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Equipment is an essential part of any athlete’s workout routine or that of a regular gym-goer. While fitness goals are important, wearing the right shoes, clothing, and headphones while working out is essential to achieving them. But there’s one essential fitness accessory you’ve probably missed on your list: a sports headband.
The best sports headbands (also known as wristbands) are worn by both professional and amateur athletes because they help keep sweat out of your eyes and keep your face dry so you can finish your practice or game.
The most important thing is that the best sports headband is as comfortable as possible while you are working out or playing sports. After all, the headband’s job is to control sweating and keep your hair out of your face.
The headband should also be comfortable to wear – not too tight and not too loose. Also consider the different styles of sports headbands, from simple headbands to lace-up styles and even full headbands.
Of course, if you sweat a lot, your headband should be easy to wash. All of the headbands we’ve chosen are machine washable or can be easily rinsed in the sink with mild soap and water.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most stylish and premium sports headbands at affordable prices. They’re highly rated and easy to pair with other sportswear. From big-name brands like Under Armour and Adidas to Japanese-inspired headbands, here are the best sports headbands you can buy online right now.
Suddora’s terry headbands are soft, comfortable, sweat-wicking, available in over 20 colors, and stretchy for a snug fit. Made from a blend of cotton, spandex, and nylon, this headband provides a snug, comfortable fit without squeezing your head, allowing you to move freely while playing tennis, volleyball, biking, or running.
Suddora has been making headbands, wristbands, and fitness bands for over 16 years, with sizes and styles to suit all ages. The deal lets you get a solid band for under $5 on the brand’s site and under $8 on Amazon, but you also have the option to customize your gear (like adding a logo or text) on Suddora’s website.
Promising customer review: “I purchased the terry cloth headband. Before I purchased it, sweat would run into my eyes, face, neck, and shoulders while I was working out. With the headband, I feel happier during my workouts because I no longer have the discomfort of sweat running down my face.” – Lynn M.
The Beace Sports Wristband is a best-selling Amazon product (over 6,000 5-star reviews) and is perfect for any activity. It’s a classic terry cloth fabric that’s 85% cotton, 10% spandex, and 5% nylon. It’s also super soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and won’t slip off your face when you’re using it. It’s a maximum stretch length of 12.6 inches, so one size fits most. To keep the band intact, hand washing and air drying is recommended.
Promising customer review: “They seem well made. They are a little tight, but not so tight that they give me a headache. I live in Florida and the heat and humidity make my face sweat a lot when the temperature is over 80°. The sweat drips into my eyes and burns them, and I can’t see when it’s happening. These glasses do the job of keeping my face dry and keeping the sweat out of my eyes. Plus they are a cute color. Very happy! Would definitely recommend!” — Pamela Bullins
If you’re looking for a breathable headband that ties at the back for a custom fit, we like the Adidas Alphaskin Mesh Headband. It’s made from 91% polyester and 9% spandex, so it’s soft and stretchy. The two-layer mesh helps wick away moisture and allows for extra air circulation. Plus, there are plenty of colors to choose from, so you don’t have to stick with basic black, gray, or white.
Promising customer review: “The adidas headband is the best accessory I have ever purchased. It is comfortable, stylish, and functional. It keeps hair and sweat out of my eyes when I am working out, playing sports, or just lounging around the house. It is made of high-quality material that is soft, durable, and breathable.” — Everyday Reviews
For another headband that you can tie but has the added benefit of a non-slip rubber grip, we chose the Treadband All-Terrain Tieback. This machine-washable and dry-dryable model is made from 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex and features a soft, sweat-resistant proprietary rubber band that’s guaranteed to stay in place in slippery conditions. The brand actually sells two sizes of headbands (a 2.5-inch-wide “universal” and a 1.5-inch-wide “low-profile”), but we prefer the wider option because it helps keep the earbuds securely in your ears while you work out. Plus, the larger size takes up more space and absorbs more sweat. In short: It all comes down to personal preference and usage.
Promising customer review: “I love these. I know the strip on top is to hold them in place, but it works great as a sweat channel. No matter how much you sweat, not a drop of water will get into your eyes.” — Ian
This high-quality and affordable headband from Acozycoo is made from a blend of 87% nylon and 13% spandex, so it is extremely stretchy and can adapt to a variety of head shapes. They absorb and evaporate sweat quickly, and the material and cotton texture ensure a comfortable fit during any sports or workout. They can also be worn under a variety of hats and helmets, making them ideal for cycling in warm weather. They are suitable for all sports, and each pack contains five different colors.
Promising customer review: “I was skeptical that these sweat bandages wouldn’t be as good as towel bandages, but after using them for almost two months, I’m happy with their absorbency. I also love that they fit under my bike helmet and keep sweat out of my eyes, which is so important for a cyclist! I highly recommend them and they look pretty cool.” — Shawmish
The Under Armour Skull Wrap Headband covers more of your head than many traditional sports headbands. It’s designed for people who sweat more or need more coverage. Heatgear technology wicks away sweat to keep you dry during your workout or activity. The four-way stretch compression fabric and tapered headband design provide a snug, secure fit that’s comfortable to wear under a helmet or during any activity. The headband comes in one size, and the super stretchy material means it’s a great fit for most people.
Positive customer reviews: “Great for both summer and winter! Dries quickly and keeps your head warm in the cold months and dry in the hot ones!” – Sean Liston
For those who want to look more stylish while working out, the Tokyo Misfit headband features a stylish geometric design and is available in a variety of colors. The advanced technical fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchable to fit most head shapes. The texture is silky smooth and extremely lightweight. It’s unisex and available in both men’s and women’s sizes and colors.
Positive customer reviews: “I love how comfortable and stylish it is. I read some reviews that said it was slippery and that bothered me, but I have a big top and I’m bald so it fits me great.” – Chris Ell