Swimming Caps: Everything you were afraid to ask. (2024)

If you’ve been to a swimming pool, you’ve probably seen a variety of swimming caps. Have you wondered why people wear them, what they are for and if you should be wearing one too?

In this article, we take a look at all aspects of swimming caps and answer your most pressing questions.

Why do swimmers wear caps?

Primarily, swimmers wear swimming caps to protect their hair from the chlorine in the swimming pool water. However, some public swimming pools require swimmers to wear swimming caps. Swimmers may also wear swimming caps to help keep them warm in cold water. Swimmers who compete wear them to make their body more hydrodynamic (streamlined), thus it makes them faster.

Do swimming caps keep your hair dry?

Swimming caps are not waterproof and will not keep your hair dry. No matter how hard you try, water will get in. Some elite swimmers wear two caps, but for different reason, even double-capping it won’t keep your hair dry.This product claims to “help[ing] to keep your hair dry”, but it looks suspiciously similar to double-capping it which definitely isn’t a waterproof solution.

If you swim holding your head above water, then a swimming cap will keep water from splashing on your hair. Otherwise, as soon as you put your head underwater, the swimming pool water will get your hair wet.

How do I keep my hair from getting wet in the pool?

If you put your head underwater, then your hair will get wet even if you are wearing a swimming cap. The only way to keep your hair dry is to keep your head above water while wearing a swimming cap. Even so, it is nearly impossible to keep your hair completely dry. Our advice is just relax and get wet–it’s a swimming pool!

Are there waterproof swim caps?

There are no waterproof swimming caps.

What is the best material for swim caps?

The most common material for swimming caps is latex followed by silicone. You may also find swimming caps made from lycra/spandex, rubber, neoprene, and polyurethane.

How long do swim caps last?

Swimming caps last from one month to three years depending on the material they are made from, how often you use them, and how well you care for them.

A swimmer who is in the swimming pool 8 or 9 times a week wearing a latex cap, may get a month or two use from the cap if they dry and powder the cap after each use.

Should swimming caps cover the ears?

It’s a personal preference whether you cover your ears with a swimming cap or not.

Do you put a swimming cap on with wet or dry hair?

It’s easier to put on a cap when your hair is wet as the water provides some lubricant. Here is aninstructional videothat covers the basics of putting on a swimming cap. Here is afunny videoif you like.

Why do swimmers wear two caps?

Competitive swimmers wear two swimming caps to help secure their goggles and to make them more streamlined. The goggle strap is sandwiched between the two caps, making it less likely that their goggles fall off in a start. Also, they may use a thicker material such as silicone on the outside layer which is less likely to wrinkle making them a little faster through the water.

Is wearing a swimming cap necessary?

Some public swimming pools require swimmers to wear swimming caps. Otherwise wearing a swimming cap is a personal preference. People who swim often generally do wear a swimming cap because it helps protect their hair from the swimming pool chlorine.