As the temperature rises, staying cool and comfortable becomes crucial for runners. The consequences for wearing the wrong hat range from mildly distracting to downright detrimental (if the fit is too tight for example.)
In this blog post, we will:
- explore the importance of wearing the right hat for running in hot weather
- curate some of the best options available
- highlight the unique features each hat offers
- provide care tips for keeping your hats looking new
Why Wear a Hat When Running in Hot Weather?
The benefits of wearing a hat include: sun protection, sweat absorption, and temperature regulation.
☀️ Sun Protection: Wearing a hat provides shade for the face, head, and neck, helping to protect against harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sunburn. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Over 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.” This highlights the significant risk of sun exposure and emphasizes the importance of sun protection during outdoor activities like running.
😓 Sweat Management: A hat helps to absorb sweat and moisture, keeping it out of the eyes and face, and preventing discomfort and irritation during runs.
🥵 Temperature Regulation: Hats with breathable materials and ventilation help to regulate body temperature by allowing heat to escape, keeping runners cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.
🕶️ Eye Protection: Hats with brims or visors can shield the eyes from glare and bright sunlight, improving visibility and reducing strain during outdoor runs.
💇Hair Management: For runners with longer hair, a hat helps to keep hair out of the face and prevents it from becoming tangled or sweaty, allowing for a more focused and enjoyable running experience.
Trends / Features to Look for in a Running Hat for Hot Weather:
1. Lightweight and Breathable Materials:
Trend: One of the prominent trends in running hats for warm to hot weather is the use of lightweight and breathable materials such as mesh, bamboo, polyester, and nylon.
Innovation: Manufacturers are incorporating advanced fabric technologies that enhance breathability while wicking away moisture, keeping runners cool and comfortable even in intense heat.
2. UPF Protection:
Trend: With growing awareness of sun exposure risks, running hats with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) are becoming increasingly popular among runners.
Innovation: Brands are integrating UPF-rated fabrics into their hats, providing added protection against harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage during prolonged outdoor activities.
3. Ventilation Design:
Trend: Ventilation is a key consideration in the design of running hats for hot weather, with many styles featuring strategic ventilation panels or perforations.
Innovation: Innovative ventilation systems are being incorporated into hats, such as laser-cut perforations, mesh panels, and strategic airflow channels, maximizing breathability while maintaining sun protection.
4. Adjustable Fit and Comfort Features:
Trend: Runners are increasingly seeking hats with adjustable features for a customized and comfortable fit, including adjustable straps, elastic bands, and snapback closures.
Innovation: Manufacturers are incorporating innovative adjustment mechanisms and comfort features such as moisture-wicking sweatbands, padded brims, and ergonomic designs to enhance comfort and performance during long runs in hot weather.
5. Reflective Elements for Safety:
Trend: Safety is a top priority for runners, especially when running in low-light conditions or at night.
Innovation: Many running hats now feature reflective elements such as logos, trim, or accents, improving visibility and ensuring that runners remain visible to motorists and other pedestrians during early morning or evening runs.
6. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials:
Trend: With increasing concern for environmental sustainability, there’s a growing demand for running hats made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
Innovation: Brands are exploring innovative materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and plant-based fibers (such as bamboo) to create running hats that minimize environmental impact while offering performance and durability.
Five Top Picks for Running Hats in Hot Weather:
#1 – Boco Trucker Hat
Brand: Boco
Price: $42
Photo credit: Heidi Garner
Features:
Breathable Design: With soft, laser-cut side and back panels, this hat ensures excellent breathability, keeping runners cool and comfortable during high-intensity workouts.
Tailored Fit: The 5-paneled construction offers a more tailored fit, providing a balance of style and functionality for runners on the go.
Versatile Style: Designed to transition seamlessly from the trails to town, this hat is perfect for any occasion.
Benefits:
Sun Protection: Keep the sun out of your eyes with this stylish trucker hat, while the built-in headband helps to keep sweat at bay, ensuring a comfortable run every time.
Flattering Fit: The hat’s design is flattering for all faces, with a brim that isn’t too wide, making it ideal for feminine runners.
Comfortable Wear: Whether you’re running long distances or hitting the trails, this hat provides all-day comfort without any discomfort or chafing. Plus, it washes well, ensuring it stays looking great wear after wear.
Size: OSFM 55-59 cm or 6 ⅞ – 7 ⅜
Standout feature: The hat’s design is flattering for all faces, with a brim that isn’t too wide, making it ideal for feminine runners.
#2 Satin Lined Runner Trucker
Brand: Oiselle
Price: $38
Features:
Hair Protection: The satin lining of this hat helps protect hair from drying out, frizzing, or tangling, ensuring a smooth and stylish look throughout your run.
Improved Fit: We’ve increased the circumference of the hat to accommodate more head sizes and hairstyles, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for all runners.
Convenient Design: The brim of the hat folds in half for easy carrying and storage, making it a convenient accessory for runners on the go.
Customizable Fit: The unique lightweight bungee + toggle adjustment allows for a perfect fit, ensuring maximum comfort and performance during your runs.
Standout feature: The satin lining of this hat helps protect hair from drying out, frizzing, or tangling,
#3 Lightweight Cap
Brand: On
Price: $44
Features:
Laser Cut Ventilation: Our innovative laser cut ventilation technology provides superior airflow and breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable even in the hottest weather conditions.
Feather-Light Design: Made from tear-proof woven fabrics, this cap is feather-light and fast-drying, ensuring you stay protected without feeling weighed down.
Ultra-Soft Sweatbands: Experience ultimate comfort with ultra-soft sweatbands that wick away moisture and keep sweat out of your eyes during intense runs.
Clip-Pull Sizing: With clip-pull sizing, you can easily adjust the fit for a customized and secure feel.
Hand-Detailed Finish: Each cap is meticulously hand-detailed for a premium look and feel, ensuring quality craftsmanship that stands out from the rest.
Benefits:
All-Weather Protection: Whether you’re running in searing sunshine or sudden downpours, this cap has you covered with high-performance protection and ventilation.
Low-Key Style: The Lightweight Cap offers a low-key style that’s perfect for both streetwear and sports, making it versatile for any occasion.
Standout feature: Innovative Swiss design of tear-proof woven fabrics making this cap feather-light and fast-drying.
Size: OSFM 55-59 cm or 6 ⅞ – 7 ⅜
Key Features:
#4 5 Panel Trucker Hat
Brand: Headsweats
Price: $30
Eventure™ Fabric: Crafted from Eventure™ woven shell, this hat offers durability and breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable during any activity.
Stretch Band: The stretch in the band provides a snug yet comfortable fit, ensuring the hat stays securely in place even on windy days without feeling too tight.
Sweat-Wicking Technology: The Eventure™ Terry sweatband wrapped in Eventure™ knit wicks away moisture, keeping sweat out of your eyes and ensuring dryness and comfort throughout your adventures.
Ventilated Mesh Back: The Eventure™ elastic mesh back enhances breathability, allowing for optimal airflow to keep you cool in warmer weather conditions.
Glare Reduction: The black undervisor helps reduce glare, providing better visibility and enhancing your outdoor experience.
Adjustable Snap Back Closure: The snap-back closure with ponytail opening allows for easy adjustment to achieve the perfect fit, accommodating various head sizes and hairstyles.
Size: Hat Circumference: 57 cm
Bill Length: 2.625″
Front Height: 6.5″
Standout feature: The black undervisor helps reduce glare, providing better visibility and enhancing your outdoor experience. https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=1067705024146166391
Vimhue Sun Goddess Hat
Brand: Vimhue
Price: $29
Perfect Fit: Say goodbye to poorly fitting hats! Vimhue headwear is meticulously designed with the unique contours of the female skull in mind, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit every time.
Features:
Innovative Cooling™ Fabric: Dive into your activities with confidence, thanks to our innovative Cooling™ fabric. Not only does it keep you cool and comfortable, but it also provides UPF50+ protection, shielding you from harmful UV rays.
Feather-Light Comfort: Experience unparalleled comfort with our feather-light fabric and soft velcro closures. These hats are so lightweight that you’ll barely feel them.
Revolutionized Design: They have reimagined every aspect of the traditional baseball cap to create a hat that sets new standards in female athletic gear.
Benefits:
Ultimate Blend of Fashion and Function: The Vimhue Sun Goddess Hat combines style and performance, allowing you to look and feel your best during any activity.
Confidence-Boosting: Engineered by women for women, their goal is to keep you cool, comfortable, and confident along your journey.
Standout feature: you can wear your hair however you want (including high bun or ponytail) the fabric is totally breathable.
Size: The ladies’ cap size is 57cm and fits approximately 90-95% of women, featuring a custom pattern tailored specifically for women’s head shapes. If you are looking for a smaller fit, they offer caps in sizes 55-56cm are offered, accommodating smaller circumference and shorter ear-to-ear distance. Conversely, for those requiring a larger or deeper fit, their Black X-boyfriend cap in size 58cm.
Tips for Hat Care and Maintenance:
Here are some tips for keeping your running hat looking new.
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Many running hats come with care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always refer to these instructions first, as they may contain specific guidance on how to clean and care for the hat without compromising its performance or longevity.
Hand Washing: For most running hats, hand washing is recommended over machine washing. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to gently clean the hat, focusing on areas with sweat or dirt buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the fabric and affect performance.
Air Drying: After washing, allow the hat to air dry completely before wearing or storing it. Avoid exposing the hat to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or lose its shape. Instead, reshape the hat and lay it flat on a clean surface to dry naturally.
Spot Cleaning: For minor stains or localized dirt, spot cleaning with a soft brush or cloth dampened with water and mild detergent can be effective. Gently scrub the stained area and rinse with clean water to remove any residue. For sweat stains specifically, follow the instructions below:
How to Wash the Sweat Out of a Hat:
- Fill a sink or bucket with cool or warm water, adding a few drops of laundry detergent or stain removal powder.
- Soak the hat for approximately 15 minutes.
- Rinse the hat with cool or warm water.
- Pat the hat dry with a towel and reshape it.
- Let the hat air dry completely.
How to Get Tough Sweat Stains Out of a Hat:
- Spot-clean heavy-duty areas with diluted detergent.
- Scrub the areas with a toothbrush or small brush.
- Soak the hat for a few hours, periodically checking for spots that need more attention.
- Rinse the hat with cool or warm water and pat it dry.
- Reshape the hat and let it dry completely.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning running hats, avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric and reduce its performance properties, such as moisture-wicking and breathability.
Storage: Proper storage is essential for maintaining the shape and integrity of running hats. Store hats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid folding or crushing the hat, as this can cause creases or deformities in the fabric.
In conclusion, selecting the right hat for running in hot weather can significantly impact your comfort and performance. Whether you’re seeking sun protection, sweat management, or temperature regulation, a well-designed running hat can enhance your overall experience and help you achieve your fitness goals. From lightweight materials and breathable designs to innovative features tailored for female athletes, the options are endless. Remember, investing in the right hat is not just about style, but about ensuring that you can tackle every mile with confidence and ease. So, take the time to explore your options, find the perfect fit, and elevate your running experience today. Choose wisely, and let your hat become your trusted companion on every sunny run.
Use the links to the various hats to explore our curated selection of hats and gear up for your next run with confidence!
Editor’s Note: These products are our unbiased suggestions. We are not sponsored nor do we use affiliate links on this site.