The 8 Best Swim Caps for Every Type of Swimmer
Keep your mane under control, lap after lap.
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Swimming is one of the best ways to get in a low-impact, full-body cardio workout. However, whether you're swimming in saltwater or chlorine, you may find that those regular dips are taking a toll on your hair. One of the best ways to prevent dryness and damage to your hair is by investing in a solid swim cap. A well-fitting swim cap can also keep your hair out of your eyes in the water, making it easier to see where you're going and reducing the risk of getting your hair tangled around your goggles.
Best Swim Caps
What to Consider
While aesthetics may play a role in your decision-making process, they're not the only factor you should take into account when buying a swim cap.
Material
While latex used to be a common material for swim caps, most swim caps these days are made of silicone, which is hypoallergenic, stretchy, and more durable than latex. Silicone is also less likely to pull on your hair than latex and silicone's grippiness means your silicone cap won't slide off your head. We have included one non-silicone cap on our list for those who prefer the feel of fabric swim caps.
Size
While most swim caps are one-size-fits-most, some of the ones we've included are designed specifically for individuals with long hair and one model is designed specifically for children.
How We Selected
To find the best swim caps among the many options on the market, we researched the most popular models available and considered their materials, durability, design, size, and comfort. We then looked at both expert reviews and customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these swim caps on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below.
For more great ways to upgrade your water workouts, check out our picks for the best athletic swimsuits, swim goggles, and sweat-resistant sunscreens!
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 26
With over 18,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average customer rating, this Speedo cap is the most popular option on our list. It comes in 26 stylish colors and is made of super stretchy silicone. Despite having a snug fit that ensures the cap won’t move around when you swim, it won’t pull or snag your hair, either. Reviewers rave about how durable this cap is and call it “flexible” and “easy to wear.”
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 11
This cap from TYR is both hypoallergenic and tear-resistant. It comes in 11 colors, from neutrals to vivid hues, and is designed to fit both men and women comfortably. It is also roomy enough to cover your ears if you prefer a longer fit.
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 29
This cap is not only the most affordable on our list, but it also comes in 29 fun colors and patterns. It is latex- and PVC-free, made from 100 percent silicone, and it's super stretchy, making it comfortable for heads of all sizes.
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 15
If you have issues with your swim cap falling off or sliding around, this model could be the perfect fit. It's texturized, which helps it grip your head and prevent movement. It comes in 15 different colors and reviewers say it kept their hair dry during water-based activities.
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 7
If you have braids, locks, or just a lot of hair, you may need a swim cap that can handle larger volume like this one. It fits tightly around your head, so it won't fall off, but widens up in the back to make room for all of your hair. It's a favorite among buyers, earning an average 4.4-out-of-5-star average customer rating, with multiple purchasers commenting that it's great for protecting dreadlocks.
Key Specs
- Materials: Polyamide, fabric
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 9, plus two packs with two colors each
If you don't like the feeling of silicone but are still required to wear a swim cap in your local pool, this fabric cap is a great alternative. It's made from polyamide and fabric—a combination typically used in swimsuits—so it will stretch and conform to your head. However, this cap is not waterproof, so while your hair will stay contained in it, it won't stay dry.
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: Medium (ages 4-8); Large (ages 8-12)
- Colors: 3 (each pack contains two different colors)
Adult-sized swim caps typically aren’t a great fit for children, but these kid-sized caps are a great alternative for smaller heads. They are made from super stretchy silicone and are anti-slip. These caps come in sets of two, and are available in sizes designed for kids from 4 to 8 and 8 to 12. However, if your child has particularly long or thick hair, they should size up.
Key Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Two-packs are available in five different color combinations
If you are a frequent swimmer—or are just prone to losing things— investing in a set of two swim caps might not be a bad idea. This one comes in five different pairs of colors, and is designed with a bit of extra room for long hair. It has great elasticity, but it won’t stretch out over time, and won’t pull on your hair if it moves.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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