Swim Caps

Hi Liana, I just went from regularly using latex to a silicone cap. I used to love the latex ones, and they're fine if you use some conditioner in your hair they won't pull as much, but they don't last as long either. The silicone one I just bought stretches really easily and is easier on my hair. I also just like the way it fits better. I think on the whole it's an individual call just depends on what you like. The latex ones are pretty cheep so it can't hurt to just try one out to see if you like it. I have no experience with the lycra ones..?? anyone esle tried using these?

silicone - last longer, more expensive, not as much warning before they die latex - cheaper, less durable, get really funky (gummy, discolored spots) towards end of life, maybe a little stretchier, more variety of designs

Its funny latex ,lycra or silicon..thats all there is to caps..and thats what most swimmers think. Really theres more and latex caps sometimes get a bad rep because everybody thinks of the typical cheap thin "raceing caps" that pull hair roll up rip ect. theres many more latex caps that are great for lap swimming, I perfer the bubble crepe cap with the old fashion strap. Easy to slip on and protective plus no pulling hair and available in real head sizes. . Lately they been worn by English Channel swimmers male and female as they are channel legal and some of the San Francisco Bay "Alcatraz Swim Team" swimmers are wearing them in bright Yellow as they can wear the one cap year round and also train for channel swims with the same style cap. See the "Swim Cap Guide for details on caps "more then you want to know" quote by "Emmit Hines" www.geocities.com/.../scg.html Lots of links too see the swim band link to keep hair dryer under a swim cap.

I have a lot of long hair so I prefer the silicone kind because it is easier to get all of my hair in it. They seem to stretch pretty well but I find that after a couple of months they have become too stretchy and need to be replaced. I don't like the feeling of the cap sliding back. Plus the latex caps do get kind of nasty especially if it's a pale color. Not wearing a cap would be a complete disaster for me...

I feel like a spaz, what the hell is my cap made out of?? I will have to go home & check. It's something I have never used before but I love it! There were those cheapo kind years & years ago I used to use but there were kinda crappy.

I've tried to go silicone (I have a very pretty Speedo silicone composite cap) but it just didn't work out. It just didn't stretch enough. Actually, Speedo latex doesn't fit me right either. Tyr latex fit comfortably enough (I have long, thick hair so I need something with a little more give in order to get it all stuffed up in there.) I have to wear a cap or else my hair is a nightmare!

Lycra caps aren't bad... Cheap and cheerful. I used to wear one ages ago. They don't really protect the hair and don't reduce drag, though.

I prefer the Silicone caps for practice since they seem to last longer but they slip more. For meets I use Latex, they stay on better.

Where I swim it is too warm to wear a cap - traps the heat in. In meets I prefer silicon. Have no idea if it works or not. I have always thought caps would reduce drag so the one that fits the smoothest on your head would be the one for you. That is silicon for me.

Just how much will these caps stretch? I have never worn one, but am planning to participate in an open water swim next month where they are required. I wear hat size 7 7/8 and have not been able to find anything in the past 40 years that fit except a couple of hats that are custom-made.