The 7 Best Swimming Caps For Kids

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This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in May of 2020. When selecting a swim cap, it's important to understand what they are and are not meant to do. They're not designed to keep hair completely dry, although they do keep it from getting entirely soaked, which minimizes damage from chlorine. They also reduce drag, keep the head warm, and prevent hair from falling out and dirtying the pool. Here are some of the best options for kids of all ages. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Speedo Elastomeric

2. Arena Unix II

3. The Friendly Swede

Editor's Notes

June 25, 2020:

Contrary to one common belief, swim caps aren't meant to keep hair 100% dry, although they do keep it from being waterlogged and potentially damaged by chlorine or saltwater. If that's a main concern for you and your child, you'll want to look at silicone models like the Speedo Junior or The Friendly Swede, the second of which is especially effective thanks to its molded ears. For maximum comfort, though, it's definitely worth considering the Speedo Elastomeric, which is a significant upgrade over the sometimes tight silicone caps from many other manufacturers.

If you're okay with a little less insulation and water ingress protection, options such as the Arena Unix II should be on your radar. Its crafted with noticeably high quality, with seams and material that are both quite durable. The TYR Lycra is similarly stretchy and breathable. For use by the youngest swimmers, look to the Splash About Baby and Toddler, which is good for use as soon as your young one is able to safely get in the water with you. Meanwhile, the Soul Cap Junior is designed with big hair in mind; it's extra spacious to accommodate for thick curls, dreadlocks, afro puffs, and other bulky hairdos.

Special Honors

EZ Swim Caps If you want your entire team to match, consider designing your own custom swim caps. They offer latex as well as three types of silicone in addition to a wide variety of colors and the ability to upload your own artwork. ezswimcaps.com

Sporti Swim Caps Sold exclusively by Swim Outlet, the Sporti brand has a number of fun designs including penguins and clownfish, all at the low end of the price range and made from reliable and long-lasting materials. swimoutlet.com

4. Soul Cap Junior

5. TYR Lycra

6. Splash About Baby and Toddler

7. Speedo Junior


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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