Forget the tightly fitted, unflattering, rubber swimming caps we are all familiar with today. The 1960s saw colourful, flowery and exotic bathing caps come into vogue. Here are British Pathe's top 12 coolest ways of keeping hair dry.



This is the 'Trumps' swimming cap, designed by Kleinert.




'Top Notch' is the yellow cap with black stripes. The white cap with the red flower on top is the 'Tassel'.




This very feminine white cap with floral design is called "Flowering Leaves."




This cap actually has a false nylon fringe attached to the front of the swimming hat. Ingenious!




A funky red strapless cap.




This delicate creation called 'Petal' is made of layers of fine rubber petals each secured with a pearl. Gorgeous!




'Ruffles and Bows'. A lovely feminine design, a yellow strapless hat with a double frill and bow at the back.




Spray. A simple design, featuring an attractive spray of rubber flowers on a white, strapless cap.




This futuristic number is a bit oulandish with its three long red antennae. The tips of the antennae appear to have
small light bulbs on top. Not entirely practical for swimming!




The 'Coronet' design features a yellow and black crown on top of the hat.




This design is called 'Vido'. Not convinced this will keep a head of hair dry.




Three different kinds of flowery caps designed in 1970.