Balaclavas & Face Masks

Balaclavas and Face Masks

During winter times, balaclavas and face masks are the best friend of every motorcyclist. Although the ride itself may be beautiful, it can be quite cold on a motorcycle in the winter. In that case, clothing is everything! A quality balaclava will keep you warm and reduces the cold feeling on your face. On a cold winter’s day, a balaclava or face musk is a must-have essential for every motorcyclist.

Benefits of motorcycle balaclava

In general, there are different benefits of using a balaclava under your helmet. One of the main advantages is warmth. Due to an extra layer of clothing, you feel less wind in your neck, face and, depending on the balaclava you buy, the top half of your body.

A second benefit is that the balaclava provides extra hygiene. The balaclava is a safety net for your sweat and hairs. As they do not end up in your helmet, it prevents your helmet from leaving a bad smell. The last advantage is also safety. In some cases, the balaclava is flame retardant. This makes sure that in case there is an accident, your face is protected for a longer period.

Types of motorcycle balaclavas

Motorcycle balaclavas can be obtained in a lot of different forms. Although a lot of people qualify them as balaclavas, a distinction can be made between a neck warmer, balaclava and beanie, all focused on keeping you warm during the ride. Let’s look at the different options you have.

Balaclava under helmet

Almost all balaclavas are made of polyester, cotton, or silk. Polyester is a breathing fabric and doesn't wear off easily. The fabric is very tough and light, which is why it’s the number one choice for motorcyclists. This type of balaclava can be used both in summer and winter. In the summer, this type of balaclava is mainly used for hygiene purposes.

A silk balaclava is very thin and often chosen for its great fit. As the fabric is very soft and smooth, it is very easy to use under a helmet. As the fabric dries very fast, this type of balaclava is mainly used in summer. This motorcycle face mask is not made to keep you warm during the cold mornings.

The last fabric that is often used is cotton. This type of balaclava is mainly used to keep you warm. The fabric feels very smooth and acts like a second skin. It absorbs moisture very well, and we often see that this type of fabric is combined with elastane to make it easier to get over your head.

Neck warmer

Next to that, there is also the neck warmer, mainly designed for people that think a balaclava is a bit too stuffy. The big advantage of this neck warmer is that you can pull this up right under your eyes, giving you a warm neck and bottom side of your face. It also functions as a protector against dust or insects.

Beanie

The last type of balaclava is the beanie. This is mainly used for hygiene purposes, as it only covers the top of your head. It goes right over your ears, so it will keep them warm during winter days. This type of face mask does not cover the bottom half of your face and neck.