Many Black female swimmers wore the Soul Cap because its extra-large design accommodates “thick, curly, or voluminous hair," features of Black hair texture and styles ranging from natural to braids.

Just What Is It That We Love About Messy Hair? By Zoe Ruffner Styled by Kate Phelan. July 18, ... The result—romantically rumpled, surprisingly refined—lends my all-black ensemble a singular edge.