Let's talk about how to choose a cap for swimming in the pool, because without this attribute it is not allowed to swim in any sports complex. It would seem that it is just an accessory, but did you know that it has a lot of varieties? In addition, the athlete should know how to size a swim cap, how to put it on and how to care for it.
All this, as well as which swimming caps are better for choosing, we will talk about in this article. First, let's find out why this head is needed at all.
Why do you need a cap in the pool?
First of all, this is the official requirement of any public pool:
- In order to maintain hygiene and maintain cleanliness, all visitors are required to wear a hat. Hair will clog the cleaning filters over time, resulting in costly system repairs;
- Wearing an accessory is a show of respect for the staff and other visitors to the pool. Normally, hair falls out every day in all people, and no matter how tight they are tied in a bun, they can still end up in the water. Can you imagine how "nice" it is to periodically catch someone's vegetation in the pool?
There is another side that concerns the use of the cap for the swimmer himself:
- The accessory protects hair from the harmful effects of chlorine and other substances that disinfect water;
- It gives convenience and comfort, which the owners of long hair will surely appreciate. It is securely fixed inside the headgear, does not fall on the face during turns or when swimming in a pool under water;
- The cap indirectly protects the ears from water penetration. Agree, this is extremely unpleasant, often painful, and if the water in the pool is not the cleanest, it is also harmful;
- If a swimmer is practicing long open water swimming, it is extremely important for him to maintain thermal balance in the head area, which, unlike the body, is not always submerged in the sea. The thick cap is of great help in this problem;
- Professional athletes choose a hat to improve speed performance. The sleek accessory enhances streamlining, which plays an important role in this task. The athlete who finished second will appreciate the importance of these seemingly meager moments of advantage like no other.
Well, we hope we have convinced you, then, let's try to determine which swimming caps are considered the best in order to choose just this one.
Kinds
To choose the right pool swim hat, you must become familiar with its varieties. In total, there are 4 general groups:
- Textile;
They are made of polyester, which stretches well and fits nicely on the hair. They hold the hair tightly and do not put much pressure on the head. By the way, with such a product there are the least problems when putting it on - even a child can cope without the help of an adult. However, there are many disadvantages to this hat, due to which it has a low cost. Firstly, it does not perform protective functions, and the hair under it will get wet. Secondly, it quickly stretches and loses its shape. Thirdly, when jumping or abruptly diving into the pool, such a hat can simply fly off the head.
- Silicone;
To choose the right swim cap, you must also appreciate the pros and cons of an all-rubber accessory. The silicone material stretches well, holds the crown securely, protects the ears from water, and gives the desired streamlining. However, we do not recommend choosing such a swimming cap for a child - it is difficult to put on, it can pull the hair or put a lot of pressure on the head, causing discomfort.
- Latex;
This is the most unfortunate option that you can choose for the pool. Externally, the cap is very similar to the silicone one, but it is still a different material. It stretches worse, it can break. Strongly sticks to hair, and causes allergies in people with sensitive skin. Its only plus is the low price, even cheaper than the textile one.
- Combined.
It is ideal for recreational swimmers. The hat is two-layer - silicone outside, rag inside. Thanks to this, it protects hair from water and sits comfortably on the head. It is easy to put on and does not put too much pressure on the crown. However, due to the lack of density, it is worse than simple silicone protects the ears from water. By the way, its cost is the highest.
How to choose?
Answering the question, which swimming cap is better for a child, we will recommend a silicone or a combination one. It is important to choose the latter exactly in size, in this case it will protect the ears no worse than completely rubber.
Professional swimmers should choose a silicone hat - athletes definitely know how to put it on correctly, and therefore, it will not cause them any discomfort.
For water aerobics in the pool, you can also choose a textile cap, its properties for fitness in water are quite enough.
We will not mention the latex model in the list of answers to the question of which swimming hat is better. Let's call it "the past century" and safely forget it. Yes, you will not find this anywhere else.
Many fashionistas are interested in what kind of swimming cap to choose for long hair. Normally, hair of any length and volume can be placed inside an ordinary hat. However, some brands offer special models with a longer rear. They are not the most comfortable for swimming and will not give the desired streamlining. But in the pool you will definitely look the most stylish.
How to choose the size?
Now let's talk about how to choose the right size for your swim cap. This point is very important in terms of comfort, protection and ease of donning.
As such, pool hats do not have a dimensional grid - they can be either large or small. Accordingly, it is more convenient for a child to put on a small swimming cap, and for an adult - a large one.
An adult with a physiologically small head can also choose a baby hat. The most important thing is to make sure it doesn't press too hard. We recommend that you study models from different manufacturers right in the store, some of them sometimes have 0.5-1 cm more hats than others.
Please note that if an adult can choose an accessory at random, then in order to choose the right swimming cap for a child, it must be tried on!
How to put it on?
So, you are going to the pool: you managed to choose a sports swimsuit or swimming trunks, a hat, prepare shampoo, a towel. You arrived at the sports complex, received the keys to the locker room. We changed our clothes and took out a hat. Here a logical question arises - how to put it on? There is a standard algorithm that will allow you to cope with the task quickly and without pain. We hope you have carefully read the section on which cap to choose for swimming in the pool and purchased either a silicone or a combination one.
- Pull the accessory between your open palms;
- Place the stretched headdress on the head, moving from the forehead to the back of the head;
- If there is a bunch in the back, make sure that the hat "swallows" it;
- Pull out your arms, tuck your loose hair, pull your sides tightly over your ears.
The accessory does not have a pronounced front and back - it is worn on either side. You can choose another way of dressing, if you are interested - click on the link.
Well, we told you how to find out the size of a swimming cap. Now you know what varieties exist, and what are their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, a couple of lines about care and cleaning. The accessory does not need to be washed or washed with powder or soap. Rinse well under clean running water. It is not recommended to dry it on batteries or in the open sun - it will crack or lose its shape. The average lifespan of a conventional silicone or combination cap is 2-3 years with intensive use. If you are not a frequent visitor to the pool, the product will serve you for many years.
