A visit to the pool involves the use of a sports accessory such as a cap. This attribute performs a number of important functions and is mandatory in most sports pools. How to choose a comfortable, high-quality hat for long-term use. This is a question many fans ask. water sports. A review of the main characteristics and types of headgear will help you figure this out.
Functions and tasks of the cap
Before you start choosing, it is important to understand what tasks are assigned to the accessory. A good pool cap should:
- protect ears from water;
- allow you to stay dry after training;
- protect hair from negative influences chemicals, used for water purification in;
- prevent lost hair from getting into the water. They clog the pool's filtration system;
- help the body maintain thermal balance;
- perform a decorative role.
Based on these parameters, you should choose a headdress.
What types of swimming caps are there?
The main criterion for the differences between caps is the material of manufacture. Manufacturers offer the following options:
- Silicone.
- Fabric.
- Latex.
- Combined.
Each type has special characteristics that are worth considering in more detail.
Silicone
The most common type. A cap made of this material can be found in any sports store, both in the budget category and among the top models. The advantage of such hats is a high degree of elasticity, as well as hypoallergenicity. In addition, they are endowed with the following characteristics:
- spectacular design (some brands produce double-sided hats);
- pleasant to the touch;
- They are easy to put on, thanks to the ability to stretch more than 2 times.
Hats made from this material are used professional athletes, for training and competitions. They are smooth and perfectly follow the contours of the head without forming folds.
Attention! Among the negative aspects, users note: discomfort from excessive pressure on the head. For those who experience similar symptoms, it is recommended to wear hats made of other materials.
Silicone hats are presented in the collections of such brands: Speed Slogan, Arena, Speedo. Print Cap.
Fabric
Such accessories are used in cases where the main goal is to hide hair. For example, in water aerobics classes. These hats are made from lycra, polyester and similar materials that do not provide protection against getting wet. However, they can also be used for swimming, if their characteristics are completely satisfactory. Soft and comfortable, they easily fit on your head, hold well and do not cause any inconvenience. The cost is lower than for accessories made from other materials.
Latex
Products made from this material have lost their advantage due to many disadvantages. The only positive quality is the price of the product. That is why they are often sold in swimming pools as disposable ones, for cases when the visitor forgot the main cap at home.
Such products are difficult to take off and put on and can cause allergies. Also, they are fragile and tear easily if too much force is used.
Combined
Combining two materials with different properties made it possible to create combined hats. As a rule, we are talking about a textile inner side and a silicone or latex outer side. This approach provides a comfortable feeling when putting on and taking off the headgear. Hair getting wet is minimal - only at the edge of the product. The hat is well suited for amateur sports and training. For competition, it is preferable to use tighter garments.
Other selection criteria
The material of manufacture is an important, but not the only parameter that should be relied on. In addition, attention should be paid to the following characteristics:
- size. A conditional division exists only for children's and adult hats. At the same time, children's ones create less pressure on the child's head. There are separate models designed for those with long hair. Their size is usually larger for convenient placement of hair;
- appointment. Caps for amateur sports are somewhat different from professional ones. In the second case, the products are equipped with high hydrodynamic properties and accurately follow the contours of the head. It uses various technologies to improve swimming speed that are not found in conventional caps;
- design. Manufacturers of sports equipment pay great attention to the colors and design of their products. The collections contain both monochromatic, discreet models and hats of bright colors. Children are offered models with bright prints and images. Many sports brands create sets of various accessories and attributes for swimming, made in the same style;
- price. The difference in cost between different models is significant. Amateur options can be purchased with a minimum budget, and products for professional sports, will be more costly. Quality and functionality directly depend on cost. However, you can start training with the simplest, budget cap.
A properly selected swimming cap not only performs protective functions, but also improves training process. Depending on the purpose of training, you should choose a headgear from the appropriate material and the appropriate size. Photos of various models, as well as reviews and reviews of products from users and experts will help you make your choice.
How to put on a pool cap: video
For professionals and amateurs, visiting the pool cannot be carried out without special equipment: a swimsuit, swimming trunks and glasses with swimming cap. While goggles, a swimsuit and swimming trunks usually don't pose any difficulties, many beginners don't know how to put on a swimming cap. There are several rules for choosing and putting on headgear for the pool, so you can’t do without the advice of experienced swimmers.
Why do you need a swimming cap?
Sometimes in the pool you can meet people who enter the water without a hat. Most often, these are beginners who believe that this accessory is more suitable for professionals, and not for those who came for the purpose of health improvement or training. This is a false stereotype that can lead to undesirable consequences. You need to understand that a hat is no less important than swimming trunks or a swimsuit. You need to wear it when swimming in the pool because it:
- prevents water from getting into the ears;
- allows you to retain lost hair, ensuring the cleanliness of the pool;
- retains body heat (the greatest heat loss occurs through the head);
- protects hair from chlorine (constant contact with it can cause baldness);
- prevents hair from getting wet or dry;
- improves streamlining, which affects swimming speed;
- allows you to stand out from the rest.
The last point applies to those who prefer bright swimming hats with unusual prints and patterns. A cap is not an accessory, but a mandatory piece of equipment that even beginners must wear when visiting the pool.
What types of swimming caps are there?
The range of swimming products is huge, so novice swimmers may find it difficult to choose. This applies not only to choosing the right size, but also to the material. There are 4 types of material from which pool hats are made; each of them has its own characteristics.
Latex
The thinnest products are made from latex. They are quite difficult to put on without some skill. Sometimes they can pull on long strands of hair, causing discomfort. Latex is more suitable for people with short hair, so it often becomes the choice of men. One of the main advantages of latex is its low cost. Despite the fragility, it is profitable to purchase hats made from this material, because a torn one can easily be replaced with a new one. This makes them one of the most popular options even with low quality.
Silicone
A more modern and high-quality analogue of latex, which has many advantages. Silicone has the ability to stretch greatly (2 or more times), so putting on the accessory is very simple. This great option for long hair, which is why most often women buy silicone caps. It is not advisable to use hairpins while wearing a headdress - they can easily leave a hole in the material. Try to choose products in which the manufacturer has thickened the edges: they provide better hold and prevent water from getting on your head.
Silicone allows you to apply any patterns and prints, which is another plus. There is only one minus - the price, which is significantly higher than for latex products.
Textile
An excellent option for water aerobics. The material is quite soft and does not cause problems or discomfort when dressing. Fabric products have a long service life. Most often the base is polyester and lycra. Among the advantages is that you can use hairpins with fabric hats.
The downside is that the material is water-permeable, so this option is more suitable not for protection from water and chlorine, but for fixing the hairstyle. It has a rough surface, so it is not recommended for competitions.
Combined materials
One of the most popular options that combines the main advantages of other products. Usually inner side such accessories are made of fabric, which allows you to put them on without any problems, and the outer part is made of silicone, which protects from water. Any designs and patterns can be applied to combined models.
There is only one disadvantage of the products - the price, which differs significantly from the cost of other models.
Swim cap size
In most cases, manufacturers produce hats in two sizes: adult and children. Modern products stretch perfectly and suit people with any head. If standard sizes cause discomfort, then best choice There will be silicone hats: they are easy to put on, they have the greatest ductility, so they will suit everyone.
Some manufacturers produce medium-sized accessories, which are marked with the letter “M”. They are intended for teenagers, although sometimes they are used by girls who are too large in standard adult sizes.
How to put on a swimming cap correctly?
For many people who have started swimming, putting on a cap causes real discomfort. This is due to lack of experience and incorrect technique. The most difficulties arise for girls with long hair. Before putting on a hat, you need to:
- remove all rings, earrings, bracelets;
- remove hairpins and hairpins;
- collect hair with an elastic band;
- put on a hat.
It is important to take into account that you need to wear it so that the seam is located from the forehead to the back of the head or across - from ear to ear.
To learn how to put on a swimming cap correctly, it is best to use the simplest and most universal technique:
- Place both hands inside the hat, with the backs of your palms facing the inner walls of the hat.
- Slowly pull the headdress over your head from the crown to the back of your head. Tuck any strands that come out outside. It is important that the hair is removed completely, otherwise it may be damaged.
- Pull the edges taut to avoid wrinkles.
If your hair is electrified or you use latex products, you can wet your head a little with water in the shower before putting on the headdress.
To remove the cap, simply pull the edge on either side and then slowly remove it from your head.
Wear a swimming cap on long hair
Girls have the most difficulty with how to put on a swimming cap long hair. The technique in this case will be the same, but there are some differences.
You need to remove your hair. The easiest way is to gather them in a ponytail, but if they are long, it is better to tie them in a bun at the top of the head. Do not use hairpins - this will damage even the strongest hats. You need to fix your hair with an elastic band.
A very necessary and useful thing for those who love swimming and just visiting the pool is a swimming cap.
Why do you need a swimming cap:
- protects hair from getting wet;
- protects against the harmful effects of chlorinated water;
- hair doesn't get in the way;
- helps the body retain heat;
- prevents water from entering the ears;
- prevents water from clogging with lost hair;
- provides the body with better gliding in water;
There are caps: latex, silicone, textile and combined
Manufacturers also produce professional caps for competitions and special caps for swimmers with long hair. The swimming cap has several sizes: adult, medium and child. The average size can be suitable for both a child whose head size is slightly increased for his age, and for an adult whose head volume is less than the usual size characteristics.
Dressing is difficult, as a rule, latex caps. They are thin, do not have sufficient strength, and tear easily. In addition, they are difficult to put on and take off even with short hair. Latex sticks even to a short haircut, and when removed, it pulls out hairs, thereby creating discomfort. Silicone hats are much easier to put on, the main thing is to do it not with one hand, but with both hands, holding the edges of the hat.
How to choose a swimming cap
Silicone swimming cap:
Well, it stretches and fits tightly to the head. It protects hair well from getting wet, does not cause allergies, and has good streamlining. Hair does not stick to the cap. Has a long service life. Good fit for all head sizes.
Polyester cap or “rag” cap:
You can do water aerobics in such a hat; it breathes and allows evaporation from the head to pass through during exercise. You cannot do water aerobics in silicone, rubber or latex caps!!! The hair in such a cap gets wet; it only serves to keep the hair out of the way when swimming and doing water aerobics.
3D Swimming Cap:
Well suited for competitions and just for training. It has a spherical shape, 3D. Made from dense silicone.
Nylon Lycra Cap (Fabric Cap):
It fits well on the head without squeezing it. Easy to put on and suitable for everyday training. Like a polyester cap, it is good to do water aerobics in it, thanks to the fact that the head seems to “breathe” during exercise and the body does not overheat.
Latex swimming cap:
A latex hat has a disadvantage: it is difficult to put on and breaks quickly, but it also has a low cost.
There are also elegant hats for women who want to look beautiful in the pool:
Children's hat with strap:
Thanks to the rubber strap, the cap fits well on the head, holds the hair, and does not fly off while swimming. The cap is made of rubber and protects the hair and scalp from chlorinated water.
How to put on a swimming cap
Dressing instructions:
- Gather your hair and tie it in a bun. Try to keep all unruly strands smooth and in place.
- To make putting it on easier and more comfortable, sprinkle some baby powder into the hat. It will reduce the sticking of the cap to the hair.
- If your hair is electrified, moisten it lightly with water.
- Place both palms into the sides of the cap and stretch it.
- Bend your head slightly and move it inside the cap into the space between your palms.
- Pull the hat over your head, simultaneously lowering your palms down and pulling it over your ears.
- Spread the cap in all directions: pull it over your forehead, tucking strands of hair inside, to the back of your head and to your temples.
- You should also remove the cap by putting both hands under it and stretching it slightly.
After exercising in the pool, when you come home, be sure to rinse the cap with water and dry it. And then, if the hat is rubber or latex, sprinkle baby powder inside so that it does not stick together while it sits unused.
Silicone is considered the most comfortable material for a swimming cap. Such hats are elastic, have good strength, long service life, are easy to take off and put on, but they are also the most expensive. When wet, they do not stick together and do not require complex care.
Heading to the pool? Are you sure you have chosen the right equipment? For example, a swimming cap is a very important attribute of any swimmer. In this article we will tell you why it is needed and how to use it.
8755 0Why do we need a swimming cap?
You cannot neglect a cap when swimming in the pool (and not only). First of all, because its main purpose is to prevent hair from getting into the filtering equipment of the pool. In some pools, however, visitors are allowed to swim without a cap, explaining this by the perfection of modern treatment systems. But the cap takes care not only of the pool, but also of you.
Here are some useful features of a swimming cap:
- reduced water resistance due to its streamlined shape;
- protection against water flowing into the ears;
- reducing exposure to chlorine on hair;
- heat preservation.
The choice of swimming caps today is huge - they are made of latex, silicone, fabric or combined materials. All of them stretch well and fit tightly on your head, but if it is important for you that the cap does not let water through, choose silicone or a combination of materials. Latex - affordable and uncomfortable. They are difficult to put on and difficult to take off, they tear easily, and what’s most unpleasant is that they damage the hair and cause allergies in some people. For those with long hair, it is better to use special caps for large volumes of hair, so that there is enough material to protect your ears.
There are no sizes for the hats - they are divided into adult and children's.
How to wear?
To put on a swimming cap, remove all jewelry from your ears and hands - they can tear the cap. If you have long hair, you need to put it in a bun and tie it with an elastic band. After showering, you can wet your head to make putting it on easier.
Now insert your palms into the cap, stretch its walls a little to the sides and pull, starting from the forehead to the back of the head. Straighten the cap on your head, remove any falling curls.
The ears can be covered with a cloth or left open. In the first case, you will protect yourself from water leakage, but you will be less able to hear others around you, and this may create discomfort. If the ears are not closed, water will flow into them - how often and how much depends on the individual anatomical characteristics of the swimmer. For some this is a daily problem, for others it is a rarity. After a few trainings, you will understand for yourself what is better for you - leaving your ears open or pulling a cap over them.
Care
Caring for your swimming cap is very easy. After swimming, just rinse it with running water and put it in a bag or waterproof bag. When you get home, immediately take out the cap along with your other swimwear and leave it to dry.
Attention: Protect the cap from direct sunlight, and also do not dry it on heating devices - silicone and rubber materials are guaranteed to melt!
Who can and benefits from visiting the pool, you ask? Almost everyone.
The fact is that swimming allows you to reduce weight, improve your health, relieve stress, which is very important in our time, improve your mood and take a break from everyday problems.
During swimming, blood circulation improves, the skin rejuvenates, flexibility and mobility of all joints increases, and the spine relaxes.
If you decide to take up swimming, then first of all you need to carefully read the rules for visiting the institution you have chosen.
If you regularly visit the pool, naturally you need to acquire several necessary accessories, namely: a towel, and a swimming cap for swimming in the pool.
Having learned the rules for being in any health pool, you will see that purchasing this cap for those involved is mandatory condition.
Do you really need a cap when visiting the pool?
It turns out this is a very useful and necessary thing:
Which hat is best for you?
I hope we have sorted out the fact that you need a swimming cap for swimming in the pool. Now let’s consider the question of which one to choose with all the variety of models.
When purchasing this accessory, you do not need to pay attention to the size, because there is none, there are only divisions into adults and children (they are smaller in volume).
Today, the choice of these products is huge and will satisfy the taste of even the most sophisticated fashionista, because the swimming pool also has its own fashion trends.
There you can see hats of one color and various colors, smooth and with three-dimensional figures and flowers, various designs and inscriptions.
There are women's collections of hats, which are produced together with swimsuits, with the same pattern and in the same color scheme.
Some companies can make you a custom swim cap with your own design. So that in the pool you can feel not only comfortable, but also stylish.
Manufacturers of swimming accessories produce these products from various materials (latex, silicone, fabric, combined).
U latex caps have a huge number of disadvantages(thin, easily torn, difficult to put on and take off, stick even to short hair, cause many problems). At the same time, it is difficult to care for it; after you have visited the pool, it is a must treat with talc, otherwise it will stick together.It must be kept in mind that some people there may be allergic reactions for this material. They attract buyers mainly only because of their low cost; they are often sold in the pools themselves, if the visitor suddenly forgot to take his own.
Silicone swimming pool caps are more popular today and are perhaps the most sought after type.
They cost more than latex ones, but they have many advantages.
They are hypoallergenic and do not stick to hair, which is very important for ladies with long hair.
They are easy to put on and take off, because the material is very elastic (this allows you to make models of various designs, with inscriptions, slogans, pictures). These hats come in suture and seamless types.
Fabric cap made of synthetic materials (lycra, polyester, etc.). She doesn't squeeze her head, but has a high coefficient of friction. This is an inexpensive option for swimming enthusiasts. It fits well and doesn't pull hair, but it also does not protect them from exposure to water and chlorine, because the fabric allows water to pass through. Such products are used mainly for water aerobics, as they serve rather to collect hair. They are not suitable for swimmers.
The disadvantages of fabric caps can be compensated for combined hats: silicone coating on top, fabric inside. This is of course the most expensive option, but it is the most practical and convenient. These hats wear well, are easy to care for, and practically do not get wet.
How to choose a pool cap for your child?
It is difficult to find children who do not like splashing in the water. In the conditions of our cities and constantly busy parents, going to the pool is much easier than going to the sea or even the nearest river.If you regularly swim in the pool with your children, then this is not only a pleasant activity for them, but also great way be healthy. Strong immunity, muscles, healthy lungs, endurance, strength, agility - this is what your child will gain during these classes.
Just take him to the pool several times a week. And most importantly, teach him all the safety measures when visiting him.
Every adult who has visited a swimming pool at least once knows what things to have with them.
If you go to the pool with a child, their list can be slightly improved.
Of course, a bathrobe will come in handy with the swimsuit so that your child does not freeze after swimming, goggles, fins for the pool, and, of course, a children's rubber cap.
With all this, the child will be able not only to swim, but also to dive.
How to choose a children's hat for swimming in the pool?
There are only two sizes of pool caps: for adults and for children. You don't need to know any specific numbers. A hat for children is no different from an adult’s (a little smaller in volume), it can simply have small funny ears, bright children’s prints, or be made in the shape of the face of an animal.
If you need to buy an accessory for your baby, just take a baby hat that he likes and fits in size, and go to the pool.
How to put on a pool cap easily and correctly
Having decided on the choice of a hat, you need to learn how to use it correctly.
Handle it with care to prevent tearing. After visiting the pool you need dry the cap, but not in the sun and away from the radiator.
To easily put on a cap without experiencing discomfort, you need to know a few simple rules:
- Remove jewelry (rings, bracelets) from your hands so as not to tear the cap;
- If you have long hair, gather it in a bun, secure it with an elastic band and distribute it over your head, leaving your neck open; here it is important not to use hairpins or sharp hairpins that can damage the cap;
- Stretch the cap by putting both hands inside;
- Bend over and apply the edge of the product to your forehead;
- Move your hands back, distributing the product over your head;
- Taking off a hat is much easier than putting it on; you just need to bend its edges and carefully remove it.
And finally, where can you buy a hat? They are sold in any sports store. The consultant will help you understand the types of hats and give you an idea of the price.
We would really like that after reading this article, you begin to visit the pool regularly, while receiving great pleasure, the joy of communicating with loved ones and friends, with interesting people, improve your health and simply relax.