Best Swimming Caps
Gema Salgado Cruz 
Marko One of the most exciting and challenging sports activities anyone can get himself to is swimming. Whether you are into this activity because of the profession, for recreation, or to maintain a healthy lifestyle, swimming has many benefits, especially for our health and well-being. However great it is, there are several annoying things about this activity. One of the most popular complain enthusiasts have against this activity, especially among women, is that it damages their hair. Many also complain about water getting in their ears, which makes them uncomfortable. During these instances, having the best swimming cap to protect your hair and ears would be a total relief. There is a wide range of these caps available in the market today. Check out our top picks below.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research
It is made of 100 percent silicone material
It is an ideal cap for swimmers with long hair
It has a smooth surface that reduces drag and minimizes friction
It comes with an extra room to tuck in long hair
It is free of latex
Hypoallergenic
Top 10 Picks
1. Speedo Silicone
It is made of 100 percent silicone material
It is an ideal cap for swimmers with long hair
It has a smooth surface that reduces drag and minimizes friction
It comes with an extra room to tuck in long hair
It is free of latex
Hypoallergenic
Some customers complain that it is thin and flimsy
It is the best choice if you are looking for a product that will fit your long hair perfectly.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is made of 100 percent latex-free silicone. It is very durable and perfectly fits on the head. It is ideal for swimmers with long hair. It comes with an extra room that tucks in long hair without sacrificing the cap’s smooth fit. While it perfectly fits the head, its smooth surface reduces drag.
Overall Components
This swimming accessory is made with non-slip materials that keep the cap in place. Because it is made of silicone, it has a smooth surface that allows you to easily put it on and pull it off without pulling your hair. This product is perfect for those who allergic to latex.
Size
It has a product dimension of 9.6 –inches x 9.6 –inches x 9.6 –inches. it has an item weight of 2.4 –ounces.
2. Ispeed Silicone
It is intentionally made for swimmers with long hair
It is a large cap with a convex design
It is waterproof that prevents the water from getting into the cap
It is joint closely
It comes with a free bubble goggle and earmuffs
It is made of 100 percent silicone material
It is lightweight and comfortable on the head
It has just enough tightness
It is intentionally made for swimmers with long hair
It is a large cap with a convex design
It is waterproof that prevents the water from getting into the cap
It is joint closely
It comes with a free bubble goggle and earmuffs
It is made of 100 percent silicone material
It is lightweight and comfortable on the head
It has just enough tightness
Several customers complain of many instances where the water gets into the cap
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product with longer hair.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is made of 100 percent silicone making it a lightweight and extremely durable cap. It is designed in a stylish convex shape to perfectly fit any size of head. This product is a large cap that can be used by swimmers with long hair. It is waterproof and prevents the water from getting into your ears.
Overall Components
This swimming accessory is larger compared to other standard brands making it a perfect cap for those with long hair. It comes with a free bubble goggles and earmuffs. It has an anti-slip property that allows you to easily put it on and pull it off without pulling your hair.
Size
It has a product dimension of 4 –inches x 2 –inches x 0.2 –inches. It has an item weight of 2.08 –ounces and a shipping weight of 4 –ounces.
3. Swim Culture Silicone
It comes with a swimmer’s lifetime money back guarantee, which speaks a lot about the quality of the product
Made of premium quality AAA silicone material
It is lightweight and comfortable to wear
It offers maximum stretchability
It comes with ear protection to prevent overpressure
It reduces drag and resistance
Can be used by swimmers with long hair
Non-toxic
It is odorless
Eco-friendly cap
Some customers complain that they experienced water getting into the cap and into their ears
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that has a perfect balance between comfort and quality.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is made from top quality triple-A silicone material. It is non-toxic and does not have any odor. It is also very lightweight making it very comfortable on the head. This product features a design that is free from wrinkles, which reduces drag and offers less resistance.
Overall Components
This swimming accessory protects your ears from overpressure and ensures that water will not get into your ears. It has a very nice fit and has a maximum stretchability. It is a good cap for swimmers with long hair.
Size
It has an item weight of 2.4 ounces.
4. TYR Multi Silicone
It is made of high quality silicone material
It is very durable but very lightweight
It has a unique vertical design
It is available in six color options
It has an interior that does not slip and keeps the cap in its proper place
It is resistant to tear
It is very easy to put on
It protects the hair from getting wet
Some customers complain that the product tears easily
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that meets the needs of a recreational or non-competitive swimmer.
Read moreProduct Features
This product features a snug fit that is ideal for swimmers with long hair. It has a smooth and almost slippery feel on its surface reducing drag. This product features a vertical design and is available in various color choices. Most importantly, it easily fits in your head but does not pull your hair.
Overall Components
This swimming accessory is a little bit thicker than the standard cap used in swimming making it more durable. It is made of high quality silicone and is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. It comes with a non-slip interior ensuring that it stays in its place and protects your hair from getting wet.
Size
This is .2 x 3.4 x 1.1 inches ; 0.16 ounces 0.8 ounces
5. Michael Phelps MPS X-O
It is made of 100 percent silicone material
It is very lightweight but also very durable
With a dome shape design to ensure perfect head fitting
It comes with internal dimpling and ribs that stabilizes the cap and keeps it in its place
It has a 3D hydrodynamic shape
It is available in a variety of colors that you can choose from
Some customers noticed that its large size looks like the small size of other brands
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product similar to that worn by the Olympian Michael Phelps in Rio Olympics.
Read moreProduct Features
This product features a dome cap design. This means that when you put the product on you will not find any wrinkles on its surface when you stretch it to your head’s fit. It is made of 100 percent silicone material that makes it a durable product that will last for a long time. It is approved by the FINA and of course, by Michael Phelps.
Overall Components
This product is made with stretch zones that are dual density for optimum stretchability and flexibility. It also has special stabilizing ribs inside that offer proper balance when worn. It also prevents movement of the cap to ensure the cap is in its proper place. Moreover, it has an inner dimpling that secures that it tightly fits in your head and will not easily slip off.
Size
It has a shipping weight of 4 –ounces.
6. Firesara Silicone
It is made of high quality silicone material
It is very durable
It comes with a lifetime warranty that tells a lot about its quality
It has thick margin that prevents it from tearing
It provides maximum head coverage
It is designed with ear protection
With 3D design based on human skull
It perfectly fits all sizes of head
It is lightweight and is very comfortable to wear
Some customers complain that the only size available only fits the adults
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a revolutionary product that performs impressively in both competitive and recreational swimming.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is made from high quality silicone material that makes it very durable. It has a 3D design molded after a human skull that perfectly fits any size of head. This product comes with an ear protection design to protect your ears while you are in the water. It also has a dense margin that adds to its durability preventing it from easily tearing.
Overall Components
This is the only product in this list that offers a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing that this product is of good quality. It comes in only size, which means that it is highly stretchy but fits tightly to any size of head.t does not pull the hair and it is easy to put on and remove.
Size
This has an item weight of 3.36 –ounces. It has a shipping weight of 3.4 –ounces.
7. Rioa Waterproof
It comes with a 90-days 100 percent money back guarantee
It is resistant to snagging and tearing
It is very lightweight that makes it very comfortable to wear
It has a smooth fit that minimizes drag
It is waterproof and secures that no water gets inside the cap
It comes with earmuffs that are very convenient if protecting your ears
Made of 100 percent silicone material that is extremely durable
Can be used to people with short, medium, and long hair
Good tight fitting
Easy to put on and remove
It does not pull the hair
Some customers complain that it is only available in on size
It cannot stretch for people with high hair volume
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that can protect or cover your ears while you are in the water.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is made from 100 percent silicone material and is waterproof. It is very lightweight but it is very durable and provides a perfect fit for its users. It perfectly stretches because of its ergonomic design. It comes in one size because it is highly flexible and can adapt to all head sizes. If you are the type that wants your ears covered while you are in the water, this product is a good choice because it comes with earmuffs.
Overall Components
Because this product is made from 100 percent silicone material it does not easily slip from your head. It is ideal for women who have short, medium, and even long hair. It is easy to wear and to remove but does not pull your hair. It has a smooth surface that reduces the drag and increases your speed.
Size
It has an item weight of 2.08 –ounces. It has a shipping weight of 2.2 –ounces.
8. TYR La Vengadora
It is made from 100 percent silicone material
It has a very attractive design
Very durable cap
Perfect for those who have allergies especially with latex
Very lightweight and comfortable to wear
It is made of materials resistant to water keeping your hair dry
Perfect for people with both long and short hair
Best for professional swimmers
Very smooth surface that reduces drag
The swim cap is too tight. It will cause a headache if worn for a long time.
This is the best choice if you are looking for a hypoallergenic product that is made of 100 percent silicone.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is hypoallergenic and is made from 100 percent silicone material. Because of its material components and durable construction, it can withstand long hours of regular use. It also has an anti-slip property that perfectly fits in your head without pulling your hair. It is lightweight and has a smooth surface that reduces drag and increases your speed.
Overall Components
This product offers an optimum performance for professional and competitive swimmers. It has a unique and creative design that easily catches the attention. Among its convenient feature includes ensuring that the water does not get inside the cap. It has just enough level of desirable tightness perfect when you are competing.
Size
This has a product dimension of 7.4 –inches x 4.6 –inches x 0.7 –inches. It has an item weight of 4.2 –ounces.
9. Aegend Solid Silicone
It comes with a 12-months warranty
It has a 3D ergonomic design based on the head type of Americans
It comes with large pockets to protect the ears from pressure and other harmful elements in the water
It does not warp or deform
Very good elasticity
With a dense curved edge
Available in 11 different colors
Some customers with thick curly hair complain that this product does not fit well
Other customers are claiming that the water keeps coming inside the cap
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that comes with an ear protect feature that resists chlorine.
Read moreProduct Features
This product features a 3D ergonomic design that ensures it snugly fits in your head. It is made of the latest silicone material that delivers durability and longer product lifespan. This product also comes with an ear protection pocket that is large enough to hold your ears. It also serves as your protection from pressure, water, chlorine, and bacteria that are present in the water.
Overall Components
This product is available in 11 different colors giving you a wide range of color options. Its material is 100 percent resistant to chlorine. And it has a great elasticity but does not pull your hair when you wear or remove it. It also comes with a 12-months warranty.
Size
This has a height that measures 7.5 –inches and width that measures 9.7 –inches. It has an item weight of 1.12 –pounds.
10. Speedo Silicone Solid
It is made of silicone that is extremely durable and does not easily tear
This cap does not snug
The soft texture on its surface reduces drag and friction
It is very stretchy
Easy to take off and put on
It is available in a wide variety of colors
Very tight on the head
Fairly priced
It is only available in one size and may not fit people with long hair or large head
Some customers noted that it is too tight and discourage wearing it for a long period of time
Some customers do not like it because they got their ears squeezed because of its tightness
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a very snug product that ensures your hair stays dry.
Read moreProduct Features
This product has a compact design to make sure that it does not slip off your head. It is made of silicone material that can keep your hair as dry as possible. It is very tight to ensure that little to no water gets in the cap. This product has an excellent stretch, which is one of the reasons why it is only available in one size.
Overall Components
Another impressive feature of this product is that it does not pull your hair when you wear or remove it. It has a very soft texture that decreases the friction and reduces the drag. It is perfect for competition and is very affordable compared to other brands made of the same material.
Size
It has a product dimension of 7.5x 9x .1 inches. It has an item weight of only 0.6 –ounces.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
One of the important criteria included in this buying guide is on how the cap will fit in your head. You would not want to be distracted of a removed cap while you are competing taking your eyes off your goal. This factor is connected to the type of material your cap is made of. Through repetitive and regular use, a low-quality cap can lose its elasticity and might not be able to return to its original size, making the cap a little loose in your head.
Another important consideration is your hair, which is especially applicable to women. If you have a long hair, it is important that you choose a cap that is specially intended for those with long hair. This type of cap usually reserves a room for that extra hair. If you have a long hair, it is better that you try the cap first before buying it.
Competitive and serious lap swimmers prefer tight caps made of latex or silicone. The surface of this type of cap is smooth and is free from wrinkles. These help them in enhancing their speed and reducing the drag. There are several brands that utilize hydrophobic materials to further decrease the friction in the water. This type might not be ideal for recreational or beginners since they might find it too tight and uncomfortable.
Use
Recreational swimming includes activities that are infrequent, leisurely, and most often not competitive. If you intend to use the cap for recreational purposes, then you can easily pick the one made of rubber or silicone. These are the most common choices of recreational swimmers. Silicone features durability that allows your cap to serve its purpose for a long period of time.
Caps made of rubber usually features stylish look and designs. There are others who prefer Lycra because it is easy to use and is fairly affordable. But this material will not keep your hair dry or protected from chlorinated water. Rubber or silicone caps also come if fashionable looks that are ideal if you are into water aerobics, swimming lessons, or other recreational water activities.
Size
In addition to the material components of the swim cap, another important factor that should be considered before buying is the size. There are various swim caps available in the market today that varies on their material’s elasticity. It is also important that you find the right size that will fit your head. Caps used in swimming are elastic that they can fit almost any size of the head.
The caps are divided in two categories-the junior size and the senior size. There are other caps that are classified as high volume. This is a special size that is intended for those with large heads or with long hair. There are also swimmers that prefer a customized size for perfect fit. If you are the type that needs to orders caps in a particular size, it is important that you consider the guide below.
· Small size ranges between 10 ½ -inches and 21 5/8 –inches
· Medium size ranges between 22 –inches and 22 3/8 –inches
· Large size ranges between 22 ¾ -inches and 23 1/8 –inches
In order to know the size of your head, it is important that you measure the circumference of your head. Using a tape measure, start on the upper part of the ridges of your brow.
Materials
The most important determinant of the durability and efficiency of the swim cap is its material components. The usual materials in the market today are rubber, silicone, latex, and Lycra or spandex. There are several brands that use Polyester although it appears that silicone is the most popular among users. The material components of a particular brand distinguish itself from the rest of its competitors.
Silicone
One of the popular material components of a swim cap is silicone. It has become one of the favorite materials because of its durability. If properly cared and maintained, caps made of this material can last for a long time. In addition, silicone, unlike other materials easily slips when removed and does not pull your hair.
Latex
Latex is another material that has been around since the swimming cap was introduced. Compared to silicone, it is thinner but also not as durable. There are many instances when a swimmer would have a torn cap because he hastily pulled it off his head. There is an advantage, however, of this material being thin. Unlike other materials, it allows for more breathability. It also retains lesser heat, which is ideal for warmer environments where heat loss does not matter. Most importantly, it is cheaper compared to other materials. So this is the best choice if you are looking for a product that will not burn your pocket.
Rubber
Rubber is an elastic material that is consists of latex. Usually, caps made of this material are thicker and are not that stretchable. Like its counterpart, rubber is not costly and weighs much lighter. If you have an allergy to latex, however, do not use a rubber made swim cap since it is derived from latex.
Spandex or Lycra
Lycra is a name trademarked by a particular company for a type of synthetic fiber more popularly known as elastane or spandex. This material is soft and like silicone, will never pull your hair. Caps made of this material usually last for a long time if properly cared for. One downside of this material is that it is a fabric. This means that it lets the water to get through the cap while it is being used. A permeable material is not as efficient as latex or silicone. However, it will lessen the drag to a particular extent as compared to not wearing any cap at all. Most coaches do not advise wearing Lycra made caps on competitions. It is only ideal for practice purposes. Since Lycra is a high resistance material, it could definitely aid you to perform better if you use it during practice and use a silicone made cap during the competition. Your body will be accustomed to the resistance and will result in better competition performance.
Neoprene
Another synthetic material gaining traction among swimmers is the neoprene. It is a synthetic rubber that is usually found in wetsuits. Neoprene caps allow a thin layer of water to be close to your body for insulation. This functionality makes this material ideal for those swimming in cold environments. However, you will still have to wear a wetsuit. This is in contrast to the belief that 45 percent of the heat loss is through the head. In reality, the head only loses 10 percent of the surface area of the body. Apparently, a thermal cap will only work if your body is also covered. Neoprene caps are the best use when swimming in open waters. It is ideal for those engaged in triathlon and open water swimming. You could also check out swim parkas as they are after swimming in cold weather.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Materials Size Fit Use
Aside from the material components and the size of the cap, another important that should be considered is the type or purpose of the cap. It is always important to choose the right type of cap for the particular purpose you intend to use it. This will make purchasing easier and will greatly benefit you in terms of the product’s efficiency. Some are for recreational use and some are for competitive use. If you intend to use the cap for competitive purposes, then it is best that you choose the one that minimizes drag. Serious lap swimmers often choose molded silicone or latex caps to get a sleek guise when in the water. Big names in the industry like Nike and Speedo have made caps that are specially manufactured for the serious lap and competitive swimmers.
Other Factors to Consider
Adjustability
If you are a recreational swimmer or just want to swim to exercise, a decorative cap could be the best for you. There are some caps that are designed with flowers and several others with graphic prints. There are also other makers that released caps that are brightly colored and printed with fun and comic designs. If you are an open-water swimmer, choose a bright or neon colored cap. This will make it easier for officials to find you in the water or for rescuers to spot you should an accident happen. Most often, silicone-made caps offer a wide range of design alternatives. Caps that are made of soft fabrics like neoprene and Lycra will not snag your hair. The downside of these materials is that they are not really the best ones for minimizing drag. If you are using tight-fitting caps such as latex or silicone, you can put talcum powder or corn starch on the inside part of the cap when you store it. This way, it will be easy to wear and will not pull your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Why do I have to wear a cap when swimming?
The practice of wearing a cap when swimming has long been around. While almost every swimmer is now wearing a cap, there are still some who do not know the purpose of this accessory. Wearing a cap while on the water will protect your hair from the harmful chlorine that is found on swimming pools. This accessory also keeps your hair out of your eyes or face, which could be annoying and distracting.
Aside from those, caps keep your head insulated especially when you are swimming in cold water. The cap also helps the swimmer become more visible especially in open waters. Potential collision with surfers and boats could also be avoided if the swimmer is wearing a cap. Apart from those, wearing a cap is now mandatory is most swimming facilities.
Several pools did this to prevent their pools from being clogged with hair. Swim cap also aids you in swimming at a faster rate. This is very helpful if you are into competitive swimming.
q: How should I maintain the swim cap?
One reason why caps use for swimming last for a long time is proper care and maintenance. It is important that you rinse it using a cold water right after every use. This simple practice will help prolong the lifespan of your gear. You can do it while you are rinsing your body in the shower or when cleaning your swimsuit.
It is also essential that you dry your cap outside your bag. Let it air dry especially if your cap is made of latex. This will not only prolong the life of your cap, but it will also remove the smell that comes with it when it is wet. Some put baby powder or talcum powder inside the cap.
Do this when it is already dry. The powder will absorb the remaining moisture or water and will make the cap more flexible. This is, however, not applicable to spandex or Lycra caps.
q: When is the best time to replace my swim cap?
There is no specific date for replacing your cap. However, if you have noticed the presence of molds in your cap, it may be high time to replace it. In addition, you should replace your cap if you see a hole in it. Holes quickly stretch and will soon tear your cap apart.
q: Will the cap keep my hair dry?
Despite the advent of technology, there is still not a single cap that is totally waterproof. But, there are several brands that are made of water resistant materials. Caps made of silicone or latex are definitely going to keep your hair dry. Most often, these caps have an inner band to seal your head with the cap. This also prevents the water from getting in.
q: Will the cap pull my hair?
One of the most annoying parts of wearing a cap when swimming is that there are some that pull the hair when they put on or remove the cap. To avoid this annoying thing from happening, it is best that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a long hair, try using a cap made of silicone. This material easily slides on the hair instead of gripping it.
Sources
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