Pickleball players are a unique bunch. Watch the PPA or MLP; you’ll see people dressed up as giant pickles or pickleball paddles. Dressing up as a big pickle sounds fun, but there are easier ways to express your individuality. My personal favorite is with a fun pickleball hat. With over 50 hats in my collection, I am a hat addict. With many new pickleball hats coming out daily, my collection is about to get a lot bigger!
There are a lot of reasons to wear hats. Maybe you didn’t shower, and your hair is a mess. If you’re like me, you sweat a lot, so hats are a convenient way to keep sweat out of your eyes. The primary reason people wear pickleball hats is for sun protection. Either to keep the sun out of your eyes or reduce sun exposure on your head and neck.
Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite hats to get you started.
Melin Hats - Perfect for Pickleball
RALLY CLUB PICKLEBALL HATS
Rally Club is an up-and-coming pickleball clothing brand. Based in Southern California, Rally Club combines fashion and function. Rally Club is the place to go if you want to wear a unique outfit at the court in style! Use our SIMPLY15 discount code to save 15% off most items in their store.
RALLY CLUB BUCKET HATS
FUN PICKLEBALL HATS
BEST PICKLEBALL HATS FOR SUN PROTECTION
BEST PICKLEBALL VISORS
STAY WARM WITH A PICKLEBALL BENIE
How to Choose a Pickleball Hat?
When choosing a pickleball hat, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about your style and preferences. Some players prefer hats with a full brim, while others prefer visors or caps. You may also want to consider factors like material and fit. Look for hats made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester, and make sure you choose a size that fits snugly but isn’t too tight. Finally, if you’re like me and sweat a lot, you may want an easily washable hat.
Comfort vs Style
While comfort is vital for pickleball hats, style is also essential. After all, you want to look and feel your best on the court! Look for hats in various colors and patterns to reflect your style, and consider features like adjustable straps or slip-resistant materials to ensure a perfect fit. Some players also prefer hats with mesh panels or perforations to aid ventilation.
Do you need sun protection?
With all the time you’ll be spending on the court, sun protection is a must-have if you play mostly outdoors. Look for hats with a UPF rating of at least 30 to ensure maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays. You may also want to consider hats with full brims or visors to protect your face and eyes and neck flaps to protect your neck and ears (a missed area but very important).
Does it matter how much the hat weighs?
The weight of a pickleball hat can also make a big difference in your overall comfort on the court. Look for lightweight, breathable hats to keep you cool and comfortable during even the most intense matches.
How much should you spend on a pickleball hat?
Price is always a consideration when it comes to pickleball gear. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $40 for a good pickleball hat, depending on the material’s brand, features, and quality. While budget-friendly options are available, investing in a higher-quality hat can provide better sun protection, comfort, and durability in the long run.
Hat or Visor?
Regarding style, pickleball players have a choice between hats and visors. Hats offer more sun protection and help keep sweat out of your eyes, while visors provide a cooler, lightweight option that won’t flatten your hair. Choosing between a hat and a visor comes from personal preference and playing conditions. Also, visors don’t work on some people’s heads (like mine), so that should make it an easy decision.
Can you wear a beanie on the pickleball court?
If I could wear a beanie year-round, I would. Beanies are warm and comfortable hats for players to wear during their games. They can provide warmth and comfort during the colder months, whether you’re playing indoor or outdoor pickleball. However, beanies can also make you sweat more during the hotter summer months, impacting your gameplay and possibly causing overheating. In this case, avoiding wearing a beanie in the heat is best.
Is there a difference between men's and women's pickleball hats?
While many pickleball hats are unisex, some brands offer styles specific to women or men. “Women’s” hats may offer a more feminine fit or patterns and colors that appeal to female players, while “men’s” hats may offer a more masculine fit or design. However, it’s important to note that every player is different, and what works for one player may not work for another.
Conclusion
Pickleball hats are an essential part of the game for many reasons. Take the time to find the one that best suits your needs. More importantly, have fun with it! Pickleball players are unique and have a good sense of humor. Show off your personality with your next pickleball hat!
Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and take action, we’ll be compensated. Click here for our full disclaimer.
Join thousands of fellow pickleball players from around the world. Subscribe today!
