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O'Neill Wetsuit Hats

You lose a startling amount of heat through your head, and in cold water that loss happens fast. A neoprene beanie or cap traps warmth where you feel the cold most sharply, taking the ice-cream headache out of a winter swim and letting you stay in long enough to enjoy it. They are small, cheap and make a disproportionate difference.

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O'Neill neoprene beanies and caps for cold water

Of all the small pieces of neoprene, headwear is the one that changes a cold swim from an endurance test into something you would willingly repeat.

Warmth where you lose it fastest

Your head sheds heat quickly, and in cold water that shows up immediately as a headache across the forehead and temples. A close neoprene layer holds that heat in and takes the sting out of the first minutes.

A close fit keeps the water out

Headwear only works if it sits tight against the skin. A snug fit stops cold water washing across your scalp, and a chin strap or close cut keeps the beanie in place when a wave goes over you.

Ear coverage takes the ache away

Covering the ears protects against both the cold ache and the wind chill you feel the moment you stand up out of the water, which is often the coldest part of a winter swim.

Light enough to always have with you

Neoprene headwear takes up almost no room in a bag, so it lives with your kit and is there on the days the water turns out colder than the forecast suggested.

Frequently asked questions

When should I wear a neoprene beanie?

Whenever the water is cold enough to give you a headache or make your ears ache, which for most people in Ireland means autumn through spring. Regular cold water swimmers often wear one year round, since it extends how long you can comfortably stay in.

How tight should a neoprene beanie be?

Close against the skin all round, with no gaps at the temples or behind the ears, but not so tight that it gives you a pressure headache. A loose beanie lets cold water wash through and does very little.

Can I wear it under a wetsuit hood?

Yes, though for most conditions one or the other is enough. A hood attaches around the neck and seals against the suit for the coldest water, while a beanie is simpler, lighter and easier to pull on and off mid-session.

Will a neoprene cap keep my hair dry?

No. Neoprene headwear is designed to keep you warm rather than dry, and a thin layer of water under it is part of how it works. If keeping your hair dry matters, a swim cap worn underneath gets you closer.

Can I collect orders in store?

Yes, choose Click & Collect at checkout. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours and you will get an email when ready. Available from our Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown and Cork City Centre stores.

Do you offer free delivery on orders?

Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over €100.

Where are your stores located?

We have four stores across Ireland: Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre and Arnotts Dublin.

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