Best swim cap

Keep your hair clean and ears protected in the pool with this vetted list of the best swim caps.

best swim cap
(Image credit: Arisa Chattasa via Unsplash)

There is nothing worse than wet hair and blocked ears after spending the day at the pool. With a swim cap, your hair stays clean and your ears stay dry. Swim caps come in different sizes and materials, so they can be truly tailored to your needs. Here's a roundup of my favorite options.  

Staff pick

Speedo unisex adult swim cap

(Image credit: Amazon)

Speedo unisex adult swim cap

Sleek and available in several styles

This swim cap is made from soft silicone that won't pull or tear your hair.

Pros:

  • Made from 100-percent silicone
  • Soft texture
  • Latex-free
  • Won't pull hair when applying or removing

Cons:

  • May cause friction on bald heads
  • May fit a little smaller than expected

This silicone swim cap is soft but snug, shielding hair and ears from the water. The soft, textured swim cap is flexible, allowing you to stretch it over your head without damaging your hair. Whether your hair is long or short, you won't have to worry about this gentle swim cap giving you split ends. If you have sensitivities, this swim cap is consciously free of latex.

Most spacious

best swim cap

(Image credit: Amazon)

Dsane extra-large swimming cap

Accommodates a range of lengthy coifs

Great for long and thick hair, this swim cap is extra roomy.

Pros:

  • Spacious design
  • Great for long and thick hair
  • Made from soft silicone
  • BPA-free
  • Comes with earplugs and a nose clip 

Cons:

  • May have a strong plastic odor
  • Seal may feel a little loose

This extra-large swim cap caters to voluminous and curly hair. Its spacious design will make it comfortable to wear for long periods, made with soft, BPA-free silicone so your skin and health are prioritized. Earplugs and a nose clip are included to make your swimming experience extra enjoyable. 

Best for kids

Aegend youth swim caps

(Image credit: Amazon)

Aegend swim caps

Sized for little swimmer

You'll get two colorful caps with this swim-ready selection.

Pros:

  • Two-pack
  • Great for kids ages 2 to 12
  • Brightly colored
  • Made from premium silicone
  • Tear-resistant
  • Non-toxic

Cons:

  • Quite small
  • May slip off silky hair

Terrific for kids ages 2 to 12, these brightly-colored swim caps will keep your children's ears and hair protected from chlorine. The non-toxic swim caps are made from premium silicone that's soft and stretchy. So, kids will be comfortable swimming every lap.

Best color selection

best swim cap

(Image credit: Amazon)

Swim Elite swim cap

Slip it on and swim away

This lightweight swim cap, available in many fun hues, can stretch to fit small and large heads.

Pros:

  • Unisex design
  • Ergonomically designed to contour your head
  • Lightweight and stretchy

Cons:

  • Water can seep in sometimes
  • Material can rip with rough handling

This swim cap is made from lightweight silicone, so it with stretch to fit small and large heads. The fitted design carefully contours the curves of your head and ears, making this swim cap extra comfortable for both men and women. And it's available in a variety of color to match any uniform or personal style. Happily use this high-quality cap for recreational and professional swimming. 

Best for men

Firesara fabric swim cap

(Image credit: Amazon)

Firesara fabric swim cap

Silicone-free option

Sail to through the water in style with this sleek fabric cap from Firesara.

Pros:

  • Made from breathable fabric
  • Quick-drying
  • Great for all hair types
  • Great for professional and recreational use

Cons:

  • Sized pretty small
  • Not very waterproof

Designed for both professional and recreational use, this swim cap is a terrific choice for men. It's made from soft, breathable fabric that's flexible and comfortable. And the quick-drying fabric keeps bacterial growth at bay because it won't stay damp in your equipment bag between washes. This convenient swim cap is compatible with all short hair types.

The bottom line

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best swim cap keeps your hair dry and your ears covered while in the pool. The latex-free Speedo unisex adult swim cap won't pull your hair, sitting comfortably on your head. This option is made from 100-percent silicone, so it's lightweight and easy to clean between swims. 

The Swim Elite swim cap is available in different color options, so it'll be as bright or as low-key as you'd like. Wear it while practicing your breaststroke, swimming in a competition, or splashing around recreationally. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.