Your pickleball outfit is not complete without a hat. There is no required dress code for the sport, but many people choose to wear a hat for a variety of reasons. If you are considering a women’s hat for pickleball, there are plenty of types to consider.
These range from fitted hats to trucker caps. Understanding the different types of women’s hats for pickleball will help you find the right one for you.
Why Wear a Pickleball Hat?
Before we get into the types of pickleball hats for women, let’s take a moment to discuss why you may want to wear one. There are actually a few reasons why hats are a popular pickleball accessory. One of the main functions of a hat is to keep the sun out of your eyes.
In fact, the baseball cap got its start because baseball players wore them to shield their eyes from the sun. Another reason is that they keep the sweat out of your eyes. They are designed to soak up any sweat that may run down your forehead, which prevents it from getting into your eyes during a match.
Lastly, hats offer protection from the sun’s rays. They typically shield your forehead, cheeks, and nose from sun exposure. This can prevent you from getting sunburn, particularly in the summer.
Some hats offer more protection than others. Ball caps offer the most protection, while visors leave the crown of your head exposed to the sun.
Ball Caps
Ball caps are some of the most common and popular hats for pickleball. There are several different types of ball caps that can be worn when playing pickleball. Which one is right for you will depend on your personal preference and style.
1. Fitted or Stretch Fit Hats
Fitted hats are not adjustable, so it’s important to choose the right size for your head. Stretch fit hats are designed to fit different head sizes, so it’s easier to find one that will fit you. They typically come in 2 or 3 sizes.
It’s more common for men to wear fitted hats, but women can rock the style too. Fitted hats can be made from wool, cotton, or polyester. Stretch fit hats often include spandex to provide stretch.
Fitted hats are a great choice if you don’t want to wear a ponytail. They give you a classic look.
2. Snapback and Strapback
Snapback hats are the classic ball cap. They are adjusted to fit your head with a snap band in the back, which is typically plastic. This type of hat is popular in pickleball and other sports.
It’s convenient, and allows you to pull a ponytail through the back of the hat. Another feature of a snapback hat is a flat bill. Most baseball caps have a curved bill, but a snapback doesn’t.
Some also include a sticker on the bill. A strapback hat is similar to a snapback hat. Instead of a plastic snap band, it has a fabric strap and buckle.
To adjust the size, you’ll move the fabric through the buckle. Like the snapback, this style can be worn with a ponytail by pulling it through the back of the hat. It’s important to note that snapback hats are made for fashion more than function.
They may not provide as much sun and glare protection as other types of hats.
3. Trucker Hat
The trucker hat has a blue collar history. It’s believed they got their start in feed and farm supply stores. The stores would order the hats with their logo, and give them away to customers.
The customer got a free hat. The business got free, or almost free, advertising. A trucker hat is a snapback, but not all snapbacks are trucker hats.
Like other snapbacks, the trucker hat has a snap closure on the back. The back portion of the hat is mesh. The front of the hat is traditionally foam.
The front portion is taller than most hats, and the foam keeps it standing tall. This allowed for larger and more prominent logos on the hats, which was desirable for companies cashing in on the free advertising. Today, some trucker caps don’t have the foam front.
As long as they have the signature trucker cap mesh back and snap closure, they are still considered trucker hats. The advantage of this type of hat is the mesh back. It allows your head to breathe, which can help your head stay cool.
If you are playing in the summer, you should consider a trucker hat. Trucker hats typically have a stiff brim that is flat, similar to a regular snapback hat. Depending on the design, it may provide good sun protection, but not all of them do.
4. Dad Hat
The dad hat is a popular take on the traditional baseball hat. In fact, it’s probably what comes to mind when you think of a cap. The bill of a dad hat is curved slightly.
This provides great sun protection. If you want to be able to see the ball and shield your eyes from the sun, a dad hat is a great option. Dad hats are also simpler in style.
Most dad hats are 5 panel. They are unstructured, which means the top portion of the hat is soft instead of stiff. They also have the snap closure of a snapback, but they aren’t considered snapbacks because they differ in other ways.
Dad hats are a perfect choice for pickleball. You can pull a ponytail through the back, and adjust the hat so it stays in place well.
Other Types of Hats
Baseball caps and variations of them are the most common type of hat women wear during pickleball. However, there are a few others you should consider as well.
Visors
Visors are a very popular choice for pickleball as well. These hats feature a visor, also known as a brim, and a strap that goes around your head. Imagine a baseball cap without a crown, and you have a general idea of what a visor is.
Visors are popular for pickleball because they are lightweight, and give the crown of your head maximum ventilation. It will shield your eyes from the sun without trapping heat. Visors can also be worn with a ponytail.
In fact, they look very attractive with the hairstyle. If you have shorter hair, a visor will keep your hair out of your face when you are playing. Visors typically have an adjustable velcro strap in the back.
This can be more comfortable than a snap closure when you are active.
Beanie Visors
If you are playing during the winter, a beanie visor may be just what you need. The sun can be quite strong during the winter months, just as it can during the summer. A beanie visor will keep your head warm while you are playing, because it traps heat from your head inside the hat.
It also features a visor or brim, so it offers some sun protection as well.
Sweatbands
Sweatbands aren’t technically hats, but they are popular pickleball attire. They are simply a band that you wear on your forehead. These don’t offer sun protection, but they do keep sweat out of your eyes.
If you don’t need sun protection, this can be a good option.
Features to Look for in a Pickleball Hat
Now that you know the basic types of hats, it’s time to take a look at features that can provide comfort and benefits during your pickleball games.
Breathability
You’ll certainly need a breathable hat in the summer. Your head sweats quite a bit, which helps to keep you cool. A breathable hat allows this heat to escape, instead of making you hotter.
Different hats have different ways of providing durability. Trucker hats accomplish it by having a mesh back. Of course, the back of the hat doesn’t offer sun protection.
Visors don’t have a crown, which is the most breathable option of all. Again, they don’t offer sun protection for the top of your head. Other types of caps frequently have small holes known as perforations on the side of the cap.
This provides ventilation without sacrificing sun protection.
Moisture Wicking
Polyester and nylon fabrics are great for moisture wicking. If you are looking for basic functionality, these materials will work well. Today, many companies have their own moisture wicking material blends.
These are typically known as performance materials, and the hats are called performance hats. These are great for soaking up the sweat during your match. They work by drawing the sweat into the material, and then allowing it to evaporate.
Lightweight
You’ll want a lightweight hat for pickleball as well. Most pickleball hats are lightweight, but some more so than others. Typically, performance hats are extremely lightweight.
Visors and trucker hats are lightweight as well, thanks to their design.
Cooling
Some hats do more than provide breathability. They can actually provide active cooling. If you play lots of pickleball in high temperatures, you should consider this type of pickleball hat.
For example, Mission cooling hats are activated with water. Once they are wet, they will keep you cool for up to 2 hours.
Color Considerations
When it comes to pickleball hats, you can choose any color you like. However, there is something you should consider when time comes to the underside of the hat. Dark or black brims will absorb the sun’s rays, while white brims will reflect it.
Light colored brims can cause glare, reflecting the light into your eyes. Obviously, this could easily cost you a pickleball game. No matter what color hat you choose, its best to choose one with a dark brim underneath.
When it comes to the rest of the hat, you can choose any color you like. However, dark colors will absorb heat as well as light. Light colors reflect heat and light. If you are trying to stay cool, a light colored hat is best. For cooler temps, opt for a darker color.
Pickleball Hats for Women FAQs
Where can I find pickleball hats?
There are many places to find pickleball hats these days. Online stores including Amazon and Pickleball Central are great options. You can also find pickleball hats in local stores, including chains like Nike and Dicks Sporting Goods.
Are pickleball hats in style?
Yes, pickleball hats are in style. They can be worn both on and off the court. You can choose a traditional style hat, one devoted to pickleball, or one with a funny saying or logo.
How do I choose a pickleball hat?
Choosing a pickleball hat starts with considering which features are important to you. This should narrow it down considerably. Then, you’ll need to find one that suits your style.
Are pickable hats unisex?
You can find lots of unisex pickleball hats. You can also find them specifically for women. Which you choose is a matter of preference.
However, keep in mind that women’s hats are typically a bit smaller to accommodate a woman’s head.