Helmet liners & balaclavas

Helmet liner: balaclava, buff, for summer or winter

Updated 20 October 2026

Why you need a helmet liner

A helmet liner goes under the helmet: it absorbs sweat, protects from cold or wind and makes the helmet more hygienic, because sweat does not reach the lining. It also reduces rubbing of the helmet on your skin and wind noise. A small thing, but the ride becomes more comfortable.

The main types: a balaclava covers the head and neck; a buff (tube) is universal and can be worn in different ways; a skull cap covers only the top of the head; a cooling liner is made for hot weather.

Season and material

• Summer: mesh, thin cotton, silk or a cooling fabric that dries fast and moves moisture away. In hot weather, this is the one you will use most.
• Between seasons: thin fleece or cotton.
• Winter (cold regions and the hills): fleece, windstopper, wool inserts; it is important that it does not get in the way of fastening the strap.
• Cotton is comfortable, but dries slowly, while synthetics move moisture away faster.
• Seams: flat seams rub less under the helmet.

What to put in your request

• Type — balaclava, buff, skull cap, cooling.
• Season — summer, winter.
• Material — for example fleece with windstopper.
• Size — S–XL, universal or head circumference.
• Quantity — one or several, it is handy to have spares.
• Colour and brand, for example Buff.
• Delivery city and budget.

Example: “I need 3 winter fleece balaclava liners with windstopper, black, universal size. Preferably Buff. Delivery to Abu Dhabi, budget up to AED 51.”

What to look at when choosing

A liner should not bunch up under the helmet: folds press on you and cause irritation. Check that there is a gap for glasses, so the lenses do not fog from your breath, and that the neck is covered high enough if you ride in the cold. For summer choose a quick-drying fabric, and for winter one that does not squeeze the neck or get in the way of the strap seams.

Since this is underwear for the head, people usually buy it new, with no alternatives, and for several pieces you can often agree a better price. It is useful to have two sets, so you can wash one and not be left without.

Before buying, think about what you ride in. If your helmet fits tightly, thick winter fleece can press, so for that helmet a thinner option is better, or a helmet one size up. If you ride in glasses, choose a model with a soft edge at the temples, otherwise the arms will press. For summer, cotton with some synthetic works well: it does not stick to the skin and dries faster.

How it works on BlaBlaPrice

You describe what you need in a request, and sellers of riding gear answer with offers in chat with prices and delivery. The platform compares them and shows the best one for your request first. Nobody sees your phone number until you choose. More in how it works.

To go with the liner, pick a motorcycle helmet, and for the cold season motorcycle gloves too.