What is an Eco changing robe?
Our Original Sports Cloak, also referred to as a dry robe or changing robe enables easy and private changing from a wetsuit. The thick Sherpa fleece lining keeps you warm and cosy. The Eco Sports Cloak looks and functions exactly the same, providing the same level of shower-proof protection and drying power. The only difference is it is produced from recycled PET plastic.
Approximately 110 recycled plastic bottles are used to produce one Charlie McLeod Eco Sports Cloak. The process undertaken when recycling plastic bottles creates a soft, elastic fibre. This fibre provides a great solution to the apparel industry faced with the enormous challenge of becoming more sustainable.
The technology involved in creating the fabric includes shredding plastic into tiny pieces, the size of rice grains, processing, cleaning and spinning. Once prepared the fibre can be used for a variety of fabrics and clothing with high elasticity and resilience while maintaining a soft texture, making it perfect for sports apparel and quickly adopted by the industry. Since 2010, Nike has used 115 million renewable polyester bottles to produce sports tops.
The recycled material extends to all aspects of the Eco Sports Cloak: the outer shell and inner fleece lining. We’re proud to be leading the industry by providing an ethical changing robe to adventure seekers looking for a more sustainable option.
Sustainable fashion hits open water swimming
The Charlie McLeod Eco Sport Cloak now comes in a selection of Camo colourways.
Ethical fashion choices are growing in demand with Google reporting a 600% increase in searches for ethical shopping so for the team here at Charlie McLeod it made sense that people who choose active sports that take them closer to nature would demand a more sustainable option.
The Camo colourways hit the spot for style and substance, appealing to people who want to look good while making more sustainable fabric choices. Approximately 110 recycled plastic bottles are used to produce one Charlie McLeod Eco Camo Sports Cloak. Read more about the process from bottle to cloak in this blog, ‘What is an eco changing robe?’ https://www.charliemcleod.co.uk/collections/eco-sports-cloak-long-sleeve
The new Camo range comes with a long sleeve in Green, Pink, Blue and Orange colourways with a matching colour Sherpa fleece lining which has also been crafted from recycled PET plastic. Offered in Extra Small to Extra Large sizing with an option for children aged 10-13, the short sleeve option will follow in Spring 2022...CMc
Coldwater swimming: the latest sports trend gripping the nation
Coldwater swimming is the latest buzz, and for good reason. The health benefits have been widely reported and with all the demands of the pandemic, many of us are turning to new ways to improve our mental and physical health. Here’s a round-up of some of the benefits of coldwater swimming and why it’s got everyone talking.
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It boosts your immune system and positivity
As the body reacts to the change in conditions it boosts the white blood cell count. It also gives you a natural high – have you seen all the pictures of people beaming at the camera during and post exercise?! That’s the endorphin rush. And not only endorphins, the cold water is also known to increase oestrogen and testosterone levels which gives our libido a lift too! -
It improves circulation, stress response and burns calories
Our blood is forced around the body to warm us up and while our heart is pumping faster, our body is working much harder, burning more calories than in warmer water. Managing this greater stress is also thought to make us calmer when faced with other other testing situations. -
Achieving mindfulness
The concept is that while your brain is forced to deal with the intense situation you have put yourself into, it forces you to focus on the immediate present and stops you from dwelling on other things that are not immediately within your control.
These benefits are considerable but don’t come without preparation. For cold water swimming beginners there are safety measures it’s important to know about. Read about them in detail here 5 Tips for Open Water Swimming Beginners this Autumn.
Cold water swimming must never be undertaken alone. That is the golden rule. Not only because of the safety elements but also because of the social elements! With all those endorphins rushing around your body you’ll enjoy sharing the moment with others. There are hundreds of clubs in the UK – hop onto Facebook to search for your closest group...CMc