The best long hair swimming caps

For those blessed with voluminous hair, wearing a regular silicone cap can be a real pain. We put three long hair swimming caps to the test to see how they compare during a pool training session

Words: Susi Owusu

For those blessed with voluminous hair, wearing a regular silicone cap can be a real pain. Even if a silicone cap is stretchy enough to fit most head sizes, for those with long or curly hair, dreadlocks, extensions or an afro, it’s likely to slip or fall back when you push off the wall. 

With their range of five sizes, Soul Cap has been blazing the way in long hair swimming caps – their mission to bring inclusivity and accessibility to swimming, to build confidence in the water and to break down social barriers. 

The bigger brands are now following suit with Zoggs and Zone3 bringing out their own long hair swim caps in 2025. We put three long hair swimming caps to the test with a pool training session.

• How to choose a swimming cap 

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SOUL CAP Large Swim Cap For Long Hair, £18

They say: Big hair deserves big care. Give your volume-blessed hair the protection it deserves with our large swim cap made from 100% premium silicone. It’s strong, safe, and built with extra space – giving you the snug fit and tight seal you need to keep your long and voluminous hair dry and healthy through every demanding swim. Featuring a tight seal against the hairline that keeps the water out and your hair secure. They’re also skin-friendly and latex-free, made with 100% premium silicone.

We say: Soul Cap swim caps come in five generous sizes and even the ‘medium’ fitted our tester’s afro hair once it was tied up. In fact, our tester loved the fit of this cap, which was easy to get on and fitted well over her ears. While the fit didn’t feel as streamlined as the Zone3 cap, she felt elegant in it, loved the subtle branding and the little nods she got from other swimmers who recognised the brand.

“I have a large afro when its dry but I tie it up when I swim to protect it from chlorine. Soul Cap’s ‘medium’ size was generous and still felt nice and roomy. I felt elegant in it. That might seem odd but it’s the kind of cap I’d wear on a leisure swim and know it matched with my costume and I looked good. I liked how other long haired swimmers noticed the subtle branding and gave me little nods in the pool, like we’re all in this together.”

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ZONE3 Silicone Long Hair Swim Cap, £6

They say: Made from premium 75g silicone, the Long Hair Swim Cap is designed for swimmers with longer hair, providing extra space for a comfortable fit. The stretchy, soft silicone ensures the cap is easy to put on, while keeping your hair safe and dry from the harsh effects of chlorine and saltwater.

We say: This new long hair cap from Zone3 really delivered. Made with thick silicone, it was easy to get on. It had less give than the Zoggs or Soul Cap styles, meaning a snug fit that didn’t move an inch during pool training – great for competitive swimming. Braille-like bobbles around the edges also helped keep the cap in place. The shape allows for a bun, so if you wear your hair up when swimming the style will work for you. Swimmers with dreads or a full afro might like to try the ‘Extra Long Hair’ style.

“I was absolutely delighted with this swim cap. Zone3 always seem to deliver for me. Many swimmers tie their hair back to protect it from chlorine, and the shape of the Zone3 swimming cap allows for a bun or ponytail. It could have been an inch longer all round but that’s because I like to cover my ears with a cap when I swim. It was easy to get on, a little less give than the other two but that meant it didn’t move an inch during a pool training session and felt the most streamlined – great for competitions and the bright orange would work well in an open water event, too.”

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ZOGGS Long Hair Latex Cap, £15

They say: For individuals with voluminous hair, managing or protecting their hair in the water can often be a barrier to swimming. The Long Hair Latex Cap was developed to overcome this challenge, increasing inclusivity in swimming by ensuring more people, regardless of their hair type, can experience the freedom, fun, and exhilaration of the water. The Zoggs Long Hair Latex Cap is designed for swimmers with voluminous hair, offering a comfortable and secure fit. With 100% more volume than the Zoggs Silicone Cap and a watertight seal, it allows swimmers to protect their hair from chlorine and salt water, prevent their hair from their obstructing vision, and focus solely on enjoying their swim.

We say: This one-size latex cap would suit swimmers with very long hair, dreads or long braids. However if, like our tester, you tend to tie your hair up when swimming then the opening of the cap might be too big and slip when swimming. The bright pink is highly visible. Made from latex, it offers less thermal protection and durability than silicone styles.

“The hat was too big for me, so it slipped a little when pool training, but if you have dreads or long braids then it might work really well. The shape of the swimming cap would suit people with fuller or afro hair, but less so if you tie your hair back. The bright pink keeps you visible in open water.”

All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews. Main photo: Soul Cap.