I've swam in several pools around Europe, including The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, and never had to wear a cap. While I was in Japan, many pools there (but not one I sometimes went to) required caps for everyone, no matter how short your hair (even bald). Strangely, you also couldn't wrap a towel around your waist, since there was no way to know if you actually had something on underneath.
Other than the forced usage, I've tried to wear caps a few times, but just could not find any that fit comfortably. I've heard wearing a cap can cut down on drag (similar to shaving down). I usually keep my hair fairly short so it doesn't get in the way.
I've swam in several pools around Europe, including The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, and never had to wear a cap. While I was in Japan, many pools there (but not one I sometimes went to) required caps for everyone, no matter how short your hair (even bald). Strangely, you also couldn't wrap a towel around your waist, since there was no way to know if you actually had something on underneath.
Other than the forced usage, I've tried to wear caps a few times, but just could not find any that fit comfortably. I've heard wearing a cap can cut down on drag (similar to shaving down). I usually keep my hair fairly short so it doesn't get in the way.
