Pre-1883
In ancient times and into the 1800's, both men and women wore net caps to keep hair up and out of water during bathing and swimming. Waxed taffeta and straw were also materials of early swim caps.
1883
After the invention of rubber, swim and bathing caps were introduced in 1883. They were often covered with fabric or draped with silk for a women's fashion statement.
1920s
By the 1920's, swim caps were officially a fashion accessory. Plain rubber caps were worn by serious and competitive swimmers, but fashion swim caps were the norm for women at beaches and public pools.
1968
The hippie movement killed the fashion swim cap. It was seen as conservative and representative of older generations. Serious and competitive swimmers were the only ones to continue to use swim caps.
Present Day
Silicone swim caps are the most popular caps made now. Caps are also made from latex, and for triathlon athletes and cold water swimmers, neoprene. Although swim caps can have patterns and prints, they are mostly a functional accessory, rather than fashion.
