As you know, doing water sports is much more convenient if the hair does not interfere with movements. And if during sea and river procedures you can independently decide whether to use a swimming cap or not, then to visit the pool the presence of such an accessory is a prerequisite. Moreover, not only silicone and latex attributes appeared on sale, but also special textile caps for the pool.
Features
Wearing such swimming accessories is necessary in any case. This is done to fix the curls, as well as to prevent the pool filter from clogging the hair of visitors.
As a rule, fabric caps are used for water aerobics. In swimming, they are not very convenient, as they get wet quickly. They are needed so that the hair is removed and does not interfere with the exercises.
Also, they do not allow overheating of the body, since moisture from the head during exercise easily evaporates through the tissue.
Wearing a swimming attribute allows not only to observe the rules of visiting the public pool, to show elementary respect for the employees of the institution and visitors, but also to make the image more attractive and unique.
Varieties of materials
Pool hats are made from materials such as polyamide, nylon, polyester, elastomer, lycra, acrylic, microfiber. Products from these fabrics do not reduce water resistance, as they have a high coefficient of friction. Therefore, fabric attributes are not used in sports swimming. In addition, they let water through.
The composition of each material is characterized by certain properties.For example, accessories made of nylon are characterized by wear resistance, elasticity, tensile strength. Great examples of such products are 100% nylon Speedo hats (Pace series). They take the shape of a head and do not constrain movements when swimming.
Polyester is characterized by durability, strength, and resistance to deformation. The fabric from it practically does not absorb moisture, is resistant to chlorine and dries much faster than analogues. A great example is a hat from an Italian company Arena (Polyester Series)It features flat seams and a three-panel ergonomic design.
Fabric made of elastomeric fibers (elastane) has such advantages as thinness, light weight and moisture resistance. Products from it are able to stretch 8 times and easily return to their original form. Due to the instability to chlorine, pure elastane swimming accessories are not sewn. Only its combination with other materials is allowed. For example, Adidas caps (Infinitex series) have 78% polyamide and the remaining 22% elastane.
Lycra has good indicators of elasticity, breathability, resistance to chlorine and salt. It is most often used with other materials to improve the characteristics of the fabric. For instance, Mad Wave Hat (Long Hairs Series) 80% of nylon and 20% of lycra. The model is characterized by high strength and wear resistance.
Polyamide has high abrasion resistance, elasticity, light weight and protection against fungus. For instance, Arena hat (Unix series). Such an attribute is strong enough, resilient and at the same time thin and breathable.
Accessories made of acrylic fibers are characterized by hypoallergenicity, resistance to chlorine and sea salt. They do not absorb moisture and hold color for a long time. An example is a Russian-made hat MegaSport.
Criterias of choice
When purchasing a fabric cap for the pool, you should pay attention to the material of its manufacture. It is better if it is not from cotton, but from synthetics. For example, the ideal combination is 80% polyamide and 20% elastane. Such a product will be characterized by sufficient elasticity, the skin in it will breathe.
For those who want to protect their hair from the effects of chlorine or salt water, combination caps are an excellent solution. Outside they are made of silicone or polyurethane, and inside - of fabric. The textile backing usually consists of polyester or lycra. They combine comfort, elasticity, waterproofness and durability.
And because of the good streamlining of the outer layer, accessories can be used for training and competition.
By the way, for long hair there are special models with folds and with an elongated shape of the back. They largely win in appearance, since they do not fit very strongly on the head. This is important for many girls, but such swimming caps are of little use for serious swimming.
Advantages and disadvantages
Despite such a serious drawback as wetness, textile accessories have many positive aspects.
- The fabric cap is comfortable to wear. It is elastic, stretches well and does not press on the head.
- Despite getting wet, it maintains optimal body temperature. And as you know, a person loses up to 40% of heat through his head.
- Easy to put on and take off. You can remove it even with one hand.
- The attribute is as easy to maintain as possible. It is enough to rinse it under running water and dry in natural conditions. But batteries and direct sunlight should be avoided.
- It fixes hair well. And due to the fact that the accessory does not fit your head tightly, the hairstyle does not lose volume.
- The fabric base of the cap allows you to hear the coach’s commands.
- Allows vapors from the head to easily go outside.
- Swimming attribute material does not cause allergies.
- Textile accessories boast a low price, as well as a wide variety of designs and colors. Some female models are decorated with beads, embroideries and appliqués.
The disadvantages of hats made of fabric include the following points:
- they quickly pass water - for this reason they are not used in serious sports;
- despite the fact that there is no clear distinction between male and female models, they are mainly used by the fair sex and children;
- caps from some fabrics tend to quickly stretch and lose color;
- attributes from textiles do not have a dimensional grid, however, the same models from different manufacturers may vary in size.
How to wear?
In order for the swimming cap to fix hair well, it must be worn correctly. To do this, you need:
- to collect hair in a bun, and comb the bangs back;
- stick your hands inside the cap, straighten it and stretch it to the sides;
- first pull on the forehead, temples and ears, and then on the back of the head;
- it is much easier to remove such a cap, unlike its “brothers”, it can be done even with one hand.
By the way, if the hair nevertheless fell out from under the textile cap, they can easily be straightened back. It is impossible to do this with silicone analogues.
See how to choose a swimming cap in the next video.
