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 protect your head and face from the elements, but a good running hat can wick away moisture and prevent sweat from running into your eyes.

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

Reviewed & Approved

We selected the Brooks Chaser Hat as our best overall pick for its adjustable fit and built-in sweatband. The Lululemon Fast and Free hat is a good choice for securing long hair out of your face while you run.

Running hats should be lightweight, breathable, and easy to carry or stuff in a pocket if you need to take it off mid-run. We evaluated each running hat based on the material it’s made with, how it fits, and special features like UV protection or reflective accents.

Here are the best expert-approved running hats we found on the market.

The stretch-woven fabric of the Chaser hat makes it soft and comfortable which is why we chose it as our best overall pick. If you have a tough time finding a running hat that feels comfortable and stays in place, look no further than this hat from Brooks. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a pre-curved brim to keep the sun and rain off your face. The adjustable band in the back gives you a secure fit, even in windy conditions.

Best Overall for Women

Brooks Chaser Hat

  • Adjustable fit

  • Built-in sweatband

  • Reflective accents

  • Excellent wicking capabilities

  • Runs small

  • May not work with thick hair

With a built-in wicking headband, it also mops off your forehead sweat. Choose from several different colors and styles, including ones with a fun “Run Happy” design emblazoned on the front.

Price at time of publish: $36

Materials: Polyester and spandex | Closure: Adjustable strap | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry low

Lightweight and breathable, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap delivers exactly what runners need in a reliable hat. The nylon panels offer UPF 30 sun protection, while the shaped but flexible bill gives more coverage from the sun’s rays and glare.

Best Overall for Men

Outdoor Research Swift Cap

  • Breathable with ventilation

  • Comfortable fit

  • UPF 30 sun protection

  • Lightweight

  • May not work for large heads

  • Limited color options

A full mesh liner provides plenty of ventilation to keep you cool, and the headband also helps wick away moisture. You’ll get a custom, secure fit with the adjustable back strap. And if you are going on a trip, the hat is easily packable.

Price at time of publish: $28

Materials: Nylon | Closure: Adjustable quick-release back strap | Care: Machine wash cold and hang dry

Like other running hats, this one from Lululemon keeps the sun and sweat out of your eyes, but it also neatly secures your ponytail. 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 with every wear. 

Best for Long Hair

Lululemon Fast and Free Women’s Run Hat

  • Lightweight

  • Good for ponytails

  • Quick-drying

  • Reflective details

  • More expensive

  • Limited color options

The hat also has reflective details for running in low-light conditions. It comes in a few different colors and is a bit more expensive than some other women’s hats, but it lives up to the high standards for quality and durability set by Lululemon leggings and won’t disappoint.

Price at time of publish: $38

Materials: Polyester, nylon, elastane, and Lycra | Closure: Adjustable Velcro | Care: Hand wash and air dry

The Performance Race Hat from Headsweats is known for its innovative design, lightweight composition, and fast moisture-wicking capability. Perfect for hot weather running, the hat blocks the sun from your face while wicking away moisture, keeping your head cool and dry. When your run is complete, you can toss the hat in the wash with your other running clothes without worrying about it losing its shape.

Best Unisex

Headsweats Performance Race Hat

  • Lightweight

  • Lots of color options

  • Durable

  • Terry headband

  • May not fit very large heads

  • Large logo on side

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.

Price at time of publish: $18

Material: Eventure fabric shell and Eventure fabric terry headband | Closure: Adjustable rear buckle | Care: Machine wash and air dry

The 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, the hat allows air to flow freely through it—preventing overheating and increasing breathability. 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 makes you more visible in low-light conditions.

Best Budget

TrailHeads Women’s Race Day Performance Hat

  • Lightweight

  • Reflective trim

  • Lots of color options

  • Good wicking fabric

  • May not work for large heads

  • Lacks structure

The adjustable Velcro closure delivers a snug, custom fit, and the back opening allows plenty of room for a ponytail. This hat is available in a 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.

Price at time of publish: $22

Materials: Polyester | Closure: Adjustable Velcro | Care: Machine wash delicate cycle or hand wash in cold water, and air dry

If you’re training for an upcoming marathon, check out this versatile hat from Nike that’s popular with distance runners. With an ultra-lightweight design and a wide brim, it provides comfortable coverage from the sun and elements with a barely-there feel.

Best for Long Runs

Nike Dri-FIT Aerobill Featherlight Hat

  • Lightweight

  • Well-ventilated

  • Good wicking capability

  • Adjustable

  • May not work for small heads

  • Limited color choices

Strategically placed perforations throughout the hat provide cooling ventilation, and the sweat-wicking polyester fabric keeps you feeling fresh and dry. The hat comes in several color options and one size, but an adjustable back strap allows for a customized fit.

Price at time of publish: $30

Materials: Polyester | Closure: Adjustable back strap | Care: Hand wash and air dry

If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable hat that you can wear all summer long, this one from Athleta is an excellent choice. The brim protects you from the sun’s rays and glare, while the durable nylon fabric quickly wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Best for Summer

Athleta Ultra Light Run Cap

  • Very breathable

  • Lightweight

  • Good ventilation

  • Stylish

  • More expensive

  • Not a lot of color options

Whether you wear it for a run or throw it on for Saturday errands, this stylish hat is a nice accessory to any outfit. It comes in white or black, and the adjustable strap helps it fit all size heads.

Material: Ripstop nylon | Closure: Adjustable back strap | Care: Hand wash and hang dry

If you have a large head or a very thick head of hair, finding a comfortable running hat can be a challenge. With an unstructured, adjustable fit, this one from Under Armour is 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. 

Best for Big Heads

Under Armour Men’s Launch ArmourVent Running Hat

  • Good for large heads

  • Quick-drying

  • Stylish

  • Reflective accents

  • Limited colors

  • Big logo

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.

Price at time of publish: $19

Materials: Polyester | Closure: Adjustable Velcro | Care: Hand wash and air dry

This versatile hat from Asics features a stylish, unisex fit and mesh panels to keep you cool and comfortable. The wicking material pulls moisture away from your head, which helps control odors while preventing sweat from running into your eyes.

Best Reflective

ASICS Mad Dash Cap

  • Reflective elements

  • Unisex fit

  • Good ventilation

  • Lightweight

  • Not easy to fold up and stick in pocket

  • Not a lot of color options

With reflective accents, it’s ideal for added safety when running in low-light conditions, but it also has a dark underbill that helps to reduce glare on bright, sunny days. The adjustable back allows for a secure and custom fit, even accommodating larger heads.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: Polyester | Closure: Adjustable | Care: Machine wash and air dry

What to Look for in a Running Hat

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 such as nylon, polyester, and mesh should be a good option.

Final Verdict

Purpose

“Consider the purpose of your hat,” says Selby. “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. For safety reasons, runners who frequently run in low-light conditions should look for hats with some reflective elements.

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 you can get a very comfortable, secure fit every time.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I 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 to ensure all of 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 simplest 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 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are not as strong. You can also wear running clothes with UPF protection, a hat or visor to help shield your head and face, and running sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
  • Is it bad to run in hot weather?
  • While running in hot weather can be risky for some people, including the elderly and pregnant women, most people can run safely in hot weather if they take extra precautions. Runners need to properly hydrate before and during hot weather runs and wear loose, non-restrictive clothing with good ventilation and moisture-wicking capabilities to stay cool and dry.They should also scale back their performance goals and slow their usual pace and effort when the weather is hot and humid.

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 to ensure all of the detergent is removed. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the hat and then hang it to air dry.

Wearing sunscreen is the simplest 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 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are not as strong. You can also wear running clothes with UPF protection, a hat or visor to help shield your head and face, and running sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

While running in hot weather can be risky for some people, including the elderly and pregnant women, most people can run safely in hot weather if they take extra precautions. Runners need to properly hydrate before and during hot weather runs and wear loose, non-restrictive clothing with good ventilation and moisture-wicking capabilities to stay cool and dry.