The 11 Best Swim Cap for 2024: Expert Reviews & Tips
March 25, 2024
They protect hair from chlorine damage, keep hair out of the pool, enhance vision by keeping hair out of the eyes when swimming, and reduce water resistance and drag, helping you swim faster.
Whether you are looking for a swim cap to dominate the competition on race day, a cap for swim training, or want to conquer the elements in open water, swim caps can enhance performance and enjoyment in the water.
In this guide to the best swim caps, we’ll review our top recommendations for every kind of swimmer and head.
We’ll review the key things to look for when choosing a swim cap, including different swim cap materials, performance features to look out for, and expert picks to help you conquer the water.
By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea of which swim cap is best for you and your swimming.
Let’s dive in.
Our Favorites:
Here is an overview of the top swim caps for every type of swimmer:
- Best overall: Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap
- Best for training and racing: Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap
- Best swim cap for long hair: Speedo Silicone Long Hair Swim Cap
- Best latex training swim cap: TYR Latex Solid Swim Cap
- Best swim cap for racing: Arena 3D Soft Domed Silicone Swim Cap
- Best swim cap for rec swimmers and water aerobics: TYR Lycra Fabric Swim Cap
- Best swim cap for voluminous hair: Sporti Long Hair Bun Silicone Swim Cap
- Best for cold water swimming: Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap
- Best for youth swimmers: Sporti Kids’ Silicone Swim Cap
- Best cap for swimmers looking for a fun design: Sporti Jellyfish Silicone Swim Cap
- Best swim cap with chin strap: Sporti Bubble Cap with Chin Strap
The Best Swim Caps
By choosing the right swim cap that matches your needs and goals in the water, you can get a more enjoyable (and faster!) experience in the pool.
Next, we’ll look at the key features of our top picks to help you choose with confidence.
Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap
Perfect for: competitive swimmers
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Feedback from competitive and recreational swimmers for the Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap include:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color options: 4/5
- Pricing: $$
Speedo is one of the most popular brands for swimmers, with the name Speedo largely synonymous with competitive and lap swimming.
Countless Olympic swimmers, including Michael Phelps, Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Kaylee McKeown, have worn the trademark Speedo logo in high-level competitions over the years.
The Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap is the perfect cap for more serious swimmers looking for a durable and comfortable cap for hitting the pool.
Made with 100% soft, hypoallergenic silicone, the Speedo Silicone Swim Cap doesn’t yank or pull on hair when wrapped around the head or when removed after a successful training session in the pool.
Silicone is also significantly more durable compared to other common swim cap materials (we’ll evaluate and compare different swim cap materials later) and is more resistant to chlorine and UV exposure versus Lycra and latex swim caps.
The Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap is relatively wrinkle-free, perfect for swimmers looking for every last hundredth of a second in the pool. The curved lower ridges ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Speedo offers the cap in a ton of different solid colorways, making it the perfect swim cap for swimmers who prize durability, comfort, and color options when rocking out with a swim cap.
Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap
Perfect for: all-around training and racing swim cap
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Based on the testing and feedback of swimmers, here’s how the Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap performs in the water:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color options: 5/5
- Pricing: $
The Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap is our top choice for swimmers looking for a versatile, comfortable, and fast swim cap that can be used in both training and competition.
Made of soft silicone, the Arena Classic is extremely durable while also reducing wrinkles and hair tugging when putting the cap on (and taking it off). One of the main frustrations swimmers have with swim caps is the cap clinging and yanking on hair; the soft silicone material of the cap almost completely eliminates this issue.
The Arena Silicone Swim Cap is fast enough for race day, and also comfortable enough for daily use in practice and training. The soft lining of the cap, plus the contoured edge, generates a custom fit that keeps the cap in place when churning up and down the pool.
Arena also offers the cap in a ton of different colors, making it the perfect cap for hitting those early morning swim workouts and stepping up on the blocks on race day. Finally, the cap is very inexpensive, at less than $10 per cap.
While not as hydrodynamic as a domed silicone cap, the Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap is the best option for swimmers who want a cap that is fast enough for competition but also comfortable for the day-to-day grind in swim training.
Speedo Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap
Perfect for: swimmers with long hair
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Based on the feedback and performance of the Speedo Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap in the water, here’s what experienced swimmers have to say about it:
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color options: 3/5
- Pricing: $$
The Speedo Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap is our preferred swim cap for swimmers who struggle to fit all of their hair into a swim cap.
The combination of a soft silicone design, large “pocket” at the back of the cap to accommodate long hair, and Speedo’s unparalleled experience designing fast and comfortable gear for swimmers makes this the best when it comes to swim caps for long hair.
There’s nothing worse for long-haired swimmers than a swim cap that slides around, yanks on hair during wear, or doesn’t keep hair in place when swimming laps. Instead of stopping every lap to readjust your cap, the added space in the Speedo Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap allows for larger volumes of hair, keeping it secure even while doing flip turns, sprinting at the end of the main set, and diving into the water.
Put your hair up, braid it, or style it into a bun, then tuck it into the back of the cap for a streamlined profile in the water and to keep your hair in place.
Swimmers looking for more color options with their swim caps will be disappointed with the smaller range of colorways Speedo offers. The long-haired version of its popular silicone swim cap is available in just five solid color options.
That said, the cap is comfortable, made with soft and hydrodynamic materials, and relatively budget-friendly.
Oh, and most importantly, it will keep your hair out of your face so that you can focus on swimming like a champ.
TYR Solid Latex Swim Cap
Perfect for: Swimmers looking for a breathable and inexpensive cap
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Based on the feedback and reviews of lap swimmers, here is how the TYR Solid Latex Swim Cap performs in the pool:
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color options: 5/5
- Pricing: $
The TYR Solid Latex Swim Cap is the best swim cap for swimmers who want the benefits of a latex swimming cap when in the water.
TYR is a California-based swim brand that makes a huge range of swim gear and apparel, including competition swimsuits, triathlon swim suits, and a wide range of caps for swimmers.
Latex swim caps are more breathable than silicone swim caps and less porous than Lycra swim caps. They provide many of the same perks, including keeping hair in place, protecting the scalp from the sun, and reducing drag and resistance when swimming at higher speeds.
Latex caps like the TYR Solid Latex Swim Cap are a smart option for swimmers who get really warm during swim training, either from logging long workouts in the pool or swimming outdoors under the sun.
The TYR Latex Swim has a ribbed edge that helps swimmers adjust the cap over their hair. TYR offers the cap in a huge range of solid colors—the bright, high-visibility colors are great for open-water swimmers or pool swimmers looking for added visibility at the far end of the pool.
The cap is also remarkably inexpensive, with the cap retailing for around $5, making it an excellent budget-friendly pick for swimmers.
While latex swim caps tug on hair more often than silicone and Lycra swim caps, the TYR Solid Latex Swim Cap's breathability, and low price point make it the top pick for swimmers looking to corral their hair on a budget.
Arena 3D Soft Cap
Perfect for: swimmers looking for the best in hydrodynamics
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Here’s how the Arena 3D Soft Cap performs in the pool, according to swimmers:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Hydrodynamics: 5/5
- Color Options: 4.5/5
- Pricing: $$$
The Arena 3D Soft Cap is the fastest swim cap in the pool. Designed for maximum speed, with zero wrinkles or seams and a smooth, hydrodynamic shell, it is the perfect cap for success on race day.
The cap is made with 100% silicone, slightly thicker than training silicone caps like those made by Speedo and Arena. This is great for heat retention and durability. Even with just a modicum of care, this cap will last the season when used only in swim meets.
Arena offers the cap in a heaping pile of colors, and the soft silicone construction almost completely eliminates hair tugging.
Tests with competitive swimmers (Gatta et al., 2013) have shown that domed silicone swim caps are significantly better at reducing frontal drag than silicone training caps and Lycra swim caps.
Domed caps like the Arena 3D Soft Cap have a smaller surface area and don’t stretch as much compared to other racing swim caps, making it a less-than-optimal choice for swimmers who prefer more flex with their caps and swimmers with very long hair.
Additionally, while domed swim caps are faster than standard silicone swim caps, their added thickness makes them less ideal for training scenarios, as they retain a lot of heat.
TYR Lycra Swim Cap
Perfect for: casual and recreational swimmers looking for a breathable Lycra cap
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Based on the experiences of swimmers, here’s how the TYR Lycra Swim Cap performs in the water:
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 3.5/5
- Color Options: 4/5
- Pricing: $$
The TYR Lycra Swim Cap is the best option for swimmers looking for a comfortable, soft, and flexible cap when hitting the pool.
The cap is made of Lycra, also known as Spandex or elastane. This fabric is commonly used in swimwear due to its excellent elasticity and water repellence.
The TYR Lycra Swim Cap is perfect for casual or recreational swimmers who find latex and silicone caps constricting or uncomfortable. The breathability is also a huge plus, especially for swimmers with lots of hair who find they get too warm with other types of swim caps when exercising at the pool.
TYR offers the Lycra Swim Cap in half-a-dozen solid colors and for a price point that is comparable to silicone swim caps.
While this type of swim cap doesn’t offer the same hydrodynamic benefits as a silicone swim cap, it can serve as a base layer cap for swimmers wearing two caps in competition.
The TYR Lycra Swim Cap is also perfect for recreational and casual swimmers who are more interested in keeping hair out of their faces when exercising than in breaking a personal best time or leading the fast lane.
Sporti Solid Long Hair Bun Silicone Swim Cap
Perfect for: swimmers with very long hair
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Here’s how the Sporti Long Hair Bun Silicone Swim Cap performed in the water according to swimmers:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color Options: 4/5
- Pricing: $$
The Sporti Solid Long Hair Bun Silicone Swim Cap is the ideal choice for swimmers with very long hair looking for a swim cap that will keep hair out of the way while swimming.
The Sporti Long Bun Hair Cap's hair pocket is slightly larger than the Speedo Silicone Long Hair Swim Cap's, making it ideal for swimmers who need to pack a voluminous amount of hair away for their time in the water.
The cap is made of 100% hypoallergenic silicone, is available in several bright colors, and has a contoured edge to keep hair in the cap while swimming or exercising in the water.
Although swim caps aren't specifically designed to keep water out of your ears, this cap offers good coverage over the opening of the ear canal, making it appropriate for swimmers who want extra support for earplugs or prefer to reduce the sound of rushing water by their ears.
When it came to choosing a swim cap for swimmers with extra long, thick hair, it was a close competition between the Sporti Long Bun and the TYR Sport Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap
The TYR Long Hair cap has more color options and can accommodate a lot of hair, but ultimately, we went with the Sporti cap as testers found it to stay in place more effectively when swimming, especially with women with thicker curls.
Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap
Perfect for: cold water swimming
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Here’s the feedback from open-water swimmers who’ve tested and swum with the Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color Options: 3/5
- Pricing: $$$
The Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap is a specialized swim cap designed to help you stay warm and comfortable in cold, open-water swimming conditions.
Made of high-quality 4mm Yamamoto neoprene—the same material primarily found in wetsuits—the Zone3 Neoprene wraps comfortably around the head, retaining heat, while also providing a full range of movement so that you can swim with proper technique.
Unlike silicone and latex swimming caps, which are generally unisex or available in adult or junior sizes, the Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap comes in four different sizes (from X-small to Large) to provide a snug and comfortable fit and reduce water from seeping into the cap.
The cap has a chin strap that wraps around the bottom of the face and can be adjusted with a Velcro buckle to secure the cap to your head. Perfect for keeping water from loading the cap and maintaining a slim, hydrodynamic profile in the water.
The Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap is designed for extended wear and provides exceptional comfort. The cap's chin strap and design reduce irritating neck chafing caused by turning the head to breathe while swimming.
Swimmers report feeling warm, enjoying an ample range of movement, and remaining comfortable when wearing the cap along with their wetsuit of choice.
As a specialized type of swim cap, the Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap is only available in black. If you are looking for a vibrant or spicy colorway, you will have to look elsewhere.
Also, there are no high-visibility markings on this cap, so consider using a second cap on top of the Zone3 cap or use a brightly-colored open water swim buoy to stay visible and safe while open water swimming.
Sporti Kids’ Silicone Swim Cap
Perfect for: kids looking to conquer the lap pool
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According to the feedback of parents using this cap with their kids, here is how the Sporti Kids’ Silicone Swim Cap performs in the water:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4/5
- Color Options: 5/5
- Pricing: $
The Sporti Kids Silicone Swim Cap is a durable, brightly-colored, inexpensive, and perfectly sized swimming cap for younger swimmers who are ready to take on the pool.
Sporti is a low-cost swim brand that sells swimming gear and apparel at prices less expensive than more well-known brands in the pool like Speedo, TYR, Arena, and at comparable quality. The Sporti Kids’ Silicone Cap is a perfect example of this, retailing for less than $5.
Made with 100% durable soft silicone, the cap is as soft and comfortable as the bright and vibrant colors. Sporti offers the cap in a dozen glowing colors. The high-visibility colors are fun and playful, but they also serve a safety purpose, allowing parents and coaches to see young swimmers more easily in the water.
The swim cap's construction is all silicone, which is much more durable in the face of chlorine exposure than traditional swim cap materials such as latex.
The only issue that comes up with this cap is that it can be too small for larger or older kids.
If you are wondering if the Kids’ version is most applicable to your little swimmer, here is a comparison table of the different Sporti swim caps, including each cap’s height and opening size (both measured with the cap laying down and flat):
| Cap | Opening of Cap | Height of Cap |
| Sporti Kids Swim Cap | 7 ⅛” | 6 ⅞” |
| Sporti Silicone Swim Cap | 7 ½” | 7 ⅝” |
| Sporti Latex Swim Cap | 9 ¾” | 8” |
| Sporti Long Hair Swim Cap | 6 ⅞” | 7 ⅞” |
| Sporti Long Hair Bun Swim Cap | 8 ¼” | 7 ½” |
| Sporti Bubble Cap with Chin Strap | 10 ½” | 7 ¼” |
Sporti Jellyfish Silicone Swim Cap
Perfect for: swimmers looking for some splash on their swim cap
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Swimmers who have rocked out with the Sporti Jellyfish Silicone Swim Cap offered the following feedback on its performance and comfort in the pool:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 4.5/5
- Color Options: 3/5
- Pricing: $
Swim caps are generally boring forms of swim equipment. You strap one on your head, jump in the water, and that’s typically the last you think or see of it.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t spice up the cap's look or design while also retaining the hydrodynamic, tangle-free, and comfortable performance of a high-quality swim cap.
The Sporti Jellyfish Silicone Swim Cap is that cap—part function and part playful design that makes it a hit with younger swimmers or those who are young at heart.
This special edition swim cap is an iteration of the Sporti Silicone Swim Cap, which means you get the same 100% hypoallergenic silicone construction, contoured edges for a secure fit, and excellent durability to work hard as you do in the pool.
The Sporti Jellyfish Silicone Swim Cap doesn’t wrinkle during wear, unlike latex swim caps, making them a hydrodynamic choice for swimmers when every second counts.
Sporti Bubble Swim Cap with Chin Strap
Best for: casual water enthusiasts looking for hair protection
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According to swimmers and water exercise enthusiasts who have used the cap, here’s how they rate the Sporti Bubble Swim Cap with Chin Strap:
- Durability: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydrodynamics: 3/5
- Color Options: 4/5
- Pricing: $
The Sporti Bubble Swim Cap with Chin Strap is the ideal cap of choice for water enthusiasts and recreational swimmers looking for a secure fit when in the water.
The old-school look, textured bubble shell, and surprisingly stretchy heavy-duty latex construction keeps your hair in place while sweating away during a water aerobics class or doing some head-up breaststroke in the lap pool.
Chin straps are not commonly seen on swim caps, particularly with more vigorous lap swimming, but the Sporti Bubble Cap is effective for keeping hair out of your eyes, mouth and face in the pool.
Swimmers who want to go strapless also have the option to do so; the strap can be unbuckled using the metal snaps on the sides of the cap.
The Sporti Bubble Swim Cap is an excellent alternative to your standard swimming cap. Silicone or traditional latex swim caps can be uncomfortable, pinching the skin and leading to headaches when improperly sized. The hydrodynamic benefits of those types of swim caps also aren’t necessary for everyone at the pool.
The main downside to this swim cap, and it should be fairly obvious, is that it is not designed for more serious lap swimming.
But for those days when you want to do some water jogging, an exercise class in the water, or some casual, recreational head-up swimming? Absolutely.
Understanding the Purpose of Swim Caps
In this section, we will break down why swim caps are a must-have for a successful swim, covering everything from reducing drag and protecting your hair from chlorine to boosting swim safety and doing your part to keep your local pool clean.
We’ll also discuss the different materials used in swim caps, types of caps, and more, arming you with the knowledge and confidence to shop for the perfect swim cap for your swimming.
Benefits of Wearing a Swim Cap
Wearing a swim cap offers several benefits to swimmers:
Protects hair
Swim caps protect hair from chlorine damage, reducing the dryness and brittleness that comes from extended exposure to pool chemicals.
Although swim caps don’t keep hair perfectly dry, they significantly reduce the amount of chlorinated water hair takes on when in the pool, lessening the damaging effects of pool chemicals on hair.
Reduced drag and increased swim speeds
Swim caps streamline the head and hair, reducing water resistance and drag, increasing overall swim speeds.
A study published in the Portuguese Journal of Sport Sciences, titled “The effect of wearing a cap on the swimmer passive drag,” found that using a swim cap reduced frontal passive drag by approximately 15% at speeds of 1.5-2.5m/s compared to not using a swim cap.
Another study, "Effect of Swim Cap Surface Roughness on Passive Drag," published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that swimmers experienced significantly less frontal passive drag when using a domed silicone swim cap compared to a regular silicone cap or a Lycra cap.
The differences were most significant at higher swimming speeds, emphasizing the importance of using the right swim cap in competition.
Keeps hair out of face and eyes
Swim caps keep hair locked in place, preventing it from draping across the front of the face, impairing vision, draping into your mouth, and being generally annoying.
Instead of stopping every length to pull hair away from your eyes and face, you can focus on swimming with great technique and efficiency.
Pool hygiene
Swim caps reduce hair shedding when in the water. Every swimmer has a story or two of seeing a hair ball float by them when swimming or seeing a tuft of hair lingering at the bottom of the pool.
Wearing a swimming cap contains hair, easing the load on pool filtration systems while also making for a more hygienic and pleasant swimming experience for all.
Safety
Swim caps are also a safety aid. Bright, high visibility swim caps are an essential for open water swimmers so that other swimmers and boaters can see you.
For pool swimmers, a bright swim cap makes swimmers more visible to fellow swimmers, coaches, and lifeguards, enhancing safety.
Heat retention
In cooler waters, whether that’s a competition swimming pool or in open water, a thicker silicone or neoprene swim cap can help regulate body temperature by retaining body heat.
Olympic swim pools are kept at a temperature of between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77-82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), which can be brisk for some swimmers. Just ask any swimmer doing an early morning workout who has to walk across a cool pool deck and jump into a chilly pool.
Sun protection.
Swim caps protect the scalp, top of the forehead, and for swimmers with very short or no hair, the entire head from sun exposure when swimming.
Outdoor lap swimming is one of the best activities on the planet—fresh air, sunshine, a beautiful view—but UV exposure can creep up on swimmers doing longer workouts.
A swim cap mitigates some of the risk of sun exposure by protecting the head.
Goggle security
Swim caps are one of the tools swimmers use to keep their swim goggles in place when competing.
By placing the head straps of swim goggles under the swim cap, the goggles remain secure when diving into the water, pushing off the wall, or swimming at high velocities.
Swim caps are a great way to avoid one of the biggest fears every competitive swimmer has for race day—their swim goggles tearing off their face or leaking when diving into the water!
Types of Swimmers
Here is an overview of the most common types of swimmers, and the caps that will help them maximize their respective swimming experience:
Add cap recommendations ###
Casual swimmers
Casual swimmers are in the pool for relaxation, water exercise (Aqua jogging, water aerobics, etcetera), or light swimming.
They visit the pool occasionally and prioritize comfort and ease of use over performance.
Lycra swim caps are a great option for this type of swimmer, as the cap is comfortable, keeps hair in place, and stretches nicely to accommodate for most swimmers. The TYR Lycra Fabric Swim Cap is a solid option for this type of casual swimming.
Caps with chin straps, such as the Sporti Bubble Swim Cap, are another excellent choice for casual pool-goers who want to keep hair out of their faces when in the water.
Competitive swimmers.
The performance-minded swimmer wants hydrodynamics and durability due to their focus on fast swimming and extended periods of time in the pool.
Silicone swim caps are the best option for competitive swimmers thanks to the reduced wrinkles and smooth shell. The Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap and Arena Classic Silicone Swim Cap are excellent choices for swimmers who prioritize performance in the pool.
Domed silicone caps are best for racing, as they eliminate wrinkles and the exterior shell is smooth and hydrodynamic, reducing frontal passive drag. The Arena 3D Soft Domed Silicone Swim Cap is an example of a domed cap made specifically for competition.
For swim training, latex swim caps are a good alternative for swimmers looking for a cap that is breathable, stretchy, and cost-effective. The TYR Latex Solid Swim Cap is our top recommended swim cap to reap the benefits of breathable and inexpensive latex.
Open-water swimmers should consider a neoprene swimming cap for cold water swimming and opt for bright, high-visibility colors to stay safe and visible. The Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap gives a full range of coverage, 4mm Yamamoto neoprene, and an adjustable Velcro strap to help keep the cap in place while in the water.
Recreational swimmers.
Recreational swimmers hit the water for fitness and enjoyment, frequently on a regular basis. They swim in various types of water, from your local aquatic center for a noon-hour lap swim to shorter open water swims at a local lake.
A Lycra or latex swim cap is suitable for recreational swimmers depending on their level and type of swimming, as domed silicone and neoprene caps are overkill (and costly) for this kind of swimmer.
Types of Swim Caps
Material Overview
There are four main types of swim caps, including silicone, latex, Lycra/spandex, and neoprene.
Each cap material offers its own specific pros and cons, which we will examine below.
Silicone swim caps
Durable and extremely comfortable, silicone swim caps are resistant to tearing and are resistant to the corrosive effects of pool chemicals like chlorine and UV rays.
Silicone caps provide a snug, hydrodynamic fit and are also very comfortable, reducing hair pulls compared to other swim cap materials.
Silicone caps reduce wrinkling, which can help swimmers go faster in the water. Compared to Lycra swim caps, “silicone caps better maintains the shape and does not wrinkle as much, thereby causing less drag,” says Dave Salo, who served as an assistant coach on the US Olympic Swim Team for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Silicone caps are ideal for cooler pools and training scenarios but aren’t suited for hot, outdoor swimming.
A study with young competitive swimmers (Hue and Galy, 2012) found that silicone swim caps used in tropical conditions significantly decreased aerobic performance, likely due to the inability to properly dissipate heat when exercising vigorously.
Silicone caps, particularly domed silicone caps, are more expensive compared to latex swim caps and are less breathable.
Latex swim caps
Latex swim caps are thin, breathable, and inexpensive. Latex caps were dominant in the pool until silicone caps became popular in recent years, but they remain a cost-effective swim cap for swimmers who want more stretch.
Latex caps are a great choice for swimmers with very long hair as the thinner and lighter material can be better stretched over large bundles of hair. Latex, however, does carry an allergy risk.
According to a meta-analysis titled “Current prevalence of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?”, published in the Journal of Occupational Health, 4.3% of the general population are allergic to natural rubber latex (Wu et al., 2016).
The thinner, more breathable construction of latex swim caps results in less durability. Compared to silicone caps, latex caps are also less durable and more prone to rips and tears.
Lycra swim caps
Lycra (or Spandex) swimming caps are thin, stretchy, and very comfortable.
The material isn’t as water-repellant as silicone or latex, making it less suitable for competitive swimming, but they can make for an excellent base layer cap.
Lycra swim caps are also a great option for water enthusiasts looking for a light and breathable cap to keep their hair from dropping into the water.
Neoprene swim caps
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is water-repellent, flexible, and thicker compared to other types of swim caps, making it an excellent choice for open-water swimmers who train or race in cold temperatures.
Neoprene is the same material used in wet suits, giving swimmers a little buoyancy to go along with the heat retention properties.
Neoprene swim caps should be reserved for very cold water swimming and not used in swimming pools as they retain a lot of heat.
| Silicone | Latex | Lycra | Neoprene | |
| Primary use | Training and racing | Training | Base layer; casual water exercise | Cold water swimming |
| Durability | Excellent; stands up against chlorine and UV | Moderate; can fade and tear relatively quickly | Moderate; thin material stretches out | Highly durable |
| Comfort | Excellent; soft material that doesn’t yank on hair | Moderate; more prone to hair tugs | Very comfortable | Very comfortable |
| Allergies | Hypoallergenic | Risk of allergic reactions | Hypoallergenic | Rare allergic reactions |
| Cost | Moderately priced; racing domed caps can be pricey | Budget-friendly | Moderately priced | Expensive |
Specialized swim caps
Other types and shapes of swim caps include:
Domed swim caps
Domed swim caps are exclusively made of silicone and are the most high-performance cap for competitive swimmers. They have a totally wrinkle-free design and are thicker than standard silicone swim caps designed for daily use.
Due to their increased thickness, they aren’t as effective at dissipating heat as training swim caps and aren’t designed for longer training sessions in the pool due to the risk of overheating.
The Arena 3D Soft Swim Cap is an example of this type of swimming cap. They are made for pure, blinding speed.
Caps for long hair
Caps for swimmers with long hair feature extra material at the top and back of the cap.
Swimmers with curly, thick, or very long hair should opt for this type of cap to keep hair from impeding vision and draping across their faces when swimming.
Swim caps for long hair come in a variety of materials, including silicone, latex, and Lycra.
Fit and Comfort
When choosing the perfect swim cap for you and your swimming, sizing, fit, and comfort is key. Here is how to ensure you get a swim cap that fits optimally and is comfortable:
Sizing Your Swim Cap
Like any type of swimming accessory, swimming caps work best when they are correctly sized to you.
Most popular swim caps, from brands like Speedo, TYR, Arena, Sporti, FINIS, and others, use a standardized youth or adult size for swim caps. Adult swim caps also have the option of a long hair version.
Some specialized dome caps for elite competitive swimmers, like the Speedo Silicone Aqua V Swim Cap, have a narrower sizing system, with small, medium, and large options. Sizing for the Aqua V cap requires measuring the circumference of the head above the ears, and then also over the head, from ear lobe to ear lobe.
Domed swim caps are the least elastic, followed by silicone and latex caps and, finally, the stretchiest, Lycra swim caps.
Comfort features
Here are the key comfort features to look for when choosing the perfect swim cap for you:
Cap shape.
Swim caps are mainly designed with a half-circle contour to wrap snugly over the head. This is the “standard” shape that most swimmers find the most comfortable.
Dome caps have a straighter contour and less coverage, while caps for long hair have a pocket towards the back of the cap for a bun, ponytail, or longer and thicker hair.
For maximum comfort, choose the cap shape that matches your head shape, water conditions, and the type of swimming you do.
Breathability.
Swim caps made of latex or Lycra are excellent options for swimmers who want the benefits of a swim cap without feeling like they are overheating. Swimmers who train in a warm pool, outdoors, who simply dissipate a lot of heat when exercising should opt for a more breathable swim cap material.
Ridged edges.
Caps often have ridged, contoured edges that “grip” your head to stay in place. These ridged edges also help position the cap properly around your head. Ridged edges are most commonly seen in latex swim caps.
Lightweight design.
Lighter swim caps are an excellent option for swimmers who spend a ton of time going up and down the black line, as they can reduce pressure on the head and ears.
Latex caps are the lightest caps designed for lap swimming, while silicone swim caps are slightly heavier due to the increased thickness of the material.
Lycra caps are even lighter than latex swim caps, but the porous design makes them less suitable for more serious lap swimmers.
Chin straps.
While chin straps are not prominently seen on pool swimming caps, they can be seen more often in open water and cold-water swim caps.
Thermal swim caps used for cold-water swimming are made of thick neoprene, which doesn’t wrap around the head and stay in place like silicone and latex caps, hence the need for a chin strap.
Open-water swimmers also face the added challenge of waves and turbulent water, so a chin strap can be helpful to keep the cap in place.
Bubble caps, such as the Sporti Bubble Swim Cap, are examples of pool swim caps with removable chin straps that protect hair when doing light pool exercises.
Additional Considerations
Hair protection
Swim caps are a way for swimmers to protect their hair when swimming. However, one of the main misconceptions (and frustrations) new swimmers have with swimming caps is the realization that caps don’t keep hair perfectly dry.
Here are some strategies for using a swim cap to protect your hair and reduce damage from chlorine and other pool chemicals:
Pre-soak hair before getting in the pool
Before you jump into the pool, it’s always smart to take a quick shower to shed excess body and hair oils, deodorants, and other products that can soak up a lot of chlorine in the pool, accelerating the growth of cloudy pool water.
Rinsing the hair also “loads” the follicles with fresh water, reducing the amount of chlorinated water the hair takes on when swimming.
Wear two swim caps
For swimmers with a lot of hair who find that caps shift around a lot during their swim workouts, leading to more hair exposure to pool water, consider wearing two caps.
For the first layer, use a Lycra cap, which is soft and pliable and can wrap and keep hair in place. For the second layer, use a silicone cap to lock hair in place and provide the hydrodynamic benefits of a smooth swim cap.
Rinse and wash after swimming
Once the swim workout is over, hit the showers on your way out to rinse and wash the leftover chlorine from your hair.
Shampoos and conditioners for swimmers, such as those made by UltraSwim, TRISwim, TYR, or Malibu C, use all-natural ingredients that gently wash away chlorine, bromine, and other pool chemicals. This reduces the effects of chlorine, including dry hair and chlorine odors.
Aesthetic and Design
While swimmers are primarily focused on function when it comes to choosing the right swim cap, the aesthetics and design of a swim cap can further improve their experience in the water.
Express your personality
Swim caps come in a wide range of colors, prints, and patterns. Whether you choose a sleek, solid black or something with a bright and vibrant graphic, picking a swim cap that matches your tastes and style can make you feel more “at one” with the sport and express your unique identity as a swimmer.
Boost confidence
Can a swim cap increase motivation and confidence? Absolutely!
Just as athletes in other sports choose gear that makes them feel confident and ready to perform, a swim cap is part of your kit.
Choose a swim cap that gives you a psychological boost to swim like a champ.
Increase enjoyment
To paraphrase an old cliché, “look good, swim good!” Rocking out with a favored swim cap that is comfortable and looks great can boost energy and make you feel more positive during your swim sessions.
By choosing a swim cap that matches your personal style and tastes, and, of course, matches your needs in the water, you can boost confidence, enjoyment, and express yourself.
Conclusion
Swim caps are typically an afterthought for swimmers who want to get the most from their time in the water, which is too bad!
Swim caps can make your workout more comfortable, appeal to your unique style, and, yes, even help you swim a little faster.
Ultimately, the best swim cap for you will depend on your swimming goals, hair type, personal tastes, and what is most comfortable for you.
Choose the swim cap from our expert picks above, and swim on!
FAQs
Which swim cap is best?
The best swim cap is the one that matches your needs and goals in the water.
The Speedo Silicone Swim Cap is the best overall swim cap for swimmers looking for a fast and durable cap for swim training. The Arena 3D Soft Swim Cap is the perfect choice for the speed demon looking to drop every last hundredth of a second on race day. And the TYR Latex Swim Cap is the ideal “daily driver” swim cap that is inexpensive and breathable.
Ultimately, the right swim cap will improve your overall swimming experience by reducing drag in the water, increasing comfort, and protecting your hair.
Is latex or silicone swim cap better?
Silicone and latex are the two most common types of swim caps. They both offer unique benefits and advantages depending on the type of swimming and the environment in which it is done.
Latex swim caps are inexpensive, breathable, and stretch out more. Silicone swim caps reduce hair tugging during use, are thicker, and are significantly more durable. They are also slightly more expensive.
Which swim cap is better for you depends on which one best matches the type of swimming you do at the pool.
What swim cap won’t get your hair wet?
Unfortunately, swim caps do not keep hair 100% dry. While they can reduce the absorption of pool water into the hair, reducing chlorine exposure and damage, they do not keep hair perfectly dry.
Swim caps are meant to keep hair out of your eyes and help you swim faster; not completely prevent water from touching your hair.
Is it better to wear a swim cap?
Yes! In fact, there are many public swimming pools that will not allow you to use the facility without wearing one.
Swim caps offer a myriad of benefits to competitive and recreational swimmers, but they also perform a crucial hygienic function: keeping shedding hair from collecting at the bottom of the pool, testing the limits of the pool’s filtration system, and getting tangled in the fingers and hands of other swimmers (yuck!).
Swim caps are an investment in your own swimming prowess and the health of your hair, but they are also great for your local swimming pool and an excellent courtesy to your fellow swimmers.
