Let’s talk about hair. Long hair, big hair, thick hair, braids, curls—you name it, swimmers have it. And when you’ve got serious volume up top, not just any swimming cap will cut it. Whether you’re hitting high yardage in practice or just trying to keep your hair out of your goggles, the right cap for long hair is more than a comfort choice—it’s a performance essential.
Traditional race caps are built for speed, but not stretch. For swimmers with long or thick hair, especially kids or athletes who train daily, that means tearing through caps (and hair) more often than they should. Fortunately, brands have started to figure it out. We tested caps across silicone, bubble, and extra-volume designs to see which actually deliver.
Speedo continues to dominate as the cultural and competitive leader, blending elite performance with real-world function. But they’re not the only ones showing up—Nike, Arena, Sporti, and SOUL CAP all earn podium-worthy praise in this category.
Below please see how the best swim caps for long hair, kids, and competitive swimmers stack up in 2025.
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🥇 1. SPEEDO Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $13.30
Why We Love It:
- Designed specifically for longer hairstyles with extra volume
- Silicone stretches easily without tearing or tugging
- Secure fit without pressure points
The Verdict: The gold standard. It’s the most balanced cap for long hair—streamlined, snug, and built to last through tough training blocks. Still the market leader for a reason.
🥈 2. NIKE Voluminous Hair Swim Cap – Approx Price $25
Why We Love It:
- Extra-deep fit for braids, curls, and heavy hair
- Soft and highly flexible silicone with reinforced edges
- Sleek Nike styling that doesn’t sacrifice function
The Verdict: A high-end option that delivers. Expensive, yes, but a game-changer for swimmers needing more space without giving up performance.
🥉 3. SOUL CAP Long Hair Swim Cap – Approx Price $18
Why We Love It:
- Designed for natural and afro-textured hair
- Deep and wide shape accommodates volume comfortably
- Tear-resistant and made for daily use
The Verdict: The cap that sparked a movement. Ideal for inclusivity and long training days alike. Strong pick for swimmers often overlooked by traditional designs.
4. ARENA Long Hair Swim Cap – Approx Price $13.50
- High-quality silicone with Arena’s signature cut
- Slightly more snug fit than Speedo, but great durability
The Verdict: A strong all-around contender. More compressive than Speedo’s model but great for long sessions.
5. NIKE Solid Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $12
- Similar in shape to Speedo’s design
- Smooth interior helps prevent hair snags
The Verdict: A no-fuss choice from Nike that performs well in practice and competition alike.
6. SPORT Galaxy Silicone Long Hair Bun Swim Cap – Approx Price $13
- Roomy fit tailored to accommodate bun placement
- Galaxy print for added flair
The Verdict: Best for swimmers who keep their hair up top. Stylish and practical.
7. SPORTI Garden Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $10.87
- Soft silicone, pretty print, easy on/off
The Verdict: A solid blend of function and design. Floral doesn’t mean fragile—this one holds up.
8. SPORTI Long Hair Multi Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $8.25
- Slightly thicker silicone for durability
- Multi-color for a fun, standout look
The Verdict: A dependable training cap with a little personality.
9. SPORTI Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $6
- Basic build but fits long hair well
- Affordable entry-level option
The Verdict: Budget-friendly with surprising performance. Ideal for swimmers new to silicone caps.
10. USMS Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $8
- Official USMS branding with quality silicone
- Fit similar to Sporti’s standard long-hair models
The Verdict: For masters swimmers looking for extra room and a nod to their team pride.
11. SPORTI Solid Long Hair Bun Silicone Swim Cap – Approx Price $7
- Designed for bun fit, but may feel snug for very thick hair
The Verdict: Works best for swimmers who wear high buns or ponytails consistently.
12. SPORTI Bubble Swim Cap with Chin Strap – Approx Price $6
- Bubble texture for warmth and added durability
- Chin strap helps it stay on smaller or younger heads
The Verdict: Great for kids or cold water. Not ideal for serious yardage or fast sets.
13. SOUL CAP Children’s Swim Cap for Long Hair – Approx Price $16
- Made specifically for children with textured or long hair
- Gentle grip that doesn’t squeeze little heads
The Verdict: A thoughtful and well-designed cap for kids who need more than the one-size-fits-all standard.
🛒 ORDER YOUR SWIM CAP HERE
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