A good tennis hat does two things: blocks the sun and manages sweat. Caps give full coverage and are better for all-day sun protection. Visors keep your head cooler and are popular with players who prefer ventilation. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics (Dri-FIT, Climalite, AeroReady) and a structured brim that won't flop in your line of sight. Fit is personal — most tour players prefer a slightly loose cap with an adjustable strap.
Last updated: June 2026 · Prices checked June 2026
| Hat | Tier | Price | Key Specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Dri-FIT Legacy91 Cap | Budget | ~$18 | Dri-FIT fabric · Adjustable strap | 7.8 |
| Adidas Sport Performance Cap | Budget | ~$16 | AeroReady fabric · Adjustable strap | 7.5 |
| Nike Court AeroBill Heritage86 Cap | Best Value | ~$28 | AeroBill vents · Dri-FIT sweatband | 9.0 |
| Wilson Ultralight Tennis Cap | Best Value | ~$25 | Ultra-lightweight · Moisture-wicking | 8.8 |
| Nike Court Advantage Cap | Premium | ~$38 | Dri-FIT ADV fabric · Structured fit | 9.2 |
| Lacoste Sport Microfibre Player Cap | Premium | ~$50 | Premium polyester · Moisture-wicking | 9.0 |
Under $20
Reliable sun protection without the premium markup
Nike's entry-level Dri-FIT cap checks all the boxes. Lightweight, breathable fabric wicks sweat quickly. The curved brim gives solid sun coverage without being bulky. Adjustable back fits most head sizes. Not tennis-specific but works perfectly well on court and available in a huge range of colors.
Adidas' AeroReady tech pulls moisture away from your skin faster than standard polyester. Lightweight structured cap with a flat brim option that's popular with younger players. Solid build quality for the price — holds shape after washing better than many competitors in this range.
$22 – $35
Tennis-specific design with real performance features
Nike's best tennis-specific cap. AeroBill ventilation zones are strategically placed where heat escapes most — the result is a noticeably cooler head than a standard cap. Sweatband stays dry longer, brim is stiff enough to not distract mid-rally. Seen on court at the US Open and Roland Garros. Available in men's and women's cuts.
Exactly what the name says — one of the lightest tennis caps you'll find. Wilson has stripped out unnecessary material without sacrificing structure or sun protection. The built-in sweatband is soft and doesn't irritate the forehead during long matches. Coordinates well with Wilson racket gear.
$38 – $55
Premium materials and iconic tennis brands
Nike's top-tier tennis cap. Structured design keeps its shape match after match. The Dri-FIT ADV fabric is Nike's most advanced sweat management technology — it activates and wicks faster in heat. Subtle Court branding makes it look sharp on and off court. Worn by Coco Gauff and other Nike-sponsored players.
Lacoste is the original tennis brand and their caps reflect that heritage. Premium lightweight fabric, exceptional build quality, and the iconic crocodile logo. This is what you wear when you care as much about looking good as playing well. Backed by a decades-long association with the game — Novak Djokovic has worn Lacoste on the biggest stages.
Hats & Visors Buying Guide
Cap vs visor
Caps give full sun protection including your scalp and manage hair; visors vent heat off the top of your head and never trap sweat against your crown. Hot, humid climates lean visor; maximum UV coverage leans cap. Both must be lightweight performance fabric, not cotton.
The sweatband is the feature that matters
A hat's real job mid-match is keeping sweat out of your eyes. Look for an internal moisture-wicking sweatband and ventilation panels — when a hat soaks through, it starts dripping on your contact lens at deuce.
Fit and stability
An adjustable strap or stretch band needs to survive serves and overheads — you look up violently dozens of times a set. Lightweight, snug, and quick-drying beats stylish and floppy every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hat or visor for tennis — which is better?
Visors vent better and never trap heat on your crown; caps protect your scalp from UV and control hair completely. It's climate and preference — both beat squinting.
Why do tennis players wear hats backwards sometimes?
Usually to keep the brim out of the ball-toss sightline on serve, or just comfort under lights. If the brim bothers your serve, a visor with a shorter brim often fixes it.
Do tennis hats shrink or stretch?
Performance polyester hats hold their shape through sweat and washing far better than cotton. Hand-wash and air-dry — a dryer will warp the brim and shrink the band.
What UPF rating should a tennis hat have?
UPF 30+ is good, UPF 50+ is best for long outdoor sessions. Pair it with sunscreen — a brim doesn't cover your ears and neck.