Sauna Hats

Shop sauna hats in two styles: a 100% wool felt sauna hat for $50 and a Japanese-style polyester mesh sauna hat for $40. Both protect your head from the hottest air near the sauna ceiling.

Why wear a sauna hat

Heat rises, so the air at head height is the hottest in the room. Finnmark Sauna puts it simply: the highest sauna temperatures are felt near the ceiling, exactly where your head sits. A sauna hat insulates your scalp and ears from that layer of air. Many people find they can sit more comfortably on the upper bench with one on. It also keeps sweat out of your eyes.

The two hats

Wool Felt Sauna HatJapanese Style Mesh Sauna Hat
Material100% Australian wool felt100% polyester, breathable mesh
SizeAbout 71 cm (28 in) around, covers the earsOne size fits most
FeelThick, insulating, traditionalLight, folds down to cover the whole head
PacksHolds its shapeFolds small for travel
Price$50$40

Wool felt: the traditional choice

According to Finnmark Sauna, most traditional sauna hats are made from wool felt. Wool handles intense heat well, resists odors and insulates. Wear it so it lightly covers the tops of your ears. Pick the wool hat if you use a hot traditional sauna with steam.

Mesh: light and packable

The mesh hat is thinner and wicks sweat. Its listing says it can fold down to cover your entire head when the heat is high. It suits gym saunas, travel, or anyone who finds wool too warm. It is also a reasonable match for lower-temperature infrared saunas.

Care

  • Wool felt: Finnmark Sauna advises hand washing with a mild wool detergent and avoiding the machine.
  • All hats: let them air dry after each session before you store them.

Sauna hat sizing tips

A sauna hat should sit loose. It should not grip like a winter beanie. The wool felt hat is about 28 in around, so it fits over most heads with room to spare. The mesh hat is one size and can be folded up into a brim or pulled down when the heat climbs. If you share a sauna with family, a hat each is easier than sharing.

Related

Pair a hat with a robe from sauna robes, or see all textiles in sauna robes and towels. For buckets, backrests and thermometers, browse sauna accessories.

Sources: Finnmark Sauna: why wear a sauna hat.

Related guides

Sauna Hats FAQ

What is a sauna hat for?
It insulates your head from the hottest air near the sauna ceiling, which Finnmark Sauna notes is exactly where your head sits. It also keeps sweat out of your eyes.
Are wool sauna hats better?
Wool felt is the traditional material; it handles heat well, resists odors and insulates. The mesh hat here is lighter and folds small, if you prefer less bulk.
How do you wash a wool sauna hat?
Finnmark Sauna advises hand washing with a mild wool detergent, avoiding the machine, and air drying after each use.