Swim caps evolved from loose-fitting rubberized domes with straps to the brightly colored waterproof head coverings swimmers wear today. You might wear a different type of swim cap than your lane mate, but all swim caps make swimming easier and more pleasant.
Visibility
Swimming caps are practical for anyone who has longer hair that gets in their eyes while swimming. You can keep your head above water when you swim a slow breaststroke, but for all competitive strokes your head stays at least partially submerged. Lap swimmers need to keep track of where they are in the lane at all times to avoid collisions with other swimmers, so keeping your hair out of your eyes is important. Open water swimmers in particular must remain aware of their distance from shore and "sighting" your course without stopping your stroke requires you to have clear vision. Brightly colored swim caps increase your visibility to boaters and jet skiers in open water situations. Bright yellow or neon pink stands out better than gray or dull blue.
Protection
Water-resistant swim caps protect your hair and scalp from irritating chemicals sometimes found in swimming pool water. Some swimmers report skin sensitivity, which results in rashes and red, roughened skin. Chlorine-treated water notoriously dries your skin and your hair. The best way to avoid damaged hair is to cover it and prevent water from getting in. Swim caps also protect your head from sun and UV ray exposure when you swim outdoors, explains the U.S. Masters Swimming website. The thicker waterproof caps prevent potentially dangerous rays from penetrating through to your scalp. Swim caps are a less-messy alternative for sun avoidance than slathering sunscreen over your scalp and hair. (
Speed
You want to reduce drag in the water as much as possible, and tucking your hair back into a cap helps. Because water's resistance slows you down and makes you less efficient while swimming, you ideally minimize any bumps, lumps or wrinkles on your body. Elite male swimmers shave their bodies to cut a few fractions of a second in racing times. The hair on your head creates friction and drag, which is not troubling for casual swimmers but is a disadvantage in a race.
Types
Lycra-type spandex cloth caps are stretchy but not waterproof, so they function to tuck your hair away from your face but do not protect your scalp and hair from drying chlorine. Latex caps are very stretchy and keep water off of your head, and also block damaging UV rays. Some people experience extreme sensitivity to latex, though, and cannot use the product, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Silicone caps pull on and off smoothly and do not pull at your hair like latex caps. The silicone material of the caps is slightly thicker than latex and the caps are not as stretchy. You can buy silicone caps in many colors and select from junior or adult sizes. The waterproof caps fit tightly and present a sleek profile in the water. Neoprene caps with neck and chin protection function to keep you warmer in open water swims, where cold water necessitates some protective gear.
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