One of the most overwhelming aspects of selecting the right swim gear is the swim cap. There are so many swim cap options you may not even know where to begin. Team swim caps are made from a variety of materials, many of which can be customized to best suit your needs. Understanding the purpose of each can help you make the best decision.

Swimming Laps vs. Exercise

Individuals who spend their time in the water doing water aerobics or other forms of exercise are more likely to choose Lycra swim caps because of their breathability and more comfortable fit. However, those who swim laps will still want some of the hydrodynamic effects competitive swimmers enjoy, making the tighter-fitting silicone or latex caps preferable.

Practice vs. Racing

It may seem like swimmers would want to practice with the same custom swim caps they will race in so they have a feel for it. While this may be the case sometimes, it is often better to have a separate swim cap for practice because of the amount of time you will spend in the water. This means many swimmers purchase a low-cost swim cap they can easily replace for their practice sessions, while investing in  more expensive printed swim caps for their races so they can showcase their team pride and have something they know they can rely on. Open water swimmers, on the other hand, often prefer neoprene for their swim caps because they offer a little flotation assistance and often insulate better against the colder water often encountered.

Amount of Hair

Another major consideration when choosing team swim caps is how much hair each swimmer has. Female swimmers often have longer hair that needs to be tucked into a swim cap, which means choosing silicone is often the best option. This material will also reduce the amount of pulling that occurs. Silicone caps are also more snug, allowing them hold more securely. Those who have shorter hair often prefer latex.

In the end, the type of custom swim caps you choose is a personal decision. Certain materials feel more comfortable for different swimmers. Allergies and other considerations may also need to be made to ensure you choose the right swim cap for the job.

If you’re looking for custom printed swim caps for your team, contact us. We offer a vast selection made from a variety of materials to best suit the needs of any swimmer.