Swim Caps & Silicone Caps

If you spend a lot of time at the pool, you should consider keeping a swim cap in your gear bag. Casual swimmers who go to the pool to splash and play or typically keep their heads above the water can get away without using a swim cap, but more athletic swimmers benefit from swim caps in a number of ways.

Why Use a Swimming Cap?

Repeated exposure to the chemicals found in swimming pools can seriously damage your hair. Wearing a swimming cap protects your hair from becoming overly dry, brittle, or stressed from chlorine. Many public pools require swim caps for all swimmers to help make sure the water stays cleaner to keep the pool filters free of hair clogs.

If you’re an athlete focusing on your performance in the water, you may already know that a swim cap provides more than just hygienic protection. It also makes you more streamlined as you glide through the water. A properly fitted swimming cap smooths out the shape of your head and hair so you can swim faster without drag.

Types of Swim Caps

The two most common types of swimming caps are silicone swim caps and lycra caps. Both varieties help with reducing drag and protecting your hair, but they do have some differences worth considering.

Silicone Swim Caps

Silicone swim caps tend to be more durable and last a bit longer, but they’re also more difficult to put on and take off. The rubbery texture of silicone caps can stick to your skin and hair, and some swimmers find them less comfortable than lycra. They are better at keeping the water out, so if staying dry is your priority, silicone is a smart choice.

Lycra Swimming Caps

Lycra is a much softer and more comfortable material than silicone, though it’s not quite as durable. If you tend to feel hot while swimming, you’ll enjoy how lycra is more breathable and can help you avoid overheating.

Special Features in Swimming Caps

If you have very long or thick hair, you may need to choose a specialized swim cap. Long-hair swim caps have a slightly different shape to provide more room for your hair. Many long-hair swim caps also feature interior textures for helping the cap stay in place.

Professional-Grade Swim Caps

For the best athletic performance, select TYR, Michael Phelps, Aqua Sphere, or Speedo swim caps. These top brands provide the right balance of fit, streamlining, and comfort so you can swim at the top of your game.