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An integral part Any athlete's or casual gym's workout routine should be the equipment. While fitness goals are important, you'll want to feel fully equipped with the right sneakers, clothing, and headphones as you work out to achieve them. But there's one important fitness accessory that's probably missing from your checklist: a sports band.
What are the best sports bands?
The best sports headbands (also known as sweatbands) are worn by professional athletes and amateurs alike because they help keep sweat away from your eyes and help keep your face dry so you can complete your exercise or play a game.
Most importantly, the best sports headbands should feel as comfortable as possible while you train or play a sport. After all, the point of a headband is to manage sweat and keep hair off your face.
They should also fit comfortably — never too tight or too loose. Consider the different styles of sports headbands available as well, from basic sweatbands to tie-on headbands and even full head wraps.
Of course, if you're going to sweat, your headbands need to be easy to clean. All of our options are machine washable or easily rinsed with mild soap and water in the sink.
Below, we've selected some of the best, most stylish sports headbands that are all reasonably priced. They are top rated and easy to wear with the rest of your workout clothes. From name brands like Under Armor and Adidas to Japanese-inspired bands, here are the best sports headbands to buy online right now.
1. Suddora Premium Terry Sweatbands
The best Terry Cloth Headband
Soft, comfortable and sweat absorbent, Suddora's cloth towels come in 20+ different colors with a stretchy, firm fit. Made from a blend of cotton, spandex and nylon, the headbands are comfortable without being too tight and allow a full range of motion, whether you're playing tennis, volleyball, cycling or going for a run.
Suddora has been making fitness bands, wristbands and wraps for over 16 years, with sizes and styles for all ages. This deal gets you a solid color strap for under $5 on the brand's website and under $8 on Amazon, but you can also choose to customize your gear (say with a logo or text) on the Suddora website.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I bought the cloth sweatbands for the head. Before I got them, during my gym classes, sweat would drip into my eyes, face, and neck and shoulders. The ribbons have helped me enjoy class more because I no longer have the discomfort of sweat pouring down my face.” —Lynn M.
2. Beace Sweatbands Sports Headband
Beace sports bands are Amazon bestsellers (with over 6,000 5-star reviews), suitable for any activity. It's your classic toweling fabric made from 85 percent cotton, 10 percent spandex and 5 percent nylon. They are also super soft, breathable, moisture wicking, and won't slide off your face when you use them. They have a maximum stretch of 12.6 inches, so one size fits most. To keep the rubber intact, we recommend hand washing and air drying.
Promised Customer Feedback: “These seem to be well made. They're just a little snug, but not enough to give me a headache. I live in FLORIDA and because the heat and humidity are so high, my face sweats a lot when it's over 80°. Sweat was getting into my eyes and burning them and I couldn't see when that happened. These did the trick and kept my face mostly dry and also keep my sweat from running into my eyes. Plus they come in adorable colors. Very happy! Highly recommended!” —Pamela Ballins
3. Adidas Unisex-Adult Alphaskin Headband
For a breathable headband that ties in the back for a customizable fit, we like this Adidas Alphaskin Mesh Headband. It's made of 91 percent polyester and 9 percent spandex, so it's soft and stretchy. The two-layer mesh helps to both wick away moisture and create extra airflow. Plus, there's a variety of colors to choose from, so you don't have to go with the basic black, gray or white.
Promised Customer Feedback: “The Adidas headband is the best accessory I've 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 relax at home. It is made of high quality materials that are soft, durable and breathable.” —Daily reviews
4. Non-slip headband with all-terrain soles
For another headband that ties, but has the added benefit of being designed with a non-slip rubber grip, we choose the Treadband All-Terrain Tieback. This washer-dryer-friendly style is made of 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex and features a soft, sweat-resistant patent rubber band that promises to stay stable in slippery conditions. The brand actually sells these headbands in two sizes (the 2.5-inch-wide “All-Terrain” strap and a 1.5-inch-wide “Low-Profile” strap), but we're partial to the idea of the wider width that can to help keep the headphones firmly in place in your ears while you work out. Plus, the larger size takes up a little more real estate to absorb more sweat. Bottom line: it just comes down to personal preference and use case.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I like these things. I know the strip on it is to keep it in place, but it works great as a sweat gutter. No matter how much he sweats, never a drop falls in your eyes.” —Jan
5. Acozycoo Stretch Headband (5-pack)
These premium headbands from Acozycoo contain a blend of 87 percent nylon and 13 percent spandex, which makes them super stretchy and able to fit a variety of head sizes. They absorb and evaporate sweat quickly and, due to the cotton-like material and hand, provide a comfortable fit for any sport or workout. They can slip under various head gear and helmets, perfect for warm weather bike rides. These are versatile for all sports and each pack includes five different colors.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I was skeptical that these wouldn't be as good as sweat but, after using them for almost two months, I'm happy with their absorbency. I also love how they fit under my bike helmet and keep sweat out of my eyes, which is very important for cyclists! I highly recommend it as they look cool.” — Shawmish
6. Under Armor Skull Wrap
Under Armour's skull wrap headband will cover more of your head than many regular sports headbands. It is made for those who tend to sweat more on the head or want more coverage. Heatgear technology wicks away sweat and keeps you dry during every workout or practice. The stretchy four-way compression fabric and tapered tape design keep the fit snug and secure, while also remaining extremely comfortable to wear under helmets or for any activity. It also comes in one size and the super stretchy material means this headband wrap is suitable to fit most.
Promised Customer Feedback: “Works perfectly summer or winter! Quick drying keeps the head warm in the cold months and dry in the hot months!” —Sean Liston
7. Japanese headbands in Tokyo
For anyone who wants a little more flair during exercise, Tokyo Misfit bands offer cool geometric designs in a few colors. Modern technical fabric is breathable, moisture wicking and can be stretched to fit most head sizes. The texture is silky and very light. This is a unisex style with sizes and colors available for men and women.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I love how comfortable and stylish it is. I read some reviews talking about how slippery it is and I was worried, but I have a huge dome and I'm bald so it works great for me.” — Chris E
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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