The Best Athletic Headbands for Men

We all know that when sweat runs into our eyes, it can sting. Our natural instinct is to rub, but that inadvertently makes things worse. Enter the sweatband and its glorious simplicity. As essential workout accessories, headbands can be worn for more than just fitness — they can also prevent those with longer hair from getting poked in the eye with their flowing locks. Yes, that can happen, and it can be more painful than an irritating drop of sweat. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some headbands that’ll no doubt make things easier for the sweaty athletes or the longer-haired folks amongst us.

Poshei Men’s Headband

Bring On The Stretch

Whatever your sport of choice, this is the flexible headband for you.
Best Overall

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Whether you’re jogging, cycling, or engaging in your favorite sweat-inducing sport, this headband from Poshei is a must-have. Bold and comfortable, this lightweight band stays firmly in place while making sure the sweat stays out of your eyes. The one-size-fits-all material only adds appeal while ensuring you look and feel your athletic best.

Pros:

  • One size fits all
  • Helmet friendly
  • Quick-drying

Cons:

  • Heavy sweat causes the band to dry up
  • Material is thin

Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie

A Fit For All

Boldly designed and well-fitting, this headband is a must-have for those heavy workouts.
Best Fit

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Sleek, bold, and emblazoned with Nike’s signature Swoosh logo, this Dri-Fit head tie encompasses everything you need to keep the sweat and hair out of your eyes. With ample breathability, it keeps you comfortable and dry throughout the most grueling of workouts. Composed of polyester and spandex, the band will easily fit right over your head, and it can also accommodate bicycle helmets.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easily fits over your head
  • Ample breathability
  • Comfortably fits under bicycle helmets

Cons:

  • The Nike Swoosh can start to peel off after a few washes
  • The band tends to run on the longer side

Beace Sports Headband

Always In Style

Keeping it old school, this headband keeps you dry while emanating a retro vibe.
Best Classic

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Beace knows that a classic never goes out of style, and that’s just what they’re offering you with this retro headband: a classic. With an assortment of bold, basic colors, less is more with this one. The headband does exactly what it needs to do: it keeps sweat and hair out of your eyes so you can focus on the task at hand. Composed of cotton, spandex, and nylon, it’s soft, comfortable, non-slip, and lightweight.

Pros:

  • Bold, simple, and full of old-school charm
  • Beace offers wristbands to go along with their headbands
  • One size fits most
  • Can be ordered in packs of 3 or 6

Cons:

  • Can be quite warm to wear
  • Tends to run on the smaller side

Beace Sports Sweatband Set

Stay Dry All Over

Beace ups their game by offering a headband and wristband combo pack.
Best Combo Pack

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A sweatband by itself is great, but why not take things up a notch with a set of wristbands? That’s exactly what Beace offers with this combo pack. Each set comes with a sweatband and matching-pattern wristbands. Fashionable and comfortable, this combo set will help you focus on your workout.

Pros:

  • Combo pack with one-size-fits-most material
  • Non-slip and lightweight
  • Over half a dozen pattern variations
  • Machine-washable

Cons:

  • Bands can fray after a few rounds in the washer
  • They tend to fit tight

Kenz Laurenz Sweatbands (12-Pack)

12 Are Better Than 1

Given the nature of their use, you might want to swap out your sweatband for a cleaner one now and again, so buying in bulk makes perfect sense.
Most Economical

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If a headband is doing its job, it’s going to be loaded up with sweat, which is great. But it’s not so great when it comes time for your next workout and all you’ve got is a dried-up band with sweat marks. That doesn’t exactly encourage productivity. So while you’re kicking yourself for not throwing that band in the wash, rest easy knowing that Kenz Laurenz has you covered with a very convenient 12-pack. If laundry is constantly on your to-do list, one accessory you won’t have to worry about being clean is your sweatband. However, once you do get around to washing these bands, it’s worth noting that they won’t lose their shape or overall comfort. So grab a 12-pack and get to sweating.

Pros:

  • Machine-washable
  • Pack of 12 offers convenience
  • Soft and highly absorbent
  • Available in over a dozen bold colors

Cons:

  • These bands run small
  • Stitching can come loose after several rounds in the wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t most headbands pretty much the same?

Yes and no. They’re similar in that they go around your head, but each band is unique. Some are made of spandex, while some are made of cotton. It depends on which kind of material you prefer on your skin.

Some headbands also dry differently once sweat is absorbed, which may result in irritation if you don’t regularly wash them. Speaking of which, not all headbands are machine-washable. Even some that claim to be machine-safe tend to fall apart after a few cycles. Some headbands are breathable, while others focus on keeping you warm. So, yes, there are indeed differences from one headband to the next.

Should I go with a name brand?

This comes down to personal preference, but a name brand doesn’t necessarily mean your headband will last longer than, say, a generic one. Plus, the name brand may charge more simply because it’s recognizable, whereas a lesser-known company may have a more affordable headband composed of the same materials — if not better ones. A name brand might also have an imprinted logo that could rub against your skin and cause irritation, where a generic cotton band may prove to be the most comfortable piece of athletic-wear you’ve ever owned. Try a few out and see what works best for you.

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