The Best Sweat Bands
You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy breaking a sweat now and then. But sweating doesn't have to make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, wick the moisture away from your face while keeping your attention on the game at hand with a sports headband. Made of absorbent materials, a good sweatband can help you stay cool and focused by keeping sweat out of your face. To help you get started, we've done some of the legwork for you and came up with our list of the best sweatbands on the market today.
What to Look For
We took thickness, design, and cost into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to make sure your sweatband can keep up with your active lifestyle. So, for example, if you’re looking for an affordable pack of versatile sweatbands that you can wear every day of the week, opt for the slightly thicker bands in the bundle by Pilamor. But if you don’t mind spending a little more, then consider the lightweight, super breathable designer band by Tokyo Misfit, which looks good in every setting. Check out the rest of our superior sweatbands below to find the right one for your next run.
Poshei Men’s Sweatband, 4-Pack
Versatile workout gear
When it comes to choosing your workout gear, comfort is key, especially if you’re going to be sweating a lot. That’s why we prefer a softer, elastic material like the one used in this sweatband by Poshei. Something we really appreciate about these sweatbands is that the polyester and spandex blend stretches easily without irritating the skin. This means you can wear the band any way you want, whether it’s backward or forward — or even inside out.
Pros:
- Each sweatband is thin enough to wear under a bike or sports helmet yet thick enough to catch any sweat that may get into your eyes.
- With this pack, you’ll always have a clean sweatband ready to go thanks to the machine-washable fabric.
Cons:
- The bands may feel tight if you have a bigger head.
Pilamor Men’s Sweatband, 5-Pack
Save on price not performance
If you like to go for a daily run, then you’re going to need more than one sweatband to get you through the week. Fortunately, you can get five for one super low price with this budget bundle of men’s sweatbands by Pilamor. Choose from a variety of neutral color tones that you can always pick out in your laundry basket. No matter which assortment you go for, know that each band is as quick-drying and elastic as the next one.
Pros:
- Depending on how much of your forehead you want to cover, you can fold or scrunch up the sweatband as you see fit.
- Unlike other sweatbands that can slip from your head, this band tends to stay in place no matter how much hair you have.
Cons:
- This band is made of a thicker material so it may become hot in warm weather.
QiShang Women’s Sweatband, 6-Pack
Sticky, not sweaty
Working out with long hair can be a struggle, especially if you have flyaways that impede your vision. But here’s where a good sweatband can really make a difference. We love this multi-pack of colorful bands by QiShang because they’re designed to hold your hair in place while also staying put on their own. Each band has two pieces of non-slip silicone on the inside to keep things steady. All the while, each band is super absorbent to make sure no moisture gets on your face, either.
Pros:
- Working out with a headache is tough. Fortunately, these bands aren’t too tight so you can wear them for longer without any pain.
- The inner grip lining keeps the band in place without pulling your hair at the same time.
Cons:
- The silicone bits may leave an impression on your forehead if you leave the band on for too long.
Adidas Alphaskin Tie Headband
One size truly fits all
The problem with most headbands is that they’re designed to be one size even though there are many head shapes out there. But with a tie sweatband like this ninja-inspired one by Adidas, you can adjust your fit as you need without compromising on function. That’s because the headband features dual-layer mesh that both promotes better airflow and increases the moisture-wicking capabilities of the band. Thanks to that, you’ll always look as cool as you feel.
Pros:
- If you have sensitive skin, then you’ll appreciate the non-elastic design of this sweatband that won’t irritate your forehead.
- The unisex design makes this sweatband a versatile gift option for any fitness fanatic.
Cons:
- Some of the logo letters may come off after multiple washes in the machine.
Tokyo Misfit Japanese Sweatband
A band that stands out
Athleisure has made it cool to hang about in your workout clothes. So if you’re going straight from the gym to your lunch date, why not choose a sweatband that can do both? This fashionable unisex band by Tokyo Misfit uses geometric patterns from traditional Japanese designs to create an eye-catching piece of headgear. Best of all, the design is printed on modern, technically superior fabric that feels silky while also removing sweat.
Pros:
- The compact design of each band makes it a perfect pocket companion to have with you on hot days.
- Smooth and silky, this sweatband is great for drying your hair without causing frizz.
Cons:
- This headband is a bit expensive, but we think it’s worth it regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct way to put on my sweatband?
Start by pulling the band all the way over your head and down your face, letting it hang around your neck. Then push the band up until it rests at your forehead, sitting just above your ears. The front should sit below any bangs, while the back should sit below the hair at the base of the neck. This way, you maximize on sweat absorption while protecting your face and neck.
How often should I wash my sweatband?
Ideally, you should wash them after every workout, especially if that workout lasts for a half hour or more. Of course, this depends on how much you sweat, but experts recommend frequent washing to avoid any buildup of bacteria. Fortunately, most sports headbands come in multi-packs to make sure you always have another one as a backup.
About the Author
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