Our Frequently Asked Questions are constantly evolving, so if your question(s) are not addressed here, please Contact Us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!
- What is a Buff®?
- How do I morph my Buff® into all those cool, different ways-to-wear?
- What are the features and benefits of Buff®?
- How is Buff® headwear made?
- How do I wash my Buff®?
- Why does my Buff® pill creating little lint-like balls of fiber?
- Because my Buff® is seamless, will its edge unravel?
- What is Polygiene® active odor control?
- What is Insect Shield®?
- What is GORE Windstopper®?
- What is Polartec® microfleece and what makes it better than generic fleece polyester?
- What is Coolmax® fabric?
- What is the difference between microfiber and Coolmax®?
- What is the UPF rating for the UV Buff®?
- What factors allow the fabric block UV rays?
- What is “technical fibers/fabric”?
- What is “moisture wicking” and why is it so important?
- What is breathability and why is it so important when outdoors?
- Where is the 100% natural Merino Wool from?
- What are Buff®’s certifications?
- Will my Buff® stretch too much and lose its shape?
- Is there only one size of Buff® headwear?
- What are the exact dimensions of each Buff® headwear product?
- How is Buff® headwear seamless and what are the benefits of it being seamless?
- What do you mean by “semi-seamless”?
- Does Buff, Inc. have a catalog?
- Where can I find more details on your Custom Buff® Program?
- What is your warranty?
- Where can I find a local store that carries Buff® products?
- How do I remove myself from your mailing list?
- Do other countries have the same collection as the U.S.?
- How do I request a sponsorship?
- How do I contact Buff, Inc.?
- How do I apply for a pro deal?
- Why is our competitor’s multifunctional headwear generally less expensive?
- How do I know that I bought an Original Buff® product vs. some competitor’s product?
- Is there a noticeable difference between the digital and screen print process?
- Will you create artwork for me?
- How long will it take to receive my Custom Buff® order?
- What is the difference between scroll and retail packaging?
What is a Buff®?
Buff®, the Original Multifunctional Headwear; it’s the product that started the seamless, multifunctional headwear revolution. First developed in 1992 by founder and creator, Joan Rojas. Performance head and neckwear designed to morph into a multitude of different garments in seconds, allowing its wearer to change their headwear on the fly while offering protection from the elements during a wide range of outdoor activities and sports.
How do I morph my Buff® into all those cool, different ways-to-wear?
Please visit our how to wear page.
What are the features and benefits of Buff® ?
Buff® products come with a variety of features including UV protection, thermal protection, and Insect Shield®. Use the chart below to find the perfect Buff®. Click here for a larger view.
How is Buff® headwear made?
Buff® headwear is created through a proprietary knitting process using a special 100% polyester yarn called microfiber, in which the thinness of each filament is less than 1 dtex. The pores on the external surface of the textile become very small to prevent water and wind from passing through the fabric, but simultaneously ensure that the pores on the inside surface are big enough to make the fabric highly breathable.
How do I wash my Buff®?
Buff® headwear and gloves are machine washable. Do not machine dry. Because of their quick-drying fabric, you can simply place the product on top of the dryer or lay flat to dry. Do not use fabric softener as is clogs the textile’s pores. Do not dry clean. Do not bleach and only use mild soap. Do not iron.
Why does my Buff® pill creating little lint-like balls of fiber?
This happens due to the headwear being seamless. After washing the product a few times, the pilling with start to diminish and will stop naturally. Heavy facial hair when wearing the product over the nose and mouth can also cause excess pilling.
Because my Buff® is seamless, will its edge unravel?
No, the edge will not unravel, but slight pilling before its first laundering may occur. After washing the product a few times, the edge will naturally seal itself.
What is Polygiene® active odor control?
Polygiene® technology is integrated into every piece of Buff® headwear to keep you fresh in action (except the Wool Buff® and Gloves). Silver ions prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Polygiene® is only applied to the microfiber/Coolmax® fabric of any Buff® product, not to any product with fleece. For more information please visit the Polygiene® website.
What is Insect Shield®?
Insect Shield® technology is integrated into our Insect Shield® UV Buff® headwear line and repels many biting insects, including: mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums). It is odorless, invisible and lasts 70 washings. Its active ingredient is a man-made version of a natural insect repellent found in certain types of chrysanthemum plants. EPA Registration No. 74843-2 Please visit the Insect Shield® website for additional information.
What is GORE Windstopper®?
Windstopper® high-performance products block the fiercest wind, rain and cold and are constructed by laminating GORE®’s special membrane to functional fabrics like microfiber or fleece. Windstopper®’s membrane is also durable and water-repellent. Please visit the GORE Windstopper® website for more information.
What is Polartec® microfleece and what makes it better than generic fleece polyester?
Polartec® fleece is made from 100% polyester velour fabric and provides the warmth without the weight by trapping air to retain body heat. It’s highly breathable, durable, machine washable and dries quickly. Unlike generic fleece, Polartec® fleece maintains its insulating ability and non-pilling appearance after repeated launderings. For additional information, please visit Polartec®’s website.
What is Coolmax® fabric?
Coolmax® is a highly technical, four-channel fiber that forms a transport system, which pulls moisture away from the skin to the outer layer of the fabric. It then dries that moisture faster than any other fabric and thermoregulates the body. Please visit the Coolmax® website for more information.
What is the difference between microfiber and Coolmax®?
Coolmax® is a more technical, four-channel fiber with advanced moisture wicking capabilities compared to basic microfiber. Coolmax® also provides certified UV protection, blocking 95% of UV rays and is a bit softer to the touch compared to basic microfiber.
What is the UPF rating for the UV Buff®?
The UV Buff® averages a UPF of 20+. It has been tested for UV protection by AITEX and LEITAT – Textile Technology Institutes in accordance with the standard AS/NZS4399:1996 “Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and Classification”, results ranged from 93.3% to 96.7%, averaging 95% UV protection.
What factors allow the fabric block UV rays?
Factors that contribute to UPF ratings are: composition of the yarns (polyester), tightness of the weave/knit (tighter the weave the more UV blocked), color (darker colors block more UV), stretch (more stretch lowers UPF rating), moisture (lower rating when wet), condition (worn/faded garments have reduced rating) and finishing (some fabrics are treated with UV absorbing chemicals).
What is “technical fibers/fabric”?
Technical fabrics are high-performance fabrics designed and marketed mainly for sportswear and sporting goods.
What is “moisture wicking” and why is it so important?
Moisture wicking relates to synthetic materials that have been developed specifically to channel perspiration away from the skin. Any moisture that can be moved away from the skin will keep you dry and comfortable while active.
What is breathability and why is it so important when outdoors?
Breathable garments have pores that allow the moisture to escape, keeping you comfortable. If moisture is allowed to build up in your clothing, it becomes damp and once you stop moving the dampness draws heat away, causing your body to cool down very quickly. This can be dangerous in cold weather in the outdoors.
Where is the 100% natural Merino Wool from?
What are Buff®’s certifications?
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Category I and II): Certifies the goods that meet the human-ecological requirements of the standard for products with direct contact to skin.
- ISO 9001: Specifies requirements for a quality management system.
- ISO 14001: Specifies requirements for an environmental management system.
- UV Protection: Samples of fabrics have been tested for UV protection by AITEX and LEITAT - Textile Technology Institutes in accordance with the standard AS/NZS4399:1996 "Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and Classification" , results ranged from 93.3% to 96.7%, averaging 95% UV protection.
Will my Buff® stretch too much and lose its shape?
No, Buff® headwear will maintain its shape due to its two-way lateral stretch.
Is there only one size of Buff® headwear?
No, there is an adult size that fits most adults, a junior size for the Junior Buff®/Junior Polar Buff® that fits kids 4-11 years old, and two Dog Buff® sizes that fit most dogs.
What are the exact dimensions of each Buff® headwear product?
The general size of Buff® headwear’s tubular, all-weather products is 20” long x 9.5” wide when laid flat (Original Buff®, UV Buff®). All headbands, Dog Buff®, Slim Fit Buff®, Junior Buff® and cold-weather products vary in size due to the nature of these products.
How is Buff® headwear seamless and what are the benefits of it being seamless?
Buff® headwear is made with special knitting machines that weave in a tubular manner creating a unique product without no irritating seams or hems.
What do you mean by “semi-seamless”?
Most of our semi-seamless products combine a section that is seamless with a section that has been sewn to another type of fabric, like fleece or GORE Windstopper® in our cold-weather product models. The Wool Buff® is semi-seamless because it does not have a vertical seam, rather it’s sewn on the top and bottom to prevent unraveling. The Headband Buff® is also semi-seamless because it has a double layer of Coolmax® fabric sewn together on the inside of the headband.
Do you ship to P.O. boxes and military APO/FPO addresses?
Yes, but only by USPS. Please select the USPS shipping option at checkout.
What happens when I have a back-ordered item?
Our online store will not allow you to purchase an out-of-stock item. If you would like to know approximate availability of that item, please contact us at 707.659.9009.
Which credits cards do you accept online?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Is sales tax assessed to my order?
Yes, you will see amount assessed for sales tax when you go to checkout at our online store.
Do you ship internationally?
Buff, Inc. does not ship internationally. Please order from corresponding distributor abroad. Buff Around the World.
Does Buff, Inc. have a catalog?
Yes, you can access our catalogs and brochures here.
Where can I find more details on your Custom Buff® Program?
Please contact us for information pertaining to this program.
What is your warranty?
Buff, Inc. is proud to design, create manufacture all Buff headwear products in-house at our facility in Spain, which allows us to constantly and continually improve upon our product offerings and provide the best service. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if it does not perform to your approval, please return it to us for a full refund or exchange. Please visit returns for more information.
Please visit our privacy page.
Where can I find a local store that carries Buff® products?
Please visit our dealers page to find a store near you.
How do I remove myself from your mailing list?
Please visit our privacy page for information on how to remove yourself from our mailing list.
Do other countries have the same collection as the U.S.?
No, each country’s Buff® collection differs. Please visit Buff® Around the World to access other country’s websites and their Buff® collections.
How do I request a sponsorship?
Email us your resume and proposal. Click here.
Buff, Inc. supports a number of individuals, teams, events and organizations that span our diverse markets and are aligned with our current marketing goals. Please be aware that we receive a significant amount of sponsorship requests every day and it’s difficult to respond to each request.
How do I contact Buff, Inc.?
Please visit our contact us page.
How do I apply for a pro deal?
Please visit our Pro Purchase page for more information.
Why is our competitor’s multifunctional headwear generally less expensive?
Buff, Inc. is proud to design, create manufacture all Buff® headwear products in-house at our facility in Spain, whereas the majority of our competitor’s products are all made in China. Having everything under one roof, allows us to thoroughly check the quality through all facets of the production process. Several certificates prove the quality of our products and processes (see certificates above). The type of materials that our competitors use are less expensive due to being substantially lower in quality, even though they claim to use microfibers. Most competitors do not invest in research & design, art or marketing departments specifically dedicated to the seamless, multifunctional headwear category. Additionally, most competitors do not partner with top-notch textile companies, such as: Coolmax®, Polartec®, Windstopper®, etc., which drastically lowers the quality of their product offerings. We are completely confident that consumers recognize our superior quality and the added value that Buff® products provide.
How do I know that I bought an Original Buff® product vs. some competitor’s product?
All Buff® products always have at least one Buff® logo printed or an embroidered Buff® logo tag sewn onto the garment.
Is there a noticeable difference between the digital and screen print process?
No. Tests have shown that there are no noticeable differences between our digital and screen print projects.
Will you create artwork for me?
No. Our Custom Buff® Design Team will assist with adapting your designs and applying your logos to our templates, but can't create logos or original artwork for you.
How long will it take to receive my Custom Buff® order?
The Custom Buff® process typically takes about eight (8) weeks to complete from design proposal to delivery. It can take more or less time depending on how quickly the approval process takes and the quantity ordered.
What is the difference between scroll and retail packaging
With scroll packaging, each Buff® headwear is individually rolled tightly and bound with a paper wrapper. The wrapper has information about Buff® and instructions on how to wear. Retail packaging is our standard cardboard retail packaging. Both options are included in the cost of your Custom Buff® order.