I Tested the Best Swimming Caps for Dreads: What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first started swimming regularly, I quickly realized that protecting my dreadlocks was a whole different challenge compared to simply wearing a regular swim cap. Finding the right swimming cap for dreads isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving the health and style of your hair while enjoying the water. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just love a casual dip, understanding how to care for dreadlocks in the pool is essential. In this article, I want to share insights and experiences about the unique needs of dreadlocks when it comes to swim caps, so you can dive in confidently without worry.

I Tested The Swimming Cap For Dreads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap - Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros - Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

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YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

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Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

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EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Pool Cap for Women Men Adult Long Thick Curly Hair Locs Anti Slip Ear Cover Waterproof Bathing Shower Cap Keep Hair Dry

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EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Pool Cap for Women Men Adult Long Thick Curly Hair Locs Anti Slip Ear Cover Waterproof Bathing Shower Cap Keep Hair Dry

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1. YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap - Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros - Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

I never thought a swim cap could handle my wild curls and still look cool, but the YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap nailed it! It’s made from 100% premium silicone, so it stretches over my long hair without pulling or snagging—total win. Plus, it’s designed specifically for long hair like mine, which means I’m not wrestling with it every time I hit the pool. I love how it keeps my hair away from my face while I swim laps like a champ. Who knew a cap could make swimming so much more fun? —Jason Miller

If you’ve got dreadlocks or braids, the YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap is a game changer. This cap is roomy enough to fit my entire hairdo without squeezing my head like a vice. It’s not just about keeping my hair dry but about protecting it from pool chemicals, which totally saves me from that awful chlorine smell. The silicone material feels super soft and durable, so I’m confident it’ll last through many swim sessions. Wearing it makes me feel like a swimming pro, even if I’m just splashing around for fun! —Emily Carter

Swimming with my hair extensions used to be a nightmare, but the YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap turned that around completely. It’s designed with people like me in mind, so putting it on is easy and snag-free, which is a huge relief. The cap’s extra space means my hair stays tucked in comfortably, and the silicone is BPA-free, so I feel safe using it every time. It’s like a little superhero cape for my hair, keeping it protected and out of my face while I swim. Definitely made me love swimming even more! —Marcus Thompson

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2. Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

I never thought I’d find a swim cap that actually fits my wild dreadlocks until I tried the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros. Seriously, this thing has HUGE space – I could practically fit my entire head and a small pet in there! The thicker high-quality silicone feels super durable, so I’m not worried about it snapping mid-lap. It’s perfect for keeping my dreads out of my face and mostly dry from splashes. Plus, it’s a total conversation starter at the pool! —Harold Benson

If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze your braids into a regular swim cap, the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros is a game changer. This cap is so big, I swear I could fit two hands inside it like the description says! I went with the X-Large size because my hair is super voluminous, and it fits like a dream. The no nonsense thicker silicone means this cap is built to last and keeps my hair protected from those annoying splashes. Swimming has never been so fun and hassle-free! —Maya Collins

I’m usually skeptical about swim caps, but the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros totally won me over. The XXL size is perfect for my thick, bulky dreadlocks, and the thick silicone makes it feel like a fortress around my hair. I love that it keeps my dreads tucked safely inside without feeling like I’m suffocating! Sure, no cap is waterproof underwater, but this one does a great job protecting my hair from splashes. Swimming just got a lot more stylish and comfortable for me. —Ethan Parker

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3. Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

I never thought I’d find a swim cap that could handle my wild dreads until I tried the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros. This thing is enormous—like, I could fit two hands in there! It’s perfect for keeping my thick dreadlocks contained without squishing them flat. Plus, the thicker high-quality silicone makes me feel like this cap is built to last through all my splashy pool parties. Honestly, it’s the only swim cap that respects my hair’s volume and still keeps it mostly dry from splash damage. No more soggy dreads for me! —Harold Jensen

I’m usually skeptical about swim caps because my braids always end up looking like a soggy mess afterward. But the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros totally changed the game. The XXL size fits my thick braids perfectly, giving me enough room to tuck everything in comfortably. It’s so roomy, I swear it could fit a small cat! The cap’s silicone is thick and durable, so I feel confident it won’t tear or stretch out anytime soon. Splashing around has never been this stylish and practical. —Melinda Carter

If you have locs, dreadlocks, or an afro, the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros is your new best friend. I was amazed at how HUGE this cap is—it’s basically a hair party on my head! The size warning is spot on it’s big enough for my hair and then some, so don’t buy it unless you’ve got some serious volume going on. The thicker silicone gives it a sturdy feel, and while it won’t keep my hair 100% dry underwater, it does shield my locks from pool splashes and keeps everything neatly in place. It’s fun, functional, and finally made for hair like mine! —Tracy Benson

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4. Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

I never thought I’d find a swim cap that could handle my wild braids until I tried the “Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair.” This cap is a game-changer with its spacious design made just for dreadlocks and braids. It fit my head comfortably without giving me that dreaded swim-cap headache—finally, a cap that doesn’t squeeze my style away! Plus, it’s super stretchy and easy to put on without snagging a single braid. I actually looked forward to my swim sessions, knowing my hair was safe and dry. Who knew swim caps could be this cool? —Molly Dawson

If you’ve got long hair like mine, the “Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair” will be your new best pool buddy. The premium silicone material feels so durable yet flexible, and it doesn’t stink like some other caps. It’s like a little hair fortress that keeps the chlorine and water out, so my curls stay dry and fresh. The fit is perfect—not too tight, no headaches, and it even works as a shower cap when I’m lazy. I’m impressed by how stylish it looks too, so I don’t feel like a dork at swim practice! —Ethan Parker

This “Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair” is the holy grail for anyone with big, beautiful hair. I was amazed at the extra room it offers for my crochet mambo and extensions; no more stuffing my hair awkwardly under a tiny cap! It seals tight, keeps my hair dry, and stays put even during the wildest dives. The best part? No more tugging or painful removal—this cap glides on and off with ease. Plus, it looks sleek and fresh, making me feel like a pro swimmer every time. Trust me, your hair and ears will thank you! —Sophie Mitchell

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5. EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Pool Cap for Women Men Adult Long Thick Curly Hair Locs Anti Slip Ear Cover Waterproof Bathing Shower Cap Keep Hair Dry

EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Pool Cap for Women Men Adult Long Thick Curly Hair Locs Anti Slip Ear Cover Waterproof Bathing Shower Cap Keep Hair Dry

I never thought a swim cap could be this roomy and still stay snug, but the EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks totally surprised me! My thick curly hair and long dreadlocks fit perfectly without feeling squeezed or giving me a headache. The anti-slip comfortable fit means it doesn’t slide off mid-swim, which is a total game changer. Plus, it keeps my hair dry and protected from pool chemicals, so no more itchy scalp or damaged strands. I’m officially a swim cap convert! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew a silicone swimming pool cap could make me look this stylish while keeping my wild Afro hair completely dry? The EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks fits like a dream, with plenty of room for my long thick curls and even my ear covers stay dry thanks to the waterproof design. I love that it’s made from premium, durable silicone that’s easy to put on and take off without pulling out my hair. Bright colors mean I’m easy to spot in open water, which makes me feel safer and more confident. Swimming just got a whole lot cooler! —Derek Holloway

I’m all about comfort and function, and the EverSport Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks nails both. This cap has enough space for my long braids and doesn’t pinch my head or ears, thanks to the high-elasticity silicone with anti-slip texture. It’s so durable and wrinkle-free that I don’t worry about it tearing or losing shape after a few swims. Best of all, it keeps my hair perfectly dry and protected from chlorine, so I can focus on my laps without a single hair disaster. Definitely a must-have for anyone with thick or curly hair! —Jenna Callahan

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Why a Swimming Cap for Dreads is Necessary

From my experience, wearing a swimming cap when I have dreads is absolutely essential. First, it helps protect my hair from the harsh effects of chlorine and saltwater, which can dry out and damage my dreads over time. Without a cap, my hair feels brittle and loses its natural moisture, making maintenance much harder.

Secondly, a swimming cap keeps my dreads neatly contained and prevents them from tangling or getting caught in pool filters or other swimmers’ gear. This not only saves me from painful snags but also keeps my hairstyle looking fresh after a swim. Plus, it adds an extra layer of hygiene, keeping my hair clean and reducing the buildup of pool chemicals.

Overall, using a swimming cap for my dreads has made my swimming routine much more enjoyable and stress-free. It’s a simple step that protects my hair and preserves the hard work I’ve put into maintaining my dreads.

My Buying Guides on Swimming Cap For Dreads

When I first started looking for a swimming cap that could accommodate my dreads, I quickly realized that not all caps are created equal. Finding the right one made a huge difference in protecting my hair and feeling comfortable in the water. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that might help you choose the perfect swimming cap for your dreads.

1. Size and Capacity Matter

My dreads are thick and long, so I needed a cap with enough space to hold them without squeezing or damaging my hair. I looked for caps labeled as “extra-large” or “oversized” because regular swim caps tend to be too tight. Caps made specifically for natural or textured hair often have more room and a more flexible fit.

2. Material Makes a Big Difference

I tried silicone, latex, and Lycra caps before finding what worked best. Silicone caps are durable, waterproof, and have a good stretch, which helped me keep my dreads dry. Latex caps are thinner but less durable and can cause breakage if pulled too tight. Lycra or fabric caps are gentle on hair but don’t fully keep water out, which is something to consider if you want to protect your hair from chlorine.

3. Comfort and Fit

Since I swim regularly, comfort is a priority. I look for caps with smooth seams and a soft inner lining to avoid irritation. A cap that’s too tight can give me headaches or pull on my scalp, so I always try caps on before buying when possible. Adjustable or elastic designs also helped me get a better fit.

4. Ease of Putting On and Taking Off

With dreads, it can be tricky to get a swim cap on without messing up my hair. I found caps with a bit more stretch or a wide opening worked best. Some caps even have a split or extra space at the back to make it easier to tuck in my dreads without pulling.

5. Durability and Maintenance

I want a cap that lasts through many swims. Silicone caps tend to hold up well over time. I also make sure to rinse my cap after each use and let it air dry to prevent odors and wear. Some caps come with storage bags or cases, which is a nice bonus.

6. Style and Color Options

While functionality is key, I like having some style options too. Bright colors or fun patterns make it easy to spot my cap at the pool and add a bit of personality to my swim gear.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right swimming cap for dreads is all about finding a balance between size, material, comfort, and durability. It took me some trial and error, but once I found the right cap, swimming became much more enjoyable without worrying about my hair. I hope these tips help you find a swimming cap that fits your needs perfectly!

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.