7 Best Swim Caps, Recommended by Olympians and Reviewed by Our Swimmer Editors
If nine-time gold medalist Katie Ledecky likes a swim cap, you know it has to be good.
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Swimming on a team throughout my childhood and teen years kept me active and helped me make friends—but there was one piece of gear I dreaded: the swim cap. While often a hassle, swim caps are essential for keeping hair out of your face, protecting it from chlorine, and reducing drag. Over time, I found that some brands and materials work much better than others. So whether you're getting into swimming yourself or your child is joining a team, I’ve rounded up the best swim caps for everything from casual laps to competitive racing.
Our top picks
- Best overall: TYR Wrinkle-Free Silicone Swim Cap
- Best value: TYR Latex Swim Cap
- Best for curly hair: Soul Cap Large Swim Cap for Long Hair
- Best for long hair: Speedo Silicone Long Hair Swim Cap
To find the best swim caps, I consulted experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles and Fitness Labs, and spoke with Olympic gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke about their preferred brands and materials for practice and racing. I also tested five swim caps myself—drawing on eight years as a competitive swimmer—reviewed online feedback, and spoke with GH editors with children on swim teams. Ahead are the best swim caps for all ages, hair types, and experience levels.
Pros
- Soft feel
- Does not pull on hair
- Reduces drag in the water
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Need to readjust it from time to time
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Any swimmer will appreciate this cap for practice, racing, or casual laps.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Not only did I prefer this TYR swim cap when I wore it to swim laps (which is a shocker, considering I'm a die-hard Speedo fan!), but Olympic gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke also told Good Housekeeping that they love it for practice. "I enjoy practicing in this cap because it provides a comfortable fit and helps protect my hair from harsh pool chemicals," Finke said. Silicone is a hypoallergenic, waterproof material, making it safe for your skin and helping protect your hair as much as possible (though water still seeps in through the edges of almost every cap).
The silicone material gives it a soft feel and prevents my hair from ripping out when I remove the cap. I found that this cap stayed in place better on my head than my other swim caps, and I felt less water enter my ears as I swam.
Like most silicone caps, I found myself readjusting it from time to time, but it stayed in place without feeling too tight. Additionally, the wrinkle-free design made the cap feel smooth and snug against my head, which is more hydrodynamic, reducing drag and helping me glide more efficiently through the water (not that I'm trying to go super fast at my local gym!). "It really is a game changer for triathlons and competitive swimming," says GH Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT, who has trained for multiple triathlons.
If you or your child is a competitive swimmer looking to take it to the next level, both Finke and Ledecky layer a silicone cap over a latex cap when competing. "The reason we race in these caps is due to the surface being slicker and smoother in the water than training caps," Finke said.
| Material | Silicone |
| Colors | 9 |
Katie Ledecky wore a TYR silicone swim cap at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she added four more medals to her collection.
Pros
- Does not budge
- Ribbed edges for a tight fit
- Layers well under a silicone cap for races
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Latex caps can pull at hair
- More prone to ripping
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This $5 cap is ideal for a swimmer on a budget or looking to layer swim caps for races.
WHY WE LOVE IT: I’ve always avoided latex caps—they can pull out hair when you take them off (ouch). But paired with a silicone cap, they create an ideal setup for races or long training sessions.
Finke and Ledecky both wear a TYR latex cap as a base layer, topped with the TYR Silicone Tracer-X Racing Swim Cap. “The under cap helps keep the slicker dome cap in place when you race and smooths the surface,” Finke says. He also notes that a latex base adds security in case the top layer slips off. Ledecky adds that the latex cap keeps her hair in place and creates a closer fit when layering a silicone cap on top.
One downside of silicone caps is that they can slip, while latex caps stay put—especially this one, with ribbed edges for a more secure fit. “I’ll wear a latex cap for longer, distance-focused practices because it doesn’t move as much during flip turns,” Ledecky says.
At around $5, this cap is budget-friendly, but it won’t last as long as silicone. While Ledecky finds her TYR latex caps durable, I’ve had my fair share of latex caps rip over time.
Features at a Glance
| Material | Latex |
| Colors | 14 |
Pros
- Comes in four sizes
- Designed to fit long curly hair and protective hairstyles
- Made with silicone
- Extra space and volume
Cons
- Hair will still get a bit wet
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Thick, curly hair and various hairstyles, such as dreadlocks, braids, and more, can fit into this cap, specifically designed for Black swimmers with extra space.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Hair is a major barrier to entry in swimming—most caps aren’t designed with Black hair in mind. That’s what makes Soul Cap stand out: the brand creates caps that fit snugly while comfortably accommodating long, thick, curly hair (2a to 4c), as well as dreadlocks, braids, twists, and other protective styles (read Soul Cap’s story here).
This silicone cap is gentle on hair, won’t snag strands, and comes in four sizes (M–XXL). Despite its extra volume, it creates a tight seal along the hairline to help keep water out and is durable enough to support heavier styles like dreadlocks. "Just love how my locs are fully covered and protected. My whole life, I could never find a cap for Black hair, and this is it. Just love it," one online customer shared.
While the brand claims it keeps hair completely dry, no cap can fully do that. For the best seal, choose the smallest size that comfortably fits your hair. Soul Cap also offers a regular swim cap, which works better for those with shorter curly hair. There is also a junior swim cap to fit kids' hair while staying snug on a smaller head.
| Material | Silicone |
| Colors | 10 |
Pros
- Can fit long hair
- Does not pull at strands
- Great shape for practice and races
- Stayed in place while swimming laps
Cons
- Won't comfortably fit thick curly hair
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those with long, straight, or slightly wavy hair will appreciate the extra space in this cap.
WHY WE LOVE IT: While this cap doesn't offer as much volume as the Soul Cap, it's excellent for someone with long, straight hair. This cap is designed with extra space, allowing longer hair to be tucked in without the cap ripping or slipping up and off the head. It's also ideal if you don't wear your hair in a bun while swimming because you can easily tuck strands into this dome-shaped cap.
For context, I have straight, long hair that reaches halfway down my chest and is on the thinner side. This cap fits my hair perfectly and is more comfortable for swimming laps than my regular Speedo swim cap. Additionally, it stayed in place well and kept water out of my ears more effectively.
If your hair is straight or only slightly wavy but incredibly long (reaching past the chest and down to your hips), then I recommend the TYR Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap. This cap has a different shape to fit a larger bun from long hair, which was a bit too much space for me.
| Material | Silicone |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Tons of colors and fun designs
- Small size suited for kids' heads
- Thick and durable
Cons
- Kids may need help putting it on
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Young kids will love the fun designs on these smaller swim caps from Sporti.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Little kids have little heads—so their caps need to be little, too. The Sporti Silicone Swim Cap for Kids is designed to fit snugly on children's heads, allowing them to swim comfortably. It's made of silicone, so it won't pull on their hair, and it comes with a variety of fun designs, including a ladybug, a shark, and a bucket of popcorn.
Sporti offers solid colors without designs, but this adorable fish will make a kid excited to jump into a cold pool. Plus, it's always recommended that kids wear bright suits so you and lifeguards can easily spot them in case of an emergency. Why not choose a bright color for a cap, too? If adults want a fun design, check out Sporti's Adult Caps (I know I'll be getting the constellation swim cap).
The cap is thick and durable, but this can also make it a bit challenging for young swimmers to put on the cap independently. Lend them a hand, and your little fish will be in the water in no time.
| Material | Silicone |
| Colors | 34 |
Pros
- Easy for kids to get on and off
- Tons of colors
- Reinforced edge
- Smooth and comfortable
Cons
- Can be too small for adults
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Older kids who need a great cap for practice and meets will like this cap.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Arena is another brand that many professional and competitive swimmers wear (I used to have an Arena cap!). One GH editor's son is on a swim team, and all the kids wear this swim cap. He loves it because "it's easy to take on and off." It's another silicone cap, so it's stretchy, durable, gentler on hair, and comfortable to wear. Plus, there are 20 fun colors for kids to choose from.
This cap is a bit tighter and smaller than other adult cap, so while it's not labeled as a kid cap, it's a great option for older kids, tweens, and teens.
| Material | Silicone |
| Colors | 20 |
Pros
- Soft and gentle on hair
- Will not pull on strands
- Keeps hair off your face
Cons
- Not hydrodynamic
- Does not protect hair against chlorine as well as other caps
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those looking for a cap to keep hair out of their face.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Lycra caps are the least hydrodynamic and offer minimal protection from chlorine and water, making them a poor choice for frequent swimmers. However, they’re soft, flexible, and often more comfortable for casual use.
While silicone caps are gentler on hair than latex, Lycra caps are the most hair-friendly of all—though the trade-off is that they let in much more water.
I would not recommend a Lycra swim cap as a first choice, and almost every swimmer will agree. However, if you are set on getting a fabric cap, I'd recommend going with this one from TYR.
This cap can also serve as a base layer for swimming, but it won't keep the outer cap in place as well as a latex cap. Additionally, tight-fitting silicone caps can sometimes cause a headache after a long swim, so this is a great option if you prefer something less constricting on your forehead.
Features at a Glance
| Material | Lycra |
| Colors | 4 |
How we chose the best swim caps
For this story, I tested five swim caps during regular lap swimming sessions and combined those results with expert input and consumer feedback.
I spoke to Olympic swimmers Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke (pictured swimming the butterfly) about the swim caps they use in training and competition. They have extensive experience with swim caps and in the pool (Finke says he spends four hours or more a day in the water!).
I also analyzed retailer reviews and swimmer discussions on Reddit to identify common pros, cons, and durability concerns. I also consulted Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab, for guidance on fit, comfort, and performance considerations.
I swim more than 2,000 yards about three times per week and previously competed for eight years. Over several months, I evaluated each cap for fit, comfort, durability, thickness, and how well it stayed in place, noting whether it pulled on hair during removal.
How to choose the best swim cap for you
The swim cap you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference—most are quite similar once you find a brand and material you like.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping:
✔️ Material: Swim caps mainly come in three types of materials: silicone, latex, and Lycra. Understanding the different materials can help you choose what's right for you.
- Silicone: This synthetic rubber-like polymer creates a stretchy, soft, smooth, and comfortable swimming cap. Silicone caps are smoother, thicker, more durable, and gentler on hair than latex caps, but they tend to slide up more easily on your head. Olympic swimmers Finke and Ledecky both use silicone caps in practice and for races.
- Latex: Made from rubber, latex swim caps are incredibly stretchy. Both Finke and Ledecky said they wear latex caps under silicone caps when racing because they stay in place best and work well as an underlayer for silicone caps. Latex caps are typically cheaper, wrinkle more easily, and tug at hair more harshly, but they stay in place on your head better than silicone caps.
- Lycra: Made of spandex and elastane, Lycra caps are a softer fabric material. This material is not hydrodynamic, and your hair will quickly get wet in the pool, but it will not rip any hair out and is a gentle option for casual swimmers.
✔️ Fit: A swim cap should fit snugly, stay in place, and fully contain your hair. Most brands offer regular and long-hair versions in each material, while Soul Cap provides multiple sizes for fuller hairstyles. Choose based on your hair’s length, thickness, and texture, and opt for kid-sized caps for younger swimmers.
✔️ Color: While the color of a swim cap may not be the most essential feature, it's a fun one to consider. I prefer darker colors for my swim caps, but it's ideal for younger kids to wear bright colors when swimming, especially if they're new to the sport. Caregivers, lifeguards, and swim coaches may be able to spot a bright-colored swim cap better than a swimsuit, so if they need help in the pool, it will come in handy.
Do I need a swim cap to swim laps?
Technically, you do not need a swim cap to swim laps. However, I strongly recommend swimming with a cap if your hair is longer than a pixie cut, as it keeps it out of your face.
Even if you do not care about being more hydrodynamic with a cap on, it is much more comfortable to swim with your hair tucked into a cap than to have loose strands. Whenever I try to swim in my backyard pool with my hair in a ponytail or bun, it gets in my face, blocks my vision, and feels uncomfortable swishing around.
Additionally, wearing a swim cap is more hygienic, as it prevents hair from clogging drains and shedding into the water.
Will swim caps keep my hair completely dry?
Swim caps will not keep your hair completely dry. Some brands claim that their caps will keep your hair entirely dry, but you will almost certainly come out of the pool with your hair at least a little damp. Water can seep in through the edges of your cap, but silicone and latex caps are slightly better at keeping water out.
The tighter the cap fits around your head, the better it will keep water out. You can also try double-layering your caps as a second line of defense, but if you're spending a decent amount of time in the pool, you should expect it to get anywhere from damp to soaking wet, even with a cap on.
How else can I protect hair from chlorine?
Some people suggest wetting your hair first, then applying conditioner or a hair mask, and finally putting on a swim cap to help protect your strands from chlorine. Finke and Ledecky say they don't do anything special to their hair before getting into the water. "Most products or methods cause the caps to slip off during practice," Finke says.
That matched my experience: the TYR Silicone Cap slid off more easily and needed frequent readjustment when I used this method. Still, if you’re willing to adjust your cap occasionally and want extra moisture, it’s worth trying.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Isabella Cavallo is the editorial commerce editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has experience testing and reviewing all sorts of athletic gear, including running vests and fitness trackers. She was a competitive swimmer for eight years. She recently picked the sport back up, swimming around 2,000 yards three days per week in 2025.
To gain more insight into the best swim caps, Cavallo tapped Team USA to discover what caps professional swimmers wear, love, and recommend. World record holders and Olympic gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke both shared their thoughts on which caps they wear for practice and races, and how they wear them.
Cavallo also consulted the GH Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab Director, Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT. Sassos oversees fitness gear testing, and for this story, she shared her experience with different swim cap brands during triathlon training.
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