Whether the forecast calls for light rain or intense sun, a running hat is essential for staying comfortable and safe on the run. Not only can it shield your head and face from the elements, but a good running hat can also help wick away moisture and prevent sweat from running into your eyes. They also come in handy if you have too much hair or a lack of it, and you need to either pull it back or keep your head shielded from the sun’s harmful rays.
Here, check out our picks for the best running hats to find that one that suits your needs.
Benefits of Wearing a Hat While Running
Improved Performance: By shielding your eyes from the sun’s glare and reducing the amount of sweat dripping into your face, a hat can help you maintain better focus and concentration during your workout, ultimately leading to a more efficient and productive run.
Sun Protection: The brim of a hat can shield your face, ears, and neck from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Sweat Absorption: Running can make you work up a sweat, and having a hat on can help absorb some of that moisture, keeping it out of your eyes and face. This not only improves your overall comfort but also allows you to maintain better visibility and focus on the road ahead.
Element Protection: A hat can help keep the rain out of your eyes and, in colder weather, it can also help to retain heat and keep you warm during your run. By protecting your head from the cold and wind, you can maintain a comfortable body temperature and prevent heat loss through your head.
Best Running Hats
Best for Sweat-Wicking Technology: Under Armour Men’s Iso-chill Launch Run Hat
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Stylish
- Reflective accents
Cons
- Limited colors
- Big logo
Under Armour’s Iso-chill Launch Run Hat is a game-changer when it comes to managing sweat during your runs. The innovative sweat-wicking technology built into this hat is designed to pull moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even during the most intense workouts. With an unstructured, adjustable fit, it’s also a nice choice for those who struggle with too-tight hats. UA’s AmourVent technology provides excellent breathability, while the quick-drying fabric keeps you feeling fresh. The curved visor shields your face from the sun’s rays, while reflective details are ideal for low-light conditions. With a sleek, modern look, this hat is a great accent to any outfit, sporty or casual.
Best for Reflectivity: New Balance Unisex Performance Run Hat
Pros
- Unisex fit
- Good ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Not a lot of color options
Running in low-light conditions can be risky, but with New Balance’s Performance Run Hat, you can run with confidence knowing that you are visible to others. The reflective elements on this hat are strategically placed to catch the light and make you stand out in the dark. This versatile hat also features a stylish, unisex fit and has mesh panels to keep you cool and comfortable. The wicking material pulls moisture away from your head, which helps control odors as well as sweat running in your eyes.
Best for UV Protection: Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Pros
- Breathable and well-ventilated
- Comfortable fit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited color options
When it comes to protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while out on a run, Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap has you covered. Offering superior UV protection, this hat shields your face and scalp from the sun’s damaging effects, allowing you to enjoy your run without worrying about sunburn or skin damage. With its 50 UPF rating and wide brim design, the Swift Cap ensures that you can focus on your performance while staying safe under the sun. A full mesh liner provides plenty of ventilation to keep you cool, and the headband also helps wick away moisture. You’ll can also get a secure, comfortable fit with the adjustable back strap.
Best Lightweight: Outdoor Essentials Running Hat
Pros
- Breathable and well-ventilated
- Comfortable fit
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not work for very large heads
- Limited color options
Lightweight and breathable, Outdoor Essentials’ Running Hat delivers exactly what runners need in a reliable hat. The fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection, while the shaped but flexible bill gives more coverage from the sun’s rays and glare. Ventilated panels help keep you cool, and the quick-drying material helps wick away moisture. You’ll get a custom, secure fit with the adjustable back strap. And if you get tired of wearing it, you can fold it up easily and stash it in your shorts or pocket.
Best Budget: TrailHeads Race Day Performance Running Hat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reflective trim
- Lots of color options
- Good wicking fabric
Cons
- May not work for larger heads
- Not as structured as some other hats
TrailHeads’ Race Day Performance Hat has the comfort, fit, and performance that runners need in a quality running hat, at a budget-friendly price. Super lightweight and breathable, the hat allows air to flow freely through it, to prevent overheating. The dark underbill reduces glare and shades your face, while the polyester fabric wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable. With reflective trim, the hat also improves your visibility when running in low light conditions.
An adjustable Velcro closure delivers a snug, customizable fit, and the back opening allows plenty of room for a ponytail. This hat is available in variety of colors and with such a reasonable price tag, you may decide to pick up more than one to coordinate with different running outfits.
Best for Ponytails: Lululemon Fast and Free Ponytail Hat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reflective elements
- Good wicking fabric
Cons
- Pricier than some other options
Like other running hats, this one from Lululemon keeps the sun and sweat out of your eyes, but it also has a wide opening for your ponytail, so you can wear it high or low. The lightweight, stretchy fabric wicks away moisture and is extremely quick-drying, so it’s a nice choice for long, sweaty runs. With an adjustable back closure, you can get a customized, comfortable fit. The hat also has reflective details for running in low-light conditions.
Best Unisex: Headsweats Performance Race Hat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lots of color options
- Durable
- Terry headband
Cons
- May not fit very large heads
- Large logo on side
Headsweats hats and visors are known for their innovative, lightweight design and fast moisture-wicking capability, and their Performance Race Hat checks all those boxes and more. Perfect for hot weather running, the hat blocks the sun from your eyes, while wicking away moisture, keeping your head cool and dry. The Eventure terry headband mops up sweat before it runs into your eyes. Once you’re done with your run, you can toss the hat in the wash with your other running clothes, without worrying about it losing its shape.
The hat comes in one size, but the adjustable buckle allows for a comfortable, custom fit on most sized heads. Available in more than two dozen color options, it’s reasonably priced, so you may want to pick up more than one.
What to Look for When Shopping for Running Hats
Materials: If you run a lot in the heat, choose a running hat that’s lightweight, breathable, and has excellent moisture-wicking ability. Look for hats made of non-cotton fabrics such as nylon or polyester.
Purpose: Consider the purpose of your hat. If it’s to keep the sun and rain off your face, you want to make sure the rim shapes your face well. For long runs, you may want a hat that can easily be stored in your pocket or shorts, so you can take it off when you don’t need it. If you usually run in sunny weather, a hat with UV protection is a great option. Runners who frequently run in low-light conditions should look for hats with some reflective elements.
Fit: Some hats come in a few different sizes, while others are one-size-fits-all, with a strap in the back. Adjustable hats are ideal, since you can get a very comfortable, secure fit.
How to wash a running hat
While some running hats can be tossed in the washing machine, many should be hand-washed to maintain their shape and extend their life. To wash by hand, fill a small plastic tub or sink with cold water. Mix in about a teaspoon of detergent and soak the hat. Rinse it off under running water and make sure all the detergent is removed. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the hat and then hang it to air dry.
How do I protect myself from the sun when running?
Wearing sunscreen is the most important way you can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays when you’re running. Beyond that, you can try to run in the shade and before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are not as strong. You can also wear running clothes with UPF protection, a running visor or hat to help shield your head and face, and running sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Why You Should Trust Us
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
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