Ocean & Earth Ladies Layz Poncho Apparel

A poncho solves what a towel solves badly: changing in a car park or on the beach without a performance and without exposing yourself. The loose cut lets you peel off a wet wetsuit and put dry clothes on underneath, covered the whole time.

Layz is the lightweight line: thinner than classic terry, so it dries faster and packs smaller. In a warm climate and on trips that's a sensible trade — warmth after the water matters less than being able to carry it at all.

Who it isn't for. After cold water a thin poncho won't warm you; that calls for dense terry. Absorbency is lower too. And it's uncomfortable to lie on like a towel.