Swim Caps

Swim faster, increase your visibility and protect your hair with the perfect swim cap. A well-fitting swim cap reduces resistance in the water so you glide more smoothly through the water. In addition a brightly coloured swim cap ensures that you are well visible to other water users, extra important when swimming in open water. By choosing the right swim cap you not only improve your swimming performance but also increase your safety in the water.

The range of swim caps runs from standard silicone swim caps for daily use and recreational swimming to competition swim caps with wrinkle-free 3D surface and neoprene swim caps for open water swimming in colder water. The main selection criteria are the material, the use for which you purchase the cap and whether you need heat retention in addition to resistance reduction. Also view our range of swimming goggles for a complete swimming kit.

Why wear a swim cap?

A swim cap is more than an obligation in the swimming pool. There are multiple concrete advantages that make every swimmer better off.

Better visibility in open water: A brightly coloured swim cap in red, orange or yellow makes you clearly visible to boats, other swimmers and rescue workers. In open water swimming and triathlon this is a direct safety measure. Combine with a swim buoy for maximum visibility and safety.

Reduction of water resistance: A tight swim cap streamlines your head and reduces resistance with every swimming movement. At competitions wrinkle-free competition swim caps are specially designed to minimise resistance for the fastest gliding properties.

Protection of your hair: Chlorine and salt water affect your hair with regular use. A swim cap forms a barrier between your hair and the water so your hair stays healthier with frequent swimming sessions.

Heat retention in cold water: You lose a lot of body heat through your head. A swim cap, especially of neoprene, helps retain heat at colder water temperatures. Neoprene swim caps are specially designed for open water swimming at low temperatures.

Comfort and hygiene: A swim cap keeps your hair out of your face while swimming and prevents hair from ending up in the pool filters. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about swimming equipment at triathlon.

Which swim cap suits you?

The right choice depends on where you swim, for what purpose and whether you are also looking for warmth in addition to resistance reduction. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You swim recreational lengths in the indoor pool: A standard silicone swim cap is the most comfortable and durable choice. Flexible, easy to put on and available in all colours. Latex swim caps are cheaper but less durable and less comfortable with prolonged use.

You participate in swimming competitions and want maximum speed: Choose a competition swim cap of pre-formed silicone with 3D moulding for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. These are stiffer than standard silicone but give a perfect hydrodynamic fit that minimises resistance. Available in different sizes for the best individual fit.

You swim in open water and want to be well visible: Choose a brightly coloured silicone swim cap in red, orange or yellow. The colour makes you visible from a great distance to other water users. Combine with a swim buoy for maximum safety in open water swimming.

You swim in cold open water and want heat retention for your head: Choose a neoprene swim cap. Neoprene insulates considerably better than silicone and keeps your head warm at low water temperatures. Indispensable for open water swimming in autumn and winter. View our complete range of neoprene swim caps for all available models.

You are a triathlete and want a swim cap that also fits comfortably under a wetsuit: Choose a thin silicone swim cap that sits comfortably under the collar of your wetsuit. Many triathlon organisations provide a swim cap as part of the race equipment. Always check the regulations of your organisation before purchasing your own swim cap for race use. Also read our triathlon distances blog for more race information.

What types of swim caps are there?

Silicone swim caps

By far the most popular variant. Silicone is flexible, durable and comfortable with prolonged use. Pulls easily over the head without pulling at your hair. Resistant to chlorine and salt water. Available in all colours from standard black and blue to brightly coloured striking variants for open water. The best choice for most swimmers for daily use.

Latex swim caps

Thinner and lighter than silicone for a minimalist feeling on the head. Cheaper than silicone but also less durable: latex wears faster and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Suitable for recreational use but less durable with intensive training.

Competition swim caps

Made of pre-formed stiffer silicone with 3D moulding for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Specially developed for competitive swimmers who seek maximum hydrodynamics. Available in multiple sizes for an exact fit without folds or resistance-increasing creases. More expensive than standard silicone but noticeably better in gliding properties at competitive swimming.

Neoprene swim caps

Made of neoprene for maximum thermal insulation in cold water. Indispensable for open water swimming in autumn and winter when the water temperature drops below 16 degrees. Thicker than silicone but keeps your head warm even during prolonged swimming in cold water. Available in standard and double-layer versions for extra warmth. View our complete range of neoprene swim caps for all available models.

Silicone or latex: which do you choose?

Silicone is in virtually all cases the better choice. More durable, more comfortable and more hair-friendly when putting on and taking off. Latex is cheaper and thinner but wears faster, is allergenic for some people and pulls harder at your hair when putting it on. For recreational use the price difference makes the extra investment in silicone more than worthwhile in the long term. Latex is only useful if minimal weight and an ultra thin fit are a priority above durability and comfort.

What to look for when buying?

Fit and size

A swim cap must fit tightly but not pinch. Too tight causes headaches with prolonged use. Too loose lets water in and causes resistance through folds. Most silicone swim caps are one-size-fits-most for adults. Competition swim caps are available in multiple sizes for an exact fit. Always check whether the model is suitable for the circumference of your head.

Hair length compatibility

For long-haired swimmers there are special swim caps with extra room at the top for storing put-up hair. Standard swim caps are designed for short or medium hair. Check when purchasing whether the model offers sufficient room for your hair length and volume.

Material for your use

Silicone for daily use and recreational swimming. Competition silicone for competitive swimming. Neoprene for open water at low temperatures. Latex as a cheap entry model for recreational use.

Colour for visibility

For open water swimming and triathlon you always choose a brightly coloured swim cap in red, orange, yellow or pink. For indoor swimming colour is less relevant but you can follow your personal preference.

Our advice: Always buy a silicone swim cap if you are doubting between silicone and latex. The difference in comfort, durability and hair-friendliness is directly noticeable. A good silicone swim cap lasts years with correct use and washing. Rinse after each use with cold water and let dry away from direct sunlight. Combine with good swimming goggles for optimal vision and comfort during every swimming session.

Who are swim caps suitable for?

• Recreational swimmers who want to protect their hair against chlorine and swim comfortably without hair in their face.
• Competitive swimmers who want to catch every hundredth of a second with a wrinkle-free competition swim cap for maximum hydrodynamics.
• Triathletes who want to be well visible in open water swimming and are looking for a swim cap that fits comfortably under their wetsuit.
• Open water swimmers who want to swim safely and warmly in lakes, rivers or the sea at varying water temperatures.
• Swimmers who train in cold water and need a neoprene swim cap for heat retention at low temperatures.

Complete your swimming kit with our range of swimming boards and pull buoys for a complete training set-up. Also view our range of wetsuits for when the water temperature requires a complete suit.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our swimming specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about swim caps

What is the difference between a silicone and latex swim cap?

Silicone is more durable, more comfortable and more hair-friendly when putting on and taking off. Latex is thinner and cheaper but wears faster and can cause allergic reactions. For most swimmers silicone is the better choice even if it is slightly more expensive. The price difference pays back in a longer lifespan and more comfort.

How do I put on a swim cap correctly without damaging my hair?

Wet your hair before putting on the swim cap. Fold the cap double, place it on your forehead and pull it from front to back over your head. Then push in any loose hair and your ears. Never pull at the cap with one hand: that damages the silicone and pulls unnecessarily at your hair.

How long does a silicone swim cap last?

With correct use and maintenance a quality silicone swim cap lasts one to three years. Rinse after each use with cold water and let dry away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Store the cap flat or rolled in a protective bag. Cheap silicone tears faster — invest in a quality model for the longest lifespan.

Does a swim cap really keep your hair dry?

No. A standard silicone or latex swim cap is not waterproof. A small amount of water always enters, particularly via the edges. A swim cap reduces the amount of water and chlorine that comes into contact with your hair but does not keep it completely dry. Waterproof swim caps with special seals are available but restrict freedom of movement.

When do I need a neoprene swim cap?

At water temperatures below 16 degrees Celsius a neoprene swim cap is strongly recommended for open water swimming. You lose significant heat through your head which at low temperatures affects your performance and safety. Neoprene insulates considerably better than silicone for heat retention during prolonged swimming in cold water.

May I wear my own swim cap at a triathlon?

That depends on the regulations of the organisation. At many triathlons you receive a swim cap from the organisation that you must compulsorily wear for recognition and safety. At some organisations you may wear your own swim cap under or over the provided cap. Always check the race regulations of your organisation before the start.