Review (5/5): What an upgrade
I usually get packs of cheapola showercaps from the dollar store (like a six pack of plastic bags with a rubberband, you know?) but they don't last long... So I had a vinyl one that lasted longer, but was really just that same old design that was just plastic tied to your head with elastic...
This shower cap is... well, frankly, after the other ones I've used... luxurious. The material is not plastic, but more like the soft nylon on my windbreaker jacket. It's much quieter when I'm in the shower, which makes for a more peaceful bathing experience. It is also more comfortable, as the headband is more fitted. It's especially comfortable if you wear it over your ears... there's no pressure anywhere, but it still keeps your hair dry. I, personally, like to have my ears "out," so there is some pressure to the top of my ears where the headband sits, but I don't mind it.
The headband does stretch a bit for head size, but not as much as you might be used to if you've used shower caps with elastic bands. I kind of liked this... It makes it easier to get all my hair in it. I flip my head upside down over the shower cap, and the cap just kind of catches my hair like a bucket, and I can just tuck in any stragglers before flipping my head back up. If you need to tighten the headband just a little bit, you can re-tie the bow for a slight adjustment.
No shower cap is going to be completely, perfectly water tight. You're always going to get a little bit of water around the edges unless you're really careful in the shower and take pains to avoid direct spray. I use a shower cap when I take a shower before bed and don't want to go to sleep with wet hair... a little bit of moisture doesn't bother me, as I'm not trying to protect a hairstyle or anything. I really just like the comfort and feel of this cap a lot!