This article discusses the characteristics of a silicone swim cap as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
This can be helpful if you are a beginner and wonder which kind of swim cap you should get.
History
While the latex swim cap was and still is popular, certain swimmers exhibit allergic reactions when they wear such a cap.
To prevent this problem, manufacturers started to use silicone as a material for swim caps, as silicone doesn’t lead to allergic reactions.
Nowadays silicone caps are the most used ones.
Characteristics
A silicone cap has the following characteristics:
- It is made of flexible silicone.
- It is a little bit thicker than a latex swim cap.
- It has a neutral smell.
- It is shinier than a latex swim cap.
- It can sport one or several colors per swim cap.
Advantages
A swim cap made of silicone has the following advantages:
It doesn’t generate allergic reactions like latex does.
It protects your hair well from chlorine.
It lasts longer than a latex swim cap, because it doesn’t get attacked by chlorine and because it is thicker and therefore tears less easily.
Because it is thicker than a latex swim cap, it keeps the head warmer in cold water.
It often looks better than its latex or neoprene counterparts, because it can sport several different color combinations, and because its finish is shinier.
Swim caps with a more exotic shape (for example the funny ones with a shark fin or the more serious ones with a chin strap) are often made of silicone because the material is better suited to create more complex shapes.
Disadvantages
A swim cap made of silicone has the following disadvantages:
It is more expensive than a latex swim cap.
It is less comfortable than a latex swim cap because it is thicker, less flexible and constricts the head more. On the other hand, it seems that your hair gets pulled less in silicone swim caps.
A silicone swim cap can slip a little bit more than a latex swim cap, but less than a lycra swim cap.
Conclusion
The silicone swim cap is your first choice if you are allergic to latex or want a better-looking swim cap that lasts longer, even though it is a little bit more expensive.
Margaret
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
I bought the Borkut swimming cap which is silicone and is advertised as "Premium Waterproof."
Although it fits more snugly than other caps I have tried, it does not keep my hair dry and I would not recommend getting this cap.
I have e-mailed the company to inquire about getting a refund and returning the cap but have not heard from them yet.
Editor's note: Borkut was an advertiser on this website in the past.