What is a Moisture Wicking Hat? Find The Best Sweat-Resistant Hats for You in 2023

Hats are notorious for making your head sweaty. If you’ve ever worked out or gone out in the sun with a hat on, you know exactly what we are talking about. At the same time, not wearing a hat is also not an option if you want to protect yourself from the sun and prevent sweat from dripping down your face.

Luckily, there are moisture wicking hats that offer the best of both worlds: sun protection and breathability. Nostrand Sports offers sweat resistant headwear made from a blend of moisture wicking fabrics that keeps your head cool and dry no matter what you’re doing. Let’s explore what sweat resistant hats are, and why a breathable hat is the ideal choice for you.

What Does Moisture Wicking Mean?

Moisture wicking refers to a fabric’s ability to draw the sweat away from your skin and spread it over its top layer, allowing it to dry quickly. Such fabrics don’t absorb your sweat, allowing you to remain cool and dry even in situations where you sweat a lot.

The most common examples of moisture wicking fabrics are synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and polypropylene. Some examples of natural moisture wicking fabrics are merino wool and bamboo.

What is a Moisture Wicking Hat?

A hat made out of moisture wicking fabrics like polyester that doesn’t absorb the sweat from your head is a moisture wicking hat. As a result, these hats keep your head feeling sweat-free and comfortable even when you sweat a lot.

Which Fabrics Are Moisture Wicking?

Here’s the down low on the most common moisture wicking fabrics.

Polyester

Polyester is a petroleum-based man-made fabric that’s hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. It has a moisture regain capacity of just 0.4%. Additionally, it’s also lightweight, durable, and dries fast, making it an excellent choice for sweat wicking hats.

Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic fabric with a moisture regain capacity of 4%. It’s often chemically treated to enhance its sweat wicking properties. Nylon also dries fast and resists mildew which prevents bad odors.

Spandex

Spandex, the stretchy material, is often used in conjunction with other fabrics like polyester and nylon when making hats. Its moisture regain varies from 0.7% to 1.3%, and it’s especially resistant to mildew. Spandex offers the perfect balance between breathability and sweat resistance. However, its elasticity and ability to regain its original shape is what makes it a popular choice among hat makers. Hats that use spandex fit your head perfectly and don’t lose their shape even after multiple washes.

How Does a Moisture Wicking Fabric Work?

Moisture wicking fabrics are characterized by two properties: they don't absorb liquids (like your sweat), and they dry very quickly, making them sweat resistant.

In moisture wicking fabrics, the fibers pull (or “wick”) the sweat away from your skin. The sweat, then, travels from the inner layers to the outer layer of the fabric. This happens through something known as “capillary action,” which is the ability of a liquid to move upward through the tiny spaces in the fabric. This is the work of the molecular forces that exist between the liquid and the internal spaces of the fabric. Once the sweat reaches the outermost surface, it sits there till it evaporates, making you feel dry and comfortable.

Moisture-loving fabrics like cotton, on the other hand, absorb all your sweat, leaving you feeling heavy, wet, and gross.

Benefits of Choosing Sweat Resistant Hats

Wondering whether investing in a moisture wicking cap is really worth it? Here are all the various benefits that sweat proof hats offer.

Great for All Types of Activities

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a jog, or heading for a casual stroll with your hat on, moisture wicking hats are great for all types of activities- even ones that make you sweat a lot. You can exercise or head out to lunch while staying comfortable and focused.

Comfortable in Various Weather Conditions

A good moisture wicking hat protects you from the elements no matter the weather. When it’s chilly, the synthetic fabrics shield your head from the cold by keeping your head warm. When it’s raining or sunny, the fabrics keep your head dry by repelling moisture. As a result, the hat doesn’t end up being plastered to your head, and you remain feeling comfortable.

Sweat and Moisture Management

No matter what you’re doing, you’re going to want to stay focused without worrying about heat stroke or sweating through your cap. Nobody wants to stop every 10 minutes to remove their hat and wipe sweat off their hands, right?

Whether you’re prone to sweating, or are simply engaging in an activity that overexerts you, sweat proof hats offer excellent moisture management. In addition to pulling the sweat away from your skin, most moisture wicking hats also have perforated air holes that allow your sweat to evaporate quickly. This stops you from looking like you just took a dip in a pool. Your hat also doesn’t get sweat stains, so it’s a win-win.

Prevents Overheating

The perforated air holes in moisture wicking hats like our Tech Hats perform two functions: letting your sweat evaporate, and allowing airflow over your head. This regulates your body temperature and stops your body from overheating when you’re engaging in physical activity.

Great for Sensitive Skin

Sweating can lead to dryness, itchiness, and even eczema flare-ups for those with sensitive skin- all problems that can be solved with a sweat proof hat. Additionally, a moisture wicking hat also shields you from the harsh effects of the sun and helps in preventing heat strokes or skin cancer.

Fun Fact: Polyester has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30+, making it the ideal fabric for sun protection.

Stylish

We can’t speak about other hats, but Nostrand hats are sleek, stylish, and come in a variety of beautiful colors! The best part? They pair well with any type of attire.

Moisture Wicking Hats by Nostrand Sports: The Best Choice for Sweaty Heads

Nostrand Sports hats are made using a unique blend of performance fabrics like polyester and spandex. Not only are our hats lightweight, they are also quick drying. In fact, our proprietary hat fabrics dry up to 4 times quicker than traditional cotton!

All of our hats feature a soft-touch interior sweatband that's also sweat resistant. The laser perforated panels on the sides and back to allow for maximum breathability. No matter how much you sweat, our hats will wick it all away and keep your head dry and cool throughout.

Get a Nostrand hat and enjoy your day in the sun without worrying about sweating through your hat.

When Can You Wear a Sweat Resistant Hat?

You can wear a moisture wicking anytime, anywhere. Here are some popular use cases:

Golfing

Running

Gym / Working out

Tennis / Pickleball

Casual day out

Protect Yourself from Sweat with Nostrand Hats

Don’t let a little sweat bring you down! Nostrand hats are designed to protect your head from the sun while wicking away your sweat and offering maximum breathability. They make the perfect companion whether you're jogging, hiking, or going out for a cup of coffee!

Combine style and comfort with Nostrand hats and remain sweat free no matter where you go.

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