Buff Headwear – Essential Minimalism

Ever heard the phrase “less is more”? It encapsulates the notion that simplicity and clarity lead to good design. As a fan of Apple products this is something that I really appreciate, and it is always great to find other products that embody the same concepts.

Buff headwear looks to have taken this to the ultimate extreme. Initial impressions are of a simple tube of cloth, which is disconcerting given the fact you will have dropped nearly $20 on one. However, the simplicity is deceiving – this is high-tech stuff. The fabric is a modern microfibre, so is extremely thin and light, but is windproof, moisture-wicking and fast drying. The Buff tube is completely seamless (to avoid a seam irritating the head), and the simple design can be worn in a bewildering number of ways.

Pull one end down over the forehead, and the other hangs down the back of the head and protects the neck from the sun. Pick that back end up, twist and pull down over your head, and you have a beanie. Pull the tube down over the neck, and you have a scarf (which is very cooling in the heat if you soak it first) – and you can then pull it up to cover the mouth, ears or the whole face. Take it off and do a twist-pull, and it turns into a pirate-style bandanna. In fact, there are so many different ways of wearing a Buff that their website has a series of videos showing how to twist and turn it into a variety of styles.

And styles there are a-plenty. Buffs are available in a huge variety of print styles and colours – 210 on their web page at the moment. A range of sizes are also available, with Buffs suitable for children and even new-born babies. And yet there is more – Buff clearly recognising that consumer choice is key. For a start, they have ranges with full ultraviolet protection and variant CoolMax wicking layers for sunny climes, and also a newer set impregnated with an insect-repelling chemical. Sweat-migrating headbands are also to be found. Then there are more robust winter alternatives layered with fleece or drawstrings to help keep the wind off the neck or jaw. The even have a full range of Buffs made from sustainable bamboo fibres rather than artificial fabric.

I have a real love for the simplicity and utility of the Buff. I keep one in my overcoat pocket in the winter, ready to be deployed around my neck at a moment’s notice in place of a scarf. As a bald man, I find one invaluable in the winter worn on my head when cycling – the thin fabric keeps the chill wind off my head, prevents me from getting too hot as I warm up, and allows my cycle helmet to be worn over the top of it. And when I am on holiday, I deploy a Buff to ensure that my head does not get sunburnt.

If you ever step outdoors, you will encounter situations where a Buff will come in handy. Check them out at Buff Headwear