Ocean & Earth Mens Terry Hooded 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.

Terry towelling absorbs more than waffle and is noticeably warmer after cold water — the price is drying time: a long pile holds water for hours. If you surf twice a day, a terry poncho will still be damp for the evening session.

This one is 315 gsm lightweight unbrushed terry — the pile isn't raised, so the cloth stays dense without being bulky. Length is 110 cm from the shoulder: mid-thigh on most adult men, which is enough to change completely.

The arm openings are deliberately large — an elbow goes through, so you aren't wrestling wet neoprene blind inside the poncho. The hood is specified as warm, and after a windy session that's the first thing you notice. Three colours: black, navy and teal.

Who it isn't for. If your gear travels in one bag, terry takes twice the space of waffle and dries slower — waffle is the sensible choice there. Well above average height: 110 cm from the shoulder will feel short. And a poncho makes a poor beach towel — you can't lie on it.