Hats vs. Visors vs. Nothing: The Great Tennis Headwear Debate

Ah, the eternal question: to hat, to visor, or to go bare-headed on the court? Tennis players everywhere have strong opinions about their headgear (or lack thereof), and each option has its unique pros, cons, and style quirks. Let’s dive into this playful debate, with a few surprising twists!

The Hat Life: Shade but at a Price

Pros:

Full sun protection for your face and scalp (no fried part line here!).
Keeps sweat from dripping into your eyes—ideal for long matches.
Adds an air of mystery: think Roger Federer’s signature caps or Serena Williams’s dazzling Nike creations.

Cons:

Heavy and hot, especially in mid-summer tournaments.
"Hat head" aftermath—a tragic fate for those of us who value our post-tennis hair.
Not always cute when you're running, sweating, and feeling like a walking greenhouse.

Unusual Pro Hat Moments:

Bethanie Mattek-Sands rocked a cowboy hat at Wimbledon for a press event. Not practical, but legendary.
Stefan Edberg famously wore an old-school bucket hat in the 1980s, proving that even champions experiment with questionable fashion.
Who can forget Novak Djokovic’s attempt at a sombrero in celebration at the Mexican Open? Admittedly, that wasn’t for playing... but imagine the airflow potential!

The Visor Vibe: Cool and Breezy

Pros:

Lightweight and breathable, visors let your head feel the wind!
You can clip your hair up without sacrificing the look—perfect for high ponytails and buns.
Minimal hat hair drama: just a gentle "visor wave" instead of flat, sweaty roots.

Cons:

Zero sun protection for the top of your head—hello, sunburn and bleached hair!
Less effective at blocking sweat than a full hat, so you may need extra sweatbands.
Can look a little ‘80s retro… but that’s also a vibe!

Unusual Pro Visor Sightings:

Maria Sharapova made the visor chic in her heyday, pairing it with sleek outfits and oversized sunglasses.
Martina Hingis rocked visors like a tennis goddess, proving they’re timeless.
Let’s not forget John McEnroe—yes, he dabbled in visors during his doubles days, making them even cooler.

Nothing at All: The Daredevil’s Choice

Pros:

Absolute freedom—no weight on your head, no hair dents, and no worries.
Great for evening matches or indoor courts where the sun isn’t an issue.
Makes you feel like a purist. (Björn Borg never wore hats. Legend.)

Cons:

Sunburn, squinting, and sweat—your trifecta of doom.
Hair chaos—wind and sun don’t play fair.
Your opponent may notice your lack of sun protection and silently judge.

Unusual Pro Hat-Free Adventures:

Andre Agassi famously went hatless (well, wigless eventually) for much of his career. Brave!
Steffi Graf dominated with a headband instead of a hat—simple, classic, and powerful.

So, What’s the Verdict?

For me? I’m a visor girl all the way. Sure, my hair might end up a little sun-kissed (okay, bleached), but the breeze and lightweight feel are worth it. Hats feel too heavy and hot for my liking, and nothing? Unless it’s nighttime, my eyes are way too sensitive to even consider it!

And let’s be honest: tennis is about more than just winning. It’s about looking and feeling good while you crush those forehands. Whether you’re rocking a classic cap, a retro visor, or boldly going bare-headed, own your style and serve it up with confidence.

What About You?

Are you a visor devotee, a proud hat-wearer, or a fearless minimalist? Have you ever worn something unusual—like a bucket hat, beret, or even a fancy feathered fascinator—just for fun? Share your headwear adventures in the comments below! Who knows, maybe we’ll start the next big tennis fashion trend!

As far as hats go to play in - this one is light and cute:

https://www.lovelovetennis.com/products/posh-black-trucker-quilt-hat

And this is my current go to visor:

https://www.lovelovetennis.com/products/holey-light-love-visor-black-white