How to Choose a Swimming Cap

A swimming cap helps protect your hair from chlorine, keeps your head warm in colder water, and helps keep long hair out of your face. Wearing a swimming cap also allows for faster swimming speeds during a competition. Many pools require swimmers to wear a cap to prevent loose hair from being released into the water and clogging the filters. The type of swim cap you choose depends on a few different factors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wear a silicone swimming cap for daily swimming. Durable silicone caps keep your head warm, stand up to long-term water exposure, and won't stretch out after daily use. Wear a silicone swimming cap for water cooler than 80 degrees.

    • 2

      Use a latex swimming cap in water warmer than 80 degrees. Thin latex swimming caps hold less body heat, preventing over-exhaustion when swimming in warmer water.

    • 3

      Wear a lightweight lycra swim cap for maximum comfort in the water. Lycra swim caps are made of the same material as some swimsuits. Wear a lycra cap to match your suit. Lycra swimming caps cost more than silicone and latex caps.

    • 4

      Wear a specially fitted swimming cap, such as a long-hair cap. The long-hair swimming cap provides an extra inch or two of space. Short hair swim caps fit most heads. For children, choose a cap with straps, or one with neat designs and colors.