From morning practice to the Olympic podium, a swim cap is essential for protecting your hair and reducing drag. At SwimOutlet, we carry the world’s largest selection of caps in every material, print, and fit imaginable. Whether you need a durable silicone cap for daily training or a high-tech dome cap for race day, we have you covered.
Silicone Swim Caps (Best for Training): The most popular choice for everyday swimmers. Silicone is durable, hypoallergenic, and gentle on hair. Unlike latex, it won't pull or snag, making it the top choice for fitness swimmers and those with medium-to-long hair. They are thicker and last longer than other materials.
Latex Swim Caps (Best for Racing & Value): The classic choice. Latex caps are thinner, lighter, and much tighter than silicone. Many competitive swimmers prefer them because they grip the head firmly and don't slide off during dives. They are also highly breathable, preventing overheating during intense sets. Note: Latex contains natural rubber.
Lycra & Spandex Caps (Best for Comfort): Designed purely for comfort. These soft fabric caps do not pull hair and are the easiest to put on. While they are not water-resistant (water flows right through), they are perfect for keeping hair out of your face during water aerobics or for children who hate the "squeeze" of rubber caps.
Long Hair & Bubble Caps: One size does not fit all. If you have long hair, braids, or extensions, our "Long Hair" silicone caps feature extra volume at the back to accommodate a bun without slipping up your forehead.
Competition Dome Caps: For the elite racer. These 3D-molded caps are seamless and wrinkle-free to create the ultimate hydrodynamic shape.
FAQs
Will a swim cap keep my hair dry?The honest answer is: No.
While swim caps will keep your hair drier than swimming without one, no cap is 100% watertight. Their primary purpose is to reduce drag and keep hair out of your face. To minimize water entry, many swimmers wear a silicone cap (which creates a better seal than latex) or double up.
What is the "Double Cap" technique?
You may notice Olympic swimmers wearing two caps. Here is why:
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Layer 1 (Latex): Grips the head securely.
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Goggles: The goggle strap goes over the latex cap but under the silicone cap.
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Layer 2 (Silicone): Smoothes out the bumps of the goggle straps for a perfectly hydrodynamic surface.
How do I put on a cap without ripping it?
The #1 cause of ripped caps is fingernails.
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Put your hands inside the cap with palms facing each other and fingers spread.
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Stretch the cap wide using the inside of your knuckles/palms, not your fingertips.
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Start at your forehead and pull the cap over the top of your head to the nape of your neck.
Silicone vs. Latex: Which should I choose?
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Choose Silicone if: You want comfort, durability, and a cap that doesn't pull your hair.
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Choose Latex if: You want a tighter fit for racing, a lower price point, or prefer a thinner material that holds less heat.
