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Looking to get in some laps? Here’s our pick of the finest swimming caps for all hairstyles and budgets
Whether you’re training for a triathlon, swim-run or simply using swimming as cross-training The best compression socks for running Steph Davis, a swimming cap is a vital piece of kit. Not only do they protect your hair from chlorine damage, they eliminate drag so you can swim faster and harder.
So which is the best swimming cap to protect your locks? Here’s our pick of the best ones for all occasions, hair types and budgets.
Best swimming caps 2023
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If you have a lot of hair, tucking it inside a swim cap can make you more hydrodynamic
Zoggs Zoggs
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Why should I wear a swim hat?
1. Im a DD-cup — these are my fave sports bras. The chlorine used in pools is notorious for damaging hair; a swim cap offers a layer of protection and keeps your hair dry. Silicone and latex swim hats are better than lycra ones for this purpose.
2. The best compression socks for running. The best compression socks for running.
3. Better visibility. If you have long hair, it’s easy for some of it to come down over your goggles and restrict your view. It can also help with your breathing as you’re not having to try to suck in oxygen through a mouthful of hair!
4. Best for cold water. Wearing a bright colour swim hat is a smart idea if you’re doing any wild swimming in lakes, river or oceans. Other water users are more likely to see you if you’re wearing a bright swim hat and therefore give you a wider berth.
5. It’ll keep you warmer. If you’re swimming in the sea or in open water, particularly during colder months, wearing one or two swim caps can help to keep your head slightly warmer.
How to put on a swim cap
If you’re not used to wearing one, putting on a swim cap can be a bit of a mission - but don't worry, it gets easier with practice.
First things first, if you’ve got long hair you’ll want to tie it up into a tight bun. Then, grab your hat with both hands and give it a good stretch – this will make it easier to get it over your head. Bend over slightly and place the inside of the front of the cap over your forehead, then pull it towards the back of your head and over your hair. Once the cap is on, tuck in any loose strands of hair and ensure that it’s sealed as tight as possible.
Do swimming caps keep your hair dry?
The short answer is ‘no’. While swimming caps certainly reduce drag and protect your hair from chlorine damage, they’re not designed to keep your hair 100% dry. You can try doubling up to create a tighter water seal, but even then expect some dampness.
Best swimming caps 2023
This gets our vote as the best budget swim cap that will stand up to regular use. It’s made from silicone, which is very durable, and available in a variety of sizes.
Another great option for those on a tight budget, this cap, again made from silicone, also boasts some extra headroom to allow longer hair to be easily tucked inside.
Soul Cap's mission is to make swimming inclusive for everyone. Its flagship swimming cap is specifically designed for thick, long and curly hair. Available in a number of stylish colour ways and made from 100% premium silicone.
Zoggs Zoggs
Designed for children aged up to 14 years, this swim cap allows your little one to take to the water as a shark or goldfish. Make sure to blast that Jaws theme tune...
For anyone with dreadlocks, extensions or an afro, this is the hat for you. There’s more room here than on a traditional swim hat. The silicone construction is durable and its designed to stay in place with no slippage, too.
dhb Hydron Neoprene Swim Cap 2.0
If you’re looking to swim outdoors all year round, investing in a neoprene hat is the way forward. Neoprene is the same material wetsuits are made from, and the helmet-like shape of this cap provides you with extra coverage for those frigid early-morning dips.
Speedo Speedo Adult Fastskin Cap Lilac
This is the world’s first swim cap to feature IGfit technology. Essentially, it’s been designed based on accurate head-mapping data to guarantee optimum comfort and fit. According to Speedo, the cap reduces full body drag force by 3.4% too.
Affordable and well-fitting, Decathlon's swimming cap comes in some cool designs that enhance visibility from the shore if you're sea swimming. It can snag easily though, so take care.
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