Headbands are an essential piece of a player’s outfit, whether it is worn for practice sessions or important matches. It’s not mandatory, of course, but it is the best way to add comfort and a good dose of style when hitting the court. If you are looking to buy one right now, you just landed at the right site because we decided to go ahead and make a selection of the best tennis headbands that are currently available in the market.
Furthermore, we explain all the important elements you should be aware of, so you’d be certain that you are spending your money on the best option only. Let’s take a look!
- Best Overall: Adidas Tennis Tie II
- Runner Up: Under Armour Adult Tie Headband
- Best Budget: BEACE Sweatbands
- Best for Women: Adidas women Alphaskin Tie
- Best Custom: Custom Personalized Sport Headbands
- Roger Federer Choice: Nike Reversible Cooling Head Tie
- Rafael Nadal Choice: NIKE Dri-Fit Head Tie
- Serena Williams Choice: Nike Swoosh Headband
Best Tennis Headbands Reviewed
After a long week of market research, we came up with a selection of the best tennis headbands. These picks come in various styles, types, brands, and price points so that everybody can find at least one option that fits best.
We decided to pick Adidas Tennis Tie II as the best on our list and for all the right reasons. This headband is made of 100% polyester material that is stretchy and can fit players well, regardless of the head size or shape. It is very comfortable and soft on the skin, so much so that you’ll forget you are wearing it after a while.
The brand has used Climalite technology to enhance the headband’s ability for sweat absorption. Even after using it for a long time, in intensive tennis sessions, it will keep the skin dry and cool. While it does not have a very bulky construction, it has more than enough material to keep the hair out of the face or eyes. This is a tie headband, meaning that it is necessary to tie it around the head manually; however, it is very easy to put on or take it off.
The headband comes in a simple style, with the Adidas logo on top of it, that matches the famous brand aesthetic. The only downside is the lack of color options, as this headband is available only in white and black.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Colors available: Black, white
- Type: Tie headband
Pros
- Comfortable and soft
- Absorbs sweat
- Easy to wash
- Stretchy material
Cons
- Limited color options
Under Armour Adult Tie Headband is one of our favorite picks. This headband has a light construction and is made of 100% polyester materials. It is very comfortable to wear and does a great job of absorbing sweat. The headband material is breathable and can keep the skin dry for a long period of time. It comes with an elastic strap at the back for the players to wrap around the head. Wearing it or taking it off it’s quite convenient and fast.
The headband width is three inches, which is more than enough material to keep the hair in place without having to worry about them constantly getting in your face or blurring your vision. It is worth mentioning that it is also easy to wash and resistant to odors. The headband comes in several color options, such as black, white, red, green, and blue, giving the players plenty of options to choose from.
On the downside, the players have to be careful while using this headband because it tends to stain easily. It is not very durable either, and the chances are that the more you use it, the faster it will wear off. However, the headband comes at an affordable price, so it’s easily replaceable.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Colors available: Black, white, red, pink, green, blue
- Type: Tie headband
Pros
- Long-lasting comfort
- Breathable materials
- Absorbs sweat
- Many color options
Cons
- Will stain easily
- It can wear off fast
Beace Sweatbands are the most affordable options on our list and, overall, just a smart choice. For each purchase, you get a pack of three or six bands, depending on how you choose, and it can last you for quite a long time. The sweatband is made from a mix of materials, such as cotton, spandex, and nylon, to combine different features. It can absorb sweat and moisture extremely fast, even before you feel it dropping on the forehead. It is also breathable, helping the player to stay cool and keep the focus on the game.
This sweatband is comfortable and lightweight, offering a soft touch to the skin. This is the traditional type of headband, so all you have to do is wear it without extra tasks required. You can wear it anywhere; on the tennis court, gym, to yoga, or to play in the park with friends. The blended materials help the sweatband to stay put in place without slipping off.
The brand offers a rich variety of colors and patterns that players can use to add an element of style to their outfits. While it does have a “one-size-fits-all” policy, from our research, many clients have claimed that the sizing was too small for them, so it would be ideal if you tried it on first.
Product Specs
- Material: Cotton, spandex, nylon
- Colors available: Black, white, gray, blue, pink, yellow, green, multicolored, etc
- Type: Traditional headband
Pros
- Absorb sweat fast
- Comfortable and soft
- Versatile
- Easy to wash
Cons
- It can fit small for some
For the ladies that are looking for something practical with a cool design, we strongly recommend Adidas Women Alphaskin Tie. This headband comes in some incredible patterns and beautiful colors, offering many options to choose from. One thing is for sure; you will stand out in the court with this headband while also remaining comfortable. It is made of polyester and spandex materials that are stretchy and breathable.
This Adidas tennis headband has more than enough fabric to keep the hair completely out of your face so that you can focus better on the game. Not only can it absorb sweat and moist extremely fast, but it also has a soft touch when it comes in contact with the skin. It comes with a long piece of cloth, which should be wrapped behind your head. The size is universal, and you can easily make some adjustments if the tie is hanging too low for your likening. The only downside of it is that it can be washed by hand only.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Colors available: Blue, black, light pink, mint green, gray, navy, purple etc
- Type: Tie headband
Pros
- Stylish design
- Comfortable and breathable
- Soft touch on the skin
- Absorb sweat fast
Cons
- Washable only by hand
If you are looking for custom tennis headbands to put a little edge on your style, we have the perfect option for you. Custom Personalized Sport Headbands allow clients to adjust the colors and design completely.. All you have to do is click on the website, choose the color of your likening, and then upload a photo, an image, a logo, or text that you want your headband to have.
Additionally, this headband is quite comfortable to wear and does a great job of absorbing sweat. It is made of polyester material only, which is very stretchy and breathable, helping the player to stay comfortable and cool throughout the match. This is a traditional headband, so it does not need straps or being tied down. It is easy to wear on and off; it does not slip and leaves no traces on the forehead skin.
Besides the tennis court, it can be worn in the gym, during hiking, walking, yoga, and all sorts of physical activities. This headband can be a cute present for your loved one as well, in case a celebration is coming up and you are still wondering what kind of tennis gift to buy.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Colors available: Multicolor
- Type: Traditional headband
Pros
- Custom made
- Stretchy fabric
- Soft and breathable
- Absorbs sweat
Cons
- We couldn’t find any
Nike Reversible Cooling Head Tie is what Roger Federer wears on the court, and it has everything a player can ask for. It is made 100% of polyester material, which is lightweight and has a woven texture. Not only can it absorb sweat, but it can completely block moisture so that the player’s skin remains dry at all times.
Furthermore, it has a cooling effect which feels very refreshing and adds another layer of comfort. The cool thing about this Nike tennis headband is the ability to regulate body temperature during intense workout sessions. This is a tie headband that comes with a long wrapping cloth behind which helps to adjust the size for a perfect fit. The material is stretchable and feels very soft when it comes in contact with the skin. It does not slip and does a great job of keeping the hear away from the player’s face. This headband has a simple, classical design and comes only in three colors; black, white, and gray.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Colors available: White, gray, black
- Type: Tie Headband
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Cooling effect
- Lightweight
- Blocks moisture
Cons
- Limited color options
Rafael Nadal famously wears the Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie on the court, making this headband iconic. We tried it on, and one thing is for sure; it can stand up to the reputation that it has. This tennis headband is extremely comfortable and stylish. It is made of polyester, meaning that it can stretch quite a lot to fit different kinds of head shapes and sizes. It is very lightweight as well and comes with an adjustable tie so that it can fit comfortably under a helmet or a hat.
For the making of this headband, the brand has used dry-fit fabric, which is designed to keep the skin dry and can absorb sweat fast. Another advantage of this product is that it can be easily washed by hand or a washing machine, and it will not wear out for a long time. It comes in several color options, such as black, white, blue, pink, and crimson, which is a shade between purple and red.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Colors available: Black, white, blue, navy, pink, crimson
- Type: Tie headband
Pros
- It keeps the skin dry
- Comfortable to wear
- Stretchable
- Absorbs sweat
Cons
- Expensive price
Nike Swoosh Headband was made famous by Serena Williams herself, who wore this specific model on the court, to win many of her matches and slams. This headband is made of a combination of polyester, nylon, and rubber materials. The fabric is ultra comfortable, and offers an incredibly soft touch when it comes in contact with the skin. The construction is crafted to perfection and fits perfectly on the head.
The player does not need to worry about the annoying, random slips because the headband will stay put in its place throughout the match, no matter how intensive the game gets. It will keep the hair off the face and won’t leave marks on the forehand, no matter how many long hours you wear this.
The headband can absorb sweat and moisture with ease, helping the player to stay dry and keeping the sight vision clean. It is very easy to take care of it or keep it clean. This tennis headband comes in different color options; however, it’s better to be careful with the size because some have claimed that it fits them small, despite featuring “one size fits all”
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Colors available: Black, green, gray, white, pink, red, blue
- Type: Traditional headband
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Protective
- Stylish
Cons
- It can fit small for some players
Why Wearing a Tennis Headband?
Headbands are so widely popular that most people assume that they are mandatory to wear by tennis outfit regulations. To clear things up, there is no such rule whatsoever, and the players get to choose if they want to wear one or not. Regardless, they have become one of the most important tennis gear for all skill levels, including professionals. The simple reason for this is that headbands are practical, help with performance, and can be a statement of style. Here’s how;
- Control unruly hair. Players need good vision during a match, or else their entire performance can be ruined. You will not have time to fix your hair or take them off your face during a rally or a big serve. Sweat or wind can make everything worse, and it can mess up your reflexes. That’s why a headband is necessary, especially for women and male players that have longish hair. Wearing one is the easiest way to keep hairs out of your eyes and face completely.
- Absorb sweat and moisture. Tennis is a very intensive sport, and it is normal for players to sweat. However, this can be frustrating and annoying, especially when sweat starts dripping on your forehand and eyes, blocking your vision. As explained above, it can also ruin your hair and make them stick to the face skin. Of course, you can use a towel to wipe it off during breaks, but that’s not as practical. The best and simplest way to keep sweat and moisture off your eyes and face is by wearing a headband. If you sweat a lot or play in extremely hot climates, just change your headband with a fresh one during breaks, and you won’t face this problem at all.
- Style. Nothing wrong with adding some style to your tennis outfit that reflects your personal taste. Headbands come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, which give players a variety of choices. Many professional players have gone as far as using a specific color or customizing the headband’s size and style so they can be easily recognized by fans and create their own brand.
What to Consider When Choosing Tennis Headbands
When going out shopping, there are a few key factors that you should consider to make sure that you’ve picked only the best headbands for tennis. While style is important, please keep in mind that comfort and practicality come first. Here are some of the features you should be looking for;
Types of Headbands
If you are a regular on the tennis court, you have probably noticed by now that they are different types of headbands. It would be best if you try different styles and then decide for yourself which one fits you best. One thing you should never worry about, even if you make an online purchase, are measurements because they usually come in “one-size-fits-all”
- Traditional headbands. Elastic bands that have a simple, clean look and are ready to put on immediately without having to adjust anything. Nowadays, they are not as popular as back in the ‘80, when they first came out, but nonetheless are the most practical and easy to use.
- Tie Headbands. As the name suggests, these bands need to be wrapped around the forehead and then tied around the head. They come as a single piece of cloth, and usually, the player can choose the length. Tie headbands are very popular, especially among men players.
- Thin, skinny, or mini headbands. These tennis headbands are probably the most effective to keep the hairs out of the eyes of the face. They don’t need to be tied down; however, many come with a silicone or rubber strap that secures the band to stay in place. These types of bands are less bulky, making them easier to wear, but on the downside, they don’t offer that much sweat absorption. Women players are more fond of them, but there are many men that opt out of one of these headbands.
- Folded Banana. This type of handbands comes as a single piece of cloth, but it’s in a bigger size and needs to be tied down around the head. It takes more work and time, but it does a great job of holding back hair and absorbing sweat. There are also many more options of colors and patterns available for this headband. If you are doubtful about this, keep in mind that Rafael Nadal has worn it for years folded banana headbands for now, so the extra effort is definitely worth it.
Brands
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a single headband, so don’t feel pressured to pick up the latest collection of some expensive fashion brands. You can stay within your budget and buy something that fits your needs and style. However, going for reputable brands is a safe way to know that you are putting your money where it is worth it.
Usually, these brands will go above and beyond to keep their public image clean, have great customer service, and, more often than not, have return policies. Most importantly, when it comes to headbands, chances are that you’ll find perfectly reasonable or even cheap prices.
Some of the well-known sports brands you should look up to are Wilson, Adidas, Nike,, Head, Asics, and Babolat. If you really want to make a fashion statement on the court, look up iconic household names like Emporio Armani, Prada, or Gucci for more stylish headbands.
Materials and Colors
Tennis headbands can be made with all kinds of fabrics as long as the manufacturers add some type of elastic material to them. However, regarding sports use, the best kind of materials for headbands are nylon, polyester, or spandex, as they are more elastic and can absorb sweat better.
Another advantage is that these materials are quite elastic, can stretch and still retain shape, and also don’t get wrinkles. There are written rules regarding this; you can pick whatever material you want, as long as it is comfortable. When it comes to colors, there are endless options and patterns, and it is all up to the player’s desire.
How We Chose the Best Tennis Headbands
To curate this list, we followed our usual reviewing process, which includes weeks of deep market research and testing. This time, we prioritized the clients’ feedback and satisfaction level with the products to select the most popular headbands on the market. After that, we went ahead and bought a bunch of them ourselves to test the material and fittings.
It was tiring and time-consuming; however, we finally came up with the best tennis headband recommendations. We based our reviews on the most important factors; materials, comfort, sweat absorption, stretchability, style, brands, and design.
Our Verdict
While there are some great options on this list, our favorite pick is Adidas Tennis Tie II. It is soft and comfortable, does a great job at absorbing sweat, and is made of stretchable material that can adjust to every size.
Another favorite is Nike Swoosh Headband, which is endorsed by Serena Williams and comes in a traditional style. This headband is very versatile, has a great absorption ability, and protects the skin.
Last, but not least, we want to highlight the Adidas Women Alphaskin Tie, which we rated as the best tennis headbands for women. The incredible design combined with some great features, such as breathable materials and soft touch, make this headband a must-have.
Alternatives to Headbands
In case none of these headbands does it for you, maybe it’s time to look up other alternatives. Yes, tennis headbands are great and all, but that’s not all you can wear to protect your skin and your vision. Here’s what you can replace it with;
Hats
Hats are multi-functional and very practical to wear in court. From professional to recreational players, everybody has at least once to wear a hat. They are comfortable, can absorb sweat, and keep unwanted hairs out of your face. Additionally, hats can also protect the skin and eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. However, they can keep up the heat, especially when playing in warmer climates, and without a good ventilation system, it can come to the point of being unbearable.
Visors
Visors are the perfect choice if you are indecisive between headbands and hats. They are practically two in one, featuring a mix of features. A visor is wrapped around the head, leaving the top exposed, but it comes with a brim that protects the face from the sun. It keeps the player feeling comfortable, has a cooling feel, absorbs sweat, and keeps the hair in place.
FAQs
Choosing the best tennis headband can be a complex task given the variety of options available in the market. Whether it’s about the material, fit, brand, or style, users often have several queries. To assist you in your quest for the best tennis headband, here are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q: What headband does Rafa Nadal wear?
Nike headband! Nadal first adopted the look in 2004 when he entered the French Open at age 17. It quickly became part of his signature style, being seen on courts around the world ever since.
The tennis headbands are simple Nike bands that come in various colors, and they provide support to Rafa’s temples while helping him stay cool during those long matches on hot days. He also folds a classic white bandana into a tie-headband over the top of the Nike band which adds an extra layer protection against sweat and sunburn from long match exposure. This gives him not only maximum comfort but also helps give off an unmistakable style that has become so recognizable throughout his illustrious career.
Q: How do you wear a tennis bandana?
To start, fold the tennis bandana in half diagonally so it forms a triangle. Place the triangle on top of your head and let one point rest on the back of your neck and two points reach toward either side of you face. Tie the two corners securely behind your head – but not too tightly. You want to still be able to move comfortably and readjust as needed throughout the match or practice session.
Once you have secured it with a knot, adjust the bandana so that it fits snugly without being uncomfortable or slipping off during play. Make sure there isn’t too much space between where it ties at the back of your neck and where both sides lay flat against either side of your head/face (the sides are key!). You want to always be tight on ears; no matter how active you plan on being, make sure that all excess fabric is pulled up from around them for optimal comfort and security!
Q: What headband does Federer wear?
Roger Federer is known for his preppy style in tennis, and that includes wearing a headband. The Swiss champion has been spotted sporting a tie-shaped version of the accessory since at least 2005, and it’s become an iconic part of his look on the court.
Earlier in his career, Federer didn’t always wear a tennis headband – he started playing without one from 1999 to 2004. However after the 2004 season ended he began experimenting with various kinds of apparel including shirts and shorts from different brands alongside the occasional headband. He eventually settled on Nike as one of his apparel suppliers, and this included their classic sweatbands which feature a thinner shape compared to traditional terrycloth models.
From thereon out, these sweatbands became essential pieces in Federer’s attire during matches on both hardcourts and clay courts alike. They later got upgraded again when Nike dropped their signature Swoosh logo for just “Nike” written across the top edge – something that was also mirrored on many other items worn by various tennis stars such as Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal
