Pickleball is a fun sport that comes with a plethora of equally fun and functional accessories. Besides the different types of paddles, shoes, and other items of clothing, another handy pickleball accessory you can buy are hats.
Even though pickleball is played on a relatively smaller court compared to tennis and badminton, it is just as fast-paced and strategic. Players have to make split-second decisions to one-up their opponents. During this time, if your hair gets in the way or if you sweat profusely, it can hamper your game.
So what can you do about it? Wear a hat!
But don’t just pick up and start using any hat on the market. There are various types of caps available, and if you are wondering which one to get, then this article is perfect for you. This list of the best pickleball hats consists of an in-depth analysis of each product and when to use them appropriately.
Why Should You Use Pickleball Hats?
Aside from having a positive impact on your overall gameplay, there are other benefits to wearing the right pickleball hat that you may not have thought of. These are just as essential if you want to have a good game of pickleball.
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Sun Protection:
Pickleball courts can be found both indoors and outdoors. When playing outdoors, you are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can lead to skin damage and even skin cancer.
A hat with a wide brim can help shield your face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight. Some hats are even made with special materials that offer additional UV protection. Just by wearing a pickleball hat, you can greatly reduce your risk of sunburn and other sun-related skin conditions. You get to enjoy the game safely and comfortably.
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Sweat Absorption:
The best pickleball hats can absorb sweat and help keep it from dripping down into your eyes, which can be distracting and uncomfortable. Go for hats that are made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, such as polyester or mesh since these can help keep you cool and dry during a game.
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Hold Your Hair in Place:
If you like to grow your hair long, you’ll find that keeping it away from your face during a pickleball match can be challenging. This is because the game requires a lot of rapid movements and swings. A hat or cap can easily help by keeping your hair in place and stopping it from distracting you throughout the game.
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Style Points:
A hat not only protects your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays but also adds a fashionable touch to your outfit. From a classic baseball cap to a trendy bucket hat, you can use these timeless accessories to complete your pickleball look and show off your personal style.
Hats vs Visors: Which One Is Better for Pickleball?
For games like pickleball, hats, and visors are the most common headgear choices. Both can be incredibly handy, so the choice is totally up to you.
Visors have brims that only cover the forehead, leaving your ears and neck exposed to the sun. Caps fall under this category. Meanwhile, hats have brims that wrap around the whole head, thus providing more coverage and sun protection. This fundamental difference between hats and visors means they perform differently in certain environments.
Hats are better at keeping your hair in place, but they can also be hotter to wear, especially in warmer weather. This can cause excessive sweating, which may be uncomfortable and distracting during a game.
On the other hand, if you want a less stuffy option during warm and humid weather, then go for a visor. They are lighter and more breathable than hats, providing better circulation and ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable as you play.
Things We Considered Before Picking the Best Pickleball Hats
When preparing this list of best pickleball hats, we made sure all the headgear excelled in the following three categories:
- Durability: Since pickleball involves a lot of movement, you need durable headgear made from light and long-lasting material that can withstand rough usage, different weather conditions, and accidental falls once in a while.
- Affordability: Purchasing a good pickleball hat should not break the bank. The caps in this article are all value for money and long-lasting.
- Comfort: Since the hat is going to be on your head for long durations, it needs to have a comfortable fit. A good headgear should be comfortable enough to make you feel like you are not wearing anything.
Top 5 Best Pickleball Hats
Keeping those three categories in mind, it’s time to dive into our top five best pickleball hat choices.
Pickleball players choose the Nike Dri-Fit Cap because of its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, which keeps sweat out of your eyes and helps you focus while playing. This traditional baseball cap’s curved brim offers good sun protection, making it appropriate for outdoor play.
The cap has a velcro strap at the back that lets you modify the fit as necessary. Additionally, because of its lightweight design and adjustable strap, it is easy to wear for extended periods.
The cap may, however, be a little too tight for users with bigger heads. It is also not as breathable as other alternatives, which could hamper you in hot weather.
2. Adidas Superlite Performance Cap
Pickleball players looking for a breathable and light cap can choose the Adidas Superlight Performance Cap. This polyester and spandex cap comes in an assortment of colors and is intended to keep you cool and cozy as you play.
It has a sweatband that wicks away moisture from your eyes, improving your sight and focus. The adjustable strap at the rear offers a snug and comfortable fit for all head sizes.
The Adidas Superlight Performance Cap’s lightweight construction, which makes it perfect for hot and sunny weather, is one of its key features. On the downside, some users may find the brim a bit shorter than other caps, which means it provides less sun protection than desired.
Still, the Adidas Superlight Performance Cap is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and functional pickleball hat.
3. Under Armour Launch Run Hat
If you are looking for the most comfortable run hat for pickleball, then this one is for you. The Under Armour Launch Run Hat is made from an extremely breathable, lightweight material, so you don’t have to worry about carrying unnecessary weight on your head. This makes it a good choice for long pickleball sessions outdoors.
Besides, Under Armour uses a patented ISO-Chill fabric that feels cool to the touch. So your head will always feel light and cool with this headgear on.
4. Geartop Wide Brim Sun Hat
For ultimate sun protection, go for the Geartop Wide Brim Sun Hat. Its broad brim protects your face, neck, and ears from the harmful UV radiation of the sun. The hat is composed of a breathable, light material that soaks up excess moisture from sweat and keeps you cool as you play.
The broad brim is this hat’s boon as well as its bane since some users find it too wide and obstructing. Sure, this hat’s wide brim will protect you from the sun more than a visor will, but it will also make it more challenging for you to see the ball and other players on the court.
On the plus side, it includes a chin strap that can be adjusted, so you can be sure the hat will stay in place even on windy days.
5. Nike Aero Bill Visor
The Nike AeroBill Visor is made of a lightweight and breathable fabric that blocks direct sunlight from entering your eyes while playing pickleball. This visor features Nike’s AeroBill technology, which offers exceptional airflow and ventilation to keep you comfortable on the court.
Despite providing excellent protection for your forehead, this product lacks adequate coverage for your neck and head, which means these areas are exposed to sunlight the whole time you are playing. And though the AeroBill technology is great for ventilation, some players might find the material to be a little thin and unreliable.
The Nike AeroBill Visor has a sleek and contemporary look about it. It comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your clothing or team uniform, and the fit is fully customizable using the rear strap’s adjustment.
Can You Wash Pickleball Hats?
Since you will likely be using your pickleball hat regularly, it will accumulate a lot of sweat and dirt. Hence, we definitely recommend washing it once in a while to keep it clean and looking brand new. Here are a few tips you can follow to wash your pickleball hat:
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Check the Label:
Before washing your hat, look for any particular washing directions on the care label provided by the maker. Some hats might need to be hand washed or put through a moderate cycle in the washer.
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Use a Gentle Detergent:
When washing your pickleball hat, use a detergent that is devoid of chlorine or other harsh chemicals. Detergents that are too harsh might harm the fabric and cause the color to fade.
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Wash in Cold Water:
To prevent shrinking or fabric damage, it is advisable to wash your hat in cold water. Avoid using hot water since it might cause the hat to shrink or lose its form.
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Air Dry:
Once you have finished washing your hat, allow it to air dry. Avoid putting your hat in the dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric and cause the hat to shrink.
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Avoid Wringing:
Never wring out your hat, as this can cause it to lose its shape. Instead, gently squeeze out any excess water and allow the hat to air dry properly on a flat surface.
Follow these tips, and your hat is guaranteed to serve you for a long time.
Conclusion
There are numerous things to take into account when looking for the finest pickleball hat, such as style, comfort, and sun protection. The top five pickleball hat choices covered in this article are all well-liked gear among players, and each has its own particular benefits and drawbacks to take into account.
There is a pickleball hats out there for all types of players, from the traditional hat to a more modern visor. Select the ideal accessory that can keep you safe and comfortable while you play your favorite sport by taking the time to research and compare various hats.
We hope our guide on the best pickleball hats helped you pick the right one for your usage.
