Cycling Headwear Guide
Whether you want to stay warm on cold rides or keep the sun out of your eyes on clear days, cycling specific headwear will help to make your ride more comfortable.
Headbands
Cycling headbands are designed to cover your forehead and ears while wearing a helmet. Depending on the type they can be used for warmth and wind protection in the winter or sweat management in the summer
Windproof headbands offer useful cold weather protection while still allowing your head to breath, so you don’t overheat. The windproof properties of a headband are a great way to prevent ear discomfort when riding in cold weather.
Thermal headbands combine windproof properties with a thermal layer for extra warmth. These protect your ears from wind bite as well as helping you stay warm.
Mesh headbands are made from lightweight breathable material. Ideal for summer cycling they soak up your sweat and allow it to evaporate rather than run down your face.
Skullcaps & Beanies
Skullcaps are designed fit under your helmet coving your head and ears. They usually combine windproof and thermal properties to keep the wind off your ears and help you stay warm on cold rides. Skullcaps are made from four-way stretch materials with pre-shaped panels for a comfortable cycling fit.
Beanies aren’t designed to fit under a helmet, so they’re best for pre or post ride wear. A great way to keep warm while you’re waiting for your mates to get ready to ride.
Caps & Hats
Cycling caps are the traditional headwear for road cyclists. Lightweight and close fitting with a small ‘upturnable’ peak they are good for wearing under your helmet. Lightweight caps are a good way to keep the sun off your head and out of your eyes when road cycling.
Thermal or winter cycling caps are cycling the same as skullcaps but with a peak. Made from thermal and/or windproof fabrics they help to keep you warm and stop the wind from biting your ears. The peak will help to keep the sun out of your eyes on those bright but cold winter rides.
Casual caps, snapbacks ad wide brim hats are great for chilling out post ride, but don’t fit comfortably under a helmet.
Underhelmets
Underhelmet headwear offers more head and neck coverage than a skullcap. As the name suggests they are designed to be worn under your helmet and are made from thermal and/or windproof fabrics to help you stay warm in the coldest of conditions. Balaclavas are the ultimate in cold weather cycling headwear.
Neck Warmers
Multitube, snood, buff, head thingy? Neck warmers have many names, but the principle is the same. These lightweight stretchy tubes are perfect for wearing around your neck for a little extra warmth. You can easily pull them up over your face against the wind on really cold rides. Neck warmers can also be worn on your head like hat or headband.
