Swimming caps have an important purpose in life and career of both competitive and recreational swimmers.
That’s why choosing or having the best and appropriate swimming caps is a must as it’s one of the essential swimming gears that help a swimmer finish a lap in a shorter time.
If you’re thinking of shopping for a new swimming cap whether for personal use or for someone you know who also enjoys swimming, you may want to refer to this article.
Here, you’ll about to figure out and understand the differences between silicone and latex swimming caps – the two of the mainly used swimming caps for aquatic activities.
On that note, search no further and help yourself choose the most suitable swimming caps to purchase by reading through the next pages.
A Brief Introduction: What are swimming caps?
Swimming caps are skin-tight gears that are usually made from latex, lycra or silicone.
It’s one of the essential pieces of swimming equipment used by both competitive and recreational swimmers.
For competitive or professional swimmers, swimming caps help them reduce the water resistance which is beneficial to boost their speed in the pool or any open water.
In short, swimming caps are one of the main contributors for competitive swimmers to have the edge of finishing the lap in a faster or shorter period.
In the case of recreational swimmers, swimming caps are worn or used to protect their hair from the damaging chemicals found in the water like chlorine.
On the other hand, swimming caps are also used for hygiene purposes as it blocks and prevents too much hair from falling on the pool grounds or clogging the pool drains.
Now that you’ve read a brief introduction about swimming caps, you may now move on to the next key points to see the differences between silicone and latex swimming cap.
Other terms of swimming caps:
Bathing cap, swim cap
● Fitting
When shopping for swimming caps, its fitting should be one of your major concerns. This is to ensure that you’ll be comfortable throughout the time you’re wearing or using it.
○ Silicone
Unlike the latex swimming caps, silicone swimming caps are less comfortable to wear.
This is due to its thickness and lack of elasticity. However, silicone swimming caps are known to give maximum protection to your hair and scalp.
This type of swimming cap is available in kids and adult sizes.
○ Latex
Latex swimming caps are elastic enough that it comes in one size that fits all – from kids to adult sizes.
With its elasticity, latex swimming caps tend to wrinkle on top of the head when in use.
● Materials used
In choosing or shopping for a swimming cap, it’s also necessary to know the materials used especially if you have allergic reactions to a particular material or substance.
○ Silicone
This type of swimming cap is made from a sleek material that enables it to be worn or taken off easily without causing a distressful dragging or pulling of the hair.
Silicone swim caps are hypoallergenic which is a good choice especially if you’re allergic to latex materials. This swimming cap is also resistant to the risks of tearing.
○ Latex
Latex swim caps are made from a thin layer of latex which gives swimmers or athletes a comfortable and generous fit. Its rubber-like material displays a matte-finish as your hair slowly dries.
● Price
If you’re a novice in swimming, the price or the affordability of the swimming might be your major concern. However, the price varies on the materials used or the durability of the swimming cap.
○ Silicone
Silicone swim caps are commonly more expensive compared to latex swim caps and any other swim caps due to its durability.
However, you can get a discount if you’ll purchase a bulk order of silicone swim caps.
○ Latex
Compared to the silicone swim caps and other types of swimming caps, latex swim caps are cheaper or more affordable.
● Quality
The quality of the product must be put into account whether you’re a competitive swimmer or a recreational swimmer as it may affect your overall performance in the water.
Also, the quality of the swimming caps may define or affect its price in the market.
○ Silicone
For competitive swimmers or swimmers with long hair, silicone swimming caps are the best option.
Silicone swim caps are more resistant to probable damages compared to latex swim caps.
This type of swimming cap may last or may be used for a longer time depending on how much you care for it.
○ Latex
Although latex swimming caps are less thicker than silicone swimming caps, it can still be worn or used by competitive swimmers.
The materials used to produce latex swim caps are what make it less durable, lighter, and thinner compared to silicone swim caps.
Conclusion
You’ve just unfolded the basic differences between silicone and latex swimming caps. With that, you’re expected to choose what’s the best swimming cap for you.
If you opt for a swimming cap that will last longer despite the price, then the best choice for you is the silicone swimming caps.
However, if you aren’t yet ready to invest that amount of money or looking for something different, then you may opt for latex swimming caps.
If you think that this article made it simpler for you to decide on what swimming cap is best to have, then give us your positive thoughts by commenting below.
AUTHOR BIO:
Kath Ramirez embraced the dream of being a writer since she was in 4th grade. She took it seriously and she now writes for Swimprint Custom Swim Caps, a respected company who provides custom swimming needs in the United Kingdom. Aside from writing, Kath also keeps herself busy spending time with her family, cherishing the role of a mom to her fur babies, reading random books, and diving into the world of photography. She’s not even a pro to whatever she’s engaged into right now, but one thing she knows, she’s happy and that’s more than enough.