When you hear the world “headband,” are you more apt to think of the common clothing accessory for little girls (more accurately known as “hairbands”)? Parents who dressed their children’s hair with headbands usually did so for a dual purpose: practical (to keep hair, especially long hair, tidy and out of a child’s eyes) and stylish (as a coordinating accessory to an outfit). These types of hairbands usually consisted of either a type of stretchy material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic.
Those of us who remember the 1970s may recall a different type of headband for teens and adults taking part in sports (particularly running and tennis): an around-the-forehead strip of cloth, usually made of a cotton blend (often terrycloth). Often referred to as “sweatbands,” these headbands took their name from their primary purpose – that is, to absorb sweat from the forehead and prevent it from dripping into the eyes during exercise. These were meant mainly to be practical, though the style was adopted by some non-athletes when going for a sporty look.
Nowadays, headbands remain an ultra-practical method for helping you keep both sweat and hair out of your eyes while hiking, exercising or spending time outdoors so you can maintain your vision and your focus. You don’t have to resort to the childish hairbands or dated sweatbands of the past, however…today’s headbands combine fashion with function, doing their job more efficiently and comfortably than ever while helping you look stylish and put together.
Headband Materials
When it comes to headbands, materials matter – particularly when exercising. The plastic (and sometimes metal) hairbands of childhood are completely out, as exercising calls for clothing that’s soft, flexible and moves with you (and that includes headbands). That means using headbands made from fabric – but which fabric is best for exercise headbands?
Here are some common materials used to make headbands, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
• Cotton. The terrycloth sweatbands of the past were made of cotton (perhaps with a bit of elastic to give it stretch), and your first thought might be that this makes sense: cotton is soft, breathable, absorbent, non-irritating and inexpensive. But though it might seem counterintuitive, cotton is not a good fabric for exercise wear.
While it’s true that cotton absorbs sweat, it also traps it, so the more you sweat, the wetter and heavier your hairband will become – and, consequently, the less breathable, too. Whether you’re running, playing tennis or working in the garden, you’ll soon find you have what amounts to a sopping-wet cloth around your head, which will make you feel hotter, irritate your scalp and damage your hair. Cotton is also prone to shrinking, staining, and wears out quickly with hard use.
• Silk. Like cotton, silk is a breathable fabric. Unlike cotton, it’s also a moisture-wicking fabric – this means it draws sweat away from your body instead of trapping it, so it helps you stay cooler while exercising or when the weather is hot. It also has insulating properties, which help you feel warmer in the winter, has a lovely feel, and doesn’t pull on your hair like other fabrics. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and naturally moisturizing.
That said, silk also is not a good fabric for headbands. For one thing, it isn’t stretchy, so it may not stay in place on your head very well. Silk headbands can be troublesome to care for and lose their shape with repeated use. It’s more expensive than other fabrics. Nor is it an ethical fabric, as silkworks are nearly always killed during the silk-making process.
• Nylon. Headbands made from nylon are popular because they’re very stretchy and will stay in place on your head quite well. Nylon is a strong, durable fabric that holds its shape and is resistant to wear and tear, even after lots of heavy use. It’s also easy to clean.
The problem with a nylon headband is that it can be too stretchy – if it’s too tight it can be uncomfortable and even give you headaches. And while nylon is somewhat breathable and has moisture-wicking qualities, it can trap odors and bacteria that stay in the fabric over time and repeated use.
• Spandex. Spandex, like nylon, is a stretchy, synthetic fiber that’s nonslip, making it a popular choice for athletic wear. The downside of Spandex is that it’s not very breathable, meaning it can make you feel hotter when used as a headband. It also tends to trap moisture and takes longer to dry than other fabrics, which in turn can cause skin irritations. Like nylon, Spandex can trap odors and bacteria. It’s also less easy-care than nylon and can contain toxic chemicals like BPA.
• Polyester microfiber. At Wyldr, we believe that polyester microfiber is the best material for headbands, which is why all our Hoorag® Multi-Use Headwear options are made from this material. Compared to regular polyester, polyester microfiber is much softer against your skin, minimizing irritation. Highly absorbent as well as quick drying, its fine fibers efficiently absorb moisture and wick it away, making it suitable for keeping perspiration from dripping down your face while exercising. This makes it easier for you to see, easier to focus on your workout, and helps you feel cooler even when sweating.
The stretchy fibers of a polyester microfiber headband provide comfort and freedom of movement while staying put on your head, keeping your hair out of your eyes while not giving you a headache. Polyester microfiber is a strong, resilient material, ensuring your headband will last well, and is easy to care for. Finally, it’s effective at blocking UV rays, protecting your hair and scalp from excess sun exposure.
5 Great Ways to Make the Most of Your Hoorag® Headwear
So, now that you know polyester microfiber is (in our not-so-humble opinion!) the best option for headbands, how can you use your Hoorag® headwear to get the most out of your hikes and other outdoor sports?
Wyldr’s Hoorag® Tapered Headband is an obvious choice. Made of 85% polyester microfiber with15% elastane for stretchiness, it has the highest sun protective rating (UPF50+) a fabric can have, making it ideal for running, cycling, playing tennis, golfing or engaging in any sport. A great helmet liner and sports headband, it comes in a wide variety of colors and prints, allowing it to serve as a stylish, all-day accessory. And like its name implies, it’s tapered on one side as well as sleek and without excess fabric, so it’s comfortable to wear all day, too. (This makes it a great option for “bad hair” days – something it shares in common with our Hoorag® Neck Gaiters!)
In addition to the Hoorag® Headband, Wyldr also offers the Hoorag® Gaiter (in full- and half-neck styles). While not headbands in themselves, they can be styled as headbands and have the advantage of being worn in a variety of ways that include the functionality of headbands.
You can review the different ways of wearing a Hoorag® Gaiter on Wyldr’s YouTube channel; for five of the more popular methods, see below:
1. As a headband. If you want more options than a headband provides, you can opt for a gaiter. Hoorag® Gaiters slip on just as easily as a Hoorag® Headband and function just as effectively at keeping hair and sweat out of your eyes.
2. As a beanie. Folding a Hoorag® Gaiter into a form-fitting skull cap or “beanie” combines the advantages of a headband (again, keeping hair and sweat out of your eyes) with full-coverage sun and wind protection for your scalp, forehead and ears. Wearing your Hoorag® Gaiter as a beanie is also a great way to line a cycling helmet so it wicks moisture away from your scalp beneath the hot safety accessory.
3. As an Alice “rag” or “band.” For a slightly more fashionable, yet casual, look, you can style your Hoorag® Gaiter as an Alice rag. Headbands usually extend to or slightly over the front hairline; by moving your Hoorag® Gaiter further back so it’s positioned more towards the top of your head, you get a softer look that goes well everything from shorts to jeans to casual dresses.
4. As a “ponytailer.” For people with longer hair, a Hoorag® Gaiter can quickly be twisted into a ponytail holder. While wearing it this way won’t, like a headband, keep the sweat out of your eyes, it does an even more effective job at keeping your hair out of the way. And unlike a hair elastic or rubber band, the soft fabric won’t pull your hair or cause breakage.
5. As a pirate rag. Perfect for hot days, the pirate rag style gives you the advantages of the beanie style without adding an extra layer of fabric over the top of your head. Instead of folding your Hoorag® Gaiter over on itself, you simply knot the excess fabric at the nape of your neck, so you stay cooler while protecting your head from hot sunshine and harmful UV rays and your eyes from perspiration and wisps of hair.
Hoorag® Gaiters in Full or Half-Neck Gaiters
Like the Hoorag® Tapered Headband, all our Hoorag® Gaiters have built-in sun protection. The Full Neck Gaiter is a great choice for running, fishing, and hunting, among other activities, while the Half-Neck Gaiter is perfect for running, gardening, yoga, the beach or as an everyday accessory. Both styles of gaiter come in two fabrics:
1. Original: made of 100% polyester microfiber fabric that blocks over 96% of the sun’s rays. Ideal for those who prefer some snugness, it’s 2-way stretch design lets you stretch the fabric from side-to-side for a tighter fit.
2. Ultra-Lite: made of 95% polyester microfiber and 5% elastane fabric that blocks over 98% of the sun’s rays. Ideal for those who prefer less constriction, it’s 4-way stretch design lets you stretch the fabric up and down as well as side-to-side for a looser fit.
In addition to being comfortable, practical and stylish, Hoorags are eco-friendly! Each Half Gaiter is made of one recycled bottle, while each Full Gaiter is made of up to two recycled bottles. They can also be customized with a logo or other unique design.
Headbands for Hiking & More
Having the right gear can make all the difference in the world to your comfort and performance. Making Hoorag® Multi-Use Headwear an outdoor gear staple ensures you’ll get the most from all your outdoor activities.
