The Best Swim Cap
We looked at the top 10 Swim Caps and dug through the reviews from 29 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Swim Caps.
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Swim Caps
Made with soft, sweat-wicking, 100% silicone, and a jacquard weave, Arena’s comfortable, classically-styled adult unisex swim cap comes in dozens of styles and colors. It’ll keep your head warm and dry while swimming.
So Many Styles/ColorsThis swim cap is excellent for casual and competitive swimming, diving, water sports and triathlons.
This comfortable 100% silicone swim cap has a contoured shape to reduce friction drag, a durable elastic surface, and a reliable anti-slip and anti-tear design. It has enough stretch to accommodate long and thick hair.
For Optimal Swim PerformanceYou’ll really love this swim cap and may want to order an extra one to use in the shower!
Speedo is known for its industry-standard swimwear and swimming accessories, and this well-made swim cap doesn’t disappoint. It’s made from 100% silicone and offers outstanding durability, stretch, texture and softness. It is also latex-free.
A Familiar Brand NameThis cap won’t tug on your hair when you put it on or take it off!
If you don’t want silicone, this swim cap is made out of 82% polyamides and 12% soft Spandex fabric. The edges are finished with sturdy thread, the fit is comfortable and breathable, and it will never snag or pull on your hair. Best of all, one size fits kids and adults.
Fits Just About EveryoneNo one needs to worry about this one-size-fits-all swim cap being too loose or tight!
Finally, there’s a great swimming cap with extra room for long, thick, curly hair. The Soul Cap is made from 100% top-quality silicone and is larger than traditional caps. However, it still falls nice and flat on the back of your head.
Larger Size, More RoomWhether you have heavy curls, locs, weaves, extensions or braids, you’ll be thrilled to see how well it fits and keeps your hair dry.
Buying Guide
Swim caps do more than keep hair dry, and competitive swimmers wear them all the time. They keep the hair compacted in one place, reducing drag and improving speed. Essentially, they make the head more hydrodynamic and prevent the hair from weighing you down. They also help with visibility, essential if swimming out in open water.
If you’re not a pro swimmer, you should also know that swim caps keep water out of your ears and block out bacteria. They also prevent hair from clogging drains in pools and protect hair from chemicals like chlorine and salt; both are known to damage hair after repeated exposure. Swim caps don’t have to be boring, either; you can find them in various colors and patterns.
The most popular material for swim caps is silicone, which is flexible and protects the hair. This is a suitable alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Other caps are made from latex rubber and sometimes have tighter fits; they typically have one uniform color, though. Lycra, Spandex and other fabrics can make the caps more comfortable and are made from the same materials as swimsuits.
Swim caps can be found in children’s and adult sizes as well as one-size-fits-all varieties. Adult sizes are generally made for people with shorter hair, but you can find larger caps that are about 1 to 2 inches longer. Bubble swim caps are shaped more like helmets, with surfaces covered with tiny bubbles; these can also be good for longer, thicker hair. Whichever size you choose, it should be easy to get on and off and shouldn’t move around once it’s on.
Why we recommend these swim caps?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Tripsky 360-Degrees Textured-Silicone Swim Cap
Key Takeawy
This comfortable 100% silicone swim cap has a contoured shape to reduce friction drag, a durable elastic surface, and a reliable anti-slip and anti-tear design. It has enough stretch to accommodate long and thick hair.
What to Look For
- There are other specialized swim caps, with things like shark designs and flower decorations.
- If needed, tie your hair with a waterproof band before putting on the cap.
- Stretch the cap with your hands and hold it open as you put it on your head.
- When putting on a swim cap, the seam should line up in the middle of the forehead, and the top should also rest there.
- The cap should not feel tight or too loose.
- After using a cap, rinse it well under fresh water and allow it to air dry.
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