Hood Sizes
Loose fitting sun hood for better ventilation in hot weather, great for beach swimming or for hiking.
Adjustable mid-sized hood works best for most activities. A strap on the back lets you change the size of the hood, depending what you wear underneath.
Tight fitting hood for swimming, snorkeling, and fast water sports. It should turn with your head and not obstruct your view.
Tight Fitting Hoods
In heavy rain or during intense splash sports you may want to tie your hood closely around your face. Make sure your hood fits well and does not block your vision. If the hood is too big you won't see much then.
Some hoods have an adjustment strap on the back to reduce the volume and provide a good tight fit, so it won't shift around and cover your face. Instead it turns with your head for better visibility. A well fitting hood cinched in tight stays put no matter what you do, whether you run, jump or swim underwater.
A tight fitting hood gives you good visibility, essential for many watersports and outdoor swimming. The small face opening reduces wind and spray hitting your face. The back is slightly loose so it turns with your head.
Some hoods are stiffer on top to stay open.
Hoods may cover your forehead but not your eyes.
The loose area behind the neck allows for easy head turning.
Loose Fitting Hoods
When you wear your hood up you stay warmer and have better sun protection. A loose fitting hood allows for better ventilation, but also more rain or spray water come inside. However, when you wear your hood mainly for sun protection, this is the way to go. If you feel too hot, get your clothes wet and enjoy the evaporation cooling.
When you want more comfort than function, loose fitting hoods offer room for a hat or just better ventilation, but may not turn with your head as well as tighter ones. Good for sun protection, relaxed bathing, or for warm-up clothes worn over swimwear between pool training sessions.
Versatile Hoods
Better hoods can be worn loose or tight, depending on your sport. Some have a strap on the back that lets you adjust their volume, so you can wear them tight or loose. Streamlined hoods with a tight fit are best for immersive watersports.
Hood Down
You could keep the hood down for better visibility, but some water will run down into your collar. The hood floats around more unless you tie it tight around your neck, and water or air bubbles may collect in it.
