Matsunami, M., Taimura, A., & Sugawara, M. (2003). Thermal responses in swimming is affected by the material of swim caps. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 148.

Male competitive swimmers (N = 10) performed 20 minutes of sub-maximal swimming in a 25-m indoor pool wearing either a waterproof silicone cap or a non-waterproof mesh cap. Skin temperatures at various sites were measured.

The waterproof cap obstructed heat dissipation and caused greater measures of head skin temperature and thermal sensation.

Implication. Waterproof head caps appear to be "hotter" than mesh caps. This might have an effect of compromising a swimmer's response to an extended training program.

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