Neoprene Swim Caps

A neoprene swim cap keeps your head warm while swimming in cold(er) open water. The head is one of the places where you lose the most body heat in cold water. A thin latex or silicone swim cap keeps your hair dry but offers hardly any insulation. A neoprene swim cap does: the thicker neoprene retains warmth around your head and also seals your jaw and ears better, which makes a noticeable difference during longer sessions in cold water.

In addition to warmth, a neoprene swim cap improves hydrodynamics through the smooth outer surface and protects your skin and scalp against UV radiation with open water swimming. Most models are fastened with a velcro closure under the chin, so that the cap stays in place even with wave action or rotating head movements. Neoprene swim caps are available for men, women and children. The most important selection criteria are the water temperature, the thickness of the neoprene and whether you have long hair that needs to fit well under the cap.

Which neoprene swim cap suits you?

The right choice depends on the water temperature at which you swim, how quickly your head gets cold and whether you combine the cap with other neoprene garments. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You regularly swim in open water and suffer from a cold head at temperatures below 18 degrees: A neoprene swim cap is exactly what you need. The neoprene layer retains warmth around your head and ears, while the velcro closure under the chin prevents the cap from sliding off with wave action or fast swimming movements.

You swim in extremely cold water or do ice swimming: Choose a thicker model of 3 mm or more. At low water temperatures you quickly lose warmth via your head; extra neoprene around your head and ears gives the insulation you need for longer sessions in cold water.

You have long hair and want it to fit well under the cap: Most neoprene swim caps are wider in cut than latex or silicone swim caps and offer more room for long hair. Check in the product description whether the model is specifically suitable for long hair, or choose a size larger than you would normally wear. A cap that pulls too tightly over your hair not only sits uncomfortably but can also slide off more easily.

You want complete protection with cold open water swimming: Combine your neoprene swim cap with neoprene swim gloves and neoprene swim socks. Head, hands and feet are the three places where you lose the most body heat in cold water. By protecting all three in combination with your wetsuit you considerably extend your swimming season and swim comfortably for longer.

What to look for when purchasing?

Neoprene swim cap or regular swim cap?

Swim cap is a broad term that covers multiple types. A regular swim cap of latex or silicone is thin, suitable for pool use and primarily keeps your hair together and dry. They offer hardly any warmth or insulation. A neoprene swim cap is thicker, made of the same material as wetsuits, and is intended for heat retention with open water swimming in cold water. They also fit better around your jaw and ears than a regular swim cap. If you are looking for a swim cap for the pool, a regular latex or silicone swim cap is more suitable. The neoprene swim caps on this page are specifically intended for cold open water swimming.

Thickness of the neoprene

The common thickness for neoprene swim caps is between 2 and 3 mm. A model of 2 mm is suitable for water temperatures between 12 and 18 degrees. At temperatures below 12 degrees or with ice swimming, a thickness of 3 mm is recommended for more insulation. A thicker cap also gives slightly more volume around the head, which is handy if you have long hair that needs extra room.

Fit and chin fastening

A well-fitting neoprene swim cap fits closely around your head, ears and jaw without constricting. The velcro closure under the chin is an essential part: it prevents the cap from sliding off with wave action or when turning your head during the stroke. Check when purchasing whether the closure is firm and easy to fasten, even with wet or cold hands.

Use in competitions

Neoprene swim caps are not permitted at most official triathlon competitions. Often the organisation prescribes a specific swim cap or provides one. Always check the competition rules of your event before purchasing a neoprene swim cap for competition use. For training and recreational swimming there are no restrictions.

Not suitable for warm conditions

A neoprene swim cap is intended for cold water. In heated indoor pools or at higher water temperatures the insulation actually causes problems: your head heats up too quickly, which feels uncomfortable and can cause overheating. Use a neoprene swim cap exclusively with open water swimming in cold water or in cool indoor pools.

Our advice: Always combine a neoprene swim cap with swim socks and swim gloves if you swim at low water temperatures. Head, hands and feet are the three places where you lose the most warmth in cold water. Whoever only protects the head but not the hands and feet still gives away a lot of body heat via those routes. Addressing all three makes a bigger practical difference than choosing a thicker swim cap.

Who are neoprene swim caps suitable for?

• Open water swimmers who continue training in spring and autumn and suffer from a cold head at lower water temperatures.
• Triathletes who also want to keep training in open water in the winter months and want to extend their swimming season.
• Ice swimmers and athletes who are active in extremely cold water and need maximum warmth protection around head and ears.
• Swimmers who are sensitive to cold around the head and also benefit from extra insulation at milder water temperatures.
• Children who swim in open water in colder conditions and can use extra protection for their head.

A neoprene swim cap is less suitable for swimming in heated indoor pools or at water temperatures above 20 degrees. For pool use or in warmer conditions a regular latex or silicone swim cap is the better choice.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a neoprene swim cap but are not sure which one suits your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about neoprene swim caps

What is the difference between a neoprene swim cap and a regular swim cap?

A regular swim cap of latex or silicone is thin, primarily intended for pool use and keeps your hair together. They offer hardly any warmth or insulation. A neoprene swim cap is thicker, made of the same material as wetsuits and also fits better around your jaw and ears. The neoprene layer retains warmth around your head during cold open water swimming. If you are looking for a swim cap for the pool, a regular swim cap is more suitable. If you want to keep swimming in cold open water, a neoprene swim cap is the better choice.

At what water temperature do you use a neoprene swim cap?

A neoprene swim cap is most useful at water temperatures below 18 degrees. At temperatures below 12 degrees or with ice swimming a thicker model of 3 mm is recommended. With water above 20 degrees a neoprene swim cap is not suitable: in warm conditions your head heats up too quickly, which feels uncomfortable. Use a neoprene swim cap exclusively with cold open water swimming or cool indoor pools.

Can I wear a neoprene swim cap at a triathlon competition?

At most official triathlon competitions neoprene swim caps are not permitted. Often the organisation prescribes a specific swim cap or provides one to participants. Always check the specific competition rules of your event before purchasing a neoprene swim cap for competition use. For training and recreational swimming there are no restrictions.

Does a neoprene swim cap also fit with long hair?

Yes, most neoprene swim caps are wider in cut than latex or silicone swim caps and offer more room for long hair. Check in the product description whether the model is specifically suitable for long hair. If you are in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger size for more room. Make sure all hair is tucked properly under the cap for the best fit and optimal insulation.

What is the best combination with cold open water swimming?

For maximum warmth protection with cold open water swimming you combine a neoprene swim cap with neoprene swim gloves and neoprene swim socks. Head, hands and feet are the three places where you lose the most body heat in cold water. By protecting all three in combination with your wetsuit you keep your core temperature better up to par and you can swim longer and more comfortably. Also view our range of neoprene swim gloves and neoprene swim socks.

How do I make sure the neoprene swim cap stays in place while swimming?

Fasten the velcro closure firmly under your chin before you go into the water. Make sure all your hair is completely tucked under the cap, so that no hair is between the cap and your head that would disturb the seal. A cap that fits well and is correctly fastened stays in place even with wave action and fast head movements.