How to choose the right swimming headgear?

The ‘Why’ behind swim caps!

If the avid swimmer in you dives with the preconceived notions that a swim cap has nothing relevant to do with the water business, then we must cut the crap, right here, right now! Not many know, but the need of a proper headgear for any swimmer is far beyond just the swim-in-style factor! It not only protects you from hair damage caused by chlorinated water, but also prevent you from water drag caused by loose hair, entangled in your goggle straps! Thus, let’s dig into the selection tactics!

Swim caps are available in a multitude of materials, sizes, shapes and colors to suit the sensibility of any-and-every swimmer! But what makes all the difference is the material of your swimming head gear that calls for the fit and comfort factor whist your strokes!

SWIM CAP MATERIALS

Swimming caps are categorized into the awesome-threesome types!

1> Latex Swim Caps : The most popular swim caps of all, these are made up of latex rubber, which not only calls for the explanation for why they’re reasonable priced, but also widely available to provide optimum protection. However, it becomes a downfall as well for some, probably swimmers with an allergy to latex. Redness of the ears, potential swelling as well as rashes are possible symptoms, you might end up in being the prey of. If you undergo such situations by any chance after wearing the cap, must consult your doctor and of course discontinue the use.

2> Silicone Swim Caps: This type pf swimming headgear quite a bit resembles the latex swim caps in terms of style! These have been best conceived for people suffering with latex allergies but have gradually become more popular because of their shiny hues, exquisite patterns and explicit designs, they’re available in! Being more durable than latex, Silicone caps last much longer, which calls for their high price line. But at the end of the day, you’re safe swimming desires are satiated by a good value for money!

Moreover, silicone caps are too slick to fit onto swimmers with larger heads or with long/fuller hair, as they might slip off if they not fitted properly. Thus, they are ideal for swimmers with small to medium sized heads and short hair. Also, if you observe the opening of silicone caps, they might smaller, but you needn’t worry as they stretch quite well. While putting on the cap, make sure that you pull it down well, so that it doesn’t ride up at the ears.

3> Lycra and Polyester Swim Caps : Such materials, being porous, wouldn’t be able to keep water out. However, these swim caps are quite lightweight and ideal for swimmers with long hair preventing them from entangling. You could even wear them as a base layer if under your latex swim cap so that your hair remains in place and also prevented from getting pulled from your latex cap.

Now, pertaining to this characteristics of swim cap materials, another set of awesome-threesome classifications contribute to your selection factor!

CONSIDERATION FACTOR

1> Swimming Frequency : If you’re an every day swimmer, you’d need a swim cap that is pretty durable. And if you aren’t in water for a routine business, you’ll require one that could survive long, throughout a damp week at the bottom of your swim bag. In either cases, silicone could be your best buddy. Being stretch-resistant, it’s more durable for regular use. On the other hand, latex caps if left for long periods, even though dry, eventually tend to be sticky, that somewhat gums to your goggle lenses and swim suits!.

2> Water Temperature : Sport the pool used for swimming training sessions or water aerobics? Is the temperature greater than 81 degrees? If yes, then must think twice before going for silicone swim caps. Being extra thick though the silicone ones are durable, but also warm. Latex caps, with regard to the fact they are relatively thin, would protect you from over-heating, much more promptly than a silicone cap. However, if your pool is situated round the cooler side (less than 80 degrees) you might need a warmer cap, and thus opt for silicone.

3> Workout Intensity : Pool temperature isn’t the only factor to decide your comfort level in water. If you’re swimming hard in pool circumstances under 80 degrees F, any swim cap (latex included) for that matter, may leave you feeling toasty. So, it is at stake when you’re working out with your team masters, swimming hours with heart rate in the upper end of your aerobic zone, you definitely crave for a latex cap! On the other hand, if you’re a nonchalant swimmer, do water aerobics or just learning how to swim, the warmth added by a silicone swim cap shall do the part.

SPECIAL SWIMMING HEADGEAR FOR SPECIFIC OCCASION

Apart from all the above, some other special swim caps do useful at some or the other point in your pro water business!

• Going for an open water swimming, that too in cold water? Mustn’t leave your home without a neoprene cap! (Neoprene material is used in making wetsuits.) This swim cap type is definitely gonna turn out to be your essential piece of swimming equipment, especially when you’re likely to swim without your wetsuit. You might even want to sport a latex or silicone swim cap under the neoprene one, provided the water is too cold to resist.
• If you’re to let your swimming mojo-back-to-midlife, you’d require a “bubble” cap, looking similar to rubber!
• Last but not the least, looking to swim in the Olympics or midst your own personal equivalent? Well, in that case you deserve the best of what money could buy! Plunge onto a wrinkle-free molded silicone swim cap extravagantly and watch those minutes of your clock melting away from your best times!

So, be it comfort, insulation, value or just the looks! Pick like you can hang on one, when the other rips!