Whether you’re a professional or recreational swimmer, it’s safe to say that the sensation of putting on a swimming cap isn’t the most desirable.
Though wonderfully effective at streamlining your person to achieve near Michael Phelps levels of speed, and great at protecting hair from the damaging effects of chlorine –finding a stylish and practical swimming cap certainly isn’t the easiest of tasks.
This is especially the case for those with extra-long and very thick hair. From the Jason Momoa lookalikes among us to the beauties who resemble Halle Berry’s Ariel, there are a diverse range of hair types that require the same amount of care and attention – yet for some reason can be difficult to cater to in the world of athletic swimming.
Why should I wear a swimming cap?
Not only does wearing a swimming cap reduce drag to help you to swim faster, but it can also help to protect against the damage that chlorine may have on your hair. However, it’s worth noting that swimming caps are not designed to keep your hair dry. No matter how tight the swimming cap that you attempt to squeeze your head into, a cap will only prevent your hair from becoming overly saturated with water – not from becoming wet at all.
Wearing a swimming cap in public pools will help their general maintenance. This is because hair often falls into and clogs the pool drains.
How do I choose the right swimming cap?
- Latex / Silicone: the most popular material thanks to its unbeatable stretch, durable material, and tight fit – both latex and silicon caps will help optimise your performance by eliminating drag thanks to their wrinkle-free hydrodynamic nature.
- Neoprene: the most common type of swimming cap worn by competitive triathlon athletes and those who dabble in wild swimming, neoprene caps are fantastic thermal insulators. Designed to keep your head and ears as warm as possible during cold conditions, neoprene – the same material used in wetsuits – works by trapping a small amount of water between the cap and your head. This water is warmed up by your body temperature, which helps to keep you at the optimal temperature. That’s why the full-body versions are called wetsuits, after all.
- Polyester / Lycra: the main purpose of an entirely porous polyester or lycra swimming cap is to keep your hair out of your face and the water. They won’t necessarily protect your hair from chlorine, as the pool water will penetrate fully through the material.
Can recreational swimmers wear caps?
Yes! Plus, wearing a cap can also help with swimming safety, especially if you prefer diving into open bodies of water. A brightly coloured swimming cap will help coastguards to spot you more easily.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best swimming caps for extra-long hair, those with curls that refuse to be tamed, wild swimmers and more. Keep scrolling to keep swimming.
Best swimming caps for adults at a glance:
- Best for long hair, locks, and extensions: Swimming Cap for Long Hair - Extra Large Swimming Cap - £15.99, Amazon
- Best for wild swimming: Open Water Swimming Neoprene Swimming Cap – £22.99, Amazon
- Best for looking chic in the pool: Pleated Fabric Swim Hat - £7.99, Amazon
- Best for multi-coloured madness: Maru Swimming Hat - £6.50, Amazon
- Best for sleek sophistication: Speedo Boom Exo Endurance+ Swimming Cap, Black/Oxid Grey - £10, John Lewis
- Best for smooth flow: Unisex Bubble Cap Black - £14, Speedo
- Best for vintage-inspired: Adult Printed Silicone Cap White - £13, Speedo
- Best for staying secure: Gul GBS Neoprene Swim Cap - £17.50, Sports Direct
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Swimming Cap for Long Hair - Extra Large Swimming Cap
Best for: long hair, locks, and extensions
Available in both large and extra-large sizes, this silicone swimming cap has been designed with extra thick hair in mind. Depending on which size you go for, you can achieve a looser or tighter fit. If your goal is to prevent your hair from getting saturated with water, we recommend sizing down for a more air-tight approach. If you’re simply prioritising comfort and getting your hair out of the way during a swim, size-up.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Nabaiji Open Water Swimming Neoprene Swim Cap
Best for: wild swimming
This is one of the best swim caps when it comes to value for money. Decathlon’s design team developed this swimming cap for open water dips, providing an extra thermal boost in cold water. The material is 3mm-thick neoprene for optimal comfort and it’s easy to slip on and off, too, with a tight fit that means the cap stays in place.
The stretchy material means the fit is flexible, with two sizes to choose from; M-L and L-XL. Overall, a good all-rounder with a high-vis design for swim safety.
Buy now £22.99, Decathlon
Pleated Fabric Swim Hat
Best for: looking chic in the pool
If you’re one to engage in above-the-water swimming only, protect your hair from coming into contact with water with the help of this incredibly chic nylon cap. Available in four different colours, each with that attractive twist-front design, you can pop this cap on whether you’re swimming, heading into the sauna or relaxing by the pool on holiday.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Maru Swimming Hat
Best for: multi-coloured madness
So, you know silicone swimming caps work for you, but you’re tired of those mediocre and boring sports shop designs. This 100 per cent silicone, unisex cap features a rainbow’s worth of colours for an eye-catching swim session. A particularly useful design if you’re one to go for regular wild swim in warmer climates. Choose from an array of vibrant shades.
Buy now £6.50, Amazon
Speedo Boom Exo Endurance+ Swimming Cap, Black/Oxid Grey
Best for: sleek sophistication
Fabricated from Speedo’s very own Eco Endurance+ fabric, this 100 per cent chlorine-resistant cap is ideal for those who have suffered from extensive hair damage from repeated exposure to the chemical used in swimming pools. The extended back fits comfortably below the neck for that extra bit of protection, and the silicone-free design means you’ll get none of those nasty snaps and snags when putting this cap on.
Buy now £10.00, John Lewis
Speedo Adult Printed Silicone Cap White
Best for: vintage-inspired
Adorned with one of the brand’s much-loved heritage designs, this durable silicone swimming cap will be the envy of your pals at the pool. Easy to fit and equipped with snag-free silicone, this is a hard-working cap for a regular swimmer.
Buy now £13.00, Speedo
Speedo Unisex Bubble Cap Black
Best for: smooth flow
Though bubble swimming caps do have an attractive retro design, those small silicone bubbles have been designed with cold-water and wild swimmers in mind. This is because the bubbles provide an extra layer of added insulation and an extra smooth swim.
Buy now £14.00, Speedo
Gul GBS Neoprene Swim Cap
Best for: staying secure
A fully adjustable swim hood designed to accommodate all head shapes and hair types, the Gul GBS Neoprene swimming cap will go the distance. Despite its adjustable Velcro chin-strap, the cap is also available in three different sizes; small, medium and large. It is made from high-grade, 3mm neoprene for the utmost warmth and fits like a second-skin despite its highly protective nature.
Buy now £17.50, Sports Direct
Zone3 Orange Neoprene Swim Cap
We love this stylish orange design from Zone3. It has some attractive features to warrant the higher price point. With a low-drag hydrodynamic design and chin strap for a more secure fit, you can rest assured this high-spec swim cap won’t slow you down in the water. The Yamamoto Smooth Skin material also ensures extra comfort during your swim. Yamamoto is a warm, and flexible rubber foam made from limestone, that will help to keep the heat in, too.
A common complaint from swimmers is that chin straps can feel too tight. This design boasts a flexible fit thanks to its Velcro fastening, catering for a variety of head sizes and hair lengths. Sizes range from S-L.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Swimbler Grey Waterproof Fleece-Lined Beanie Hat
Swimbler was founded by wild swimmer Lisa Thomas in 2021, who had become frustrated with the lack of bobble and beanie hats to wear in open water that were well-made, well-insulated and stylish, too. This attractive beanie comes in at a mid-price point and has a number of extras for added comfort; including three layers for insulation, a fleece lining for extra cosiness, and a fold-up cuff. Measurements are 24cm with a height of 22cm. The fold-up cuff is 7cm.
And the range doesn’t stop there. As well as waterproof, three-layer pompom hats and insulated beanies, Swimbler’s offering includes fleecy ponchos to layer on after a dip and swim journals to keep a record of all your swims.
Buy now £24.00, Etsy
Neoprene Triathlon Balaclava
This neoprene balaclava offers full coverage, as well as a streamlined and secure fit that will aid performance. This swim balaclava is specifically designed for triathlons by Decathlon’s team of triathlon enthusiasts and covers the ears and nape for swimming in cold water. The balaclava chin strap will offer a secure fit for active swims. This design has a lot to offer at the cheapest price point.
The material is less thick than other swim hats and caps on our list, using 1.5mm-thick neoprene. You could always double up with two balaclavas for added warmth.
Buy now £9.99, Decathlon
