A Guide to Buying a Silicone Swim Cap
A silicone swim cap is a great accessory for anyone who loves swimming. This is because it helps keep your hair out of the water and protects it from chlorine and other chemicals. It also prevents your hair from getting wet, especially if you have long hair.
While many people think a swim cap will help to keep their hair completely dry, this is not always true. The main reason why is because it does not seal the head completely and some water will get in through the hair, particularly around the edges of the cap. It is possible to reduce this by putting your hair in a bun or pony tail before you put the swim cap on. If you have really long hair you may find it easier to wear two swim caps – one on top of the other. This will create a tighter seal and will make it less likely for the cap to slip off your head.
The most common type of swim cap is made from latex and has been around since the 1920s. It is still used today and is inexpensive. It is very conforming and fits well on most swimmers’ heads. However, it does tend to rip easily as it is made from a very thin material.
Silicone swim caps are more expensive but they last longer than latex and are hypoallergenic. They are also more comfortable to wear and do not rip as easily. They are a favourite with triathletes and open water swimmers because they are very durable and offer a better fit than latex.
There are also neoprene (a fabric that is used to make wetsuits) swim caps available which are designed to keep your head warm. These are ideal for cold water and are popular with triathletes and open water swimmers who need to keep warm while they train or race.
Some companies produce special shapes of swim cap that are designed to be worn with particular types of goggles. They are often used by open water or triathlon swimmers who need to have a tighter fitting cap to avoid their goggles from slipping on their head.
You can also find swim caps with a retro flower design that are very popular with children. There are even some that have a shark fin at the top!
When choosing a swim cap it is important to consider what kind of swimmer you are and what your priorities are. If you are a competitive swimmer then a silicone swim cap is the best option as it is more durable and offers a better fit. If you are just starting out then a latex or neoprene swim cap might be more suitable as they will offer you good value for money and be easy to take on and off. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your purchase then there are a range of recycled swim caps available as well.