I usually have a shemagh in a day pack for when I inevitably turn into a puddle of sweat. (usually carry a few large cotton handkerchiefs in my pockets to be more discreet).
Never really knew what buffs were till I googled - they seem way too fashioable for me.
However I am really interested in using one as a wrist/sweatband that could double in a pinch as a sleep snood.
Could someone with more buff experience point me in the right direction.
Also I'm guessing that merino is for winter use rather than summer - what material would be better for wicking and cooling in summer?
where is best to buy? reputable make? are there big ones for big lumps like me?
Always got at least 1 buff on me too. Usually worn as a cap if it's chilly, or as a bandana when it's warmer. Both merino as synthetic UV resistant ones (and some with fleece for winter use). The merino one is about 1/3 longer than the normal ones and a bit more handy to use as a cap once you know how to fold it (same size as the buff with the polar fleece attached to the bottom).
Regarding the "fashionable": they come in all sorts of fashionable patterns, but there are just normal black ones or grey or white ones too. Or with a slight pattern (grey on black) etc. You can go as fashionable or bland as you want.
For sizing, one size fits all, they do stretch quite a bit. Unless you're really thick headed or necked (and i mean this literally
) it shouldn't be a problem. I have a big head myself, and find that the Buff brand ones fit very well. The merino one does stretch a bit more than the synthetic one.
I prefer synthetic for summer use as a bandana to protect my head from the sun a bit, and to help keep me cool. Merino for colder nights during the summer (or when temperatures dip a bit) and spring/autumn (again depending on temperatures), or warm winter days. For cold weather i prefer the polar ones since these really do add quite a bit of heat. Don't get the polar reversible one though, unless you just want to use it as a scarf or possibly a warm bandana. It doesn't work well with the other "configurations".
For wrist/sweatband, i'd stick to a normal synthetic one. At night you can use it for some warmth if you fold it like a cap.
(All the above is about Buff branded buffs btw, i've had some others, but they just don't work as well. Less stretch, bad materials, stitching coming lose and other things like that. They may be a bit more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.)