Swim caps are worn by recreational and competitive swimmers to keep long hair out of their face, protect it from chemicals in the water, and to keep it relatively dry. Wearing a swim cap is optional, unless you are swimming at a facility that requires you to wear one.
- Why should I wear a swim cap?
- What are swim caps made of?
- What size swim cap should I buy?
- How do I care for my swim cap?
- Conclusion
The original reason for wearing a swim cap was to prevent hair from getting wet, that was before swimming became a sport. Swim caps give swimmers a competitive advantage. The snug fitting cap decreases the resistance and drag, and increases the speed. Swimmers should choose a cap based on the type of swimming they will be doing, the material it is made from, and the fit.
Here are a few reasons why you should wear a swim cap:
- Protects hair from chlorine and other chemicals
- Keeps long hair out of the swimmers face
- Prevents filters from getting clogged
- Helps with body heat when swimming in cold waters
Swim caps come in several different materials. The most popular are silicone and latex, but you can also find swim caps made from rubber, neoprene, and polyurethane.
- Silicone caps were an alternative for those allergic to the latex swimming caps. They are the strongest, most durable swim cap that provides a sleeker profile in the water.
- Latex is made of much thinner material than silicone and is less durable. The stretchy material tends to tear easier if pulled on too tight or if not properly taken care of.
- Lycra also known as the trademark name for spandex is more comfortable and durable than the silicone cap. Lycra is a fabric, allowing water to flow through the material while swimming which does not provide much in the way of drag reduction.
What size swim cap should I buy?
Swim caps can stretch to fit almost any head because of the elasticity of the fabric. So for the most part you should be able to find a swimming cap that is one size fits most. The swim cap should fit snug to your head but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
How do I care for my swim cap?
Swim caps are the most replaced piece of swim gear simply because of all the pulling, stretching, chlorine, and sunlight exposer they go through, the material just breaks down.
You can prolong the life of your swim cap by following a few simple rules:
- Rinse your swim cap off in fresh water after every use to remove any pool chemicals.
- Be sure to pat dry your cap to help prevent molding.
- Sprinkle baby powder or talcum powder on your latex swim cap to absorb any moisture and to prevent the sides from sticking together.
- Silicone or lycra swim caps can be rinsed and air dried.
- Store your cap in a swim gear bag or in a dry safe place protecting it from sharp objects and direct sunlight.
Swim caps are worn for various reasons such as keeping your hair out of your face and relatively dry, free from chlorine and other chemicals in the water, and prevents pool filters from getting clogged with hair.
Swimmers should pick a cap that best meets their needs whether it is for comfort, to keep body temperature up when swimming in cold waters, or the type of swimming you will be doing. Color and style matters when you are on a team or swimming in open waters. For indoor swimming colored caps is an easy way to identify teams, whereas, swimming in open waters, swim caps are a great way to protect you from other swimmers and boaters by making you more visible.
