The Science Behind Swim Caps

Swim Apparel, Swim Gear | May 19, 2022

The Science Behind Swim Caps

Swim caps aren't just for competitive swimmers. Realistically, you should wear a swim cap every time you enter the water. People of all ages should wear a swim cap to ensure their safety and make them more visible in the water. Even when you're just taking a dip at home, wearing a cap can keep loose hair from clogging your pool and protect your hair from chlorine damage. They're not just for safety, though. Swim caps are especially beneficial for swimmers who compete in races or swim for a team because they can help reduce drag in the water. As a bonus, bright-colored caps will let your parents, coaches, and fans know where you are so they can cheer you on during your event. Whether you swim recreationally, compete for a team, or participate in triathlons, finding the right swim cap can enhance your success. Understanding swim cap science can help you decide which type of swim cap will be the right choice for you.

Types of Swim Caps

There are four types of swim caps that you can find, although some of them are recommended for fitness and competitive swimming while others are not. Depending on your intended use, you might want to look into getting more than one to discover which fit you enjoy best. Types of swim cap materials:

Silicon: Silicon is by far the most durable swim cap material. These caps will last the longest and help keep your hair from breaking. They are easy to take off, and you can find dome-shaped caps with additional silicon. Dome-shaped caps have fewer wrinkles, helping to reduce drag further. These caps are great for fitness or competitive swimmers. The downside to these caps is that the material can be so smooth that they occasionally slip off your head.
Latex: Latex swim caps have a tighter fit, and they don't budge when they're on. They can rip after a few months of consecutive use but are still great options for swimmers who compete. The material of latex swim caps is thinner, making the cap more breathable. However, you may pull your hair when taking these caps off or putting them on because of the tight fit.
Lycra or Spandex: Lycra or spandex swim caps are more comfortable and cozy. They don't squeeze your head, and they can last for a while if you take care of them. However, they don't protect your hair from the water because they are very porous, and to keep elasticity, you need to rinse them with a chlorine neutralizing solution. These caps are not meant for fitness swimmers but are good for recreational swimmers.
Neoprene: Neoprene swim caps consist of the same materials that make up wetsuits. These caps are perfect for swimmers who exercise in open water because they keep your head warm. They have heavy seams and thick material. You can find many endurance swimmers or triathletes who wear these when swimming in the ocean.

You can find child sizes and adult sizes in each type of swim cap. Ensure you find the right swim cap size to ensure safe swimming.

How Do Swim Caps Work?

Competitive swimmers first used swim caps to move faster and experience less drag. If you have long hair, you can probably attest to the pulling feeling you get when you're underwater. By holding your hair tightly in place, swim caps reduce the resistance you can experience in the water. These caps have a smooth surface that allows you to glide through the water, increasing your hydrodynamic. The best cap fits snugly and comfortably for proper usage. If your cap is too loose or tight, it may slip off or irritate your head and skin. Furthermore, a cap that doesn't fit properly can create wrinkles, which will reduce the effect of the cap in the first place.

How to Put on a Swim Cap:

Properly putting a swim cap on can be challenging the first few times. It's a good idea to practice taking it off and on to ensure it fits. Here's how to put on your swim cap:

Wet your hair to reduce any pull.
Pull your hair into a ponytail if it's long.
Stretch out the cap.
Line up the seam with the middle of your forehead.
Rest the cap in the middle of your forehead.
Pull the cap back over your head.

Try reversing the process if you struggle to put your cap on from the front to back. Instead, put the cap against the base of your head and pull it over to rest on your forehead. One best practice is to apply baby powder to your cap after you finish swimming. The baby powder will make putting the cap on easier for the next time and help keep your cap clean from any bacteria that may gather inside.

Advantages of Wearing a Swim Cap

There are plenty of reasons why swimmers wear swim caps. They primarily serve as a protectant and assist in speed. Regardless of why you swim, a cap can protect your hair and head and create a safer environment for all swimmers. Other benefits of wearing a swim cap include:

Keeping your hair out of your eyes and mouth
Eliminating drag in the water from your hair
Protecting your hair from chlorine damage
Ensuring your goggles stay on without pulling your hair
Providing a safety measure for other swimmers and boaters
Keeping your head warm in cold or open waters
Protecting pool filters from loose hair
Eliminating the risk of hair getting caught on ropes
Giving parents, fans, and watchers a focal point
Reducing the amount of water that enters your ears
Assisting in keeping earplugs in place

Above all, swim caps help keep you safe in pools and open waters. Bright colored caps let boaters and other water-lovers know where you are. When you compete, other swimmers, coaches, and officials will be better able to identify where you are and keep any collisions from happening. Furthermore, they will be better able to aid you in an emergency.

Get Your Swim Caps From Kiefer

Kiefer Aquatics was started in 1947 by Adolph Kiefer, who pioneered many developments in the aquatic community. Today, we continue to strive to reinvent your swimming experiences. With more than 73 years of industry experience, we're proud of our collection of swimwear, apparel, gear, swim aids, backpacks, and other swim equipment. We provide a customer satisfaction guarantee because we know we offer the best quality for the best prices. We constantly add to our collection and currently have thousands of items and designs. We have tons of colorful and fun swim caps that can make your swim experience unique and help you stand out. Take a look at our swim caps and find the perfect fit for your next water adventure with Kiefer Aquatics.