Last weekend I did my first open water swim of the season. While getting ready to hit the lake I was chatting about gear with the gals and began gushing over my cap – if you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you’ve see my cat cap (pictured below) – but it wasn’t just the print – the texture and feel is what really gets me. If you don’t know the different between a silicone and latex cap – please read on!

 

For many years I happily trained for triathlon in my previous races latex swim caps. Each race provides a cap to distinguish the wave of start for the swim (and also promote their race/sponsor). I was very happy wearing these cheap latex swim caps (and was even protective of my Muskoka IM70.3 cap), I didn’t know any different, and really thought all caps were the same – until last December when Speedo USA gifted me a promo code to invest in new gear for my upcoming season.

I had never purchased a swim cap (always used race caps) so it wasn’t even on my radar that there was a difference until I saw these epic prints while deciding what to buy with my code and for the look, scooped a couple up.

When these caps arrived, and I began training in them, they have 100% changed my perspective on caps and I will NEVER train in a latex cap again.

Here’s why:

1. The Soft Silicone and Mico-Grid texture won’t snag or pull hair – I swear! and they do too! My hair is certainly the longest it’s ever been for a training cycle and I often put it in a bun then use this cap and the fit is great and I can seriously just pull it off my head without worrying about snags or pulls. These caps are often good for medium to long hair.
2. The super soft silicone offers a relaxed fit, compared to my experience with super tight latex, that helps to prevent headaches over longer duration swims. It undoubtedly stays put on your head, but isn’t squeezing your brain in the most uncomfortable way.
3. Silicone caps offer greater elasticity and increased stretch compared traditional performance caps. Great for people with big heads, big hair, or just easy of putting on and taking off – again – no more snags!
4. It’s not latex. Latex caps are typically thin and don’t last long ripping very easily. They often come in only one colour (boring!) and can sometimes smell because of the rubber material. Also if you have a latex allergy, silicone caps are for you.

Silicone caps come in a variety of colours and patterns and can be purchased from any swim retail store. In Canada check out SportChek or if in the USA, get yours from Speedo.com. Prices range from $9-$30.