How to buy the best racing swim caps

Here we recommend the best swim caps for training and racing swim caps.

We review different head caps and ask swimmers their choice of brand for buying swimming caps.

The 3 best brands of swimming caps to consider when you consider durability, comfort, and design are Speedo, Arena, and TYR. These swimming head caps are recommended also based on their availability in India.

A swim cap covers the head of the swimmer and prevents hair from getting into the face. If worn properly, it reduces drag and resistance in the water. Though it does not keep the hair completely dry, it protects hair from harmful chemicals and keeps the hair out of the pool. It also gets your hair out of the way while swimming.

Swimming caps for different training levels

Depending on your skill level you can choose your swim caps. When you have just started to learn or in the intermediate level, you can choose from a wide range of inexpensive swim caps. But as you are training for competitive swimming, you would need one which is not only comfortable but also reduces drag in water.

There are swimming caps of different types. But when looking for racing swim caps, choose a silicone swim cap or a latex one.

Best competitive swim caps

Speedo racing caps are designed keeping competitive swimmers in mind. They help reduce drag and fits snugly on the head.

Pros

• Smooth and lightweight silicone cap
• Snug fit ensures a hydrodynamic feel
• Excellent for competitions

Cons

• Can only be used for competitions as it can be very tight on the scalp
• Quite expensive

Best swim cap for training

When you are swimming for long hours and have multiple sessions during the day swimming each day, consider buying a swim cap that is comfortable and soft. You would also need a cap that lasts long, so buy a silicone swim cap. Always carry a spare swim cap in your swim bag along with other swimming gear and accessories that you carry.

Please note, most caps are unisex. Nabaiji is a good brand to consider for training swim caps.

Pros

• These can be worn for all practice sessions
• Not very expensive
• Soft and durable

Cons

• Cannot be used for long hair.
• lasts 3-6 months.

Another swim cap to consider is the Arena swimcap. This can be worn for training as well as taking part in competitive swimming

Pros

• This won’t lose elasticity over time
• Quick and easy to take off without snagging hair.
• Meant for long use, so it is perfect for training

Cons

• Expensive
• Longer delivery date in India.

Best swim cap for kids

Most companies will make swimming caps in both adult and junior size. However, Nabaiji has an excellent junior collection, and its caps will fit children of all ages.

Racing swimming caps for kids

TYR swim caps are best meant for juniors participating in competitive swimming.

Pros

• Well-known swimming brand with an inexpensive option for kids.

Cons

• Sometimes not easy to get in India

Swimming caps for fun

You can choose latex caps at the beginner and intermediate levels for children. They are comfortable for competitions, a silicone molded cap is your best option.

You can also look for cloth caps from Speedo or Nabaiji. These caps keep your hair out of the face, but are still comfortable to wear.

Types of swimming caps

Silicone swim caps

These are waterproof swimming caps and are most popular among competitive swimmers. They provide support and are easy to put on, do not pull on your hair

Latex swim caps

These are thinner and meant for warmer water. Since they are thin, they easily fit a swimmer’s head and many swimmers find these caps breathable. They do not last as long as the silicon cap but since they are inexpensive, they can be easily replaced.

Mesh swim caps

People who are not comfortable with latex or silicone swim cap can prefer using mesh swim caps. They are usually 80% fabric like Lycra and many people feel comfortable in it. But mesh swim caps are not at all waterproof

Bubble swim caps

These swimming caps do not slip as much

How to take care of swim caps?

To make your swim cap last even longer, wash it in non-chlorinated cold water after use and air drying it away from any heat sources or direct sunlight.

Swim caps has to be used regularly otherwise the quality deteriorates, and your cap can become thin and prone to tearing. While wearing your cap, wear it under your ears, since you can otherwise get an infection in your ears.

There are lot of video on the Youtube as to how to wear a swim cap. The way you wear normally varies when you have long hair. Also when you have a competition you can wear 2 of them, to also secure the swim goggles.

Is latex swim cap better than silicon?

Though I have mainly spoken of silicone swim caps, latex swim caps are also widely available and is definitely an inexpensive option. Also since the latex caps are thin they are better for warmer waters and climates. However, they do tear very easily, but since they are inexpensive, they can be bought again and again. Since latex has less structure to it, they will fit any swimmers head.

Does swim cap keep hair dry?

Swim caps are not 100% waterproof and they are not designed with the main objective of keeping the hair dry. You can reduce the entry of water into the cap by wearing the swim cap properly.

You can check out special-purpose swim caps and swimming caps for men and women.

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