How To Choose The Best Running Hat For Optimal Performance
Product & Style

How To Choose The Best Running Hat For Optimal Performance

clock-circular-outlinePosted 14 Jul 2023

It's run season. We mean, when is it not. Running is one of the few sports that we can take up at any point of the year; there's trails, treadmills, pavement and

Finding a good running hat is arguably just as important as choosing the right pair of running shoes: it has to fit well, offer comfort (of the physical kind), and most importantly, push you to perform at your best.

A running hat can provide a number of benefits to your kit outside of added street cred - and as such, there's far more to them than your style-focused, vintage ball caps sitting down the back of your closet.

Unlike other brimmed wearables, running hats are designed to help you get the most out of your training experience. Lightweight materials, moisture-wicking builds and comfortable bands are just a few of the features that frequent this silhouette, and there's plenty of designs for you to choose from - dependent on what it is you're specifically searching for.

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4 Benefits of Running With A Hat:

Prevents Sweat From Impeding Your Vision

Keeps Hair Out Of The Way

Helps To Keep You Cool

Protects You From The Elements

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Gymshark's Best Running Hats:

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When buying a new running hat it can be incredibly easy to go for the one that looks sleek, on-trend, and that you've probably seen online - all over TikTok. But, more often than not, those stylish running caps won't have the performance benefits you need when you start to rack up the miles (trust us, we've all been there). This season, know exactly what you should be looking for in a running hat, and buy with confidence.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Running Hat For The 2023/24 Run Season

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The Best Running Hats of 2023:

Best Overall Running Hat: Logo 5 Panel Cap

Price: $19.60
Why We Love The Logo 5 Panel Cap:
  • Lightweight, quick-drying materials

  • Easy-to-pack

  • Internal hidden zip pocket

  • Soft, wide sweatband to absorb sweat

  • Reflective bungee adjuster

For those searching for a combination of style and performance, the Logo 5 Panel Cap is considered (by our Editors), as one of the best all-round running caps this season. And for good reason: besides the stylish, low-profile design that allows for a comfortable fit during any run, the cap is also constructed from a super lightweight and breathable polyester material that allows for quick drying and easy packing.

Designed to be worn across all seasons on the trail, treadmill, or track, the Logo 5 Panel Cap not only sports a hidden zip pocket so that you can store your key and put your full focus on your run, but also a reflective bungee cord adjuster allowing you to fully customise the fit and shape of the cap easily mid-run.

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Best Lightweight Running Hat: Flat Peak Cap

Price: $26.00
Why We Love The Flat Peak Cap:
  • Lightweight, quick-drying materials

  • Easy-to-pack

  • Metal sliding adjuster

If you're on the hunt for a running cap that is lightweight, this

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Most Breathable Running Hat: Mesh Trucker Cap

Price: $30.00
Why We Love The Mesh Trucker Cap:
  • Sweat-wicking materials

  • Mesh panels for breathability

  • Easy to use: plastic snapback adjusters

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Best Budget Running Hat: Ponytail Cap

Price: $14.00
Why We Love The Ponytail Cap:
  • Stretchy, sweat-wicking materials

  • Soft, wide sweatband

  • Perforated detailing for effective ventilation

At just $14, the Ponytail Cap is one of our most affordable, innovative running caps available. Designed for runners of all abilities, the cap is crafted from 100% polyester, ensuring a comfortable fit due to its stretchy material that also boasts sweat-wicking properties.

Unlike other running hats on the market, the Ponytail Cap also features an elastic opening at the back of its design for a ponytail or bun to fit through (a major win for those with long hair).

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Frequently Asked Questions: Running Caps

What Makes a Running Hat, A Running Hat?!
  • It's a good question to ask. The main difference you'll find between a regular hat and a running hat is often the weight. The best types of running caps are specifically made with a lightweight, stretchy fabric that boats technological benefits: wicking sweat away from the skin to keep you cool - no matter the season. Due to their flexible fabric, they often have the ability to pack-away easily into a running backpack too.

What Type Of Cap Is Best For Running?

Do People Run In Bucket Hats?
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Whether you're after a new workout hat for your training sessions, or you're looking for a lightweight running hat with sweat-wicking properties to keep you cool during your next outdoor run, we've got a lot of choice for you to explore this season.

Shop our latest collection of running hats today.

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GymsharkBy Gymshark