Why do people wear hats when they run?

There are many reasons why people wear hats when they run, John Honerkamp , RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach, says: “To keep the sun and sweat out of their eyes, or just to look cool.” Running hats also help you stay comfortable and safe on your route by protecting your head and face from the elements and harmful rays. They can even wick away sweat to help regulate your body temperature.

What hats do marathon runners wear?

The best gear for running a marathon should be well-fitted, comfortable, breathable, and high-quality. Marathon runners usually opt for snug and lightweight hats that protect them from the elements and won’t distract from their run. If you’re running or training for a marathon , we recommend Lululemon’s Fast and Free Women’s Run Hat because it’s the lightest option on our list.

What hats don’t make your head sweat?

Hats made from moisture-wicking material, like polyester, help wick away excess sweat and keep you cool and dry, so you can feel comfortable and focused for miles. If you run in warm weather, we recommend Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap . And if your head tends to get sweaty, we recommend Asics’ Mad Dash Cap .

The 11 Best Running Hats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Experts

Whether the forecast calls for light rain or intense heat, a running hat is essential for staying comfortable and safe on your run. Not only can it protect your head and face from the elements and harmful rays, but a good running hat will also wick away sweat to help regulate your temperature.

“A running hat can also be helpful if you have allergies to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and nose,” Lisa Selby, RRCA- and VDOT-certified running coach, says. And if you have hair that constantly gets in your face when running, a hat can pull it back while keeping your forehead shielded from the sun.

A great running hat should have a comfortable fit, easy adjustability, moisture-wicking capabilities, reliable durability, and great overall value. With so many running hats on the market, our team tested 20 products to find the best available today. We also assessed each hat for any notable design features, like reflective details. The products included in our final list of recommendations combined the best of each of these factors.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Brooks Shield Hybrid Hat 2.0 at Amazon

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Best Budget:

All in Motion Running Hat at Target

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Best for Sun Protection:

New Balance 5 Panel Performance Hat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Most Breathable:

Path Projects Muir Cap at Pathprojects.com

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Best for Ponytails:

TrailHeads Women's Race Day Performance Hat at Amazon

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Best for Cool Weather:

Patagonia Overlook Merino Wool Liner Beanie at Buckmans.com

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Best Reflective:

Smartwool Go Far Feel Good Runner's Cap at Backcountry.com

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Most Lightweight:

Lululemon Fast and Free Women’s Run Hat at Lululemon

Jump to Review

Best for Warm Weather:

Outdoor Research Swift Cap at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Long Distance:

Nike Dri-FIT Aerobill Featherlight Hat at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Fit

5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

4.8/5
Design

4/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Suitable for cold weather
Ear flaps for added protection
Easily adjustable

Cons

Too heavy for warm weather
Expensive

When the temperature drops, don’t cancel your run—instead, try Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Hat 2.0. It’s our top overall pick because it features ear flaps and moisture-wicking materials to keep you warm and dry for miles. We also love that while the hat is easy to adjust via bungee cord closure, you won’t need to worry about fidgeting mid-run because of its snug and secure fit.

The hat earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit and adjustability as well as durability, because it held up after multiple wears and washes. We also love that the visor helped keep our tester's head toasty and protected in winter weather: “I think it's one of the best-designed hats I've ever used for keeping your head and ears warm in the winter, wind, and snow.”

It’s one of the more expensive options on our list. But for its easily adjustable fit, top-quality durability, and protective design elements, it’s worth it for brave winter weather runners. (For those who set out in milder conditions, this Brooks pick might be too heavy.)

Price at time of publication: $46

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex | Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Bungee cord | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: None}

Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer

4.4

Target

Our Ratings

Fit

4.5/5
Adjustability

4.8/5
Moisture Wicking

4/5
Design

3/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Sleek design
Breathable
Lightweight

Cons

Not machine washable

All in Motion’s Running Hat provides lightweight breathability, reliable durability, and a sleek look—all at a budget-friendly price. It’s cheaper than other hats on our list without sacrificing necessary features: “I like the simplicity of the hat and that it has all the basic features of a running cap that you could need,” our tester said.

We are a fan of sun protective clothing that has a built-in sunscreen factor when running in the sun. This hat has a long, wide bill and UPF 50+ rating. (This means the hat’s fabric blocks most of the UVA and UVB rays from the sun, protecting you from sun damage.) The hat also features perforated side panels for added ventilation and moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry when things get sweaty.

We love that the hat is easily adjustable using a Velcro closure in the back, but you won’t need to do many mid-run adjustments because of its secure fit. We do wish that it were machine washable for easier maintenance between runs.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: 50+ | Closure: Velcro | Care: Hand wash, air dry | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Christopher

4.6

Amazon

Our Ratings

Fit

5/5
Adjustability

4/5
Moisture Wicking

4.5/5
Design

4.8/5
Durability

4.5/5

Pros

Competitive price
Comes in a variety of fun colors
Secure fit

Cons

Not machine washable

New Balance’s 5 Panel Performance Hat will protect you from the elements with breathable performance fabric that offers UPF sun protection. Our tester felt confident knowing she was protected on bright days, even when she forgot to wear sunscreen.

We love that this hat is thick enough for brisk days and features mesh panels to help you stay cool when the weather warms up. It only earned a 4 out of 5 for adjustability because of the push buckle closure that requires some effort to adjust. But the hat fits so well that our tester never needed to fix it mid-run.

Reflective detailing on the brim, front, and back of the hat helps to keep you safe when running in the dark. And the durable design makes this pick well worth the budget-friendly price. But if you’re looking for a machine washable hat, we recommend our top overall pick, Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Hat 2.0.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: | Closure: Push buckle | Care: Not listed | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Anna Knief

4.6

Path Projects

Our Ratings

Fit

4.7/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

5/5
Design

4/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Sleek look
Secure fit
Easily adjustable

Cons

Too lightweight for cold weather

Featuring 94 laser-cut ventilation holes on the top and side panels, Path Project’s Muir Cap was by far the most breathable option that we tested. It’s made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabrics with four-way stretch that earned the hat a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for moisture-wicking and durability. If you are looking for breathable, anti-odor clothes and gear, this hat checks all the boxes.

We love the stylish and snug fit that’s easily adjustable through a back Velcro closure. And at a competitive price, this high-quality hat is worth the money: “The hat is really well made. I wouldn't think twice about buying this hat and feeling like I spent my money very well,” our tester said.

The Muir Cap is a lightweight, breathable hat that’s best suited for milder conditions. But it’s not designed for winter weather, so we recommend Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Hat 2.0 if you live in a colder climate.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, polyurethane | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: 50+ | Closure: Velcro | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Fit

4.5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

4.2/5
Design

3.5/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Dark underbill reduces glare
Lightweight
Comes in a three-pack

Cons

Only available in bright colors

If you run every day, TrailHeads’ Women’s Race Day Performance Hat is our top pick because you get three hats in one package—meaning fewer washes per run. This, along with the hat's durability, earned it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for overall value.

We love the back cutout that’s large enough to pull most ponytails through. And while the bill features a reflective trip to increase visibility, the dark underbill helps to reduce glare. Best suited for mild to moderate conditions, this is a solid pick for reliable year-round wear, and would also make a great running gift.

You can choose between two sets, both of which include a white option. But if you prefer a more neutral palette, try the standalone version—the two additional hats in each set are playful and bright.

Price at time of publication: $60 for 3

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Velcro | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Best for: Smaller heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Michal Hanover

4.4

Patagonia

Our Ratings

Fit

4.3/5
Adjustability

4.5/5
Moisture Wicking

5/5
Design

3/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Versatile
Lightweight
Easily portable

Cons

Not adjustable
No ponytail hole or reflective detailing
Expensive

Whether you’re training in the fall or jogging in the winter, Patagonia’s Overlook Beanie will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable for miles. This versatile beanie can be worn alone in mild to moderate temperatures or as a liner under another winter running hat when the weather cools down.

Made from a blend of Merino wool and recycled polyester, this beanie is soft, warm, and quickly wicks away sweat—earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for moisture wicking. We like the secure and comfortable fit, but we wish there was some kind of adjustable element. We also would have appreciated a ponytail hole and reflective detailing for added visibility.

This Patagonia pick is more expensive than others on our list. But because of its unique versatility and reliable durability, we think it's well worth the price.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Merino wool, recycled polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: No | UPF Rating: None | Closure: None | Care: Not listed | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: No}

Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer

4.3

Smartwool

Our Ratings

Fit

4.6/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

3.3/5
Design

4/5
Durability

4/5

Pros

Wide range of fun colors
Easily adjustable
Sleek design

Cons

Not as moisture-wicking

We love the fit, feel, and flare of SmartWool’s Go Far, Feel Good Runner’s Cap. It’s super comfortable, with a snug fit, and it earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for adjustability because of its easy-to-use back Velcro closure. This hat is also our top pick for late-night or early-morning runners because of the front and back reflective detailing for safe visibility.

The bill is long and wide enough to shield your eyes from the sun while offering a stylish and sleek silhouette—“I found myself using it to run errands, as well!” our tester said. And we love that the materials are lightweight, breathable, and durable enough to last many wears and washes.

SmartWool’s hat is a great choice for running in mild to moderate conditions, but it didn’t do the best job at wicking away sweat in higher temperatures. For warmer weather running, we recommend Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap. But we like that it’s available in plenty of bright, fun colors.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane, merino wool | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Velcro | Care: Spot clean only | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Billy Pennant

4.3

Lululemon

Our Ratings

Fit

4/5
Adjustability

4/5
Moisture Wicking

5/5
Design

4/5
Durability

4/5

Pros

Lightweight
Sleek design
Highly reflective

Cons

Expensive

Lululemon’s Fast and Free Women’s Running Hat earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for its impeccable moisture-wicking capabilities: “It's made of my favorite material for a running hat—super lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable. My forehead was free of sweat during multiple runs in direct sunlight,” our tester said.

We recommend this stylish, versatile pick for mild weather and everyday wear. If you get outside in low light conditions, you’ll also appreciate the front, side, and back reflective detailing.

This is the most expensive running hat on our list. But it scored high in overall value because of its top-quality design and reliable durability. You can plan to hold onto it for years to come, just like other Lululemon apparel, such as their underwear, which is some of the best underwear for working out.

Price at time of publication: $48

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon, elastane, recycled polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Velcro | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Best for: Smaller heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Ivy Ford

4.3

REI

Our Ratings

Fit

3.8/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

4.5/5
Design

4/5
Durability

4.5/5

Pros

Wide range of fun colors
Lightweight
Easily adjustable

Cons

No reflective detailing

Worn in both high and low temperatures, Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap kept our tester focused and comfortable: “I wore this hat in both cold weather (30 degrees) and hot weather (80 degrees) and did not have any issues with sweat dripping. It definitely blocks the sun, which is a plus, too.”

The lightweight and breathable materials earned the hat a near-perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for moisture wicking. And we love the snug and secure fit that’s easily adjustable without having to stop mid-run.

If you plan on traveling, this hat is a solid pick because after many wears, washes, and even being stuffed into our tester’s carry-on bag, it maintained its color, shape, and quality. It also holds up well in your favorite gym bag. But if you’re an early morning or late night runner, you might want to consider SmartWool’s Go Far, Feel Good Runner’s Cap since the Swift Cap lacks reflective detailing.

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Recycled nylon, polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: 50+ | Closure: Velcro | Care: Machine was cold, air dry | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: No}

Verywell Fit / Carrie Gavit

4.3

Courtesy of Nike

Our Ratings

Fit

4.5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Moisture Wicking

4.5/5
Design

3/5
Durability

4/5

Pros

Wide range of fun colors
Competitive price
Lightweight

Cons

Not machine washable

To reap the benefits of long-distance running, you’ll need gear that’s lightweight, comfortable, and distraction-free—like Nike’s DriFit Aerobill Featherlight Hat. “This hat is great for long-distance runners that need to keep a cool head and easy adjustability,” our tester said.

It’s best suited for larger heads, but thanks to its adjustable back Velcro closure, this hat can work for most runners. We love that our tester was able to adjust mid-run without having to stop, earning the hat a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for adjustability. And the moisture-wicking material works to keep sweat out of your eyes—our tester even wore it in the sauna, staying cool and comfortable.

Plus, it’s a solid value compared to other hats we tested, and it comes in your choice of bright colors. But while the hat maintained its shape and quality through many wears, we wish it were machine washable for easier maintenance between runs.

Price at time of publication: $36

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Velcro | Care: Hand wash, air dry | Best for: Larger heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Mike Navarro

4.3

ASICS

Our Ratings

Fit

4.3/5
Adjustability

4.3/5
Moisture Wicking

4.4/5
Design

4.5/5
Durability

5/5

Pros

Competitive price
Durable
Dark underbill reduces glare

Cons

Not suitable for cold weather

If you run in the rain or get sweaty on warm-weather runs, Asics’ Mad Dash Cap is our top pick. It’s made from moisture-wicking materials that get the job done: “The material the hat is made of makes it very useful for keeping sweat and moisture out of your eyes. And the mesh sides also helped with comfort from sweat,” our tester said.

The lightweight hat fits well and is easily adjustable mid-run—earning a 4.3 out of 5 for both key categories. And we love that it maintains its original quality after many wears and washes. The design is basic but still versatile enough to be worn for running and everyday activities.

We also like the dark underbill, which reduces glare from the sun on your route. (It also works well paired with non-slip running sunglasses.) Plus, this Asics pick is less expensive than many other options on our list. While it’s great for mild to moderate weather, we don’t recommend it for colder conditions because the lightweight design won’t keep your head warm.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: One size fits all | Adjustable: Yes | UPF Rating: None | Closure: Velcro | Care: Not listed | Best for: Most heads | Reflectivity: Yes}

Verywell Fit / Tracy Spangler

How We Rated the Running Hats

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best running hats we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These running hats are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great running hats, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These running hats are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend running hats with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

In total, we tested 20 running hats but only included 11 in our final list of recommendations. While the following didn’t make our top picks list, we did find some notable features that make these products solid options:

Sunday Afternoons’ Eclipse Cap features a back Velcro closure that’s easy to adjust and two side panel vents for optimal breathability. But the uncomfortable hat feels restrictive and had to be adjusted frequently during test runs.
Lightweight, breathable, and sleek, On Running’s Lightweight Cap is a quality pick for long-lasting durability. But for those with smaller heads, the hat lacks adjustability, and the brim is too large.
Lululemon’s Race Kit Hat has a sleek design, ample reflective detailing, and plenty of breathability. But we found it to be too large for most heads and somewhat difficult to adjust.

How We Tested the Running Hats

We test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some require more in-depth, longer-term testing so that we can provide the most accurate results and recommendations for our readers—like running hats. For this list, 20 of our expert testers each took home one running hat to put it to the test during their regular running routines.

Upon arrival, testers inspected their hats for any initial rips, tears, or loose threads. A running hat should sit right above your ears and eyebrows, so our testers tried their hat on and noted how it fit: Is it snug? Does it stay put? Is it easily adjustable?

Then it was time to get running. Our testers completed their first 15-to-20-minute brisk run, paying close attention to how well the hats protected their heads from the elements, stayed in place, wicked away moisture, and kept them warm in cold weather. Testers also noted any reflective detailing, side vents, or any other key features. They completed at least three total runs, scoring each hat on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for fit, adjustability, moisture wicking, design, durability, and overall value. We used our testers' insights and scores to curate our final list of recommendations.

Verywell Fit / Ivy Ford

What to Look for in Running Hats

Materials

If you consistently run in the heat, choose a running hat that’s lightweight, breathable, and has excellent moisture-wicking ability. Typically, any hat crafted with non-cotton fabric, like nylon, polyester, and mesh, is a good option.

Purpose

“Consider the purpose of your hat,” Selby says. “If it’s to keep the sun and rain off your face, you want to make sure the rim shapes your face well.”

Even if you are running indoors, like on a treadmill desk, you can wear a hat simply to keep hair off your face, wick away moisture, and keep sweat from running into your eyes. 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 (like All in Motion’s Running Hat) is a great option. For safety reasons, runners who frequently run in low-light conditions should look for hats with some reflective elements—our top pick is SmartWool’s Go Far, Feel Good Runner’s Cap.

Fit

Some running hats come in multiple sizes, while others are one-size-fits-all with a strap in the back. Adjustable hats are ideal since they provide a comfortable, secure fit every time. If you want to find the best fit, we recommend measuring the circumference of your head using a measuring tape (around the part a hat would sit) and then using a brand-specific size chart to determine your best size.

Sun Protection

Some hats have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating that indicates how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. UVB and UVA protection is always important, especially for runners in warm, sunny climates. If you’re looking for a hat with sun protection, we recommend New Balance’s 5 Panel Performance Hat.

Reflectivity

Running hats with reflective detailing are a great choice for early-morning and late-night runners. They offer added visibility for low-light conditions, which is an important feature to keep you safe while running. Lululemon’s Fast and Free Women’s Running Hat is another one of our picks with plenty of reflective details that will help motorists and other pedestrians spot you while you’re on the go.

Price

A quality running hat may cost anywhere from $15 to $50. The most budget-friendly hat on our list is often available for $13, while our top recommendation, Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Hat 2.0, was $46 when we published this list. Cheaper hats may lack quality and durability, but are a good option for occasional runners who won’t wear them as often. More expensive options tend to have added features, like reflective elements, pockets, and more.

Verywell Fit / Anna Knief

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people wear hats when they run?

There are many reasons why people wear hats when they run, John Honerkamp, RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach, says: “To keep the sun and sweat out of their eyes, or just to look cool.” Running hats also help you stay comfortable and safe on your route by protecting your head and face from the elements and harmful rays. They can even wick away sweat to help regulate your body temperature.
What hats do marathon runners wear?

The best gear for running a marathon should be well-fitted, comfortable, breathable, and high-quality. Marathon runners usually opt for snug and lightweight hats that protect them from the elements and won’t distract from their run. If you’re running or training for a marathon, we recommend Lululemon’s Fast and Free Women’s Run Hat because it’s the lightest option on our list.
What hats don’t make your head sweat?

Hats made from moisture-wicking material, like polyester, help wick away excess sweat and keep you cool and dry, so you can feel comfortable and focused for miles. If you run in warm weather, we recommend Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap. And if your head tends to get sweaty, we recommend Asics’ Mad Dash Cap.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer. She is passionate about making reliable product recommendations. As a fitness enthusiast herself, Michelle knows that quality activewear can level up any workout, providing an extra boost of comfort and confidence.

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