Swim caps are one of the most functional and necessary items for swimming, whether you’re swimming recreationally or competitively. Swim caps protect hair from getting too wet and tangled or becoming damaged by chlorine. If you swim competitively, a swim cap will reduce drag and allow a more hydrodynamic performance.
It is important to keep in mind that no swim cap is perfect, and there is no cap that will completely protect your hair from getting wet. Consider the type of swimming you’ll be doing, where you’ll be swimming, and your hairstyle when looking for a swim cap. We reviewed swim caps for their elasticity, overall comfort, affordability, and the type of material they’re made of.
Reviewed & Approved
The Speedo Solid Silicone Cap is our top overall choice for its micro-grid texture that maintains a snug grip so it stays in place. The Aegend Silicone Swim Cap is a budget-friendly option that comes in a 2-pack and is good for long hair.
Here are the best swim caps on the market.
Speedo is a leading brand in swim gear, and their swim cap collection is no exception. This silicone cap is the most basic cap you can get for an affordable price, without compromising on quality which is why we selected it as our top overall pick. For most situations, silicone is the ideal material for a swim cap, especially if you are wearing it for swimming laps, training, or racing in a pool.
Best Overall
Speedo Solid Silicone Cap - Elastomeric Fit
Affordable
Comfortable
Good for racing
Won’t last forever
This cap has an inner micro-grid texture that is designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit on your head, keeping it in place while you swim. The contoured shape is also ideal for racing, as it is hydrodynamic and reduces drag in the water. For a simple and quality swim cap that will do its job, the Speedo Solid Silicone Cap is your best bet.
Price at time of publication: $11
While Speedo has a strong handle on the swim gear market, Aegend is also a leading brand that is generally more affordable, which scored them a spot in our “best budget” category. Aegend’s products are cheaper without compromising too much of their quality. While the title suggests that this particular swim cap by Aegend is designed for long hair, it is also designed to fit your head comfortably, no matter the size or style of your hair.
Best Budget
Aegend Silicone Swim Caps for Long Hair
Affordable
Also good for kids
Works with any hairstyle
May not keep hair completely dry
As one of the cheapest non-Latex swim cap options out there, this Aegend model is a top seller and boasts great reviews from users. With two caps in one pack, it is available at the same price as a typical latex cap but with much higher quality and versatility.
Price at time of publication: $12
Speedo has developed a cutting-edge technology, IQfit, which is designed to enhance the swimming experience for its customers. Also found in Speedo’s IQfit goggles, Speedo has expanded the use of this technology to its line of swim caps. This Fastskin cap is specifically engineered to provide maximum comfort for swimmers and will mold to fit your head shape.
Best Splurge
Speedo Fastskin Cap
High quality
Cap will mold to fit your head shape
Great for racing
Expensive
Risk of overheating due to thickness
This cap is also a bit more expensive than the average swim cap, but if comfort is a priority for you, then it is worth the extra money. If you swim competitively, note that this cap is part of the first “Racing System” in the world, which includes the full set of swim gear built with IQfit technology: a cap, suit, and goggles that work in tandem to optimize your performance in the pool.
Price at time of publication: $50
This cap might be on the pricier side, but it is very durable and will last you a long time, so it’s a good investment. The 3-D Zone shape ensures it will stay snug on your head while also significantly reducing drag to help you swim through the water with increased speed.
Best for Competitions
Speedo Aqua V Silicone Cap
Durable
Comfortable
Very hydrodynamic
Expensive
Prone to overheating due to thick material
Only available in two colors
The material is especially thick, which is good for durability and comfort, but the downside is that it might heat your head up faster than typical silicone caps, which could lead to overheating. However, if you are mainly using the cap when you race, this should not be much of a concern unless you are swimming in very long-distance races.
If you buy Speedo’s Aqua V Silicone cap and plan to wear it on race day, it might be a good idea to test it out during practice to make sure you don’t feel too overheated while wearing it on race day. It’s also important to note that this cap runs a bit small—even Speedo recommends buying it one size larger than your typical head size.
Price at time of publication: $30
If you aren’t necessarily training or trying to swim competitively but are on the market for a comfortable cap to swim laps in or for swimming recreationally, this one’s for you. The Stretch Fit cap is built with dual-layer technology, which includes an interior layer of soft fabric to offer more comfort inside of the cap and on your head. The cap also easily contours to your head shape, as there is an elastic band within the base for added elasticity.
Best for Comfort
Speedo Stretch Fit Swim Cap
Soft material makes it comfortable
Good for long swims
Not good for racing
Only available in three colors
Thanks to the cap’s softer silicone material, it’s more comfortable to take off and put back on than a typical swim cap. The Stretch Fit cap is also ideal if you tend to swim long distances or for a long period of time, as it will provide great comfort that will last throughout your entire swim session.
Price at time of publication: $18
This cap is designed for people who have natural hair and is a top pick among those who do. As the title suggests, it has extra space to accommodate a wide variety of natural hairstyles—including dreadlocks, braids, weaves, extensions, crochet mambo, and Afro-hair, among others.
Best for Natural Hair
Dsane Extra Large Swim Cap
Highly flexible material
Lots of extra space
Water more likely to get inside cap if it does not fit tightly
Slightly expensive
The silicone used to construct this cap is especially strong, which allows it to stretch to twice its size, while simultaneously keeping your hair as dry as possible. It also comes with earplugs and a nose clip to help keep water out of the ears and nose.
BPA-free and available for all genders, the Dsane Extra Large swim cap is a perfect choice for the swimmer who has not had luck with a traditionally-sized cap.
Built for competitive and recreational swimmers alike, this pick is a top-tier cap for swimmers of any gender who have long hair. Though the build is similar to other generic silicone caps, this TYR model has an asymmetrical shape, with extra space in the back to accommodate long hair. People with thicker hair may also benefit from this long-hair cap.
Best for Long Hair
TYR Sport Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap
Extra space for long hair
Very elastic
Also good for bigger heads
Prone to sliding off
Not as good for natural hair
Because of the extra space and elasticity, this cap is also great for people who might have a bigger-shaped head. As with any cap, comfort is essential, and this one provides a highly comfortable option for people with heads or hair that doesn’t fit in a typically-sized cap.
Price at time of publication: $17
Swim caps built with Lycra material are generally best for recreational swimming, though they can also be used for lap swimming or even swim practice and training. Lycra is especially good for lower-impact water activities such as water aerobics or water therapy. They are superior in terms of comfort, as the material is much softer than latex or silicone—it’s the same material that swimsuits are typically made out of.
Best Lycra
TYR Lycra Fiber Swim Cap
Very comfortable
Offers UPF 50+ sun protection
Pulls on hair less
Not good for racing
Tends to slip off head more
These TYR Lycra caps are not only extremely comfortable but also include UPF 50+ sun protection, which makes them great for outdoor swimming. However, it is important to note that while Lycra is a thicker and softer material, it does not necessarily keep your head warmer if you are swimming in cold water.
If a Lycra cap sounds like it’s the best fit for you, TYR offers a quality one at a low price.
Price at time of publication: $15
Latex caps are the cheapest option for swim caps since latex is a thin and low-cost material. But, since the material is thinner, they do tend to rip more easily and they may feel less comfortable than other types of caps. This will be true no matter the brand. However, Speedo’s durable latex cap is designed with an anti-roll edge to prevent the cap from slipping off. This also creates a tight fit that keeps hair dry and keeps water from seeping into the ears.
Best Latex
Speedo Solid Latex Swim Cap
Affordable
Does not overheat head
Can rip easily
Prone to slipping off head during a race
Additionally, the thin latex material comes in handy when you’re swimming in warm water, as it’s less likely to cause overheating. The thin material can also be good for competitions because it won’t work against your speed in the water—but note that latex caps are more likely to slip off after diving in the water than silicone caps.
Despite the cons of latex caps, Speedo’s model is the best option if that is the type of cap you need.
Price at time of publication: $6
These Aegend caps might seem similar to every other silicone cap at first glance, but if you take a closer look, you will see that they include thick ear pockets for extra ear protection. They also dip at the bottom of each side of the cap where the ears are to ensure no water trickles in. Swimmer’s ear is no joke, and Aegend is here to help prevent you from contracting it. This cap’s features will protect your ears from chlorine, bacteria, and even sand.
Best for Ear Protection
Aegend Unisex Swim Caps with Ear Pockets
Comfortable
Elastic
Keeps water from getting in ears
Affordable
May not keep hair completely dry
Not very stylish
As an added benefit, this cap is also extremely elastic, allowing for a comfortable, stretched fit for all genders, head sizes, and hairstyles. Like most Aegend products, these caps are a great bang for your buck as they are available in a two-pack at an affordable price.
Price at time of publication: $9
Neoprene caps are typically worn for open water swimming or triathlons. The neoprene material is extremely thick, which is perfect for keeping your head warm if you are swimming in cold, open waters.
Best for Open-Water Swimming
Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap
Maintains warmth
Adjustable
Good for racing
Available in bright orange for safety purposes
Only available in three sizes
Only available in three colors
The Zone3 cap is the top pick because of its adjustable, velcro chin strap that other neoprene caps do not necessarily have. This strap allows for a less tight and more comfortable fit for the swimmer, especially in the chin area.
Designed for optimal thermal protection while being hydrodynamic for racing, this cap is made out of a 0.1-inch Super-Stretch material. It comes in three colors, though two are mostly black and the other is bright orange. Bright-colored caps are highly recommended for open water swimming, as they make it easier for lifeguards or medical personnel to spot you in an emergency.
Price at time of publication: $31
When purchasing a swim cap for your child, it should go without saying that comfort and fit are important considerations. For this reason, silicone caps, rather than latex, are preferable. With the 3-D ergonomic fit, this is a comfortable cap that will stay on your child’s head. It also provides good ear protection to keep water and bacteria from seeping into the ears.
Best for Toddlers and Kids
Aegend Silicone Swim Cap 2-Pack
Comfortable
Affordable
Available in fun designs for kids
May not fully protect hair from getting wet
Aegend offers this cap in five different colors and designs, including a shark-themed option to add a little flair to your child’s swim style. The bright colors of these Aegend caps will also help your child stand out and be more noticeable in a crowd for additional safety when they swim, which is especially important for open-water swimming (in lakes or rivers).
At such an affordable price, this two-pack children’s swim cap package is a steal.
What to Look for in a Swim Cap
Material
Latex: This material is thinner and much more likely to rip unless you are careful with it. However, it can be the better option if you are swimming in a pool with warm water because it can prevent you from getting overheated. It can also slightly reduce drag, which is good for racing.
Final Verdict
Silicone: These caps are generally recommended for swimming, as the material is thicker and usually more comfortable. These caps also tend to last longer than latex options.
Lycra: These caps are better for lower-intensity water activities, such as water aerobics or water therapy. The material is softer than latex and silicone, but it’s not as good for racing because it adds drag, slowing down your speed in the water. It’s also not ideal for training or swimming laps, as it is not as good at keeping water out and keeping your hair dry, which can be uncomfortable.
Neoprene: Neoprene caps are typically used for open water swimming and are built with a thicker material to keep your head warm and to protect open water from getting in your ears.
Elasticity
Elasticity is an important consideration, especially for people with long hair or larger heads. One of the primary functions of a swim cap is to prevent hair from getting wet, tangled, and creating drag, so if a cap is not elastic enough to fit on your head (hair included) then it will lose its functionality. More elasticity also means a stretchier cap, which will also help make it easier to put it on your head before diving into the pool.
Comfort
As with most swim gear, comfort is important—except when racing. Unless you are specifically purchasing caps that will optimize your performance on race day, you will want to make sure the cap is comfortable and fits your head well. A cap that is too tight or tears at your hair will be irritable and uncomfortable.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A former competitive swimmer and swim coach, Alex Battaglia understands the value of a quality cap, whether it’s for swimming laps or for race day. Now a health researcher, she’s committed to thoroughly researching the best products for swimmers and athletes, and finding products that are scientifically proven to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you put a swim cap on?
- While there is no right or wrong way to put your cap on, one common method is to actually start from the front of the head and stretch the cap up towards the back of your neck. This is especially helpful if you have long hair. If you have shorter or less hair, you can also try stretching the cap as wide as possible, then lowering it down onto your head. If that doesn’t work, try asking someone to help you put it on—getting your cap on sometimes needs to be a team effort!If you have long hair, you might want to put it in a bun, braid, or ponytail before putting the cap on to lower the risk of hair falling out of your cap. It is also helpful to wet your hair a bit before putting your cap on to reduce friction and to help it to slide on more smoothly. When possible, try to be gentle when putting your cap on to avoid pulling hair or ripping your cap (especially if it is latex!).
- Can swim caps cause hair loss?
- No, swim caps do not directly cause hair loss. While some caps, like latex ones, are more likely to pull at your hair—especially if you are constantly needing to take it off and put it back on—there is no scientifically proven link between wearing a swim cap and chronic hair loss.
- How do you clean swim caps?
- This might depend on the material, but generally speaking, you will want to rinse the cap out with water and let it air dry. You can also dry it with a towel. For extra absorption, you can add a paper towel to the inside of the cap. Sprinkling a bit of talcum or baby powder inside the cap also absorbs moisture and keeps the cap from sticking to itself (especially for latex caps). The extra absorption helps to prevent bacteria from growing in the cap. In any case, be sure to check the cap’s instruction label before cleaning.
While there is no right or wrong way to put your cap on, one common method is to actually start from the front of the head and stretch the cap up towards the back of your neck. This is especially helpful if you have long hair. If you have shorter or less hair, you can also try stretching the cap as wide as possible, then lowering it down onto your head. If that doesn’t work, try asking someone to help you put it on—getting your cap on sometimes needs to be a team effort!
No, swim caps do not directly cause hair loss. While some caps, like latex ones, are more likely to pull at your hair—especially if you are constantly needing to take it off and put it back on—there is no scientifically proven link between wearing a swim cap and chronic hair loss.
This might depend on the material, but generally speaking, you will want to rinse the cap out with water and let it air dry. You can also dry it with a towel. For extra absorption, you can add a paper towel to the inside of the cap. Sprinkling a bit of talcum or baby powder inside the cap also absorbs moisture and keeps the cap from sticking to itself (especially for latex caps). The extra absorption helps to prevent bacteria from growing in the cap. In any case, be sure to check the cap’s instruction label before cleaning.
