The Best Headbands For Men
If you're not breaking a sweat during your workouts, you're probably not pushing yourself to your physical limit. Leaving the gym or a workout class dripping can be an intensely satisfying feeling, but combatting perspiration as you exercise can make all the difference when it comes to improving focus, determination, and safety while using sports equipment. If your exercise routine tends to leave you with a sweaty brow, a headband could be just what you need to keep you feeling fresh and energized.
What to Look For
With so many high-performance headbands available on the market, you can avoid breaking a sweat as you choose between them by keeping three key questions in mind: Are the materials absorbent and quick to dry? Is the headband designed with enough grip to stay in place while you move? Are there several color options available so that you can coordinate with your sporting outfits? Our favorite overall is the great value four-pack from Poshei. These classic headbands are made from a thick, moisture-wicking polyester, meaning they’ll absorb a ton of sweat and air dry in no time. If you’re looking for a headpiece decorated with brighter prints and patterns, check out the vibrant selection on offer with the Tough Headwear sweatbands. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Poshei Headband, 4-Pack
The more the merrier
When your head is in the game, minute distractions can make all the difference in whether or not you achieve victory. This action-ready four-pack from Poshei could be just what you need to stay focused in the heat of the moment. Made from a stretchy polyester and spandex blend, each band is breathable and features a porous, moisture-wicking surface that captures beads of sweat at the source. With an irresistible price tag to match, these headbands will leave you wishing you had found them sooner.
Pros:
- This multipack comes with a range of styles, offering many possibilities for color coordination.
- Rigid elasticity and grippy materials mean that this headband won’t slip around as you move.
- This material is also quick to dry, saving you time after each use.
Cons:
- This one-size-fits-all design might not be suitable for all head shapes.
Under Armour Performance Headband
Tried and tested
Under Armour has earned a reputation as one of the top sportswear brands to date, and this premium performance headband makes no exception. This highly absorbent polyester fabric is combined with high elastane content for a supple and comfortable fit for heads of all sizes. With a width of 4.5 centimeters, this band is also thicker than most competitors, meaning it can catch more sweat as you push yourself to the limit.
Pros:
- You’ll look great as you play thanks to the wide range of bold color designs available here.
- We love that this synthetic fabric is machine-washable. This makes it much easier to keep it clean and hygienic.
Cons:
- If you don’t like to tout brand allegiances, you might not appreciate the large Under Armour logo on the front.
Tough Headwear Sweat Band
Look and feel fresh
Though it pays to wear sports gear designed with efficiency in mind, looking the part as you train can also inject the confidence boost needed to surpass your workout goals. These stylish sweatbands from Tough Headwear boast a dazzling selection of bold designs, including bandana designs, camouflage, and patriotic colors. And if this generous selection isn’t enough to pique your interest, their porous polyester design also makes them incredibly effective at capturing sweat on the move.
Pros:
- These wide bands are great for holding longer hair in place as you work out.
- The thin polyester fabric means you can comfortably wear hats, helmets, or over-ear headphones on top.
Cons:
- This stitched-back design doesn’t offer the adjustment possibilities of bandana-style designs.
Ergodyne Chill-Its 6700CT Cooling Bandana
Chill out
If you’re thinking of adding a sweatband to your sports kit, it’s likely that you’re already overheating during your workouts. What if there was a sweatband that didn’t only keep your head free from moisture, but also cooled you down in the process? Enter the Chill-Its 6700CT. This innovative design features a hyper-evaporative PVA material that will cool you as you wear it. Simply activate the smart material with water and you’ll be good to go.
Pros:
- The knotted closure offers full freedom of adjustment compared to elasticated options.
- The rest of the band is made from 100% cotton, making it smooth to the touch and kind to sensitive skin.
- Thanks to the low-profile fit, this is a great option to wear under a helmet or other headgear.
Cons:
- This cooling material isn’t as absorbent as traditional sweatbands.
Tough Headwear Elastic Thin Sports Headbands, 6-Pack
Ultra minimal
While large headbands are great for absorbing sweat from a drenched brow, some might find them bulky or unpleasant to wear during play. This slimline design from Tough Headwear offers a suitable alternative if you’re looking for a subtler fit. The thin, elasticated design is surprisingly absorbent, and the secure fit is ideal for keeping long hair out of your eyes.
Pros:
- With six headbands included, this multipack offers exceptional value. Some premium options cost the same for just one.
- With a range of colors and prints available, you’re sure to find a look to suit your style.
- Each band features a silicone non-slip grip, so the band will hold firmly in place through even the most demanding activities.
Cons:
- You won’t catch as much sweat in these thin bands compared to wider alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my headband during a workout?
When you’re in the flow of a great workout, time can fly by without you even realizing it. If heavy exertion tends to leave you sweatier than most, we recommend bringing more than one headband along for the ride and switching them out every 30-40 minutes. Wearing a single headband for too long can result in a saturated fabric, and it can also be unhygienic for the skin on your face.
Can I wear a headband beneath my bicycle helmet?
If you plan to wear a headband during an activity that demands other headwear, you might want to check out options made from thinner fabric. Most headbands will fit underneath a standard bicycle helmet without issue. However, thicker bands can create uncomfortable pressure points if worn under secure helmet straps.
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