Hats are needed or not needed is a moot point. But if you are considering buying it, you need to know the following things.
Pool caps
If you are going to go to the pool, you will definitely be asked to buy a cap for the child. A hat is needed for several reasons.
Do not irritate the child in the water with extraneous movements. When hair climbs into the eyes or interferes with swimming, the child quickly gets bored with activities. Children, especially younger ones, will not push their hair out of their eyes. Or they will rub their eyes hard, which, combined with the chemistry that the pool is treated with, will lead to reddening of the eyes.
Reduce water resistance. When the hair is under the cap, the water resistance is reduced and it is easier for the child to swim. Children under 2.5 years old swim underwater, because the structural features and development of muscles do not allow them to keep their heads above the water. The cap will help the child to swim further.
Reduce heat dissipation. The child gives off the most heat through the head, since it is this part of the body that is in contact with the air. The faster the child gives off heat, the faster he begins to freeze. Parents use not only caps, but also wetsuits to make the child feel comfortable in the pool.
Keep water clean. When we swim without a cap, we lose our hair. Hair loss is a natural process that occurs in all people. Hair gets into the pool filters and clogs them, so the water is cleaned much worse.
Expert comment
Julia Splash About
In a poorly fitting hat, hair gets into the water. Even if you don't think about pool filters clogged with hair, this is bad for another reason. Small children in the pool swallow water. Hair gets into the mouth with water and provokes a gag reflex, because children are sensitive to foreign objects in their mouths. After that, the whole group leaves the pool and it is closed for disinfection, and the next classes are canceled. It's a shame when a badly matched hat becomes the reason for everything.
In any cap, the hair is likely to get wet, so do not look for a cap that tightly protects the child's head. The water in the pool is treated with modern disinfectants, so visiting the pool several times a week will not harm the hair. An incorrectly chosen cap presses the head and interferes with swimming. Young children may react negatively to swimming because they associate swimming with being uncomfortable with a cap.
Caps for trips to the sea
Think that a cap is not needed at sea is a mistake. Sea water is an aggressive medium for hair. When the hair dries out, especially in direct sunlight, the sun's rays, along with the salt, corrode the hair. They become porous, brittle and dry.
Each person's hair contains melanin - it is responsible for hair color, strengthens their structure and makes them strong. Under the action of the sun, the melanin in the hair breaks down, so the hair loses its natural shade and becomes whitish. In children, this process happens very quickly.
It is inconvenient for a child to swim in panama - it gets wet and interferes with swimming. Swimming without a hat is dangerous, in addition to burning your hair, you can get sunstroke. If the child goes through several cycles of "swim-play on the shore-swim", it is convenient to put on a special cap for the sea and not worry.
Why is a hat more comfortable than panama
- does not fall off the head, so you do not have to correct it if the wind blew or the child plays too actively with other children;
- protects from sunlight and wind;
- invisible to the child - the child does not feel the correctly selected cap, and therefore does not pull it off the head;
- reduces heat transfer, so the child is less cold on land and in water;
- does not lose its appearance from sea water, it is enough to rinse it in the evening and dry it;
- although it sits tightly - it lets air through, so the head does not sweat.
Hats for babies
Babies are very sensitive to little things. It is enough to put on a cap unsuccessfully once and the child will remember that this is connected with the pool. If he still has unsuccessful associations, he may refuse to go to the pool at all. Therefore, for babies, it is better to choose a hat that is easy to put on. This is a nylon and lycra fabric cap.
The cap should be selected according to the circumference of the head. If it is large, it will fall off when diving. If the elastic is too tight, the child will uncomfortable
Expert comment
Julia , has been picking hats for children for 6 years, director of Splash About
Based on the experience of my children and many years of experience at work, I always advise young children to buy only cloth hats. They put on easily and quickly. Silicone caps, on the other hand, cling to the hair very strongly, so children have negative associations of “hurt-pool”. If you are instilling a love of water, think about these little things in advance.
The fabric cap has another indisputable plus - it helps to put on swimming goggles painlessly. Children often refuse glasses because the rubber rims catch and pull on their hair painfully. It is more convenient and safer to swim in goggles, especially if the child's eyes turn red after swimming. A fabric cap solves this problem.
Hats for preschool children
If the child does not have discomfort that the hair is constantly in contact with water, also take cloth hats. If there is discomfort or long hair, be guided by the following.
Latex hats. Suitable for boys with short hair. Since they are very cheap, they can be changed often and it is not a pity if the child loses. They are inconvenient to pull on, as they cling to the hair and cause discomfort. Easily torn and sticky. From 100 ₽.
silicone caps. Suitable for girls with long hair. Easy to stretch and do not tear. Do not frown and do not shake your head. Some hats have a thickening around the ears. It minimizes water intrusion into the ears and improves the fit. For long hair, take a hat for an adult, otherwise the usual children's hat will fly off. Also look at the processing of the edge. If a thickening is made at the edge, the cap will fit better.
There is an opinion that seamless beanies fit better than beanies with a seam. Everyone is different, so it's best to measure. From 400 ₽.
Combined hats.
Suitable for everyone. These are caps, silicone or polyurethane on the outside and cloth on the inside. Doesn't tear or tangle hair. They are comfortable to wear and almost do not let water through. From 800 ₽.
How to choose the size of a swimming cap for a child
Try on.If this is not possible, measure the circumference of the child's head and divide in half. Take a centimeter to the store (or ask the seller for a ruler), measure the side of the cap and multiply by 1.7-1.8. Usually caps stretch almost twice, but in practice it is more convenient to take a little looser for a child.
There are two sizes of hats - children's and adult. But if the child has a large head or long hair, the baby hat may be small. Ask the seller for the smallest adult hat, even among hats there are small and large sizes.
Beanie size 18m+ on 8 year old child. If you take a neutral color, this hat will suit your mother too. Photo Splash About
How to put on a hat to sit tight
There are many instructions on how to stretch the cap and pull it over your head. But when you put a cap on a child and then he dives into the pool, it slips a little. This is due to the fact that air remains in it and when immersed, it collects at the top.
To prevent this from happening, professional athletes put on a hat like this: they pour water into it and stick their head in a bucket of water. When the athlete unbends, water flows out and caps. But there is no air bubble in the cap.
For a child, it is better to put on a cap on wet hair, slightly slamming the resulting bubble. So the cap will not slide off the head in the water.
In the pool are considered: a swimsuit for women, or special swimming trunks for men, goggles (optional) and, of course, a high-quality swimming cap. All professional swimmers are sure that the choice of a cap should be approached responsibly, since it depends on the choice how well the hair will be protected from the harmful effects of bleach on the hair, whether it will pass water or not, and how long it will be worn.
A cheap cap that is not the right size will not protect against chemistry, it will quickly break through and will not provide the necessary ergonomics.
Types of swimming caps
Caps for swimming are classified depending on the material of their manufacture. The following types are divided:
Latex
The first swimming caps were made of latex, but they are rapidly losing popularity and are almost not used anymore. This is due to the fact that they are made from a thin and unpleasant material to the skin. They are difficult to put on, but even more difficult to remove without damaging the hair. They also often cause allergies. Their only plus is low cost (within 1-3 dollars). Arena Soft Latex is considered the most popular model of latex caps.
Silicone
The best choice for professionals and amateurs will be a new generation of silicone caps. They have a dense, pleasant texture. Such an accessory can be easily removed and put on without causing any harm to the hair. Their distinctive plus is absolute hypoallergenicity. Silicone hats are available in different variations and colors. A wide range allows you to choose stylish accessory, which is well suited for a swimsuit or swimming trunks. top models silicone caps according to consumers and experts were recognized:
fabric
Another option for swimming caps is fabric. It is easy to put on, does not cause any discomfort, but has a significant disadvantage - it quickly passes water, so it is not suitable for those who prefer the attribute not to pass chlorinated water. As the material of manufacture, lycra, polyamide and others are mainly used. Great examples of a cloth pool cap are Arena Unix and Mad Wave Adult Lycra. 
Combined
The last type is combined, they combine two materials at once, for example, silicone on the outside and soft fabric inside. They are ideal for those who care about their health, safety and comfort even in the process of playing sports. Their advantages: imperceptible to wear, easy to put on and take off, they do not cause allergies, protect hair and skin from water and bleach. The best example is the Speedo Pace Cap. Worthy competition to it is the Arena Light Sensation model. 
The type of hat for purchase is determined by the preferences of the owner. If the owner values comfort and hypoallergenicity above all, then he should pay attention to textile accessories. But if he prioritizes hair protection from bleach and convenience, you need to choose combined or rubber models.
How to choose a swimming cap
The choice of a hat depends on the purposes for which it will be used (sports or amateur visits to the pool), so the choice should be based on the following points:
- A good pool cap should cover your ears to keep water out.
- For professional swimmers, the issue of ergonomics is a priority, therefore best option- an accessory that will help reduce the friction of water during movement.
- Those who care about the health of their hair should choose an attribute that will protect them from the harmful effects of bleach and, accordingly, from water. Swimming should bring!
- Also, ALL hair on the head should fall under the cap. Firstly, this is a mandatory rule of hygiene in the pool, and secondly, they will not interfere while swimming, and thirdly, it will help not to freeze, because loose wet hair stimulates rapid heat loss.
Based on these factors, you can make your own rating of pool caps and rely on it to make a choice. And we will offer several options that you may be interested in.
The best swimming caps
According to the reviews of experts and buyers, the best hats were recognized as:
Adidas PU CT CP 1PC
Adidas “PU CT CP 1PC” swim cap (value ~$20). Such an attribute is made of high-quality and dense material, resistant to wear and tear. It does not press down the head, it is removed and put on without problems. Suitable for those who want to look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time. Among the shortcomings: it does not completely cover the ears of the owners of long and thick hair. 
Speedo Fastskin3
Speedo Fastskin3 (cost ~$40). Fastskin3 is a line of three accessories: swim cap, goggles and suit. Each of which is as close as possible to perfection. This is the result of the company's fundamental research, which involved specialists in hydrodynamics, optics, physiology, coaches and professional swimmers. The disadvantages include the very tangible cost of a cap for the pool. 
Arena 3D Ultra
Arena 3D Ultra (cost ~$15). Silicone cap, excellent streamlining. It has a special cutout at the back in the neck area for better fit. 
Suodunbaoluo HW0101
Suodunbaoluo HW0101 (only ~$3). The material of this accessory is smooth, durable and pleasant to the touch. Does not damage hair and does not cause allergies. Available in 12 different colors, each one looks beautiful and stylish. Ease of care will be an undeniable advantage. After use, it is enough to rinse it under cold running water and dry well. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the lack of a company logo on some models. 
VIEW TS V31 NBL
VIEW TS V31 NBL (Aliexpress price ~$3-5). Another worthy representative conquered buyers with its shape. Elongated "ears" fit snugly to the head, preventing moisture from penetrating under the material. High elasticity and hypoallergenicity of the material allow adults and children to use the cap. The only downside is that it takes some getting used to. For the first time, it is rather inconvenient to put on.
Banfei 1135
Banfei 1135 (average price of which is ~$5). This combination beanie combines best qualities: Polyester provides comfort and convenience to wear, and high-quality silicone protects against moisture. It sits tightly on the head and reduces the friction of the water, so it will be a good companion for professional swimmers. The only negative that buyers found was the smell of rubber. However, it wears off after a couple of uses. 
comparison table
| Material | pros | Minuses | Price | |
| Adidas “PU CT CP 1PC” | Silicone | High-quality, dense and wear-resistant material, comfortable to wear | Not suitable for those with thick or long hair | ~ 20$ |
| Speedo Fastskin3 | Silicone | Silicone highest quality. Fine streamlining and ergonomics, convenient in operation and donning. | High price | ~ 40$ |
| Arena 3D Ultra | Silicone | No wrinkles or folds. Special cutout at the neck for a snug fit. | Not many colors. | ~ 15$ |
| Suodunbaoluo HW0101 | Silicone | Thick and smooth material, hypoallergenic, hair protection, easy care | Lack of company logo on some models | ~ 3$ |
| VIEW TS V31 NBL | Silicone | Elongated lugs for moisture protection, hypoallergenic, elastic | Uncomfortable to put on | ~ 3-5$ |
| Banfei 1135 | Combined | Comfort, convenience, hair protection, reduces water friction | Strong rubber smell | ~ 5$ |
How to choose the size
By size, pool accessories are divided into children's and adults. Many models are suitable for all age categories, thanks to the elastic material. Before buying, it must be tried on. If it presses when trying on, then in the process of subsequent wear due to high pressure, headaches and discomfort may occur.
How to put on a swim cap
There is a simple algorithm for how to put on swimming caps easily and without problems, even for those who do it for the first time. To do this, you need to insert two palms into the cap back side, stretch it in width, tilt your head a little and begin to gradually pull it over your head, starting from the top of your head to the neck. For owners (or owners) of long hair, it is advisable to first make a tight bun, and only after that put on an accessory.
Latex, silicone, and sometimes combined caps for swimming in the pool can cause discomfort - squeezing the head, headaches and dizziness. The appearance of a cap made of fabric helped to solve this issue.
purpose
Cloth swimming caps are designed to protect hair from the negative effects of chlorinated water, the body from cooling and help people feel comfortable during activities. Without a cap, according to the rules for visiting the swimming pool, you may not be allowed into the pool.
Cloth swim caps are mainly a women's accessory that allows you to feel comfortable during your activities. Cloth swim caps are not designed for active or sports swimming, because they let water through and do not create necessary protection. Therefore, they are used only for practicing a calm sport, such as water aerobics.
For their tailoring, synthetic materials are used, which are used in the manufacture of swimwear. Such materials include polyamide, lycra, acrylic, microfiber and other fabrics. Fabric caps are presented in a wide range of colors and with interesting draperies. For women, this is a great find how to profitably present your image in the pool, because in any conditions she tries to look beautiful and well-groomed.
Advantages of fabric caps
The advantages of these swimming caps include comfort, a variety of colors and a low price.
Comfort should include not only the fact that it does not put pressure on the head, but also the fact that it is easy to put on and take off. Compared to other types of swimming headwear, this attribute can be put on like a regular cap and removed with one hand.
The advantage of a fabric hat is that it is easy to care for. After use, it is enough to rinse it under water using soap. Dry it only at room temperature or outside, but not in direct sunlight, which leads to color fading. Also, you can not dry the hat on the batteries.
Disadvantages of cloth swimming caps
Fabric hats have one serious drawback, they let water through. Cloth caps while swimming in the pool are not effective. Because of this shortcoming, they are not popular among professional athletes and men who like to swim in the pool. The only people who use them are women and children.
Girls with long hair may face another disadvantage. Hats are difficult to stretch, so it is difficult to style hair under them. To avoid this problem, you need to choose the right headgear for swimming. Read about in the article at the link.
How to choose a fabric swimming cap
Fabric hats are easier to choose than silicone or other types. When choosing hats made of fabric, you should carefully examine the seams by which you can determine the quality of the product. You should not buy hats with elongated loops on the line, inaccurately stitched or with protruding threads. Such products will not last long and after two or three classes you will have to deal with repairs.
When choosing, pay attention to uniform color. Colored hats should have an even color without faded spots.
The cloth hats are the same size. Therefore, the purchased hat will fit on the head of any anatomical structure. For girls with long hair, we recommend choosing hats with pleats. Thanks to this cut, it is possible to style the hair without damaging it.
Which fabric swimming cap to choose
The main manufacturers of hats are Fila, Joss, Speedo, Nabaiji, Arena. Price in stores - from 200 rubles.
It is best to choose a hat not from pure cotton, but from a material containing synthetic additives. Composition of the perfect jersey hat: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane. This combination allows you to achieve the necessary elasticity and at the same time remain breathable.
Cheaper textile caps are 100% polyester. For example, by Speedo, the Polyester Cap series is constructed from polyester and panels of the same color. A special material called Endurance by the manufacturer is resistant to chlorine. The undoubted advantage of polyester caps is that they dry much faster than ordinary textile swimming caps.
In preparing the article, we analyzed the market for fabric swimming caps, studied customer reviews after using the caps. The table below contains information about the hats of which manufacturers are sold, their composition has been studied, and the dependence of the product price on the composition of the material and the manufacturer's brand has been established.
|
Manufacturer |
Country of manufacture |
Compound |
purpose |
Price |
|
|
adult |
polyester - 100% |
for swimming |
from 200 rubles |
||
|
ARENA (Polyester series) |
adult |
polyester - 100% |
for swimming |
from 300 rubles |
|
|
ARENA (Unix series) |
adult |
polyamide 80%, elastane 20% |
for swimming |
from 700 rubles |
|
|
adult |
polyamide 82%, elastane 18% |
for swimming |
from 500 rubles |
||
|
Adidas (Infinitex series) |
adult |
polyamide 78%, elastane 22% |
for swimming, for water polo |
from 800 rubles |
|
|
Speedo (Polyester Cap Series) |
adult |
polyester - 100% |
for swimming |
from 300 rubles |
|
|
Speedo (Pace series) |
adult |
Nylon 100% |
for swimming |
from 600 rubles |
|
|
Speedo (Monogram series) |
adult |
50% - nylon, lycra, 50% - polyester |
for swimming |
from 700 rubles |
|
|
Mad Wave (LONG HAIRS series) |
for women with long hair |
nylon - 80%, lycra - 20% |
for swimming |
from 900 rubles |
|
|
Mad Wave (Kids series) |
lycra textiles |
for swimming |
from 350 rubles |
You can buy fabric swim caps at any sports store or online store. The advantage of using an online store is a wide selection of goods. You can find a lot more fabric swimming caps on the World Wide Web than in stores. In addition, you can go to the official website of manufacturers and make a purchase through it. Prices on such sites are slightly lower than in stores. The disadvantage of such a purchase is the inability to examine the product. Quality can only be assessed at the time of its receipt. Our advice - read carefully the terms of delivery, warranty and the possibility of returning the product if it does not fit.
How to use a beanie
The cloth swim cap is only suitable for aqua aerobics. To put it on, you need to stick your hands inside. Then gradually put the cap on the head, pulling it first on the forehead, temples, ears, and only at the end on the back of the head. Then gently correct it, and tuck the fallen curls and bangs under it, using only one finger.
After class, it is enough to rinse the cap under running water and dry at room temperature. The hat is stored like all other things - in the closet.
A swimming cap is an element of a swimmer's equipment that performs several functions:
protects the ears from water ingress;
protects hair from the negative effects of chlorinated water and getting wet (it is worth noting that no model is able to provide complete protection against getting wet when diving);
reduces water resistance, therefore, increases swimming speed;
protects against hypothermia: it is known that a person loses the lion's share of heat through the surface of the head;
removes hair from the face, which prevents hair from getting into the eyes or tangling them;
prevents hair from getting into the water and pool filters, which means they become clogged. The use of a swimming cap is a requirement for swimming in many pools.
Purpose
In addition to the usual models designed for swimming in the pool, there are the following types of swimming caps.
Home- designed for professional swimmers participating in competitions. It is distinguished by high hydrodynamic properties: it perfectly follows the contours of the head and does not form wrinkles, therefore it allows the athlete to develop high speed. In some parts of the head, it can have a different thickness. However, the price of such a model is much higher than ordinary hats.
water polo- used for team water polo. Unlike conventional models, such a hat is equipped with special plastic inserts (ear protectors) that protect the ears from a flying ball, inaccurate actions of players, and various blows.
For long hair- consists of a fabric bandana and an outer cap. This design allows you to first remove the hair, and then put on a hat.
Material
Latex a hat is inexpensive, but has a number of disadvantages: thin, easily torn, hard to put on the head, sticks to the hair, which leads to tearing when removed. Besides, latex cap electrifies hair and can cause allergies. This product is suitable only for people with a very short haircut. A latex cap may, as an exception, be used as a spare.
Important: so that the latex cap does not stick together, after drying, it should be treated with talcum powder.
Silicone cap - strong, durable and elastic (stretches 2 times): it is easy to put on and take off. The product does not let water through and tightly fits the head, but does not stick to the hair and does not pull it out when removed. The silicone cap ensures minimal friction with the water, which means it effectively reduces water resistance. This model does not cause allergies and is distinguished by a variety of colors and patterns.
All these advantages make the silicone cap the best choice in most cases. It is good for people with long hair. However, the price of such a product is higher than the latex model. In addition, for some sensitive people, the silicone cap can cause discomfort that is very strong, according to them, squeezing the forehead and ears.
Meet seamless and suture silicone caps. In theory, seamless models are stronger, but in practice, suture models demonstrate high strength and reliability.
The silicone cap is easy to care for: just rinse it in water and dry at room temperature.
Important: although the silicone cap is quite strong, but the hairpins can damage it. Therefore, to fix long hair, it is recommended to use elastic bands. Before putting on a hat, it is better to remove sharp earrings and jewelry from your hands - they can also ruin the product.
tissue(polyester, lycra, polyamide, elastomer) - inexpensive and soft hat: very easy to put on and take off; does not electrify the hair and does not squeeze the head.
The fabric model allows water to pass through and increases friction in the water: suitable for aqua aerobics, beginner swimmers, not for swimming at speed. The only property of a fabric cap is to keep hair from entering the pool.
Important: hairpins can be used with a fabric cap: a few small holes will not affect its quality in any way.
Combined cap - consists of two materials: silicone (outer part) and fabric ( inner part). This combines the strength of silicone and the softness of fabric. The combined cap is easy to put on and take off, does not let water through and does not electrify the hair, easy to care for. This model is the most practical and convenient, but also expensive.
The combo cap is ideal for training and aqua aerobics, but not suitable for speed swimming due to the fabric. In this case, it is better to opt for a smooth silicone model.
rubber cap- outdated version. Unlike the silicone model, it is not so elastic, but it is quite strong and wear-resistant.
The size
Swimming caps come in sizes for adults (male/female) and for children. The children's model differs from the adult cap in a smaller volume. Some manufacturers offer medium-sized models designed for people with small heads or teenagers.
Sometimes you can find the following gradation of sizes:
- 1st category - children's;
- Category 2 - universal;
- Category 3 - for people with a very large head.
The cap is selected with a mandatory fitting. This is the only way to evaluate how convenient a particular model is. The main criterion is that the cap should not squeeze the head too much.
Design
A modern hat can act as a decorative accessory. There are models in retro style (with a strap fastened on the chin) or with a three-dimensional pattern. Hats for women are often decorated with flowers in the form of flowers.
For people with long hair, interesting models have been developed with a special recess for hair in the form of a small comb or mohawk at the crown.
Children's models are distinguished by their bright design: execution in the form of an animal's muzzle, the image of cartoon characters and fairy tales. The design of the water polo cap is selected taking into account the symbols of the team.
To emphasize individuality, you can choose models that have the same colors and patterns as the bathing suit.
- Before putting on, long hair should be collected in a bun slightly above the back of the head.
- Put the cap on the palm of your hand and stretch it in different directions. After that, you need to slightly tilt your head forward and put on a hat from the top of your head, pulling it over your forehead, temples and back of your head. The ears must be completely closed.
- If necessary, you can smooth the cap with your palms so that it “sits” comfortably on your head.
- When put on, the suture cap is located with a seam along the head (from the forehead to the back of the head).
- Before putting on, you can moisten your hair with water if it is strongly electrified.
- After use, rinse the cap in cold running water and dry it at room temperature, but it is important to avoid sun exposure to the product. In this case, it is desirable that the cap is as straightened as possible.