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An integral part of any athlete’s or casual gym-goer’s workout plan should be the gear. While fitness goals are important, you’ll want to feel fully equipped with the right sneakers, apparel, and headphones as you’re exercising in order to achieve them. But there’s one important fitness accessory that likely gets missed off your checklist: a sports headband.
What Are the Best Sports Headbands?
The best sports headbands (also known as sweatbands) are worn by professional athletes and amateurs alike because they help keep sweat out of your eyes and help keep your face dry so you can finish exercising or playing a game.
Most importantly, the best sports headbands should feel as comfortable as possible while working out or playing a sport. After all, the point of the headband is to manage sweat and keep hair out of your face.
They should also fit comfortably — never too tight nor too loose. Consider the different styles of sports headbands available too, from basic sweatbands to tie-around bands and even full head wraps.
Of course, if you’re going to sweat, your headbands should be easy to clean. All of our picks are machine-washable or easily rinsed off with mild soap and water in the sink.
Below, we selected some of the best, most stylish sports headbands that are all at a reasonable price point. They’re top-reviewed and easy to wear with the rest of your workout clothing. From name brands like Under Armour and Adidas to Japanese-inspired bands, here are the best sports headbands to buy online now.
1. Suddora Premium Terry Cloth Sweatbands
Soft, comfortable and sweat-absorbent, Suddora’s terry cloth sweatbands come in 20+ different colors with a stretchy, stay-put fit. Made from a cotton, spandex and nylon blend, the headbands are snug without being too tight, and allow for a full range of movement, whether you’re playing tennis, volleyball, riding a bike or going for a run.
Suddora has been making headbands, wristbands and fitness wraps for more than 16 years, with sizes and styles for all ages. This deal gets you a solid color sweatband for under $5 on the brand’s site and under $8 on Amazon, but you can also choose to customize your gear (say with a logo or text) on the Suddora website.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I bought the terry cloth head sweat bands. Before I had them, during my exercise classes, sweat dripped into my eyes, down my face, and onto my neck and shoulders. The head bands have helped me enjoy going to class more, because I no longer have the discomfort from the sweat pouring down my face.” —Lynne M.
2. Beace Sweatbands Sports Headband
Beace sports bands are a bestseller on Amazon (with over 6,000 5-star reviews), suitable for any activity. They’re your classic terry cloth made with 85 percent cotton, 10 percent spandex and five percent nylon. They’re also super soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and won’t slip down your face when you’re using them. They have a maximum stretch of 12.6 inches, so the one size will fit most. To keep the elastic intact, it’s recommended that you wash them by hand and air dry.
Promising Customer Feedback: “These seem to be well made. They’re just a little snug, but not so much that they gave me a headache. I live in FLORIDA and because the heat and humidity are so high, my face sweats profusely when it’s over 80°. The sweat would drop in my eyes and burn them and I couldn’t see when that happened. These have done the trick and kept my face mostly dry and also stops my sweat from running into my eyes. Plus they come in adorable colors. Very happy! Definitely recommend!” —Pamela Bullins
3. Adidas Unisex-Adult Alphaskin Tie Headband
For a breathable headband that ties in the back for a customizable fit, we like this Adidas Alphaskin mesh headband. It’s made out of 91 percent polyester and 9 percent spandex, so it’s soft and stretchy. Two-layer mesh helps both wick away moisture and create extra airflow. Plus, there’s a variety of colors to choose from, so you don’t have to opt for basic black, gray or white.
Promising Customer Feedback: “The Adidas headband is the best accessory I have ever bought. It is comfortable, stylish, and functional. It keeps my hair and sweat out of my eyes while I exercise, play sports, or just chill at home. It is made of high-quality materials that are soft, durable, and breathable.” —Everyday Reviews
4. TreadBands All-Terrain Tieback Non Slip Headband
For another headband that ties, but has the added bonus of being designed with a non-slip rubber grip, we’re opting for the Treadband All-Terrain Tieback. This washer- and dryer-safe style is composed of 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex, and features a soft, sweat-resistant patented rubber strip that promises to stay-put in slippery conditions. The brand actually sells these headbands in two sizes (the 2.5-inch wide “All-Terrain” band and a 1.5-inch wide “Low-Profile” band), but we’re partial to the idea of the wider width which can assist in keeping earbuds tucked in place inside your ears while working out. Plus, the larger size takes up a tad more real estate to absorb more sweat. Bottom line: It just comes down to personal preference and use case.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I love these things. I know the strip on it is to hold it in place, but it works amazing as a sweat gutter. No matter how sweaty it gets, you never get a drop in your eyes.” —Ian
5. Acozycoo Stretch Headband (5-Pack)
These top-rated, top-value headbands from Acozycoo contain a mix of 87 percent nylon and 13 percent spandex, which makes them extremely stretchy and able to fit a variety of head sizes. They absorb and evaporate sweat quickly and, because of the material and cotton-like hand, they provide a comfortable fit for any sport or workout routine. They can slide under various head gear and helmets as well, perfect for warm-weather bike rides. These are versatile for all sports, and each pack includes five different colors.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I was skeptical that these wouldn’t be as good as terry sweatbands but, after using them almost two months I am pleased with their absorbency. I also love how they fit underneath my bike helmet and keep the sweat out of my eyes, which is very important for cyclists! I highly recommend, plus they look cool.” —Shawmish
6. Under Armour Skull Wrap
Under Armour’s skull wrap headband will cover more of your head than many regular sports headbands. It’s made for those who tend to sweat more on the head, or desire more coverage. Heatgear technology wicks away sweat and keeps you dry throughout any workout or practice. The four-way stretch compression fabric and the band’s tapered design keep the fit snug and secure, while also remaining super comfortable to wear under helmets or for any activity. This also comes in one size and the super stretchy material means this headband wrap is suited to fit most.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Works great in summer or winter! Dries fast keeps head warm during cold months, and keeps dry during the hot months!” —Sean Liston
7. Tokyo Misfit Japanese Headbands
For anyone who wants a little more flair while exercising, Tokyo Misfit’s headbands offer cool geometric designs in a few colors. The modern technical fabric is breathable, absorbs moisture and can stretch to fit most head sizes. The texture feels silky, and it’s very lightweight. This is a unisex style with sizing and colors available for men and women.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I love how comfy and stylish it is. I read some reviews talking about how slippery it is and got worried, but I have a huge dome and am bald so it works great for me.” —Chris Ell
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
