Bathing Cap History

Swim caps are standard for serious swimmers, but they used to be considered fashion statements, too.

Bathing caps, also known as swim caps, were once considered a staple of a woman's swimwear. Nowadays, they're usually sported by competitive swimmers. The bathing cap has spanned several generations, from the 1900s to modern day.

1900s

Bathing caps were invented in the early 20th century to keep the hair out off the face and out of the water. The first bathing caps were made of rubber or rubberized fabric. In addition to the swim cap, women wore very elaborate bathing costumes that covered their entire bodies.

1920s

The Roaring 20s saw the production of latex bathing caps. Swim caps were very popular during this time in history because they were perfect for covering the short, bobbed haircuts of the era. They also resembled the close-fitting cloche hats that were fashionable during that time.

1940s

With a shortage of rubber due to World War II, bathing caps became scarce. Women with swim caps were considered fortunate, as the caps protected the popular wave hairstyles of the time. During the later part of the decade the "aquamusicals" of Esther Williams paired vibrant bathing caps with sung swimsuits.

1950s

Swim caps of varying colors and textures were all the rage, since they were a fashionable way to protect the hairstyles that women were so proud of. Some women were so protective of their hair that, in addition to wearing a bathing cap, they would swim with their heads completely out of the water.

1960s

In the early 1960s, flowered swim caps became extremely popular. The quirky, colorful caps were made by large companies such as Jantzen and Playtex and remain perhaps the most recognized of all bathing caps. However, swim caps began to lose their popularity during this decade.

1970s and Beyond

Swim caps began losing commercial popularity in the late 20th century. However, the invention of more durable silicone swim caps was a high point for bathing caps in recent history. Today, swim caps are mostly used by professional or serious swimmers to reduce drag and protect hair from harsh pool chemicals.

References

• Pop Goes the Culture: The Bathing Suit - From Wherever Did It Come?
• Glamoursplash: 1950s Swim Cap Glamour
• SwimCap.Net: Swim Caps

Resources

• Fashion Era: Women's Swimwear in the 20th Century