Day cap or sleep cap during chemotherapy: what's the difference?

Dagmutsjes en nachtmutsjes: wat is het verschil?
For many women, a cap becomes part of everyday comfort during chemotherapy. But did you know that a day cap and a sleep cap are not designed for the same purpose? Here's what sets them apart and when it's best to wear each one.

Why are there different types of caps?

Your head has different needs during the day and at night. During the day, you're active, meeting people and often want to feel a little more put together. At night, comfort, rest and a good night's sleep become the priority. That's reflected in the fabrics, fit and finishing details of day and sleep caps.

Day caps: comfortable and stylish

A day cap is designed to be worn mainly indoors (nut also outside the house). It is:

• Made from soft, breathable fabrics such as viscose (derived from natural materials)
• Slightly more structured so it keeps its shape beautifully
• Available in a range of colours, prints and styles
• Sometimes finished with pleats, loops or a subtle cuff for an elegant look
• Designed for indoor temperatures (regular hats from clothing stores are mainly intended to keep you warm outdoors in winter)

Many women wear day caps as an alternative to a wig or hairpiece, or simply to alternate with them. They are easy to put on, lightweight and can help women feel calmer and more confident.

Sleep caps: soft and soothing

A sleep cap is specifically designed to wear in bed. The ideal sleep cap is:

• Extra soft and flexible, without bulky seams or labels
• Usually thinner than a day cap
• Large enough to cover the ears and the back of the neck, which are often the areas that feel cold at night
• Made from skin-friendly fabrics that help prevent irritation

During chemotherapy, the scalp can become sensitive, dry or sore. A sleep cap protects your skin from cold and friction against the pillow and helps many women sleep more comfortably.

Can you wear a day cap at night?

Technically yes, but it's not always the most comfortable option. Day caps are often slightly thicker or have decorative details that may get in the way while sleeping. The opposite is also true: a sleep cap is usually too simple and lightweight to wear outside during the day.

That's why many women choose to have both: a stylish day cap for daytime wear + an ultra-soft sleep cap for nighttime comfort.

What suits you best?

There is no right or wrong choice. What matters most is that you feel comfortable. Some women start with one cap and gradually add more, while others prefer having several options from the beginning. Listen to your body and trust your feelings.

What would I personally recommend? A starter set of three caps:

• 1 sleep cap
• 1 day cap to wear
• 1 spare day cap while the other one is in the wash

Looking for a comfortable cap for daytime or nighttime wear?

 In our webshop, you'll find soft day and sleep caps specially designed for sensitive scalps during chemotherapy:

Marlene: a timeless day cap with elegant pleats that flatters every face shape
Sophia: a day cap with a turban-inspired look and a decorative loop at the front
Pippa: our bestselling sleep cap, free from unnecessary frills or pleats, with 100% comfort in mind

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reading next

De 10 meest gestelde vragen over chemo & haaruitval
Als slecht nieuws over lotgenoten je raakt: hoe ga je ermee om?