditions
- Fabric tends to attract debris sticking to it
- Microfibre is a synthetic fabric
Long Fit Thick Microfibre Poncho
The thick and extra soft microfibre material is best for lightweight and quick-drying while still being compact taking into consideration the size. Being longer, this style has been created with taller humans in mind that have always wished regular ponchos would reach below the knee. Females that prefer a spacious fit for changing and lounging in also love this style too. It has the internal access pockets for added changing functionality.
Pros
- Lightweight & compact material
- Water absorbent & quick dry fabric
- Longer & more spacious for taller humans
Cons
- Not as warm in cold conditions
- Fabric tends to attract debris sticking to it
- Microfibre is a synthetic fabric
I trust this article helps with being able to select a poncho that will best serve your requirements. Ponchos are one of those items that you can’t really have too many of so if you still can’t decide give yourself permission to get a couple of your favorites for all occasions.
If you have any further queries about the fcbescolatfe ponchos or are already using one, I would love to hear from you! Please post comments or get in touch via the contact page.