Open Water Swimming Is IT!

Unless you are one of the very few lucky swimmers who own their own swimming pool, you will have been climbing the walls with the inability to get you regular fix of chlorinated water.

Whether you are a competitive swimmer missing the endless miles, lap swim for fitness, or you use the pool for a gentle paddle whilst chatting to your friends, the feeling of NOT being able to do it has been nothing short of torturous.

Open air pools and Lidos are a great destination for your swimming fix but they are far and few between and with the typical British weather, not everyone is happy to take the plunge and whilst occasionally the sun does shine, it’s not always possible to get lane lines in when the world and his wife turn up with the kids for a splash about.

What is available up and down the country for the more dedicated swimmer is open water swimming at various lakes and quarries, some privately owned and some council owned.

Swimming in the great outdoors can be a tad scary at first, the dark, cold water and the not knowing what is beneath you really tests your mettle but remember, you can always wear a wetsuit and of course you have to wear a cap.

The silicone cap not only helps protect your hair, it keeps it from knotting and, if the hair is long, it keeps it out of your face. So much heat is lost through the head so the importance of wearing a silicone cap is all the more important as a way to help eliminate brain freeze and keep the heat within the swimmer.

Bright coloured caps are the best way to ensure the swimmer is fully visible, not only to the other swimmers, but to the many other water users and of course the life guards. Red, Orange, Yellow and Neon Green are the safest caps to wear as the blues, black and white caps can merge easily with the reflection on the water and make it quite difficult to spot. Safety must come first so swimming in a silicone becomes almost a life saver.

Open Water venues can be found by looking at Swimming Org

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Silicone vs Latex vs Polyester Swim Caps: Which Is Right for Your Team?

by Gaynor Willis • 12 March 2026

If your swim club, school, or event is ordering custom swim caps, one of the first questions is which material to choose . Not all swim caps are the same. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and cost — so the right choice depends on how the caps will be used. This guide explains the differences between silicone, latex, and polyester swim caps , and which one works best for clubs, schools, and open water swimmers. 1. Silicone Swim Caps (Best for Most Clubs) Silicone is now the most popular material for custom swim caps , especially for competitive teams and clubs. Advantages Very durable — lasts a full season or longer Comfortable and stretchy Does not pull hair as much as latex Excellent surface for printed logos Holds colour well Silicone caps are also slightly thicker , which helps them maintain their shape and gives a more premium feel. Best for Swim clubs School teams Competitive swimmers Masters swimming Clubs wanting custom printed logos Downsides Silicone caps are usually more expensive than latex , but the extra durability often makes them better value overall . 2. Latex Swim Caps (Budget Option) Latex caps are made from thin natural rubber and were historically the standard swim cap material. Advantages Lower cost Very lightweight Good for large one-off events Because they are thinner, some swimmers prefer the lighter feel. Best for School galas Large swim events Temporary use Downsides Latex caps are less durable and more likely to tear over time. They can also pull hair and degrade faster when exposed to chlorine and sunlight. For clubs ordering caps for a full season, latex may need replacing more often. 3. Polyester (Fabric) Swim Caps Polyester swim caps are made from fabric rather than rubber or silicone . They are comfortable but behave very differently from traditional swim caps. Advantages Very comfortable Easy to put on and remove Good for long training sessions Best for Recreational swimmers People with very long hair Comfort-focused swimmers Downsides Fabric caps are not waterproof and do not provide the same hydrodynamic benefit. They also cannot be printed with detailed logos as cleanly as silicone caps. Because of this, they are rarely used for club branding or competitions . Which Material Do Most Swim Clubs Choose? Most clubs today choose custom printed silicone swim caps . They offer the best combination of: durability comfort professional appearance strong logo printing For clubs that want their swimmers to look unified on the pool deck — and easy to identify during races — silicone caps are usually the best choice. When Latex Might Still Make Sense Latex caps can still work well when: you need very large quantities the caps are for a single event the budget is tight For example, school galas or charity swims often choose latex caps. Choosing the Right Cap for Your Club Before ordering custom caps, consider: How long the caps need to last Whether you need printed logos Your club budget Whether the caps are for training, racing, or events If you’re unsure, most suppliers can recommend the best option based on your needs. Ordering Custom Swim Caps When ordering custom caps, clubs usually need to decide: cap material colours logo artwork quantity delivery timeline Planning ahead is important, especially before the start of the swim season or major competitions. Need Help Designing Custom Caps? At Swimprint , we’ve been printing swim caps for clubs and schools for decades. If you're planning a new order, we can help with: choosing the right cap material preparing your logo for printing selecting colours that match your club branding