By Rachel Howatson

Published: Friday, 20 May 2022 at 12:00 am

Wherever you’re swimming, whether it’s your local leisure pool or in open water, a swim cap is an essential piece of kit. Swim caps ensure you remain streamlined and help reduce drag in the water, so they’re a handy tool if you’re looking to keep your time as tight as possible.

What’s more, they also help protect your hair from chlorine damage and, while there are swim shampoos and conditioners available, wearing a swim cap helps to keep your hair as dry and tangle-free as possible.

Hygiene is another factor to consider, and it’s compulsory to wear swim caps at some swimming venues, so it’s a wise idea to have an emergency swim cap in your bag so you’re not turned away.

And if you’re still not convinced, swim caps are an important part of swim safety. Brightly coloured swim caps increase your visibility in open water so it’s a good idea to wear one. We’ve included plenty of vibrant options in our list so you’re sure to be easily spotted.

You might even want to double up and wear two swim caps if you’re in chilly water. If you’d rather opt for a thicker option, take at look at the best cold water swim hats.

Best swim caps for 2022

HUUB Silicone Hat

If you’re after a lightweight swim cap, this pick from top triathlon brand Huub is one to consider. It promises a wrinkle-free fit so you can glide through the water at a fast pace and, with such a bold colour, you’ll easily be seen in the water, making it a safe choice for those open-water training sessions.

Having said that, if you’re not a fan of the orange, you’ll be glad to hear that there’s a wide range of colours to choose from. These include everything from white and red to blue and fluorescent green.

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Zone3 Silver Swim Cap

For a professional, sleek look, this silver swim cap from Zone3 has been designed with comfort in mind. With a focus on ensuring it’s not too tight or too loose, this product aims to make the process of putting on and removing your swim cap less of a struggle, so hopefully you can spend more time in the water and less time faffing about in the changing rooms wrestling with your cap.

Aqua Sphere Tri Silicone Swim Cap

If you’d like to go for a more alternative design, or for something that’s not a block colour, this Aqua Sphere swim cap is a stylish choice. It’s made with chlorine-resistant silicone and it has been approved by the International Swimming Federation (FINA), so it’s a top pick if you’re looking for a professional cap for competitions.