The 12 Best Sweat-Proof Performance Hats

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.wilson / malbon / lululemonLook, just about any hat will offer some degree of sun protection. But this hat from Uniqlo takes things a step further with additional built in UV protection that’s integrated into the very fabric of the hat. Add in two-way stretch fabric and a lightweight construction, and you’ve got a hat you can wear for hours on end.Sizes: 1Colors: 3Type: Slide adjusterEveryone you know probably owns this hat, and there’s a very good reason for that. Nike’s the best in the game (literally and figuratively) when it comes to workout gear, so you really can’t go wrong with the brand’s trademarked unisex cap. It’s made of sweat-wicking fabric and is a comfortable mid-depth construction that won’t overwhelm the head. Plus it’s super affordable.Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XLColors: 2Type: Snap back closureAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowOn makes some of our all-time favorite running shoes, so naturally we’d consider ourselves big fans of the brand’s baseball cap. While it doesn’t have any ventilation, you will find a mesh lining that will effectively wick away any moisture up top—making it great for a day of running errands and everyday wear.Sizes: One sizeColors: 1Type: Adjustable back buckleLululemon, as with anything athleisure these days, can run the golf hat game. This running hat offers a classic, workout-friendly look. In fact, it was specifically made to wear while running—with a lightweight fabric that stretches into the best fit for you, and a mesh interior panel and sweatband to wick away any moisture gathering during your morning jogs.Sizes: S/M, L/XLColors: 5Type: Adjustable back closureAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowYou know you can rely on Nike, but God forbid everybody at the run club thinks you’re a regular swoosh type of cat. And if you’re wearing it on a trail run or any outdoorsy adventure, this ACG five-panel will especially at home.Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XLColors: 3Type: Five-panelSpeaking of outdoorsy, we have to talk about the old dead bird. Are you paying a premium for it? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. Arc’teryx uses an incredible quick-drying polyester for this hat.Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XLColors: 5Type: Ball-cap, buckle closureAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowSo, what are you getting up to? Surfing? White water rafting? Fishing? Doesn’t really matter, this is the hat to wear while getting after it. Obviously, there’s the mesh back, good for real evaporation off the dome. The fully circle cinch keeps it locked down, and the crown and brim have a nice little water-resistant finish.Sizes: One sizeColors: 2Type: Cinch with buckle backRalph Lauren likely isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of work out gear. A luxuriously soft cashmere sweater? For sure. A pair of sumptuous leather loafers? Totally. Work out gear? Eh. But if you’re looking for a super sharp golf hat to blow everyone on the green out of the water (and to maybe distract from you mediocre stroke), then Ralph Lauren’s got you covered.With a six panel construction that sits lower on the head, the cap’s made with a mesh sweatband and embroidered with ventilating eyelets to carry you through strenuous workouts or days in the sun alike. And remember, this is the same brand that’s the gear for Olympic athletes for the last 20 years—so maybe don’t write off Ralph’s prowess when it comes to performance gear quite yet.Sizes: One sizeColors: 1Type: Hook and loop strapAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLook, you’ve heard it a million times. No one does material, of any variety, like Loro Piana. The Storm System hats are no different. The polyamide twill is tight, creating a full waterproof hat without the need for using heavy waxed cotton. And as far as looks go, the piped brim is a subtle, but upmarket, touch.Sizes: S, M, L, XLColors: 6Type: Ball-cap, elasticizedAt this point, Wilson and tennis are practically synonymous. You can find the brand’s trademark “W” script on tennis balls and the rackets alike, which means you can also count on Wilson to make one hell of a performance-focused hat. After all, it is a brand revered by athletes.The brand’s Lightweight Packable Performance Cap is made of airy polyester twill that’s peppered with perforations to offer plenty of ventilation, while a mesh headband will handle any sweat gathering at your crown. The five-panel crown also means it’ll perfectly nestle your head, making it ideal for days with lots of movement.Sizes: S/M, L/XLColors: 7Type: bungee cord and stopperAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowOf course, one of our favorite golf clothing brands makes one of our favorite golf hats. This Manors cap, which uses a five-panel cycling shape, gets done up in a technical nylon. Manors has a good logo, and the cinch closure at the back means it’s one size fits all. Can’t beat it.Sizes: OnesizeColors: 4Type: Five-panel with cinch-backWe’d be remiss not to include a hat from Malbon. The brand’s known for crafting pieces that blend trendy street styles with the traditional golfwear. This hat, made in collaboration with headwear company New Era, similarly embodies that ethos. It features New Era’s trademarked 9FORTY® A-Frame™ construction, which uses one crown panel instead of two for a taller, more boxy look, that makes for a sleek looking cap.Sizes: 1Colors: 5Type: adjustable snapback closure