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What is the most satisfying aspect of a workout? The sweat that you work up. But this sweat can quickly become a nuisance when it starts stinging your eyes and dripping down your face. And don’t even try to adjust your hair, which has likely turned into a flat, greasy mess. Wearing a sweat band can help you avoid all of this!
Most people's workout gear consists of sneakers, headphones, workout clothes, and a water bottle. Adding a sweat band to your workout outfit can complete the look while also keeping your face and hair dry. To help you find the right sweat band, we’ve compiled a list of the leading sweat bands of 2024. Plus, check out our tips and tricks at the end, which include everything you need to know before purchasing one. Let’s dive in!
Comparing Our Favorite Sweat Band of 2024
ONUPGO Sweat Band Set — Best Overall
Excess sweat is not only a problem around your hairline and forehead. When you exercise, your arms and wrists are also prone to sweating. That's why this sweat band set by ONUPGO comes with a pair of handy wristbands. Wear the headband on your head and the wristbands on your wrists and together these sweat bands will eliminate the sweat accumulating around your head, arms, and body.
What’s more, this sweat band set boasts a non-slip, odor-resistant organic cotton construction. This material is highly absorptive and is extremely breathable, fulfilling all your workout needs. Available in many vibrant colors and stripe designs, you’ll be looking uber-stylish at the gym thanks to this sweat band set’s retro vibes. Plus, because of its affordable price, functional design, and high performance, we’ve chosen this sweat band as our top pick overall.
Pros
- Made of odor-resistant organic cotton
- Includes two wristbands
- Non-slip sweat band stays in place
- Extremely comfortable and breathable
Cons
- Machine wash not recommended
Yeshan Athletic Sweat Band — Most Affordable
If you want to step out in a new look every single day, this sweat band set from Yeshan is the perfect choice. This pack of 12 sweat-absorbing headbands come in a variety of bright colors — like pink, yellow, and sky blue — so you can choose the color depending on your mood from a fun, bold shade to a more subdued hue. Each of these sweat bands is 2 inches wide and the breathable cotton material makes them extremely comfortable to wear, while the inner seam prevents them from slipping. Plus, they stay put as you exercise, cycle, run, or engage in any other physical activity.
Pros
- Made of stretchy yet breathable cotton
- Includes 12 bands in a variety of colors
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Inner seam may irritate sensitive skin
BEACE Sweat Band — Best for Professionals
Our next pick is a perfect choice for professional athletes and fitness fanatics. This sweat band set from BEACE includes three headpieces. You can choose to purchase three of the same color or a set of different colors, including solid colors and striped patterns — like rainbow and red, white, and blue.
These sweat bands boast a soft blend of fabrics made of 5% spandex, 10% nylon, and 85% cotton, making them extremely comfortable yet exceptionally stretchy. What’s more, the material is non-slip and lightweight. You can keep these on for long periods without feeling any signs of irritation. Plus, the absorbing band will make sure that not even a single drop of sweat finds its way to your face. You can exercise for hours in these sweat bands with confidence!
Pros
- Great for all seasons
- Suitable for both personal and professional use
- Available in a selection of colors and patterns
Cons
- May be tight on those with larger heads
QiShang Workout Sweat Bands — Best Value
These workout sweat bands from QiShang come in a set of three or six headbands. Each individual sweat band in these sets has a different color, so you can mix and match them according to your mood or outfit. These advanced sweat bands feature a 3D knitting technology making them extremely elastic and breathable. What’s more, they have a silicone anti-skid strip along the top and bottom which prevents them from slipping off your head as you exercise. Plus, the high-quality nylon fabric adds to their durability and is skin-friendly. Like all sweat bands, these are unisex in design and can be used by anyone doing just about sport, from yoga to ultra marathons.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Elastic nylon material is soft, stretchy, and comfortable
- Features double-silicon, non-slip strips
Cons
- Color may bleed when washed
Suddora Striped Sweat Band Set — Most Stylish
Our last pick is the sweat band set from Suddora, which features one headband and two wristbands. These stylish bands have eye-catching striped patterns that come in a variety of colors from white and orange to green and yellow. What’s more, you can represent your favorite country by choosing a striped pattern that matches the flags of America, Italy, or Australia. Or, if you’d rather wear all the colors, the rainbow option adds a splash of color to your gym clothes. These ultra-comfortable and durable sweat bands are made from a blend of 80% cotton, 12% spandex, and 8% nylon making them extremely soft, elastic, and absorbent.
Pros
- Soft material has superior absorbency
- Include matching wristbands to complete the look
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Run a bit small
Finding Your Next Sweat Band: A Buyer's Guide
Despite being a simple fitness accessory, choosing the right sweat band is not that easy. You have to factor in some important features and how to care for your sweat band to make the most of your purchase. We’ve put together this detailed buyer's guide to help you out.
Factors To Consider in a Sweat Band
Below are the essential features that you should consider when shopping for a sweat headband.
Material
The material of a sweat headband not only determines its moisture-wicking ability, it also dictates whether the band will stay put while you log miles or lift weights. An ultra-soft material like satin is bound to slip off mid-squat. But a grippier material won't be breathable enough. So what material should you choose? A nylon and spandex blend similar to that of your clothing is ideal; it wicks away sweat, stretches to fit your head, and retains its shape after use. While cotton is undoubtedly very breathable, it loses its shape quickly and may not be as long-lasting.
Lining
Keeping a sweat band on during a difficult workout can quickly turn into a struggle. That’s why we recommend choosing a sweat band with a lining, which ensures that it stays put throughout your entire exercise session. Keep in mind that materials like velvet, cotton, and polyester are stronger linings than silicone or felt because they are gentler on your skin.
Width
When choosing between different sweat bands, you should always factor in their width. A wider headband is more likely to keep your hair out of your face than a narrower one. We suggest looking for a sweat band that is at least 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide. This way, you can easily fit it over your head and hair without it slipping off.
Care
When purchasing a sweat headband you should always be aware of how to wash and care for it post-workout. When it comes to sweat bands, most buyers prioritize styles that are easy to wash at home and retain their shape after multiple washes. If these aspects rank high on your priority list, look for a band that is machine-washable, quick to dry, and comfortable to wear for long periods.
Sweat Bands: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning a sweat band is quite similar to cleaning regular clothes. Always choose the cleaning method according to its material. Below, we go over the different materials and how you should clean them.
Cotton sweat bands
Cotton headbands are a popular choice for their sweat-wicking properties. Because of this, they’re usually soaked in sweat after a hard workout session.
The good thing about cotton bands is their versatility. You can use a variety of detergents to wash these headbands by hand or in a machine. Just be sure not to scrub too vigorously as cotton fibers are not very elastic and are prone to losing their shape.
Silicone sweat bands
Silicone sweat bands usually come embedded inside fiber. This fiber is usually not very absorptive and it depends on the silicone to wick the sweat away.
You can wash a silicone band in the same way as you would a cotton one — by hand or in a machine with a detergent. To dry, don't expose these bands to the sun. Instead, dry them in a cool, shady place.
Polyester sweat bands
Polyester is a high performance material with porous fibers that help wick sweat away as you move. You should always hand wash a polyester band. To do this, soak it in a mixture of neutral detergent and water, gently scrub it between your hands to remove any dirt, and rinse it with clean water. To dry, simply hang it up in your bathroom or outside.
