10 Buff Headwear Reviews – Find the Best One for You
Sarah Easterday 
Felician Gavrau Buff creates high-quality multi-functional headwear for runners and other outdoor enthusiasts. And if that wasn't already great, you can even design your own Buff with your company trademark, a team logo, colors, or the perfect picture of you hitting the trails! Our following selection of Buff products is backed by solid comparative research that was carried out with the sole purpose to get you the best in comfort and protection from the elements, without forgetting about all the fun you will be having! Scroll down to find our detailed buff headwear reviews!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Very breathable
Comfortable
Stylish
10 Best Buff Headwear
1. High UV Protection
Large selection of colors and patterns
CoolMax ProFiber technology
Provides UV protection
Provides odor-protection
Multi-functional
Some find it to be too tight
Less breathable than expected
There are 12 plus ways to wear this incredibly versatile buff headwear. A few of the most common methods are as a neckerchief, headband, mask, and hair band. It’s machine washable and designed of top-quality materials, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re purchasing a very durable product. Weighing only 1.3 ounces, you won’t feel hindered by it in any way.
Read moreComfort
The seamless design ensures that you receive the most comfortable fit possible. This Buff headwear provides excellent protection from harmful UV rays, which is great for runners who are typically out in the sun.
Material
Made of 100% microfiber polyester, this soft and breathable Buff is one of the most popular among runners.
Value
This item is relatively affordable. However, print or pattern you choose plays a role in the pricing, as more intricate patterns are more expensive.
Durability
Even in very bright conditions or after multiple washes, the material is designed not to fade or lose its elasticity. Treated with polygene, your Buff will remain odor-free and will resist the build-up of bacteria. This product is certified to meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means you’re getting top-of-the-line quality.
Breathability
With CoolMax ProFiber technology, it's designed to stay cool even in the hottest of conditions. Its material wicks away moisture faster than any other fabric.
2. Original Multifunctional
Soft
Prevents body heat from escaping
Moisture-wicking
Multi-functional
Wide variety of colors and prints
Odor-controlling
Some find it to be too tight
The Original Buff can be worn in more than 12 ways, including as a hat, bandana, or face mask. The seamless construction makes it fun and easy to wear keeping you comfortable and protected during any outdoor running adventure. Weighing only 1.4 ounces, it’s so lightweight that you won’t even notice it. With a wide variety of fashionable prints, there’s something to fit everyone’s taste.
Read moreComfort
It has a seamless and chafe-free design for the most comfortable and natural fit and is so lightweight you won’t even notice it on.
Material
The Buff Original Multifunctional is made of lightweight microfiber and is treated with Polygiene to keep your headwear fresh as the silver ions make the fabric anti-bacterial
Value
The Buff Original product is extremely affordable: topping out under $20, no matter the pattern or style you choose.
Durability
Like all headwear that BUFF makes, this is very durable and made to last. You can count on getting your money’s worth.
Breathability
It keeps you warm when it's cold on your fall and winter runs. Plus, it keeps the sweat away from your skin so as you heat up your Buff keeps you cool.
3. Margo Neckwarmer
Primaloft Polar fleece
Will Fit most adults
Comfortable and insulating wool material
Quick dry out
May irritate those with fleece allergies
Want a change from the traditional scarf? This could be what you're looking for! A high performing neck-warmer with wind resistive protection, the outer is knitted and stylish while the inner gives great warmth through the Prima-Loft polar fleece. Nice and warm and very quick to dry out if you're caught in a downpour, this headband is very good for cold windy days.
Read moreComfort
You're going to get real warmth, protection, and comfort due to the Polar Prima-Loft fleece lining, which sits snugly and warmly against the skin. In terms of fit, this neck warmer will work for most adults.
Material
Comfort from a combination of protective comfortable blended materials, 27% durable and soft wool, more comfort, durability and protection from Acrylic at 73%.
Value
This good quality neck warmer reflects value for money spent and is fairly affordable for most people who don’t mind spending a little more for quality.
Durability
This was designed to handle the tougher weather, which makes it a great choice for runners who don’t mind a little rain or cold.
Breathability
This Buff headwear is not as breathable as some of the other models on the list but is you need something to protect you from harsher weather, this is it!
4. UV Half Buff
Blocks 95% of UV rays
Multi-functional
Controls odors
Keeps cool all day long
Breathable
Some find it to be too loose
Even though the UV Half Buff is only half the size of the regular UV Buff, it’s extremely versatile and can be used in nine different ways. It’s flexible, lightweight, and maintains its shape and elasticity even after numerous washes. With an extremely wide variety of colors and prints, there’s a Buff to suit everyone’s personal style.
Read moreComfort
Its semi-seamless design greatly helps to eliminate skin irritation, while its cool, soft feel provides you with superior comfort.
Material
Made of 100% microfiber polyester, this product is incredibly soft and breathable. CoolMax ProFiber technology ensures that you stay cool and dry during your run.
Value
This is one of Buff’s most affordable products. For a relatively inexpensive price, you can have an extremely versatile product that’ll last and last throughout the miles.
Durability
Polygene helps prevent odors and maintain a clean, healthy state due to its anti-microbial properties. A double layer of microfiber is sewn together on the interior for extra durability
Breathability
This offers great breathability and can block up to 95% of the sun’s harmful rays. This Buff is an excellent choice for those who burn easily, are in the sun frequently, or simply wish to better protect their skin.
5. UV Multifunctional Headwear
Built-in sun protection
Odor-protection
Breathable
Moisture-wicking
CoolMax ProFiber technology
Multi-functional
Some customers say that it gets too hot
Color options online do not match the actual product
The Buff UV Multi-functional Headwear is a great choice for those who are in the sun frequently. Weighing only 1.4 ounces, it’s lightweight and breathable enough to feel natural and non-restrictive. Simply hand or machine wash in warm water.
Read moreComfort
One of the great things about this Buff is that it blocks over 90% of the sun's harmful rays, so you don’t have to worry about sunburn or skin damage. It features a completely seamless construction that ensures you receive all-day comfort without any of the irritation or chafing.
Material
This product is made of 100% microfiber polyester. A unique four-channel fiber system is designed to pull moisture away from the skin and draw it to the outer layer of the fabric.
Value
This Buff is moderately priced in comparison to other similar products. With a high-quality material finish and a selection of colors, you are guaranteed to have quality.
Durability
Bluff designed this headwear for the all-around athlete who loves to get their workout done outdoors. It gives great UV protection and is built to last.
Breathability
The CoolMax ProFiber wicks away moisture and dries quickly, and its polygene treatment makes it odor-resistant by stopping the growth of odor-causing bacteria. “Wear more, wash less!”
6. Thermonet
Insulates heat well
Keeps you warm
Breathable
Moisture-wicking
Can be worn in 12 different ways
Lots of color options
Pricey compared to some of the buffs
Like all of the other products from Buff on our list, the Buff Thermonet does not disappoint. It comes in lots of color and design options to choose from--so you look great while staying comfortable. This is a great option that you can wear in lots of ways, so it's like owning 12 different pairs.
Read moreComfort
This one is meant to keep you warm and has the capability to stay well-insulated. It’s made of Primaloft yarn which lets it provide the same type of insulation as down would--which means it definitely keeps you warm.
Material
The Thermonet is made with Primaloft yarn and is meant to be soft and comfortable. It's meant to keep you warm and its high thermal insulation ensures you stay that way while you wear it.
Value
The Buff Thermonet is pretty pricey--but it is well worth the investment. It can be worn 12 different ways and comes in several colors and design options to choose from--so if you think about it, it's like investing in several different items.
Durability
The material used in this Bluff headwear will not only keep you warm, but it will last for a long time as well. It needs to be hand-washed however, so keep that in mind.
Breathability
The moisture-wicking fabric ensures you stay cool and dry and it is also really breathable and quick drying--so if it gets wet you don't have to wait forever.
7. UV Insect Shield
Has the ability to repel insects
Shields from harmful UV rays
Can be worn in 12 different ways
Provides comfort from its seamless structure
Taps out excess moisture leaving you dry and cool all the time.
Some clients complained of it being too tight
This buff can be ideal for people who run during the sunny period and at night as well. It helps in sending away bugs and repels insects by its repellent formula which lasts for quite a long period of time. It is very adaptable and also wicks out excess moisture, leaving one dry and cool all the time.
Read moreComfort
This is designed to provide the perfect fit and you can customize the style as well. It helps make the sunny days very manageable as it keeps all insects at a distance.
Material
The headband is made of 100% polyester. Having the Cool Max pro material not only taps out excess moisture, but it also provides protection against UV harmful rays while repelling the insects too.
Value
It is slightly costly compared to other buffs that can be found at a lower price. However, it is all worth the extra coins since you are guaranteed value.
Durability
The polyester material is not only very comfortable against your skin, but it is also very durable as well. It’s one of the reasons why the material is used in a lot of athletic clothing.
Breathability
Like most Buff headwear, it is designed to wick away moisture while still giving you the protection you need while outdoors.
8. Headband
Very breathable
Comfortable
Stylish
Not as versatile as a classic Buff
This unisex option is smaller than other Buff products so it's not as versatile but if you're looking for a dedicated headband this is a great choice.
Read moreComfort
The material is soft and the headband is of a size that will fit most users without being either too tight or too loose.
Materials
As with most Buff products this headband is made of their proprietary 100% microfiber polyester blend.
Value
It's about the same price as other Buff products but it's not as versatile so it may not represent as good of a deal.
Durability
Users found it to be tough and long lasting, even when a lot was being asked of it.
Breathability
Users noted that the smaller size resulted in even better performance in this factor when it was worn as a headband because there was less material that could get wet and need to dry.
9. Lightweight Merino Wool Multi
Great for cold weather
Moisture-wicking
Breathable
Resists odors
Lightweight
Keeps in heat
Multi-functional
Some find that it stretches out too much
Some find it to be too long
The Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Multi-functional Headwear is a lightweight, eco-friendly, versatile product that can be used for all-season performance. It can be worn in ten different ways, truly living up to its “multi-functional” title.
Buyers should note that tie-dye styles are three inches shorter than other colors and patterns. It won the Backpacker Magazine’s editors’ choice Gold award because of its reliable, durable performance. This Buff weighs only 1.7 ounces.
Read moreComfort
This product is incredibly soft and wind-resistant. The seamless design ensures top-of-the-line comfort with no irritation or chafing to the skin. Made for low-temperature conditions, this Buff retains its heat even when wet.
Material
Made of 100% Merino Wool from humanely raised and non-mulesed sheep. This kind of wool is less “scratchy” than normal wool since its fibers are much finer.
Value
This Buff is affordable and it is priced averagely compared to the majority of Buff’s other products.
Durability
It won the Backpacker Magazine’s editors’ choice Gold award because of its reliable, durable performance. This Buff weighs only 1.7 ounces
Breathability
It’s naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. It’s designed to dry quickly and it’s extremely breathable.
10. Polar Reversible
Protects against Harmful UV rays up to 95%
Wicks out moisture to avoid sticky and wet feelings
Reversible
Fleece lined
Not the best for running
The Buff Polar Reversible will keep you warm and provide you with adequate protection from the sun at the same time. It's lightweight and comes in lots of color options to choose from.
Read moreComfort
This one provides a 4-way stretch and is super comfortable. It keeps you warm and comfortable with sacrificing anything style.
Material
Designed to keep you warm during colder days, this reversible Bluff headwear features a fleece lining for additional warmth.
Value
This comes in at the mid-price range and is a great gift during the holidays as it is meant to keep runner warm and dry during colder weather.
Durability
The fleece liner not only helps contain warmth, but it is also a very durable material that is used by winter athletes world-wide.
Breathability
This is not as breathable as most of the other entries on the list, but compared to other brands, Bluff is still on top of the game when it comes to moisture-wicking.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
All Buff products feel good, but some more than others.
We all want to be comfortable no matter what we're doing so this is almost always a factor we look closely at when choosing products for our buying guides and in making our lists. Luckily, Buff headwear are all soft, flexible, breathable, and versatile which should help make your buying decision an easy one. Some of their products, however, are more comfortable than others and this was where we took that into account. For example, number three on our list, the Margo Neckwarmer, is partly made of wool. While most users found it to still be soft and comfortable, some people thought it was a bit itchy, and obviously, those of you with wool allergies will need to avoid it. Other than that most of the products on our list are similar in terms of how they feel when you where them, although there was some variance, which is reflected in this factor score.
Materials
What something is made of often dictates all the other factors, but there's more to it than that.
Most Buff Headwear is made of their signature fabric, which is a 100% microfiber polyester of their own proprietary blend. A couple of their products, such as number three on our list, the Margo Neckwarmer, do have a large percentage of wool in the blend so we made sure to look out for slight differences that generally occur based on different intended uses. Beyond that, however, it's also important for this type of product that you look at the design, quality, and placement of the seams and hems. That's because since it will be worn directly touching your skin you want to make sure that the seams lay flat as much as possible and are small and high-quality. You don't want a large, poorly sewn seam irritating your neck or part of your face. After considering over 1400 reviews, however, we found that complaints about the fabric, construction, and seams were few and far between and so we feel confident recommending Buff headwear products to you.
Value
Most Buff products cost more or less the same, although it can start to differ based on certain colors and patterns, especially if you have them make a custom creation just for you.
Buff products are mostly a similar price to one another, however, we wanted to include this factor because a few are differently priced and a few models can be ordered in bulk which changes the pricing. Also, we wanted to make sure to tell you about one of the coolest things about Buff headwear; no matter who you are or what you do the company will happily create a customized Buff headband or neckwarmer just for you. All you have to do is send them your company logo, artwork, photo, or whatever else you want on your Buff and they will custom design and manufacture one for you. There is a minimum order of 25 pieces, and there are some specific requirements when it comes to how the art and design are submitted, but once all that is decided up you simply sign a contract and about a month later you'll receive your very own customized Buff headwear. These are a great idea for family reunions, running clubs, race events, customer reward and retention gifts, and much more. The only limit is your imagination.
Durability
Since Buff products are so versatile and can be worn during so many different activities it's important that they can stand up to whatever surprises you have in store for them.
One of the reasons that Buff headwear products have quickly become so popular is because of their versatility. You can use them as a neckwarmer, face protector, hat, bandana, ponytail scrunchie, and so much more. Honestly, there are probably over a hundred ways you could utilize these things. With all that power of versatility there comes great responsibility, however, and since they can be used for so many things, doing so many different activities in so many different locations and under so many different conditions, it's essential that the company makes the tough and long-lasting. Since you never know what you'll be up to or where you'll be up to it when using one of these products you need to know that you can depend on it and that it won't let you down. During our research, we found that for the most part people were really happy with how well their products held up over time through a variety of different uses, which makes us feel confident in recommending them to our readers.
Breathability
One of the most common uses of this product is as a facemask which is just one reason it needs to be breathable.
Buff products are known for being comfortable, stylish, versatile, and of course breathable. This is super important for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, one of the most popular uses of a Buff is as a facemask. Since in this case, it will be covering your mouth it's obviously vital that it allows you to breathe comfortably while you're wearing it. Another popular use is to use a Buff as a headband to soak up sweat and prevent it from running into your eyes, stinging them and negatively affecting your vision. In this case, if the product isn't breathable and readily wick moisture away from your skin and to the outside air where it can dry naturally then it wouldn't be a very good product. Thankfully Buff designed their products with this in mind and the majority of them are made from 100% microfiber polyester that is breathable and moisture-wicking.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Materials Durability
Breathability Value
It's possible that you can still experience discomfort and skin irritation even while wearing a Buff headband with excellent breathability. The potential culprit for this is an allergic reaction to the fabric used in its construction; this can be often found in products made from wool or polyester.
Despite many of these Buff headbands offering odor and moisture management, as well as anti-bacterial properties, they still need to be washed regularly. If you fail to properly clean these products, they can attract an odor over time that will be much more difficult to remove without a pre-washing in vinegar or water and baking soda.
Other Factors to Consider
Color
This goes with fashion and also preference. Mostly ladies love bright colors while men prefer lots of black. For Buff, we need to agree that fashion is a great aspect that accompanies it as well. And it can lead to the color choice; when it's meant for running we recommend the use of bright colors especially if you are one of the early morning runners or the late at night runners as well.
Getting bright colors can not only make you look great but can be used to protect you in places where there is low to no light. Most buffs are of bright colors as well, which mostly favors ladies, but that doesn’t mean men cannot get one that is a unisex bright colored buff for their use and end up loving it. Make sure you get the right color according to the time you run or your preference.
Flexibility
This is one of the factors that cannot be ignored especially when one is talking about clothing; having the ability to use one product in more than one way is the most appealing thing to look out for when shopping for clothes.
When heading out to buy something from Buff, it is essential to know that you can use it in more than one way. This not only makes your work easy but allows you to also look good in the process. With a multi-functional buff head-wear, not only will you be able to look great with it when working out, but even when going to work or to the mall for shopping.
Use
When going out to buy anything there is a reason as to why you have to get. In this case, the same applies when going to buy Buff headwear. This means that you have to buy one that will not disappoint, and if it is a multi-purpose model, it can serve you in more than one way. Try to get one that will wick out moisture when needed and keep you warm altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How many ways can my Buff be used?
There are more than 12 ways that you could use your Buff: you could decide to use it as a bandanna, hairband, dusk mask, helmet liner, pirate style, or Saharan style, just to list but a few. There are options that are fitting for all kinds of adventures!
q: How do I wash my Buff headwear?
In most clothing, the washing instructions are given on the tag and the Buff Original’s instructions may vary based on color or style. Generally, they are machine washable but do not iron them. Also, make sure to use the most suitable detergent and water temperature based on the exact model you purchase. Buff headwear will not lose its elasticity, and color will not fade.
q: Can I customize my Buff?
Buffs are very customizable depending on which site you will be making your purchase. Speaking with Buff or one of its distributors directly will give you all of the information about how to customize the color, logo, or general style of your Buff.
q: Which is the best fabric of Buff that I can use?
The best fabric for a Buff depends on the season you are going to use it in. During the hot season be sure to go for a material that will be able to wick out excess moisture to leave you dry and cool, if it is during the cold season get a fabric that will make sure to keep you as warm as possible, like wool for example.
Sources
- , BUFF Headwear: A Wearer’s Guide To The Best Outdoors Accessory, Outdoor and sports
- , Does the Buff Headwear Live Up to the Hype?,
- , Buff Original Headwear Gear Review,
- , Custom Headwear, Website
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