Swim Caps: Best Way To Keep Your Hair Dry While Swimming

Ready to take your swimming to the next level? Different swimming caps serves different purposes. Some people swim laps while others attend aquatic classes. But whatever swimming activity you choose, a swimming cap will only help.

Why Wear A Swim Cap?

Many people swim laps for exercise or competition. If you plan to swim laps, then a cap will make you more hydrodynamic and keep long hair out of your face. Hair creates drag in the pool which slows you down.

With a swim cap, you torpedo through the pool like a speeding bullet. You will feel the difference right away. Wouldn’t you rather swim like a dolphin that paddle like a dog?

People who do aquatic activities like exercise classes will also benefit from a swim cap. In this case, your hair will stay in place and dry. It also protects your hair from chemicals like chlorine.

So whether you are training for a triathlon, swimming for exercise, or taking an aquatic class, a swimming cap will provide significant value to your life.

Once you understand how a swimming cap will benefit you in the water, it’s time to pick out the best type for you. In the next section, you will learn about the different types of swim caps. Keep reading to find out more.

What Are the Different Types of Swim Caps?

Choosing a type of swim cap isn’t all the complicated. The majority of swimmers will use a silicone cap. But other options do exist, so ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Your choice won’t take much time because there are only a few types to choose from.  It’s not like picking out running shoes where the options seem endless.

So, let’s discuss the five types of swimming caps. Afterwards, choosing a cap will become easier. The five types are silicone, latex, lycra/spandex, rubber, and neoprene.

• Silicone

Most swimming caps are silicone. A Silicone cap is ideal for competition or swimming laps for exercise. When you go to the gym and see someone moving quickly in the pool, chances are they are wearing a silicone cap. It doesn’t take much, and you can throw it in and out of your gym back with confidence.

Besides strength and durability of silicone, you will appreciate how it doesn’t pull on your hair much. Long hair swimmers will understand this best. Putting on and off your swim cap can hurt with a different material.

Overall, silicon caps are fast, comfortable, and durable, a top choice for any swimmer.

• Latex

If you prefer a lighter and thinner fit, then latex will be your best bet. Latex caps aren’t as durable as silicone, but some swimmers are willing to make the trade for its natural feel. That holds especially true for those who buy a cap specifically to keep their hair out of their face or dry. Not everyone is looking for performance.

Plus, when comparing manufacturer to manufacture, latex will cost less. It’s the second most popular type of swimming cap, silicone is first.

• Lycra/Spandex

Comfort, comfort, comfort. Wait…did I say comfort?

A lyrca/spandex swimming cap is the most comfortable material out of all five types. Swimmers who prefer comfort over speed will benefit from lycra/spandex most.

Some swimmers have a lot of hair and don’t want it pulled. They are willing to sacrifice some hydrodynamics for less hair tugging. Plus, if you maintain the cap properly, for example, rinse it after every swim, Lycra/spandex caps can last a lifetime.

• Rubber

Rubber is an old material for swimming, but it’s making a come back. If you plan on swimming in open water, then a rubber swimming cap is worth considering. Especially in colder climates.

Some believe rubber caps are outdated. But you will notice they are making a come back with innovative designs. Some swimmers like to stay warm. I know I do.

If you are sensitive to the cold, then consider a rubber cap. It will help keep the heat inside your body, not the pool.

• Neoprene

Although rubber will keep you warm, neoprene will keep you warmer. If you plan to swim outside in the cold than a neoprene cap is your top choice. It will keep your body warmer for longer. Go ahead and swim with the polar bears in this cap.

Choosing the Swim Cap That Best Suits Your Needs

Now that you know the five types of swim caps, its time to dig a little deeper. In the next section, you will learn how to choose your specific swim cap. This will come in handy as we move onto the top 8 best swim caps of 2019.

1. Swim Frequency

Are you planning on swimming outside every day to train for a race? Or only a few times a week at your local gym for exercise? It’s essential to consider your swim frequency, or better put, how often you swim.

If you plan to swim on a daily basis, then you want your cap to be durable. Don’t only consider the amount of time you spend in the pool, but determine how often you will take it on and off. Stretching the cap will cause wear and tear over time.  In this situation, your best bet will be silicone.

Even if you plan to use your cap less often but don’t want to maintain it. A silicone will still be a top choice. Throwing your cap in and out of your gym bag in wet can compromise the material. A silicon cap will last the longest. That’s versus a latex cap that would damage if handling it the same way. Latex damages overtime if rolled up and stuck in a swim bag.

So, if you plan on frequent swims or want a cap you can throw around with little maintenance, then a silicone cap is the way to go. Most swimmers choose this material.

2. Outside Temperatures

Temperatures of the pool will also affect your choice. A spandex cap is durable but thicker than latex. If you are swimming for exercise, in this case, spandex may create too much heat. So if you are swimming in a heated pool or in hot temperatures, spandex may be too much.

On the other hand, when temperatures are cold, a rubber or neoprene cap will keep you warm.

And of course, silicone is somewhere in the middle. It’s an excellent material for indoor or outside swims in cold or warm temperatures.

Once you determine the temperatures you will swim in, next, you want to consider the activity type.

3. Activity Type

Are you planning on intense training in a pool 80 degrees or hotter? If so, a latex cap will keep you cool. But if you are looking for a cap to throw in and out of your gym bag and are not competing, then a silicone or spandex cap works.

Most beginner and average swimmers stick with silicone caps. They are both durable and convenient. Silone caps fit well with a busy lifestyle, especially if swimming is new to you.

I remember when I began swimming for the first time. Maintaining my swimming equipment was the least of my worries. Getting to the pool was my top priority. Learning technique was second. Maintaining my cap and goggles were somewhere around dead last. So I just grabbed a silicone cap and hit the pool before and after the workday.

Now that you know how to choose a cap best for you let’s pick one out. Keep reading for the top 8 swim caps in 2019.

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Top 8 Best Swim Caps to Buy in 2020 – Reviews and Comparison

Below are the top 8 best swim caps in 2020. Read each review as well as the pros and cons. When your done, choose a cap that’s best for you.

1. Speedo Silicone Solid – Best Choice for Fit

The speedo silicone solid is not only the top choice for 2019, but it’s one of the most popular swimming caps ever made. Built for durability and comfort, this cap is built for any busybody.  Throw it in and out of your gym bag with confidence, this cap it robust. What’s best about this swimming cap is it’s fit. You can relax while putting it on because it rarely tugs your hair. It’s easy to put on mainly because of its stretchy material. Also, it comes in just about any color you can think of. But remember, it’s just a basic long-lasting swim cap. If you have extra thick hair, you may want to go elsewhere. It’s users praise this swimming cap for how well it keeps their hair dry.

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Pros:

• Excellent fit for all head shapes.
• Stretchy material helps with long hair and large heads.
• Superior durability from silicone construct. This cap is built to last.
• Made by Speedo, one of the top swimming company’s in the world.
• Multiple color options.

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Cons:

• Too tight for some. May slide off with extra thick hair.

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2. TYR Sport Long Hair Silicone – Best Choice for Long Hair

If you have long hair and are sick of other swimming caps pulling it out, then give the TYR Sport Long Hair Silicone swimming cap a try. No swimming falling off your head with this cap. Its unique dimensional design cuts around the ears which help to relieve head pressure. As you can imagine, this makes the swimming cap super comfortable. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the durability from its silicone material, and at the same time, it’s thin profile reduces drag thus increasing speed. It’s users love this swimming cap for protecting their hair from the chlorine.

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Pros:

• Excellent price.
• Unique design to fit snug for those with long hair.
• Keeps hair dry.
• Tough material for a long lifespan.
• Extra comfort from reduced pressure design.

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Cons:

• Those with larger heads can experience fit issues.

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3. Aegend Solid Silicone – Best Choice for Keeping Water Out of Ears

Ever go for a swim only after to find yourself shaking your head to get the water out? Or you try to get the water out, but fail. I experience the latter.  With water stuck in my ear, I usually tilt my head, hop on one foot, and smack my opposing ear. A one-legged pogo dance is useful for making my kids laugh, but not so effective when it comes to clearing water out of my ear canal.

That’s what the Aegend Solid Silicone Swimming cap is built for — ear protection. It implements a 3D ergonomic design for protecting your ears. This cap is perfect for those who deal with frequent earaches. It also comes with thick edges that form a suction around its perimeter. This ensures water stays out. Those with long hair can use it too. But if you have really long thick hair, you may want to try another cap. It’s users love it for how well it protects their ears.

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Pros:

• Excellent at keeping hair dry.
• Superior ear protection, no more one legged pogo dancing.
• A comfortable fit, wear it for hours with comfort.
• Ultra-stretchy for fitting on your head.
• Excellent Price

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Cons:

• Slow cap, use it for aquatic classes and slow laps.

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4. Swim Elite Silicone – Best Choice for Speed With Long Hair

The Swim Elite Silicone swimming cap protects your long hair without sacrificing too much speed. Built with a premium material, this cap focuses on increasing hydrodynamics, and at the same time, keep your hair dry and protect your ears. It even comes with a nose clip. It’s fashionable too. You’ll have no problem matching your swimsuit as it comes in many color options. It’s users love this cap for how easy it is to put on. Do so in 3 easy steps.

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Pros:

• Thick liner keeps hair dry.
• Roomy and comfortable fit. Long hair and big heads welcome.
• Ear pockets are spacious for those who wear earrings.
• Custom design is roomy yet fast.

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Cons:

• Price
• Some quality issues.

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5. Lahtak – Best Choice for Dreadlocks

Unlike other swimming caps, the Lahtak is not designed to seal onto your head. It’s made for those with dreadlocks or similar thick size hair. Instead of sealing below your hair, it’s designed to vacuum onto it. So, don’t let a thick head of hair stop you from taking advantage of the many benefits the water has to offer. Swim with confidence with this cap. Take advantage of its loose fit design for a comfortable and hair protecting swim. Its users love this cap for its durability. They confidently stretch it over their hair without tugging any hair.

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Pros:

• 90-Day Money Back Guarantee
• Roomy and comfortable for those with dreadlocks.
• Built tough while still providing an excellent fit.
• Stretchy to fit around the thickest of hair.

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Cons:

• Too loose for those with short to long hair lengths.
• Keeps most pool water out, but not all.

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6. Balneaire Silicone – Best Choice for Cat Lovers

Yes, you read it right. The Balneaire Silicone swimming cap is the best choice for cat lovers. Why are cat owners falling in love with this swimming cap? Well…because there’s a big black cartoon cat on each one. No, not cartoon like Garfield or Felix. This isn’t a kids swimming cap. The cat is more artistic. It’s a classic yet trendy type of cat. Check it out. If you love cats, then you’ll love the design. Okay, so we know its stylish, but is the cap effective? And the answer is YES if you want a cap that keeps your hair dry and protects it from the chlorine. If you are looking for a stylish cap to keep your hair healthy then consider this one. It’s users love it for its cat options. Choose from Cat Cute, Cat Big Eye, Cat Shy, and Cat Beard. This cap is CLAWSOME! (yes, I did just drop a cat pun).

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Pros:

• There’s a big cat on it, great for cat lovers.
• Tight and firm fit to keep water out.
• Stylish design.
• Different cat options to choose from

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Cons:

• There’s a big cat on it, if you don’t love cats, then you won’t love this cap.
• White color can get dirty over time.

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7. The Friendly Swede Silicone – Best Choice for Triathlons

If you are looking for a comfortable yet tight swimming cap, then check out the Friendly Swede Silicone. This cap is a top choice for those who compete in triathlons. It’s stretchy and durable and quick and easy to take on and off. As you can imagine, this becomes super convenient on race day when switching from swimming to cycling. This swimming cap does a great job at not snagging your hair while still providing a firm and secure fit for speed. Although the tight fit may cause to much pressure for larger heads, parents have raved about this cap for their kids. It does a much better job at staying on than other caps.

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Pros:

• Stretchy material provides a very tight fit. This cap isn’t going anywhere on race day.
• Speedy cap. Perfect for triathlons.
• Easy to put on and take off.
• Keeps water out of the ears.
• Reliable and durable fit.
• Excellent fit for kids.

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Cons:

• Too tight for some.

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8. Start Smart Kids Fun Silicone – Best Choice for Kids

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. The Start Smart Kids Fun Silicone cap is perfect for young children. Available in both red fish, blue fish, and shark design, kids love how comfortable and fun this cap is. It’s perfect for keeping water out of your kid’s ears during swimming lessons or a day spent at the pool. Rated for kids ages 3-12.  It even comes with protectives goggles to match. These goggles are anti-fogging and provide UV protection. Together you get a safe and fun bundle for any water adventure. Its users praise this swimming cap for its attention-grabbing design. You can easily keep an eye on your child with this one of a kind fish head design.

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Pros:

• Safety first. Protective, eye-catching, and comes with goggles.
• Fun design, kids will be excited to learn how to swim.
• Long-age range: 3-12.
• Excellent comfort with super soft material.
• Ultra-stretchy to avoid tugging on your child’s hair.

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Cons:

• Kids may outgrow it quickly.

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How To Put On A Swim Cap: 7 Simple Steps

Now that you have picked out a swim cap, it’s time to learn how to put it on. Although putting on a swimming cap sounds pretty straightforward, it can hurt your or tear in half if rushed. To avoid wear and tear on both your cap and your hair, follow the seven steps below.

Step 1: Stick your head in the pool and wet your hair. The wetter the hair, the smoother the application.

Step 2: Twist long hair. But regardless of the length, make sure your hair is close to your head to prevent pulling.

Step 3: Stretch the cap wide open. Use a reasonable amount of force.

Step 4: Stick your head into the cap.

Step 5: Release the cap onto your forehead.

Step 6: From your forehead, guide the cap downwards over the rest of your head.

Step 7: Stick your head in the pool and adjust as needed.

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A few things to remember…

• By wetting your hair, you avoid pain from pulling it. A wet cap and hair will prevent ripping it as well.
• Sharp fingernails can put a hole in your cap so use your fingers but not your nails.
• When placing the cap over your head do so gently. Don’t force it.
• Practice makes perfect. Try putting your cap on in the shower or bath at home.

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Conclusion

As you can see, choosing a swim cap isn’t too difficult. Most will go with the safe bet and use a silicone material. But after reading this guide, you can now make your own decision. Choose a cap best for YOU. So swim hard, dream big, and don’t forget your swim cap!