The sign of a strong workout is the sweet sting of sweat in your eyes. However, it’s not ideal when you’re trying to focus on running, thrusters, muscle-ups mid-WOD. If you’re playing a sport like baseball or tennis — which require precise hand-eye coordination — sweat can be even more of a nuisance. Having the right headband in your gym bag can be just as useful as having the proper training shoe.
The market for athletic headbands is vast. The variance in quality and purpose is high. There are lightweight, barely-there bands for wicking sweat, thick earmuff designs built for cold-weather training, multipurpose headbands to help train in varying weather conditions, and more. In this roundup, we’ll detail some of our favorite headbands for men on the market and help you distinguish which ones may work best for your needs.
Best Men’s Headbands
- Best Men’s Headband: Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Best Thin Men’s Headband: Rogue JUNK Thin Headbands
- Best Sweat-Wicking Men’s Headband: Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Best Gaiter-Style Headband: Tough Headband Multipurpose Bandana
- Best Tennis Headband: Tanluhu Sweatband
- Best Non-Slip Headband: SATINIOR 10 Pieces Non-Slip Headbands
>Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Men’s Headband
Made from 89 percent polyester and 11 percent spandex, these machine-washable headbands are available in 22 different colors and patterns. They are sized as one-size-fits-most and are odor resistant. Each band has a height of 4.25 inches and can be rolled to offer a tighter, thicker band. The super-soft material is a solid choice for those who need to keep long hair out of their face while training or doing more intense workouts with many directional changes (think box jumps, butterfly pull-ups, etc.).
These headbands are made of 89 percent polyester and 11 percent spandex. They're available in 24 different colors, are machine washable, and manufactured in the USA.
Who Should Buy Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Anyone who needs to keep their hair out of their eyes while training.
- Those who appreciate their fitness apparel being manufactured in the USA.
- Folks who want a headband that can be rolled for a tighter fit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Those who want a thicker headband.
- People who want a less expensive option.
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Best Thin Men’s Headband
These one-size-fits-most polyester and spandex blended headbands are manufactured in the USA and machine washable. There are three color options available — white, black, and static. The thinner cut of these headbands compared to other headband options made by JUNK may be a preferable choice for athletes who either don’t want their entire forehead covered or don’t have hair long enough to be disruptive to a workout.
These one-size-fits-most, odor-resistant headbands are made of 89 percent polyester and 11 percent spandex. They are made in the USA and are machine washable.
Who Should Buy Rogue JUNK Thin Headbands
- Athletes who don’t have long hair.
- Those who prefer a thinner headband.
- People working with tighter budgets.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Rogue JUNK Thin Headbands
- Folks who want a thicker or wider headband.
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Best Sweat-Wicking Men’s Headband
As stated above, as our overall best men’s headband pick, these machine-washable, one-size-fits-most, odor-resistant headbands are available in 22 different colors and patterns. They measure 4.25 inches wide, are manufactured in the USA, and are a great choice for athletes who are prone to sweating heavily during training sessions.
These headbands are made of 89 percent polyester and 11 percent spandex. They're available in 24 different colors, are machine washable, and manufactured in the USA.
Who Should Buy Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Anyone who needs to keep their hair out of their eyes while training.
- Those who appreciate their fitness apparel being manufactured in the USA.
- Folks who want a band that can be rolled for a tighter fit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Rogue JUNK Big Bang Lite Headband
- Those who want a thicker headband.
- People who want a less expensive option.
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Best Gaiter-Style Headband
The main draw to this headband is its versatility. Not only can it be used as a standard headband, but it has 11 other distinct applications from Balaklava to neck gaiter. The 100 percent microfiber band is sweat-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying for ideal use in warm weather.
The headband’s material helps protect against wind. Its thermal design makes it suitable for colder temperatures despite being a thinner material compared to other competitive options on the market. There are nearly 20 colors and patterns to choose from, including high-visibility options.
This multipurpose headband can be used as a balaclava, a headband, or a wristband for added protection from the elements. Its 100 percent microfiber material makes it ideal for any number of weather or athletic applications.
Who Should Buy Tough Headband Multipurpose Bandana
- Those who are looking for a temperature-versatile headband (good in both warm and cold weather).
- Anyone who prefers a microfiber headband when playing sports.
- Folks who need a headband that can help protect against windchills.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Tough Headband Multipurpose Bandana
- People who are on the hunt for a headband with thicker material.
- Those who would prefer a gaiter that fits more snugly.
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Best Tennis Headband
These one-size-fits-most headbands come in thirteen different color combinations and at a competitive price. They are made from 85 percent cotton, 12 percent spandex, and three percent nylon. Each one is expandable up to nearly thirteen inches, is quick-dry, and breathable. The headbands are all-grip (non-slip) and designed with odor control to prevent them from smelling during sweatier training sessions.
These are machine washable, but they offer better durability if hang dried rather than tumble-dried. Tanluhu recommends their hands for more aerobic-style training, yoga, cycling, and of course, tennis.
These headbands come in thirteen different color combinations at a competitive price. They are made from 85% cotton, 12% spandex, and 3% nylon.
Who Should Buy Tanluhu Sweatband
- Those who need a headband for aerobic-focused sports like tennis or cycling.
- Anyone who wants a majority-cotton breathable headband that is quick to dry.
- People working with a tighter fitness apparel budget.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Those who prefer a tighter-fitting headband.
- Folks who don’t want their headband to leave marks on their skin after training.
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Best Non-Slip Headband
These non-slip, nine-inch long headbands are designed with two inner-silicone bands to prevent slipping even under super-sweaty conditions. Made to be odorless and not irritate the skin, these tear-resistant headbands nine inches long and 1.96 inches wide. As a lightweight, stretchy, breathable headband option — available in 10 different colors — this is a great choice for anyone who routinely incorporates directional changing movements into their workouts, such as handstand push-ups.
These headbands can stretch up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) and have a width of 1.96 inches (5 centimeters). They are breathable and have an inner lining of anti-skid silicone.
Who Should Buy SATINIOR 10 Pieces Non-Slip Headbands
- Those who need a non-slip headband to keep sweat out of their eyes while training.
- Anyone looking for a headband that won’t irritate the skin.
Who Shouldn’t Buy SATINIOR 10 Pieces Non-Slip Headbands
- People seeking a thinner headband.
- Folks looking to keep their fitness apparel spending down.
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How We Decided Our Picks
Headbands can be that perfect little something extra for those looking to extend their workouts. Whether in hot or cold weather or putting in extra hours at the gym, headbands work to keep sweat out of an athlete’s eyes as well as protect them from the elements. This, in turn, allows them to focus on their goals without the added distraction of discomfort. Here are some considerations we made when selecting the best in the category.
Sweat Defense
The best headbands will work to wick sweat as effectively as possible. While a more traditional terry cloth or cotton headband may be best to soak sweat up, newer materials like microfiber are designed to circulate air and quick-dry, which provides a long-lasting sweat-fighting capability. As a bonus, sweat-wicking materials can help keep you cool through condensation, which might encourage a longer workout.
Size and Comfort
Most headbands are billed as one-size-fits-all. Generally speaking, this is true to a point (odds are, if you have a larger head, some of the options out there may run tight). Finding a headband with the right stretch and dimensions will help ensure comfort over a longer period of time. Remember, the goal is trying to find a headband that you don’t even notice wearing.
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Staying Power
It’s a given that you don’t want your headband to be too tight or too loose, but over time even the best-fitting bands can begin to slip. Finding a headband that will retain its elasticity throughout your workout and beyond is key — it won’t do you any good if your headband stretches out dramatically in the wash. Keep in mind the material’s elasticity, particularly if you plan to wear the headband under a helmet. The added pressure of protective wear can cause the band to shift.
Style
Like all athletic wear, a headband should be something that makes you comfortable to wear and look at. Most brands offer a multitude of color and pattern options. If you can look at all sides of the band before adding it to your cart, that is probably the best play. Some brands tend to position their logos prominently on their headbands which may put some consumers off.
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What To Consider Before Buying
Don’t settle for an uncomfortable headband. Headbands aren’t the costliest of investments. If you buy one that doesn’t fit your head, don’t settle for it. Keep searching until you find one that is comfortable, effective for your needs, and is aesthetically pleasing to you.
Consider all the applications you can foresee wearing the headband before purchasing. If you are only going to use a headband at the gym, you likely won’t need one built with cold-weather applications. If you’re going to wear a headband to the gym, on a ski trip, and on a hiking expedition, try and opt for a more versatile option.
FAQs
Can bald guys wear headbands?
Of course! Headbands are made for every hair type. In fact, if you’re bald, a headband may even be more essential because you don’t have hair to act as a first line of defense when soaking up sweat.
What are the thin headbands called?
Oftentimes those ultra-thin style headbands are called “skinny headbands”, “thin headbands”, or “slim headbands,” though there isn’t one universal title for them.
