How to Choose a Swim Hijab Cap: A Guide for the Pool and the Sea

The first step to feeling comfortable in the pool or the sea is a cap that does not get heavy in the water, does not slip and dries quickly. The cotton underscarf you wear every day gets heavy in water and dries slowly, so you need a separate swim hijab cap for swimming.

What Is a Swim Hijab Cap?

A swim hijab cap is worn with a modest swimsuit (burkini) and is made of water-resistant, quick-drying fabrics. Some styles cover only the head; others also cover the neck and chest. Pools often require a cap for hygiene reasons, so for women who wear hijab a swim hijab cap meets both their modesty needs and the pool rules.

What to Look for in a Swim Hijab Cap

1. Fabric

Micro and elastane fabrics absorb little water, dry quickly and keep their shape in the water. Cotton fabrics get heavy, loosen and dry slowly in water; they are not suitable for the pool.

2. Fit

The cap should sit closely on your head and not slip with waves and movement in the water. But it should not be so tight that it squeezes your ears and forehead. If you are unsure of your size, see our underscarf size guide.

3. Coverage

Styles that cover only the head are paired with a burkini; one-piece styles that also cover the neck and throat need no extra piece.

4. Goggles

If you wear swimming goggles, choose a style that stays secure on your head and lets the goggle strap pass comfortably over the cap.

Micro swim and sports hijab and swim cap

Ecardin Pool and Sea Caps

The Pro swim hijab cap: designed for the pool and the sea.

The micro swim and sports hijab: a one-piece style that also covers the neck, in micro fabric.

The micro fabric sports underscarf: a simple, light, quick-drying style.

Every style is in our swim hijab category.

How to Put On a Swim Hijab Cap

Gather your hair at the back of your head in a low, tight bun.

Dampening your hair slightly helps the cap slide on more easily.

Pull the cap on from front to back and set the front edge on your hairline.

Make sure your ears sit inside the cap without being squashed.

With one-piece styles, tuck the neck part under the neckline of your burkini.

If you wear goggles, put the strap over the cap.

Care After the Pool and the Sea

Chlorine and salt wear out fabric; rinse the cap in clean water as soon as possible after use.

Squeeze out the water without wringing and dry in the shade; direct sun can fade the colour.

Wash at 30°C with a mild detergent; do not use fabric softener.

Do not fold it and leave it in your bag before it is dry.

Light, quick-drying fabric is comfortable in the water and the sun

Why Do Pools Require a Cap?

Many pools require a cap as a hygiene rule, to stop hair and hair products getting into the water. We recommend checking the pool's rules to see whether a modest swim cap meets them; most accept swim hijab caps made of swim-suitable fabric.

Checklist for a Pool or Beach Holiday

A burkini (modest swimsuit) and a swim hijab cap

A spare cap: changing out of a wet cap is more comfortable

A quick-drying scarf or ready-to-wear turban for after the pool

A separate, breathable bag for your cap and burkini

Something with a brim for the sun; outdoor hijab and hat sets are handy for beach walks

Swim Caps for Girls

For girls starting to swim, it is just as important that the cap sits closely and does not squeeze their ears. Stretchy micro-fabric styles are comfortable and dry quickly. Make sure you choose a style that fits your child's head; a loose cap slips in the water and bothers the child.

Making Your Swim Cap Last

Chlorine wears out cap fabric and fades its colour over time. Rinsing in clean water after every swim, drying in the shade and rotating your caps makes the fabric last noticeably longer. Our general care tips are in our guide to washing hijabs and underscarves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many swim caps should I have?

If you swim often, we recommend at least two, so you can wear one while the other dries.

Does a swim hijab cap fade in the sun?

Drying it in direct sunlight can fade the colour. Drying caps in the shade helps keep their colour.

Can I wear a normal underscarf instead of a swim cap?

A cotton underscarf gets heavy and slips in water, and it may not meet pool rules. For swimming, choose a micro or elastane swim hijab cap.

Will a swim hijab cap keep my hair dry?

Modest swim caps cover your hair but are not fully waterproof; your hair may get damp. If you want it to stay completely dry, you can wear a silicone swimming cap underneath.

Does a swim hijab cap slip in the sea?

A style in stretchy fabric that sits closely on your head stays put in the waves too. Tying your hair low and tight makes it more secure.