What is a swim cap?
A swim cap is a silicone or latex covering worn on the head by both recreational and competitive swimmers.
Why wear a swim cap?
- To keep your hair dry
- To protect your hair from damage caused by chlorinated water · To reduce drag in the water caused by loose hair
- To insulate your head while swimming, as most body heat is lost through the head
- To keep your hair out of your face while swimming, and prevent your hair from becoming entangled in your goggle straps
- To make a fashion statement
Who will be able to fit into a swim cap?
Most adults should be able to use latex and silicone swim caps. Both materials are very stretchy and should accommodate most adult head sizes. Children as young as 4 years old should also be able to wear these swim caps, as young children are uncomfortable swim caps that fit too snugly on their heads.
What is the difference between latex and silicone swim caps?
Latex swim caps are inexpensive and typically cost less than $5 USD. Latex caps are available in may colors and printed styles. Competitive swimmers usually prefer the tight streamlined fit of latex swim caps. Latex caps can be stretched in order to accommodate most adult and children head sizes. People with latex allergies should not use latex swim caps. Another disadvantage of latex caps is that they can be difficult to put, due to their snug fit. Latex caps are very thin and can be easily torn if pulled too much or snagged by a sharp object.
Silicone swim caps are more durable than latex swim caps. Silicone caps are also more expensive than latex caps as quality silicone caps cost between $6 - $12 USD. The silicone material is more vibrant than latex so silicone swim caps are produced in brighter and more vibrant colors. Silicone caps were originally designed as an alternative to latex rubber caps for protection against latex allergies. However other benefits to silicone caps is the increased durability and more comfortable fit. Silicone swim caps can be stretched to more than 2 times their original size. Silicon is slicker then latex therefore these caps must fit tightly or may slip off. However, Aqualis has developed a Secure Fit swim caps with a textured grain that will comfortably hug the head for a more secure and comfortable fit.
What is the best way to put on a swim cap?
The best way to put a cap on is to hold it by the sides and bend your head down. Start putting the cap on at the forehead and work it on down to the nape of your neck. Swimmers with really long hair can put their hair into a bun on the top of their head, to keep the hair dry and secure inside the swim cap. If the wearer has very long or thick hair, the “bun method” may not work, as the swim cap will not fit tightly over the head. If this is the case the swim cap wearer put their cap on half way and then twist up the rest and tuck it up inside as evenly and as far into the cap as possible.
How do I take care of my swim cap?
After each use, rinse in cold water and wipe dry. Keep in perfect condition with a light sprinkling of talcum powder onto a dry swim cap after each use. Do not leave swim caps exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid sharp objects such as fingernails or hairpins as they will easily rip or tear your cap.
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