Best Waterproof Swim Caps to Keep Your Hair Dry and Protect it

Swim caps prevent your hair from getting wet, protect it from harsh pool chemicals, and hold your hair, preventing it from blocking your vision in the water.  Plus, they reduce drag in the water and some are designed to keep you warm in cold waters.

Most swim caps are built from silicone, but other manufacturers use latex and neoprene. They come in various sizes, colors, and styles, so you can find one that suits your taste.

Following are the best waterproof swim caps on the market for women with long, short, and afro hair, kids, and men. We also have a well-detailed buying guide to help you in your shopping spree.

Speedo Silicone Swim Cap: Best Overall

If you need a high-performance swim cap that won’t let you down, the Speedo Silicone Swim Cap is worth considering. Made with 100% silicone, this swim cap provides maximum comfort, stretch, and hydrodynamic performance for novice and professional swimmers.

One of the most impressive features of this swim cap is the inner microgrid texture which not only enhances the cap’s stretchiness but also prevents it from snagging or pulling your hair. This makes it a perfect fit for people with long hair or sensitive scalps. Additionally, the snug fit ensures the cap stays in place during your swim, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off or creating drag.

The contoured shape of the Speedo Silicone Swim Cap is also a key feature, reducing drag in the water and helping you to move through the water with ease. Its soft, durable silicone construction ensures long-lasting wear, so you can rely on it for many swim sessions to come.

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Key features:

• 100% Silicone construction.
• Inner micro grid texture.
• Contoured shape.
• Interior textured surface.
• Snug fit.
• Available in a variety of colors and sizes.

What We Like:

• 100% silicone construction is both stretchy and comfortable.
• Inner microgrid texture prevents snagging or pulling hair.
• A contoured shape reduces drag and increases hydrodynamic performance.
• Soft and durable silicone for long-lasting wear.
• The Interior textured surface keeps the cap in place.
• Latex-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

What We Do Not Like:

• It may not fit all sizes well.
• Not ideal for swimmers with voluminous hair

Arena Unisex Silicone Swim Cap for Adults

Another contender for the best overall is the Arena unisex cap for both men and women. It is a sturdy and comfortable cap that you can use for everyday swimming and training.

Key Features

• 100% Silicone for maximum durability
• The reinforced edge prevents the cap from riding up while the elastic silicone provides outstanding comfort and flexibility
• Flat mold provides a stable fit that is smooth, soft and comfortable enough for long swim sessions
• Hydrodynamic design that streamlines the head for reduced drag and enhanced performance
• Multiple colors and designs (solids and prints) to choose from
• One size fits all

What we like

• Affordable
• Wrinkle-free
• PVC-free silicone
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Outstanding elasticity

What we do not like

• Not ideal for long hair
• Comes in one-size-fits-all
•  Some water seeps at the edges

Best Women Swim Caps for Long Hair, Braids Dreadlocks

Long or braided hair can be challenging to manage while swimming, but a swim cap designed for long hair can help keep it dry and streamline your swim. Here’s a review of the best swim cap for long hair.

TYR Sport Long Hair Cap

This is an exceptional swim cap that is specifically designed for women with long hair. The swim cap’s material is built to last and is resistant to tearing, making it a perfect choice for those who swim frequently.

One of the standout features of this swim cap is its ability to stretch easily, which provides a comfortable and secure fit. The cap effectively keeps water out, even during extended swim sessions. Additionally, the cap is designed with extra room in the back to accommodate a ponytail or braid, catering to the specific needs of long-haired individuals.

Another significant advantage of this swim cap is its range of colors, allowing swimmers to match it to their swim gear or personal style easily.

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Key features:

• Specifically designed for swimmers with long hair.
• Made from 100% silicone material.
• The wrinkle-free design ensures a comfortable fit.
• Easy to put on and take off.

What we like

• Best for long hair as well as a ponytail.
• It is highly durable and resistant to tearing,
• It has a comfortable and snug fit.
• Easy to put on and take off.

Downsides:

• Some users reported water reaching their hair when covering their ears.
• The swim cap may slide off if not worn securely.

Lahtak Extra Large Swim Cap

The Lahtak Swim Cap is unique and extra-large perfect for swimmers with long braids, dreadlocks, and more. Despite that, a smaller version of the swim cap is available for long-haired kids, girls, teens, and men and women with moderately long hair.

Key Features:

• Extra-large size.
• Loose-fit design.
• Waterproof silicone material.
• Adjustable tightness.
• Thick and durable material.

Pros:

• The extra-large size of the swim cap provides ample space for long and curly hair to fit comfortably,
• The loose-fit design ensures that the cap does not press the hair to the head or cause headaches.
• The waterproof silicone material helps keep hair dry during swimming.
• The adjustable tightness allows for a customized fit.
• The thick and durable material is long-lasting and comes with an extended warranty.

Cons:

• Some users find the loose-fit design to be too loose, causing the cap to slip off during swimming.

Swimelite Women Swim Cap

If you’re a woman who loves to swim, the Swimelite cap is an excellent choice for you. This cap has been designed to provide enough room, maximum comfort, and protection for your hair making it a great accessory for your swimming routine.

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Key Features

Spacious and roomy: A combination of thick silicone with a spacious design to bring you swimming caps for women that offer ample space for long hair and cover the ears

100% pure eco and skin-friendly silicone: The swim cap for men and women is made using quality silicone that’s elastic and stretchy to provide the perfect fit for your hair whether it’s long, short, curly, thick, etc

Hydrodynamic design to reduce drag in the water hence improving performance

It comes in various colors.

What we like:

• It is made of high-quality material that is soft, durable, and stretchable, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• The cap is available in various colors, allowing you to pick one that matches your style.
• The cap is easy to put on and take off, making it hassle-free and time-efficient.
• You can use it for bathing too.

Downsides:

• Unpractical for swimmers with short hair
• This cap may be a bit tight for swimmers with larger heads, causing discomfort.
• A few users have also reported that the cap may not fully cover their ears, allowing water to enter.

Best Swim Cap for Afro-Black Hair

Afro hair requires a strong, yet flexible swim cap that can keep the hair packed without any damage and tangle-free without blocking vision during swimming. Following some of our best picks

Soul Swim Cap

A black-owned swimming brand, the soul is designed with extra room in mind for your natural afro hair to fit comfortably while you swim.

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Key Features

• Made from 100 percent silicone
• Bigger than traditional swim caps so swimmers with voluminous curls, locs, and braids.
• The band provides a snug fit that’s airtight so your hair remains dry even with intense water activity.
• The premium silicone is almost silky to the touch, creating minimal hair snagging.

Why We Love It: The extra space in the cap allows for a tight seal, leaving your hair dry and protected from harsh pool chemicals or salt water. It is also durable and BPA-free

Why we do not like it: It is not ideal for swimmers with short hair.

Dsane Swimming Cap

This is yet another extra-large cap that is perfect for long thick black afro hair. The sim cap easily accommodates all your hair without feeling it too tight. Its cap is also made with 100% silicone which is soft, durable, and stretchy and won’t pull your hair when putting it on or taking it off.

The fascinating thing about this swim cap is that it will stay in place during your whole swim time. You won’t have to constantly adjust or worry about it slipping off, allowing you to focus on your laps and enjoy swimming without distractions.

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Key features:

• Extra large size to accommodate your long afro hair.
• Made from premium quality silicone material.
• Lightweight and durable.
• It has a non-slip design to keep the cap securely in place.
• Easy to put on and take off.

Pros

• The swim cap comes with a free nose clip and ear plugs.
• It fits well and accommodates all hair sizes.
• It is durable and long-lasting.
• The cap doesn’t sip off.

What we don’t like:

• You can’t wear a cap if you have short hair.
• The customers have reported that the cap leaks occasionally.

Best for Kids

Aegend 2 Pack Kids Swim Cap

Aegend’s latest 2-pack swimming caps are an excellent choice for parents looking for a comfortable and safe swimming experience for their children. Made from premium quality silicone, the caps are tear-resistant, odorless, and non-toxic, making them safe for kids to use.

The anti-slip design of the inner surface ensures that the cap stays in place and protects the hair and ears from chlorine damage. The caps come in two sizes suitable for children aged between 4-12 years old, and the mixed-color design makes kids stand out in the crowd.

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Key Features:

• Made from 100% premium quality silicone.
• Tear-resistant, odorless, and non-toxic.
• Anti-slip design to prevent cap from sliding around.
• Suitable for children aged 2-12 years old.
• Mixed color design for added visibility.

What we like:

• High-quality material.
• Comfortable fit for short hair.
• 3D ergonomic design fits the head curve perfectly.
• Easy to put on.
• Protects hair and ears from chlorine damage.
• 12-month warranty.

What we do not like:

• You may need to choose a bigger size for children with big heads or thick hair.

Alepo 2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for Boys Girls

Aleop is a good quality kids’ silicone swim cap that comes with outstanding features which make swimming comfortable and faster.

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Features:

• 2 pack and two sizes to choose from: for girls, boys, kids, teens
• Hydrodynamic design
• 100% high-quality and eco-friendly silicone, that is durable and highly flexible
• 3D ergonomic ear structure design
• Accessories include nose clips and earplugs
• Available in a variety of color designs to suit your child’s personality and preferences

What we like

• Thicker material that enhances water resistance
• Snug fit for excellent performance
• Quality silicone that makes it durable
• Available in multiple sizes and colors
• Fairly priced
• Easy to take on/off without snagging hair

What we do not like

• The cap allows in water occasionally
• Some users find it too big especially for smaller/younger kids

Arena Classic Youth Silicone Unisex Swim Cap for Boys and Girls

The Arena Classic Youth Silicone Unisex Swim Cap is a popular choice for young swimmers who are looking for a durable and comfortable swim cap. This cap is designed to fit most head sizes and is made of high-quality silicone material that is both lightweight and durable.

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Key Features:

• PVC-Free flat molded silicone
• Sits smaller heads with a smooth, soft comfortable fit
• Available in multiple colors
• 100% Silicone.

What we like

• Affordable
• Designed for everyday use and training
• Durable

What we do not like

• Too hard for a child to put on, especially on their own
• The cap allows in water occasionally

Its comfortable design and durable material make it a great choice for both casual and competitive swimmers, while its ability to protect the hair from chlorine and other chemicals helps to keep the hair healthy and looking its best.

Neoprene (Thermal) Swim Caps for Cold Water

Zone3 Swim Cap

The Zone3 Swim Cap is an excellent choice for swimmers who frequently swim in cold water. Its high-quality construction, ergonomic design, and hydrodynamic features make it a top choice for not only casual but also competitive swimmers.

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Key Features

• No chin strap ensures no discomfort around the neck.
• Comes with a free white silicone swimming cap designed to help hold the neoprene cap in place.
• High-quality 4mm neoprene Yamamoto Smoothskin material for warmth and hydrodynamics

What We Like

• Durable
• Hydrodynamic design
• Secure fit
• Comfortable

What we do not like

• Not ideal for users with voluminous hair
• The additional cap makes it bulky
• Few color and size options

Whether you’re looking to up your performance times or just enjoy a warm and comfortable swim in cold weather, the Zone3 Swim Cap is definitely worth considering.

Synergy Swim Cap – Neoprene Smoothskin Swim Hood

This is a multipurpose swim cap that is designed with performance, comfort and functionality in mind. In addition to the hydrodynamic design that allows you to move in water with ease, it provides excellent heat retention and insulation.

This swim cap covers the ears and head from brow to neck and has a very comfortable and soft neoprene chin strap.

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Features

• Available in different sizes-small, medium and large
• SCS coated smoothskin for low friction
• 2.mm smooth skin for comfort and excellent heat retention
• Reflective logo for safety
• Soft inside lining for added comfort
• Flexible chin straps for easy breathing and comfort

What we like

• Hydrodynamics design
• Multipurpose, for swimmers, divers, surfer and triathletes.
• Durable
• Come in different sizes

What do not Like

• Comes in one color
• Not ideal for long-haired individuals
• Chin strap that can cause discomfort in the neck

Blueseventy Adjustable Thermal Skull Cap

This cap is another exceptional alternative for cold open water swimmers.  With an extra layer of warmth and an adjustable strap, the Blueseventy cap provides you with the warmth and fit you need for your swims.

Features

• 3mm Yamamoto SCS coated Neoprene with full zirconium lining for insulation
• A flexible central panel enhances fit.
•  Adjustable strap provides secure fit maximizing warmth around the ears and chin
• The cap is softer and more comfortable

What we like;

• Provides outstanding thermal protection
• Durable construction materials
• Comfortable and fit
• Easy to put on and take off, making it a great option for quick transitions

What we do not like

• Expensive
• Does not come in bright colors for visibility or safety
• Not ideal for swimmers with long hair.
• The cap can feel a bit restrictive in terms of peripheral vision for some swimmers
• While the cap is adjustable, some users may have difficulty finding the right size for their heads.

Overall, the Blueseventy cap is a high-quality option for cold-water swimming. While it may have some limitations, its thermal protection and durability make it a good investment.

Best for Ear Protection Swim Cap

If you’re looking for a swim cap with excellent ear protection, the Lahtak Swim Cap Ear Protection 3D is a great option. The cap features a 3D ergonomic design that covers the ears completely, providing a snug and secure fit that keeps water out.

Key features:

• 3D ergonomic design for complete ear coverage.
• Made from high-quality silicone, durable materials.
• Lightweight.
• It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
• Suitable for both men and women.

Pros:

• The 3D design ensures the cap covers your ears completely, keeping water out and reducing the risk of ear infections.
• The cap is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the stretchy material ensures a snug fit without being too tight.
• It is made from high-quality materials.
• Available in a wide range of colors.
• Suitable for both men and women: This swim cap is designed to fit both men and women comfortably.

Cons:

• The 3D design of the cap can make it a little tricky to put on, especially if you’re in a rush.
• The swim cap will leak water into your ears if not won properly.

Further Reading: Should a Swim Cap Cover Ears?

Best Latex Swim Caps for Warm Water

Swimming in warm water can be uncomfortable if you don’t have the right swim cap. A good warm water swim cap should be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear for a long time.

The top in this category include;

• TYR Latex Swim Cap
• Speedo Unisex Latex Swim Cap
• Arena Unisex Soft Latex Swim Cap

Both of these swim caps are a reliable and durable option for warm-water swimmers. They are made of latex material which ensures longevity and comfort, while the snug fit keeps the caps in place during swim sessions.

The caps are also designed to regulate temperature, making them suitable for warm water use.

However, these caps are not ideal for people suffering from latex allergies and people with long hair or braids

Buy Guide

Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a swim cap:

Material

Silicone swim caps are the most popular choice for swimmers because they are durable, comfortable, and do not pull hair. They are also resistant to tearing, which means they will last longer than other materials.

Latex swim caps are cheaper but can cause skin irritation and may not last as long. Lycra/spandex swim caps are the most comfortable but do not keep hair dry and may not fit as snugly as other materials.

Neoprene swim caps are pricier and bulky but are the best option if you prefer swimming in cold water. Other materials from which caps are made also include nylon.

Further Reading: Silicone vs Latex Swim Caps

Size

A well-fitting swim cap is essential for a comfortable and effective swim. When choosing a swim cap, measure the circumference of your head and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. A tight-fitting swim cap will reduce drag and keep hair out of your face, while a loose one may slip off during a swim.

Design

While the design of a swim cap may not affect performance, it can add some fun and personality to your swim. Swim caps come in a variety of colors and designs, from solid colors to vibrant patterns. Choose a swim cap that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident in the water.

Thickness

The thickness of a swim cap affects its durability and warmth. Thicker swim caps provide better insulation in colder water but may feel uncomfortable and restrict hearing. Thinner swim caps are more comfortable but may not provide enough warmth in colder water. Consider the water temperature and your preference when choosing your swim cap’s thickness.

Purpose

Consider why you need a swim cap. If you swim for leisure, a basic swim cap will work. However, a swim cap with a streamlined design and reduced drag is essential if you’re a competitive swimmer. Look for swim caps that are designed for racing and offer improved hydrodynamics.

Price

Swim caps are relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from a few dollars to around $30. The price usually depends on the material, design, and brand. While choosing a swim cap that fits your budget is important, don’t compromise on quality. A high-quality swim cap will last longer and perform better than a cheap one.

Further Reading

Why Every Swimmer Needs to Wear a Swim Cap

How to Put on a Swim Cap Properly+ Take off and Care Tips

FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions when buying a swim cap