The shiesty, the bandana, the head tie, the skull cap—all of these make an excellent addition to your football drip, from the practice field to the championship game.
But aside from style, what’s the point of wearing something under your helmet? What are skull caps used for in football, and why do some people choose them over other football headgear options?
Let’s break it down.
Skull Cap Basics
The football skull cap is a thin, moisture-wicking accessory worn underneath your helmet, and it comes with a few key features:
- It’s stretchy and form-fitting – Made from thin, stretchy fabrics (like polyester and spandex), skull caps cling to your head. They fit snugly without moving around under your helmet.
- It’s breathable – While they can provide some thermal protection on cold days, skull caps need to be breathable: They wick away head sweat before it can drip into your eyes or make the inside of your helmet moist and uncomfortable.
- It can be colorful – You can get skull caps in muted or monochrome tones, but more vibrant designs are also available.
While skull caps are full-coverage (i.e., they cover your whole head like a hat would), skull wraps perform the same function with half the fabric. Instead of covering your whole head, wrap styles typically have an opening at the back of your head. These are ideal if you have long hair or long braids.
Skull Cap vs. Guardian Cap vs. Soft Shell Helmet vs. Shiesty
Skull caps aren’t the only kind of headwear you’ll see on the field. Other head accessories include:
- Guardian caps – These soft pads are worn on top of helmets to absorb impact and help prevent head injuries.1 They were recently authorized for use in the NFL, and many pro players have already added them to their kits.
- Soft shell football helmets – These are like guardian caps, but they’re worn without hard shell helmets underneath. Check out our complete guide to soft shell football helmets to learn more.
- Shiesty masks – You might have seen these full-face masks worn under football helmets. A football shiesty is ideal for thermal protection, sweat mitigation, and (of course) drip.
Key Benefits of Wearing a Skull Cap
Unlike guardian caps and soft shell helmets (and similar to shiesty masks), the benefits of the skull cap are mostly related to sweat control, comfort, hygiene, and style.
- Sweat management – Skull caps wick moisture away: They absorb sweat and let it evaporate. Without one, sweat can drip into your eyes.
- Enhanced comfort and helmet fit – Even with just a little bit of padding, skull caps can help ease friction points inside your helmet and support a more snug fit.
- Hygiene and odor control – Skull caps are easy to take off and wash—much easier than your helmet. By centralizing odors in one space, skull caps help you keep the stank out of your helmet.
- Style and team spirit – While other players may only see it on the sidelines, a skull cap is yet another piece that can tie your whole kit together—whether you’ve carefully color-coordinated all of your accessories or curated your own vibrant look.
Choosing the Right Skull Cap
Aside from style considerations, what design features should you look for when shopping for a skull cap?
- Fabric tech – Mesh, compression, extra absorption power—all of these can change how a skull cap feels and performs. Look for a model with fabric features that meet your needs.
- Good sizing – Skull caps should provide a snug (but not suffocating) fit. If your hairstyle changes throughout the season, consider getting a few different sizes or styles to accommodate.
- Climate protection – Playing in the cold? You might like a model with thicker fabric for thermal protection. Enduring a hot summer league? Consider vented designs or wrap styles for better airflow.
Most importantly, we recommend trying on skull caps with your helmet on. Since you’ll be wearing it under the helmet, your choice needs to perform well in tandem, not just by itself.
For the ultimate fit and function test, take your skull cap for a spin. Wear it during a few practices before premiering it during a game—if you have any issues with fit or comfort, you’ll want to know before you’re trying to score in OT.
Care & Maintenance Tips
To make the most of your cap:
- Wash cold – While you can run your skull cap through a regular machine wash cycle, we recommend using cold water to extend the life of synthetic fibers.2
- Air dry – Air drying will also protect your skull cap from high temperatures. For faster dry times, hang skull caps in front of a fan or A/C vent.
- Replace as needed – Skull caps are somewhat consumable. While you can extend their life with proper care, it’s best to replace them as they start to lose their stretch or show wear.
Shop Skull Caps and Other Football Headgear at Battle Sports
What are skull caps used for in football? Primarily sweat and climate control—but style matters, too.
If you’re looking for player-approved football drip, Battle Sports comes in clutch. With everything you need to round out your kit for this season (including skull caps, mouthguards, masks, and more), we’re a one-stop shop for athletes.
Check out our full collection of high-performance football gear.
Sources:
- ESPN. What Are Guardian Caps? How Are They Used in the NFL?. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40909583/what-guardian-caps-how-used-nfl
- Sustainability Directory. How Does Heat Affect Different Fabric Types?. https://fashion.sustainability-directory.com/question/how-does-heat-affect-different-fabric-types/