10Best.Guide

Swim Cap

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Best swim cap for competition and practice.
  • Comfortable and durable.
  • Well-priced and well-designed.
  • Keeps hair in place and won't rip or break.
  • Easy to put on and adjust.
Cons
  • Doesn't keep hair completely dry.
  • Some caps have pockets of water coming in.
Bottom Line
The Arena Silicone Swim Cap is a comfortable, durable, and well-priced option that does a good job of keeping hair in place and relatively dry. However, it may not fit all head sizes well and may not keep hair completely dry.
Pros
  • Keeps hair fairly dry
  • Good for long hair
  • Durable and high quality
  • Contoured edges protect baby hairs
  • Fits super long hair
Cons
  • Can be tight and uncomfortable
  • May slide up on head
Bottom Line
This swim cap is a good choice for those with long hair who want to keep it fairly dry. It is durable and high quality, but may be tight and uncomfortable for some. It may also slide up on the head and not cover the ears completely.
Pros
  • Durable and comfortable
  • Keeps hair dry
  • Fits well with extra hair
  • Heavy duty for daily use
  • Stretchy for braids
Cons
  • Doesn't keep water out
  • Rubber is thick and inflexible
Bottom Line
This swim cap is a great option for those with long or extra hair, but may not work for everyone. It is durable and comfortable, but may not keep all water out. It is recommended for daily use and water aerobics.
Pros
  • Good quality swim cap
  • Plenty of room for long hair
  • Comfortable to put on
  • Great elasticity
  • Covers everything with room to spare
Cons
  • Sizing can be confusing
  • Extra large size can be too tight
Bottom Line
The Soul Cap is a good quality swim cap that is comfortable and has plenty of room for long hair. However, buyers should be careful with sizing and be aware that it may not keep hair completely dry.
Pros
  • Keeps hair from getting wet
  • Earplugs and nose clip work well
  • Easy to put on
  • Good for thick hair
  • Durable material
Cons
  • Not suitable for long hair
  • Tends to rise up on head
Bottom Line
This swim cap is great for those with medium to thick hair, but may not be suitable for those with long hair. It is durable and easy to put on, but may not keep hair completely dry.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Swim Caps

Overview

Swim caps are an essential accessory for any swimmer, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. They help to protect your hair from chlorine and other chemicals in the pool, as well as reduce drag in the water. But with so many different types of swim caps available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll take a closer look at the various types of swim caps, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, important features to look for, and tips to help you make the best choice.

Types

1. Waterproof swim caps: These caps are designed to keep your hair completely dry, making them ideal for swimmers who don't want to get their hair wet.

2. Silicone swim caps: Made from a soft and durable material, silicone swim caps are a popular choice for swimmers of all levels.

3. Latex swim caps: Latex swim caps are thinner and more lightweight than silicone caps, making them a good choice for competitive swimmers.

4. Neoprene swim caps: These caps are made from a thicker material that helps to keep your head warm in colder water.

5. Long hair swim caps: Designed with extra room to accommodate long hair, these caps are perfect for swimmers with thick or curly locks.

6. Speedo swim caps: Speedo is one of the most popular brands of swim caps, offering a range of styles and materials to suit different needs.

7. TYR swim caps: Another well-known brand, TYR swim caps are known for their quality and durability.

8. Arena swim caps: Arena swim caps are a popular choice for competitive swimmers, offering a range of high-performance options.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Make sure to choose a swim cap that fits snugly but comfortably on your head.

2. Material: Consider the material of the cap and how it will suit your needs (e.g. silicone for durability, neoprene for warmth).

3. Purpose: Think about the purpose of the cap (e.g. competition, training, open water) and choose accordingly.

4. Hair type: If you have long or thick hair, look for a cap specifically designed to accommodate your hair.

Features

1. Durability: Look for a swim cap that is made from a durable material and can withstand regular use.

2. Comfort: A good swim cap should fit comfortably on your head without causing any irritation or discomfort.

3. Design: Consider the design of the cap and how it will affect your performance in the water (e.g. reduced drag).

4. Ease of use: Look for a swim cap that is easy to put on and take off.

Prices

Swim caps can range in price from a few dollars to over $50, depending on the brand, material, and features. Generally, latex caps are the most affordable, while silicone and neoprene caps are more expensive.

Tips

1. Always rinse your swim cap with fresh water after use to help prolong its lifespan.

2. Consider buying multiple swim caps for different purposes (e.g. one for competition, one for training).

3. Look for a swim cap that matches your swimwear for a coordinated look.

4. Try on different types of swim caps to find the one that fits your head and hair type best.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if a swim cap will fit me?

A: Most swim caps come in one size fits all, but it's important to check the sizing information before you buy. If you have a particularly large or small head, you may need to look for a cap that comes in different sizes.

Q: Can I wear a swim cap if I have long hair?

A: Yes, there are swim caps specifically designed to accommodate long hair. Look for a cap with extra room or a special design that will hold your hair in place.

Q: How do I care for my swim cap?

A: Rinse your swim cap with fresh water after each use and let it air dry. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, and don't store it in a damp place.

Q: How often should I replace my swim cap?

A: Swim caps can last for several months or even years with proper care, but it's a good idea to replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear (e.g. holes, stretched out).

Conclusion:

Swim caps are an important accessory for any swimmer, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your performance and comfort in the water. By considering the different types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips outlined in this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect swim cap for your needs.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Keeps hair dry and away from chlorine water.
  • Good quality material.
  • Fits a smidge tighter than the TYR brand caps.
  • Great stretch and feel for swimming laps in the pool.
  • Protects ears mostly.
Cons
  • Difficult to put on.
  • Not suitable for medium to shoulder-length hair.
Bottom Line
This swimming cap is a good option for those with short hair who want to keep their hair dry and away from chlorine water. However, it may not be suitable for those with medium to shoulder-length hair and can be difficult to put on for some. It is also not completely waterproof and may not stay on during diving.
Pros
  • Great for long hair
  • Lots of space for hair
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Does not compress hair harshly
Cons
  • Water manages to get in every time
  • Not water-resistant
Bottom Line
This swim cap is a good option for those with long hair who want to keep their hair relatively dry while swimming. However, it may not work for all hair types and swimming activities, and water may still seep in.
Pros
  • Keeps water out of ears
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Good quality
  • Stretchy material
Cons
  • Water still leaks in
  • Fit is not great for larger heads
Bottom Line
This swim cap is a good option for those looking to keep their hair out of their face while swimming. It is durable, comfortable, and comes with two caps. However, it may not be the best option for those with larger heads or those looking to keep water out of their ears completely.
Pros
  • Comfortable material
  • Good fit
  • High visibility colors
  • Thick material
  • Easy to put on
Cons
  • Too small/tight for some
  • Uncomfortable around the bottom
Bottom Line
This swim cap is a good option for those looking for a comfortable and well-fitting cap, but may not be suitable for those with larger heads or those looking for a cap that will keep their hair completely dry. The high visibility colors and thick material are a plus, but the cap may ride up or fall off during swimming.
10
TYR Latex Swim Cap
TYR
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Fits snugly
  • Keeps hair dry
  • Affordable
  • Good for short hair
  • Snug fit for large head
Cons
  • Rolls up in the back
  • Thin material lets water in
Bottom Line
This swim cap is affordable and works well for short hair, swim practice, and protecting hair during locs. However, it may not fit comfortably for those with larger heads or long, curly hair, and the material may let water in. Some caps may also arrive dirty or have delayed shipping.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}