nike men acg aw84 hat black nict8 versace medusa motif baseball cap item

Whether you’re training for a triathlon, swim-run or simply using swimming as cross-training like Olympic marathoner Steph Davis, a swimming cap is a vital piece of kit. Not only do they protect your hair from chlorine damage, they eliminate drag so you can swim faster and harder.

So which is the best swimming cap to protect your locks? Here’s our pick of the best ones for all occasions, hair types and budgets.

Why should I wear a swim hat?

1. It protects your hair. The chlorine used in pools is notorious for damaging hair; a swim cap offers a layer of protection and keeps your hair dry. Silicone and latex swim hats are better than lycra ones for this purpose.

2. It reduces drag. Iceberg embroidered logo baseball cap.

3. Better visibility. If you have long hair, it’s easy for some of it to come down over your goggles and restrict your view. It can also help with your breathing as you’re not having to try to suck in oxygen through a mouthful of hair!

4. Mitchell & Ness NBA Fast Track Snapback Hats to Match the Air Jordan 1 High Light Fusion Red. Wearing a bright colour swim hat is a smart idea if you’re doing any wild swimming in lakes, river or oceans. Other water users are more likely to see you if you’re wearing a bright swim hat and therefore give you a wider berth.

5. It’ll keep you warmer. If you’re swimming in the sea or in open water, particularly during colder months, wearing one or two swim caps can help to keep your head slightly warmer.

nike men acg aw84 hat black nict | How to put on a swim cap

If you’re not used to wearing one, putting on a swim cap can be a bit of a mission - but don't worry, it gets easier with practice.

First things first, if you’ve got long hair you’ll want to tie it up into a tight bun. Then, grab your hat with both hands and give it a good stretch – this will make it easier to get it over your head. Bend over slightly and place the inside of the front of the cap over your forehead, then pull it towards the back of your head and over your hair. Once the cap is on, tuck in any loose strands of hair and ensure that it’s sealed as tight as possible.

Do swimming caps keep your hair dry?

The short answer is ‘no’. While swimming caps certainly reduce drag and protect your hair from chlorine damage, they’re not designed to keep your hair 100% dry. You can try doubling up to create a tighter water seal, but even then expect some dampness.

Best swimming caps 2023