What to Wear Under Your Motorcycle Helmet: All the BUFF® Options for the Best Comfort and Safety During Your Rides

While your helmet is the key to protection, wearing the right layer underneath adds valuable comfort and functionality. A BUFF® layer helps absorb sweat, manage temperature, and reduce irritation during long rides. It also prevents grime, oils, and odors from settling into your helmet lining—extending its lifespan. 

Key Benefits of Wearing Headwear Under Your Helmet: 

• Moisture-wicking: Keeps sweat off your skin and out of your eyes 
• Temperature regulation: Prevents overheating during warm days and keeps you balanced in shifting conditions 
• Hygiene & helmet care: Acts as a barrier to prevent sweat and bacteria from soaking into the helmet liner 
• Comfort & fit: Adds a soft, breathable layer for a better, more secure helmet fit 

Best for: Long-distance spring rides where lightweight protection and breathability are needed. 

A BUFF® balaclava offers all-around coverage, protecting your head, face, and neck from wind, dust, and sudden temperature drops—common during springtime rides. While traditionally associated with winter, BUFF® balaclavas also come in lighter designs perfect for transitional weather. 

Recommended BUFF® Balaclava: 

• EcoStretch Balaclava – Ideal for spring conditions, it offers full-face coverage without trapping heat, giving you breathable comfort on long or high-speed rides. 

Best for: Managing sweat and boosting comfort under helmets during high-energy rides or warm-weather days. 

BUFF® Underhelmet Headbands are slim, stretchy, and purpose-built for performance. Designed to sit comfortably beneath motorcycle, cycling, or climbing helmets, they wick away sweat, reduce pressure points, and help maintain a fresher, cooler fit. Ideal for spring rides and summer sessions when heat and friction can get in the way of focus. 

Recommended BUFF® Underhelmet: 

• CoolNet UV® Underhelmet Headband – Engineered with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and UPF 50+ protection, this style is perfect for warmer conditions. Its low-profile design ensures it fits smoothly under even the most compact helmet interiors—no bunching, no distractions. 

BUFF® neckwear isn’t just for warmth—it’s a multifunctional piece of gear offering wind protection, dust filtration, and breathable coverage for the neck and lower face. And when spring rolls in, flexibility and lightweight design become essential. 

All-Season Versatility 

Made from 95% recycled materials, the Original EcoStretch is a true BUFF® icon. Its seamless, adaptable design makes it ideal for motorcyclists seeking comfort through changing conditions. Use it as a neck gaiter, balaclava, face cover, or headband—whatever the moment calls for. 

Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, it’s your go-to for everyday rides in mild weather. 

Motorcyclists are often more exposed to the sun than they realize—especially in spring, when the sun sits high but the temperatures remain deceptively cool. That’s why UV protection should be an integral part of your gear setup. 

Extended sun exposure can lead to skin damage, fatigue, and dehydration—particularly across the neck, face, and scalp. BUFF® integrates UPF 50+ protection into many of its warm-weather styles, helping riders stay protected under open skies. 

BUFF® Picks for Sun-Intense Conditions 

• CoolNet UV® Neck Gaiter – Engineered for peak performance in high-sun, high-heat environments. It combines UPF 50+ protection with HeiQ Smart Temp cooling, Smart Mint freshness, and ultra-lightweight breathability to keep you cool and dry. 
• EcoStretch Styles – For everyday protection with a softer touch, our EcoStretch options deliver coverage and comfort with built-in UPF 50+ defense—ideal for moderate spring days or variable weather. 

Don’t underestimate the spring sun. The right gear keeps you cool, focused, and in control—ride after ride. 

• Jewelry like large earrings or necklaces: Can cause discomfort or injury in an accident 
• Voluminous caps such as trucker hats or thick beanies: Can interfere with helmet fit and reduce its protective effectiveness 
• Non-breathable fabrics: Trap sweat and heat, leading to discomfort and possible skin irritation 

At BUFF®, we design with movement and protection in mind. Our motorcycle-ready accessories aren’t just stylish—they’re backed by technical performance that elevates your entire riding experience. 

Whether you’re taking on winding backroads, navigating city streets, or embarking on a multi-hour highway ride, our breathable, UV-protective, and adaptable gear ensures you’re equipped for changing conditions. 

What Makes BUFF® Essential for Riders?  

• Seamless construction for no-pressure comfort under helmets 
• High-performance fabrics that wick sweat and dry quickly 
• Sun-safe UPF protection integrated into warm-weather products 
• Eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact 

With spring in full swing, now is the perfect time to refresh your riding gear with lightweight, breathable, and protective layers built for the road ahead. 

Ride safe. Ride in comfort. Ride with BUFF®.