How to Wear a Buff

The Buff is a super versatile, scarf-like piece of fabric, used most often by people who love outdoor activities, like biking, hiking, and camping. It wicks away sweat, protects your skin from the wind and sun, and keeps you warm. There are many different ways to wear the Buff, from a simple headband to a head-encompassing balaclava. And don’t forget to check out the different types of Buffs that are available, like ones with extra UV protection or made with windproof materials.

EditSteps

EditStyling Your Buff

1. Wear the Buff around your neck to stay warm while you’re outdoors. Tuck the bottom of the Buff inside your shirt or jacket collar to keep it in place. You can also use the Buff to protect the back of your neck from burning by wearing it as a scarf.^[1]
   
   • The Buff doesn’t just have to be functional—pick out a color and pattern that you love, and use the Buff to accessorize your outfit, too.
2. Use the Buff as a face mask by pulling it up over your mouth and nose. If you’re outdoors and the wind is blowing and the cold air is irritating your face, simply pull the Buff up from around your neck. Position the top of the Buff over the bridge of your nose so your nose, mouth, and neck are covered.^[2]
   
   • The Buff is made of material that keeps you warm while also allowing you to breathe through it without the fabric itself getting moist.
3. Keep your ears warm with the Buff. From the scarf position, pull the back of the Buff up so that it extends over the majority of your scalp. Leave the front tucked under your chin, and position the Buff so that it covers your earlobes.^[3]
   
   • For extra warmth, pull a hat overtop of the Buff.
4. Turn the Buff into a balaclava to keep your entire face warm. From the scarf position, take the back of the Buff and pull it up over your head so that it’s covering your ears. Then, pull the front of the Buff up over your nose and mouth. Grab the middle of that front section, right between your nose and mouth, and fold the top edge of the Buff inside to create a thicker, straighter line for your balaclava.^[4]
   
   • It’s super easy to line up the Buff because there are no seams!
5. Make a hat out of the Buff by twisting it in the middle. Turn the entire Buff inside out and twist the middle several times. Hold the twisted section in one hand, and put one side of the inside-out Buff on your head, like a hat. Pull the other half of the Buff down over the inside-out section, so that the pattern is on the outside again.^[5]
   
   • Since the Buff is thin, you can still wear it under a hat or helmet, even when it’s doubled up on your head.
   • This is a great option for those mornings when you wake up with tousled hair, especially if you’re out camping and don’t have the option to shower or style your hair.
6. Use a Buff as a headband when you’re on the go or working out. To wick away sweat or keep your hair out of your face, pull the Buff down around your neck so it looks like a scarf, and then pull it up around your hairline. Fold it or scrunch it so it isn’t hanging down on your forehead.^[6]
   
   • To keep your ears warm while sporting a headband style, put the Buff on over your hair rather than pulling it down to the scarf position first.
7. Put the Buff under your helmet to wick away sweat. Wear it as a hat or balaclava, or simply pull it over your head however it feels best to you. Then settle your helmet on top of the Buff and fasten the straps as you normally would.^[7]
   
   • This is a great option for bikers, especially as the weather gets colder. You can add warmth without adding a lot of weight to your ensemble.

EditChoosing the Right Buff for Your Next Adventure

1. Pick a wool or fleece-lined Buff to keep you warm. If you love camping but don’t love how cold you get when the sun goes down, buy a wool or fleece-lined Buff for some extra insulation. There are lots of different styles and colors to choose from!^[8]
   
   • Buffs can be bought online from the official Buff store, or you can find them at most sporting goods stores.
   • You can get a traditional fleece-lined Buff, or you can buy one of the newer styles, which are made of the same great material but come in hat form.
2. Grab a windproof Buff for your next chilly hiking adventure. Search your local sporting goods store to find a windproof-specific Buff. Bring this Buff with you when you go hiking, camping, biking, skiing, or when doing any activity that takes you out into the cool air.^[9]
   
   • Wear the windproof Buff like a balaclava so that it protects your nose and mouth. Pull the top down further to cover your forehead, too.
3. Choose a UV Buff to protect your skin from the sun. If you love spending time out in the fresh hair but also want to keep your skin healthy, use a UV Buff to put another breathable layer between your skin and the sun.^[10]
   
   • Even on cold or cloudy days, the rays can still reach through and burn your skin.

EditTips

• Pick up a Buff for your favorite canine friend.^[11] The canine Buff protects your dog from chilly winds, and it also makes them look super cute. It goes around the dog’s neck, and you can pull it up to cover their ears if they get really cold, too.
• The Buff even comes in handy when you’re traveling: simply position it over your eyes to create an on-the-go sleep mask.^[12]
• Wear a Buff wrapped around your wrist. You can use it to wipe away sweat, and it’s quickly available to you in case you need it for something else.

EditSources and Citations

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