Reviewed by water lovers:
The Best Swim Caps For 2021
Our divers at work
We gave our two Swim Caps geeks one job:
Test 36 different Swim Caps and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Swim Caps on the market today.
Momchil K
Writer & Wilderness Author
Momchil is our Gear Geek and Writer.
Torben Lonne
Water lover and editor Torben is a diving and snorkeling nut, with a passion for the ocean.
A swim cap is, without a doubt, an essential part of your swimming gear.
Here are some reasons why you should consider buying a quality swim cap:
- Keeps your hair packed and your vision clear.
- Protects your hair from chlorine and pool bacterias.
- It limits the water flow that reach your hair.
- And finally, it can reduce the water flow resistance going against you so you can perform better in competitions.
In this guide, we’ve listed the best 20 swim caps in the market. Each cap offers something unique you can benefit from. Thus, you’ll be able to choose the perfect cap based on your preference.
You’ll also learn a great deal about how to pick the right swim cap. At the end of the article, you’ll find a few key points you need to follow in order to come up with a quality cap that is suitable for your needs.
So let’s DIVEIN to a pool of Swim Caps:
Top 20 Best Swim Caps in 2021
We’ve gathered a selection of the best Swim Caps. All stable and reliable. Here’s the best choices in the tech Swim Caps selections.
The Speedo brand delivers quality and durable swimwear. And this product is no exception. The swim cap is made out of 100% silicone and is latex-free. The cap measures in 0.5” high and 4” wide. Moreover, the micro-inner texture gives you comfort and the stretchy silicone material won’t snag or pull your hair. This is a good swim cap and can also be used as a shower cap. Speedo Swim Cap is durable and will last a long time. Moreover, the cap is comfortable and won’t pull your hair. It is safe to say this is a great swim cap to have in the water this summer. This Women’s Silicone Swim Cap is ideal for you if you have long hair or dreadlocks. Moreover, you can rest assured that your hair will remain dry. It is suitable for males and children alike. The cap is made out of 100% soft silicone. What’s more, is that you can easily take the cap on and off without snagging your hair. This swim cap is suitable for use in the shower too. If you’re a professional swimmer, this multi-purpose cap is perfect for you. This cap comes in a variety of colors and it can be worn by professionals or just by someone taking a few laps in the pool. The cap is durable enough to be worn in the ocean. It’s perfectly suitable for any head size. An excellent buy for the avid swimmer. The TYR Swim Cap has an asymmetric design that is ideal for people with long hair. You won’t have to worry about hair getting wet or tangled while swimming. Moreover, you will also experience a better contour cut around the ears that will make swimming more comfortable. The cap is constructed out of 100% silicone that reduces drag in the water and maximizes speed. This is just what you will need to outperform your competition. All-in-all this is an awesome swim cap to have. It comes in great colors and will enhance your swimming speed. Moreover, the silicone material is durable and will last you a long time. Speedo gives you a great pool of quality swim caps to choose from. This Lycra Solid Swim Cap is lightweight and dries quickly. The swim cap is made out racing suit’s materials that promote durability. Moreover, you will find an elastic band at the base of the cap that ensures a secure fit. With all these advantages the Speedo Lycra is a great cap to have for faster and smoother swimming. If you want sun protection this cap has you covered. It also boasts with durability and it has a stylish design. This cap is a good investment for swimming in the pool, lake, ocean or for use as a shower cap. The TYR Swim Cap is made from 80% recycled nylon and 20% Lycra fiber. The cap measures in 1” high and 3” wide and comes in six bright colors. This cap is specifically made for recreational swimmers. Moreover, you can expect UPF 50+ protection. The cap won’t pull or snag your hair which makes it perfect for continuous swims. This is a fantastic swim cap that offers the wearer a tight fit. Moreover, the cap is stylish and is sure to turn heads when you go for a swim. This is a great addition to your summer swimwear collection. The Friendly Swede Swim Cap is made for recreational or competitive swimmers. The cap is made out of 100% silicone. The hydrodynamically designed cap is wrinkle-free and can be stretched to fit any type of head. Moreover, the caps’ primary function is to keep hair away from your eyes. The cap is suitable for men, women, and children. This is all you will need to keep your head protected this summer. The ergonomic design will offer you a tight and secure fit. Moreover, the premium silicone is stretchy and durable and will protect your head and hair. The 2-in-1 Premium Swim Cap is perfect for your swim swimming gear. The reversible cap is stylish and durable – it allows you to stand out from the crowd. The Arena went out of their way to create an airtight seal around your head. The cap gives you a soft and smooth fit. Moreover, the Arena Classic range comes in a diverse range of colors. The cap is made out of 100% silicone and is good for everyday use and training. This is a unique cap to buy if you are looking for something different. The Arena Classic range offers you a heap of options like different colors and fabrics to choose from. Moreover, you can expect a comfortable fit that won’t come off while swimming. This is a great buy for the price point. The 3D Swim Caps have been specifically engineered over many years to cater to all your needs. The swim cap has a 3D ergonomic design that will last a long time. Moreover, they are manufactured with the toughest silicone material that improves stretchiness, durability and is non-toxic, allergy-free and skin-friendly. This, by all means, is an excellent cap to have while swimming. All-in-all you will be pleased with the time and dedication that went into the manufacturing of this cap. As an end product, it will live up to all of your expectations. It will keep your hair dry for 99% of the time and that is great for any amateur or professional swimmer. 2 for the price of 1. These caps use a thicker silicone material that makes them sturdy and tear-resistant. Moreover, what makes these caps great is that they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. They fit your ears comfortably. This is a great product if you are looking for something environmentally friendly and that will last a long time. The Aegend 2-pack will satisfy all your swim needs that you may have. It is durable and suitable for all hair types. It is a great buy for the price point. The market is filled with men’s swim caps but the women will be pleasantly surprised to know that we have them covered. Toplus focuses specifically on the requirements that a woman would have towards a swim cap. The stretchable silicone provides comfort and durability. With the package, you will also receive a nose clip and earplugs. Toplus is a very good brand and you won’t be disappointed with the quality and performance of their caps. The Toplus is an all-in-one swim protective cap. It is ideal for all hair types, irrespective of the thickness or length. This is the perfect accessory to have with your swim apparel this summer. The Firesara Swim Cap comes in a myriad of trendy colors. The cap is made out of 82% polyamide and 12% spandex. Moreover, the cap is breathable and is made of quick-drying fabric. The Lycra elasticity material will prevent snagging or pulling your hair. These are just some of the reasons this swim cap is worth buying. The Firesara is made with fine workmanship. Moreover, they use a thick thread when manufacturing the swim cap so you can rest assured while taking a swim. The cap is also comfortable enabling you to wear it for hours on end. You will an incredible selection of different colors to accommodate your preference. . The vibrant colored cap is made from premium 100% silicone. Moreover, you will enjoy a great swimming experience with no water seeping through the cap. It can also be worn by everyone. The Arteesol swim cap is durable and will last you a long time. The fashionable and stylish look of the Arteesol will make you a hit in the pool. Moreover, the hydrodynamic technology used in the design of the cap will reduce water resistance. This is excellent if you are a professional swimmer looking to obtain an edge over the competition. It does not matter if you have short hair, long hair, dreadlocks, braids or curly hair, the Dsane Swim Cap will suit you perfectly. That said you will be protected from harsh chemicals in the pool and from sun rays. The cap is unisex and comes in various colors to support your personal preference. The people at Dsane went out of their way to create a great swim cap that fits any head size. The Dsane Swim Cap will protect your hair against harmful chemicals and other contaminants you may find in the water. This kind of protection is what makes the cap unique. This swim cap is a unique lab creation that is ideal for any hair type. If your main concern is keeping your hair dry, you can’t go wrong with this one – it’s made of 100% silicone.. The waterproof cap is allergy free and can’t be torn. The cap comes with a loose fit design that is not tighter than a headband. This is a great buy if you have long or thick hair. If you have been struggling to find a swim cap for your long hair this cap will have you covered all summer long. The environmentally friendly Poqswim swim cap comes in four different colors. It is specifically designed to hold long hair. Moreover, the cap comes with an elastic band that holds the cap in place while swimming. The fashion-forward design will let you stand out amongst the crowd. The Poqswim Cap is comfortable and will ensure you enjoy your time in the water. Moreover, your hair will be protected from chlorine and sun damage. These are some of the reasons why this is a great purchase at its price point. When it comes to design and overall, the Kppalex Swim Cap will shock and amaze you. Moreover, the 100% silicone swim cap is odor-free, non-toxic and is skin-friendly. The cap is a one-size-fits-all and is suited for men and women of all ages. It has a 3D ergonomic ear design that protects the ear from water seeping in. Additionally, your hair won’t get pulled or snagged when taking the cap on and off. The Kppalex is a formidable swim cap that creates an airtight seal around your ears. Moreover, it also comes with a nose piece and earplugs for additional protection. This is a great buy for recreational and professional swimmers. The AqtivAqua swim cap is made by using strong stitches using high-quality thread that will increase the longevity of the cap. It is also specifically designed to reduce drag in the water and help with your performance. You will receive a waterproof storage tube to transport the swim cap with ease. The AqtivAqua fits snugly on your head. It protects you from the sun and chlorine in the water. Moreover, it has quick-drying material that aids in cleaning your swim cap. This is an excellent product for the price point. The AqtivAqua fits snugly on your head. It protects you from the sun and chlorine in the water. Moreover, it has quick-drying material that aids in cleaning your swim cap. This is an excellent product for the price point. If you like the American flag then Speedo has a perfect swim cap for you. The patriotic silicone cap comes with the American flag printed on it. It will foster a dream of competing in the Olympics games – one of the biggest stages in the world. This cap will remove any worries regarding hair snagging and tearing. The cap is lightweight and durable. The Finis Swim Cap is made out of spandex material. Moreover, the cap will keep hair out of your face and neck while you are swimming. The elastic edge makes it possible to fit any head size. The ultra-stylish look is exactly what you need this summer to stand out from the crowd. The ergonomic design will offer you a tight and secure fit. The cap is durable enough to be worn in the ocean. It offers the perfect fit for any head size. Moreover, you will be the main attraction at the beach or swimming events.
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Buying guide for Swim Caps
There are a few essentials factors you need to track when you’re hunting for a quality swim cap. In this guide, you can check out the parts of the equation when it comes to buying a swim cap that efficiently protects your hair from chlorine, bacteria, and water, as well as keeping your vision clear.
Let’s dive right into it:
First and foremost, you’ll have to consider the materials. There are 4 types of caps out there you can pick from: latex, silicone, nylon, and thermal caps. Each one has its own uniqueness and is perfect for a specific type of situation.
When it comes to latex swim caps, they are comfortable, cheap, but not durable enough. If you’re a casual swimmer and your primary concern is comfort, then you can’t go wrong by buying latex swim cap. Otherwise, if you’re a professional swimmer, this wouldn’t be a good pick for you.
Next on the line are nylon swim caps. Like the latex swim caps, nylon caps are likewise exceptionally comfortable. They are thin and make you feel convenient in the water. The downside here is that they can’t resist water from seeping through. This means chlorine will get in touch with your hair. All in all, nylon swim caps are perfectly suitable for open water during warm weather.
Silicone swim caps would be the perfect fit for you if you’re looking for a durable cap this can be your “buddy” cap for prolonged periods. You can’t go wrong with this one if you consider a professional swimmer and participate regularly in competitions. The uniqueness of the silicone swim caps stems from its ability to efficiently protect your hair from chlorine and pool bacterias. Moreover, it keeps your hair pack and your vision clear.
And finally – thermal caps. They are designed from silicone materials but the difference here is that they feature a thicker coat that allows you to swim in cooler waters and keep your head and hair warm. All in all, you can’t find a better swim cap during the winter.
Next thing you might want to consider is your hair protection. An unpleasant situation that might happen is your hair start exuding an odor thus making you feel bad. But that’s not the worst scenario. A far worse situation would be when chlorine contacts your hair continuously. This will damage your hair in general and if you’re a blonde, your hair might turn green. So if you’re a regular swimmer and you love spending time at the pool, we highly recommend to go for a silicone swim cap.
As we mentioned, they are more durable, reliable, and will keep your efficiently protected against any potential water damage.
Something else you need to consider about swim caps is that certain materials tend to pull your hair and cause minimal damage. For example, silicone swim caps are tough and durable but they might pull your hair slightly and cause a bit harm. On the other hand, nylon and latex caps, super comfortable, don’t pull your hair and deliver you a smooth experience. However, latex and nylon aren’t from the most durable materials and tend to fall apart after some time, especially if you don’t handle these caps carefully. Also, they aren’t sufficient enough in protecting your hair against chlorine. Yet, if you go to the pool once in a blue moon, you can’t go wrong by picking latex or nylon.
The next thing you would like to take a look at is the cap’s size. When determining that, keep your head and hair size in mind. For those of you who have really large hair, strive for caps that come with extra space. Truth be told, we’ve noticed a lot of swim caps reviews where people aren’t satisfied from the cap sizing. Here are the three types of sizing:
● Small (20 ½ to 21 5/8 inches)
● Medium (20 ½ to 21 5/8 inches)
● Large (22 ¾ to 23 1/8 inches)
Sizing is crucial for your comfort in the water. Make sure you don’t miss it.
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather. Typically, during warm weather some swim caps might get overheated and cause a bit of discomfort. For example, neoprene caps tend to get overheated quickly which is something you want to avoid. On the other hand, latex caps are thinner and don’t collect as much heat as neoprene caps. If the weather in your area is very hot, your perfect fit would be a latex swim cap.
You also need to properly take care of your swim caps. It doesn’t matter how tough the cap is, even if it’s built from silicone. If you stretch it continuously, don’t clean it, or you pull it constantly then the chance of the cap falling apart is quite high. On the contrary, if you handle your stuff carefully you might even be able to extend its lifespan and to not have to replace the swim caps for a long period of time.
And finally – design. This is a personal reference. If you’d like to stand out from the crowd, then you can strive for something unique as the american flag cap on this list. Otherwise, you can go for the normal colors and simply enjoy the comfort and protection your cap delivers.
We’d love to hear you opinion in the comments.
Do you have a favorite Swim Cap?
What do you love about it?
Let us know in the comments below what you think makes for the perfect swim cap.
You should have Hammer Head swim caps on your list.
Only protective swim cap made.
Hi David,
Thanks for the recommendation. We’ll look into the Hammer head swim cap when we do an update of the guide.
Hi,
Thank you for such a great and informative guide.
Do you believe that your first pick “Speedo Elastomeric Solid Silicone Swim Cap” can keep my hair dry?
I know the cap is for short hair but I am a little curious about my hair because I want my hair to be dry.
What I found on google is there is no swim cap that can keep my hair dry.
But, I am looking for a possible solution that can at least keep 99% + hear dry.
The other choice is also good but I am looking into your first pick.
Thanks again for the guidance.
Hi Jabran,
Yes, this one will keep your hair dry through most cases. Of course, it depends on your hair length etc.
I think you should have the Huub Silicone Swim cap up as well because they are brilliant and last a very long time in open water swims and pool training.
Thanks again
Hi Josiah,
Thanks for the recommendation. We’ll look at for the next update.
I want to know which cap is best for hair color protection for body surfing in the ocean. Not pools.