If you are planning to go swimming, you should ensure that you have everything you need for the process: a swimsuit or swimming trunks, goggles, and a swimming cap.
Questions that may arise when buying a swimming cap:
- why is it needed?
- what are the sizes?
- what material is better to choose it from?
- Are there men's, women's and children's models or are they universal?
- where can i buy it?
- how to put it on and take it off?
You can find answers to all these questions in this article.
What role does the pool cap play?
- Prevents water from entering the ears.
- Gives protection to hair from chlorine, which purifies water, and reduces the friction of water when moving.
- Delays falling hair, and they do not pollute the pool.
- It keeps the body warm, because wet hair cools the body quickly.
- Protects hair from getting wet.
- Gathers hair that gets in your way when swimming.
- Highlights your style.
Obviously, this sports accessory in the pool is a must. Now you need to decide how to choose a cap for the pool.
In sports goods stores, a wide variety of models of this accessory are presented in all sizes, styles and materials: women's, men's, children's, colored, plain, smooth, embossed, made of fabric, latex or silicone.
Women's collections are made complete with swimsuits and are made with the same pattern, pattern, inscription or in one color.
Types of hats
Before choosing a swimming cap that suits you in all respects, let's figure out what materials these accessories are made of.
latex
They are thin, hard to put on and hard to take off, stick to the hair and can even cause allergies. Moreover, they are short-lived. In latex models, it will be convenient for athletes with short or completely cropped hair. But their price is low. Now you can buy a latex cap at the pool as a fallback if you forgot to bring your own. Previously, there were no other types of hats on the market, but now latex has been replaced by other types of materials that have many advantages.
Silicone
These products have many benefits. They are elastic, increase in size when stretched 2 times, put on easily, stretch well and do not pull hair, which is very convenient for long-haired athletes. At the same time, we recommend that you tie your hair with an elastic band and do not use hairpins, since there is a chance that the hairpins will pierce the hat, although in general it is very durable. A thickening is made along the edges of the cap so that it fits snugly to the head. The silicone allows multi-colored patterns and vibrant patterns to be applied, so the variety of patterns will please beauty lovers among swimmers.
If you are a professional swimmer, then we recommend using models made of silicone for competitions. In sports stores, you will find caps that conform to the contours of the head, do not shrink into folds, and have a perfectly smooth surface.
After use, it will need to be rinsed in plain water and dried. It dries fairly quickly. The silicone cap should not be kept in a place where direct sunlight falls and near heating batteries.
However, these caps also have a drawback: they fit snugly to the head, so a feeling of discomfort and even headache. Those who are faced with such a problem are advised to use fabric swimming caps.
fabric
Fabric (textile) caps are well suited for those who are engaged in aqua aerobics. They are soft, easy to put on and just as easy to take off, while the hair is not electrified and not damaged. They are made from the same materials as bathing suits (lyrka, polyester), so they get wet. Their main function is to hide the hair. They are very durable: clip your hair with hairpins and put on such a hat - it will not be damaged. In addition, the prices for textile caps are low. But they are not suitable for competitions, because they have a rough surface, and this will reduce the speed of movement in the water.
Combined
These are the most comfortable and practical models. They are a fabric cap, covered with silicone on the outside. Therefore, they are ideal for the head and hair, while almost do not let water through. Hair gets wet only at the edges of the cap. They are very good for training, but for competition it is better to have a smooth and thin silicone cap. These products do not require complex care: just rinse in water and dry. Price follows quality, so if funds allow, buy this option.
What are the sizes of swim caps?
Sizes for caps are standard: children and adults. Adults are larger. The volume of the product may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, so when choosing it for yourself or your child, be sure to measure it. If it presses, discomfort and headaches may occur.
Volumetric women's caps for the pool
Market sporting goods gives girls another opportunity to express their individuality by choosing a silicone cap for the pool with voluminous figures, colors and patterns. These models are presented in a variety of colors. So, how to choose a pool cap according to your taste and style is up to you.
There are also embossed accessories for young swimmers: bright children's caps for the pool with the image of their favorite cartoon! You will order original products from the manufacturer.
Children's pool caps
How to choose a swimming cap for a child? Manufacturers of sporting goods have taken care of young swimmers as well. Children's models are smaller in volume than adults and are made in such a way that they do not press the child's head too much. Sports stores recommend these children's hats: AWT Fish Cap, Kun Cap Jr, Molded Silicon Jr Cap.
How to put on a swim cap
Many people, putting on a cap for the pool, experience a lot of discomfort. How to minimize them?
Recommendations for girls Before putting on a hat, tie your hair with a simple rubber band, remove hairpins and hairpins from your hair, and rings and bracelets from your hands. Do not wear long earrings before class. Jewelery certainly suits you, but it can damage your cap and get in the way while swimming.
How to position the seam correctly? There are 2 options: from ear to ear or from forehead to back of the head. Both options are acceptable and do not affect the process of movement in the water.
Directly putting on a hat. Place both hands inside with the back to the walls of the cap, bend your fingers. Then, slowly, pull the cap in the direction from the crown to the back of the head. If any strands are left sticking out, just tuck into a hat.
Removing the pool cap is even easier: pull it off by one end and carefully remove it. Careful attitude to the product will allow it to serve you as long as possible.
Hi all!
Today I will tell you what caps are for swimming in the pool and at sea, how they differ and which one is better to buy.
For what?
To understand how to choose a beanie, you must first understand what benefits you need.
Of course, if you go to, then the presence of a hat is a mandatory requirement and does not depend on your desire, but in any case, when choosing, you need to focus on the following qualities:
- Ease of sailing: hair tucked under a cap does not interfere with swimming (this is especially true in and).
- Protecting hair from harmful effects chlorine water or salt water.
Swimming makes your hair stiff, if you are constantly exercising in the pool, your choice is either a very short hairstyle or a waterproof cap.
- Ear protection from water ingress. Usually there is nothing to worry about getting water in the ear. However, if suddenly the water turns out to be not very clean, then it is better to avoid getting it into the auricle, if such water penetrates into the middle ear, inflammation is possible.
- Heat preservation head (relevant for long swims, especially in open water).
- For professionals - improved streamlining and thus increased swimming speed.
Model selection
With the above in mind, let's consider what options for hats are.
There are four in total:
- combined;
- silicone;
- rag (textile);
- latex.
Combined
Combined hat, in my opinion - the best option. At least, personally, at the time of this writing, I swim only in such models.
It consists of two parts:
- Outside - silicone, which protects the hair from water;
- Inside there is a rag base, thanks to which the hat is more comfortable to wear and feel.
Combined hat - my choice Advantages:
- convenience, comfort;
- hair protection;
- easier to put on than silicone.
Flaws:
- higher price;
- not so close to the ears (I get water in my ears while swimming, but for me this is not critical);
- not suitable for professionals (for competitions - it is not streamlined enough).
Silicone
This is also very a good option , it can be safely put on the second (or even on the first) place in the ranking.
They do not have a fabric backing, they are made only of silicone.
Silicone model - classic Advantages:
- fit well, protect hair and ears;
- dry quickly;
- professionals - suitable for competitions.
Flaws:
- due to the tight fit, they can cause discomfort (pressure on the head), and in some cases even headaches;
- harder to dress.
Rag (textile)
This option is made from a special fabric (usually polyester). It is great for water aerobics.
You can also swim in such caps, but then your hair will get wet.
Personally, I see only one reason for choosing such a hat compared to a combined one - more low price. If you don’t focus on the price, then instead of a simple rag swimming cap it's better to take the combined.
Rag hat Advantages:
- easiest to put on;
- comfort, the least pressure on the head;
- low price.
Flaws:
- serves only for convenience, but does not perform protective functions;
- the cheapest models gradually stretch and deteriorate from chlorine and exposure to water.
latex
Latex hats are relic of the past, which can still be found in stores.
They are very similar to silicone ones, but, unlike them, they stick strongly to hair, even short ones. In addition, they can cause allergies, and are also torn quite often.
If you picked up a cap in the store and cannot understand whether it is silicone or latex (its material is not indicated), then try trying it on: if it sticks to your hair, then it is made of latex.
Latex - outwardly difficult to distinguish from silicone! Advantages:
- low price.
Flaws:
- sticks to hair, causes allergies, breaks. I do not recommend buying!
- in order to avoid sticking, it is recommended to treat it regularly with talcum powder.
Conclusions - which is better?
For swimming, it is most optimal to purchase either a combination or a silicone cap. The first is more comfortable and costs a little more, the second is more professional.
Fabric - suitable for water aerobics, but for swimming it is better not to take it if we are not guided by the price.
It is better not to buy a latex model in any case!
Size
Hats, unlike other clothes, No dimensional grid- they all come in the same size, only divided into adults and children.
For a small head, this is not scary, but if you have a large head, the cap can press.
In this case I advise you to measure or compare the length of models from different manufacturers: they are different and sometimes you can win a centimeter on this.
As for the color, it is only a matter of taste and your preferences))
Women's hats for long hair
It should be noted that in general there is no division of swimming caps into men's and women's - most often they only differ in design, color, but not in size or shape.
Long women's hair can be placed under a normal swimming cap which is clearly demonstrated in this video:
The main group is now made up of. Manufacturers produce them in multi-colored, colorful, and to the touch they are much nicer than latex ones. It is very important that these caps are hypoallergenic - they cannot cause allergies. Another incomparable plus is that silicone caps are very elastic, easier to put on and cause almost no inconvenience. If you buy a silicone cap from a well-known company, you will be surprised at how well it is made, it fits perfectly to the size of the head and does not form wrinkles on the skin. An example of an excellent silicone hat is models (solid silicone caps in different colors), (caps designed specifically for long hair), .
In addition to silicone and latex, there are also. They are great for swimming, as they do not cause any inconvenience at all and do not put pressure on the head, their only drawback is that the fabric allows water to pass through. The main materials from which fabric caps are made are lycra, polyamides and others. An example of a fabric cap - Arena Unix.
Thus, if it is important for you that the swimming cap does not let water through, choose a combined or silicone model. If you don't care if your hair gets wet during a workout or not, you can choose a fabric model.
Caps for professional sports swimming
If you are doing sports swimming professionally, then you need to pay attention to . In these caps, their hydrodynamic properties come first. For example, this is a cap soldered from two hemispheres. The most high-tech and, of course, the most expensive cap for speed swimming is the legendary cap. To neatly fix the hair under the starter cap, we recommend paying attention to the elastic lining cap. If you need pool caps with ears - for a tighter fit - consider the model from.
Swim cap sizes
In principle, swimming caps do not have a specific size, they are only divided into and.
Modern adult swim caps are very durable and stretchy, so they will fit all adults well. And children's pool caps are designed so as not to put a lot of pressure on the child's head. And, of course, they differ in brighter and more colorful colors, for example,. There are also children's caps for the pool, which are analogues of adults (for example, fabric cap). More recently, manufacturers have begun to produce medium-sized beanies that are suitable for teenagers and adults with small heads, for example.
Speedo Slogan Cap. At firms also in each collection there are several models with funny drawings.
Today, many people devote a lot of time and attention to physical education and sports, including swimming. Often the pool is visited by whole families, parents with early years teach children to regular workouts. At the same time, women and girls often require a swimming cap for long hair, and its presence is usually an indispensable rule for being in the pool.
Often, those who are fond of swimming believe that it is completely optional to wear caps, but such people are definitely wrong. The cap performs a protective function, protecting the hair from getting wet, although none of them can provide absolute dryness of the hair when a person is immersed in water with his head. It also prevents the harmful effects of chlorine-soaked water on the human body, helps the body not to lose heat, because it leaves the body mainly through the head.
Adults should take into account that a swimming cap for children saves the child's ears from getting water into them, it somewhat reduces the resistance of water masses that any swimmer inevitably encounters. A swimming cap, successfully selected in accordance with the existing bathing suit, looks great on every visitor to the pool, regardless of gender and age, emphasizes his individual external advantages.
Swim caps today can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. There are latex hats, but because of their obvious disadvantages, people have long classified them as obsolete. They are characterized by thinness, insignificant strength, they are quickly and easily able to break, the period of their use in action is insignificant. They are hard to take off and put on, they cause discomfort, every now and then, sticking to the hair. Caps made of latex can only be used by people with the shortest possible haircut; after each visit to the pool, such a cap must be sprinkled with talcum powder, otherwise it will stick together. Among the advantages of a latex cap, only a fairly low cost can be mentioned.
The most popular option at the present time are caps for swimming in the pool, made of silicone, they tightly fit any head and, if necessary, are able to stretch more than twice. Silicone caps are very durable, however, they can be damaged and pierced by hairpins, it is best for a woman or girl to fix long hair with the help of rubber bands when putting on such a hat. There are varieties of any color with interesting patterns, with this choice, any buyer will be able to find a hat that he will really like.
However, a silicone cap that is too tight on the head can sometimes provoke headaches, and in such cases it is better to use textile swimming caps. They are usually made from fabrics used for swimwear. Such a cap does not put any pressure on the head, both an adult and a child will be able to quickly put it on and take it off, besides, its price cannot be called particularly high. Its disadvantage is water permeability, so it is perfect for water aerobics, but it is not recommended to swim in such a hat for a long time.
There are also combined options for caps for the pool, two different materials are used to create them. The inner component is made of fabric, and the outer one is a coating of silicone. They are perfect comfort, they are very convenient to regularly exercise in the pool. They are much more expensive than silicone, however, the benefits of using well justify the price.
The correct process for putting on a swimming cap
Swimmers usually face the question of how to put on a swimming cap. For children and even for adults, this process often turns out to be extremely painful and lengthy, because of this, a person's mood worsens before training in the pool. But problems can only arise with latex caps, with silicone caps there should be no difficulty if you follow some simple rules.
With very dry and clean, electrified hair, it is worth moistening it with water first. Long hair must be collected in a bun, while it is better to use elastic bands, hairpins can make holes in the material.
Then two palms are pushed into the cap at the same time, it is stretched, and the person inserts his head between the palms. The cap moves over the head, while the palms slide down, thus, the ears are gradually covered. After that, the swimming cap worn is gently straightened in all directions, the person checks for any strands of hair that have fallen out. If available, they also fit under the cap, then the swimmer simply smoothes it for a few seconds, achieving a feeling of maximum comfort.
Parents who want to provide their children with constant lessons in the pool should certainly pay attention to the fact that children's swimming caps will provide the child with maximum protection against hypothermia and colds during training. Adults should check whether the boy or girl always forgets to put on a cap before going into the water, whether the children know how to properly pull it on their heads.
Beautiful and bright swimming caps will help your child feel more confident in training, he will be more willing to go to the pool. It is desirable that the little swimmer chooses a cap for himself, appearance which he will like.
For professionals and amateurs, a visit to the pool cannot be carried out without the presence of special equipment: a swimsuit, swimming trunks and goggles with a swimming cap. While goggles, a swimsuit and swimming trunks are usually easy, many beginners don't know how to put on a swim cap. There are several rules for choosing and putting on a headdress for the pool, so you can't do without the advice of experienced swimmers.
Why do you need a swim cap?
Sometimes in the pool you can meet people who enter the water without a hat. Most often, these are beginners who believe that this accessory is more suitable for professionals, and not for those who come for the purpose of recovery or training. This is a false stereotype that can lead to undesirable consequences. You need to understand that a hat is no less important than swimming trunks or a swimsuit. You need to wear it when swimming in the pool, because it:
- prevents water from entering the ears;
- allows you to keep fallen hair, ensuring the cleanliness of the pool;
- retains body heat (the greatest heat loss occurs through the head);
- protects hair from bleach (constant contact with it can cause baldness);
- does not allow hair to get wet or dry;
- improves streamlining, which affects the speed of swimming;
- allows you to stand out from the rest.
The last point refers to those who prefer bright swimwear with unusual prints and patterns. The cap is not an accessory, but a mandatory equipment that even beginners must wear to visit the pool.
What are swimming caps?
The range of swimming products is huge, so novice swimmers can find it difficult to choose. This applies not only to the selection of the desired size, but also to the material. There are 4 types of material from which hats for the pool are made; each of them has its own characteristics.
Latex
The thinnest products are made from latex. They are quite difficult to put on without a certain skill. Sometimes they can pull long strands together, causing discomfort. Latex is more suitable for people with short hair, therefore it is more often the choice of men. One of the main advantages of latex is its cheapness. Despite the fragility, it is profitable to buy hats made of this material, because it is easy to replace a torn one with a new one. This makes them one of the most popular options even at low quality.
Silicone
A more modern and high-quality analogue of latex, which has a lot of advantages. Silicone tends to stretch a lot (2 or more times), so putting on an accessory is very simple. This great option for long hair, because most often silicone caps are purchased by women. It is undesirable to use hairpins while wearing a headdress - they can easily leave a hole in the material. Try to choose products in which the manufacturer has made a thickening at the edges: they give a better fixation and prevent water from entering the head.
Silicone allows you to apply any patterns and prints, which is another plus. There is only one minus - the price, which is significantly higher than for latex products.
Textile
Great option for water aerobics. The material is quite soft, does not cause problems and discomfort when dressing. Fabric products have a long service life. Most often, the basis is polyester and lycra. Among the advantages, one can single out the fact that hairpins can be used with fabric headdresses.
The downside is that the material is permeable, so this option is more suitable not for protection from water and bleach, but for fixing hairstyles. It has a rough surface, so it is not recommended for competitions.
Combined materials
One of the most popular options that combines the main advantages of other products. Typically, the inside of such accessories is fabric, which allows you to wear them without any problems, and the outside is silicone, which protects against water. On the combined models, you can apply any drawings and patterns.
There is only one minus of products - the price, which differs significantly from the cost of other models.
Swim cap size
In most cases, manufacturers produce hats in two sizes: adult and children. Modern products stretch perfectly and fit people with any head. If the standard sizes cause discomfort, then the best choice there will be silicone hats: they are easy to put on, they have the greatest ductility, so they will suit everyone.
Some manufacturers produce medium-sized accessories that are marked with the letter "M". They are intended for teenagers, although they are sometimes used by girls for whom standard adult sizes are large.
How to put on a swimming cap?
For many people who have started swimming, putting on a cap causes real discomfort. This is due to lack of experience and improper technique. Most of the difficulties arise in girls with a long haircut. Before putting on a hat, you need:
- remove all rings, earrings, bracelets;
- remove hairpins and hairpins;
- collect hair with an elastic band;
- put on a headdress.
It is important to consider that you need to wear it so that the seam is located from the forehead to the back of the head or across - from ear to ear.
To learn how to properly wear a swimming cap, it is best to use the simplest and most versatile technique:
- Put both hands inside the hat, placing your palms with the back to the inner walls of the product.
- Slowly pull the headpiece over your head from the top of your head to the back of your head. All strands that are knocked out, tuck inward. It is important that the hair is completely removed, otherwise it may be damaged.
- Stretch the edges so that there are no wrinkles.
If you have electrified hair or use latex products, you can moisten your head a little with water in the shower before putting on the headdress.
To remove the hat, simply pull the end of the hat on either side, then slowly remove it from your head.
Wearing a swim cap for long hair
Girls have the most difficulty with how to put on a swim cap for long hair. The technique in this case will be the same, but there are some differences.
Hair needs to be removed. The easiest way is to collect them in a ponytail, but with a large length it is better to tie them in a bun at the crown. You can not use hairpins - this will damage even the strongest hats. You need to fix your hair with an elastic band.
