From wind, dust and sun: 7 cool all-purpose gaiters for spring and summer

Spring is a deceptive season. Even if it seems that it is finally warm outside, we are not in a hurry to put away windbreakers, hats and scarves on the mezzanine. The weather at this time of year is capable of surprises! To always be ready for its whims, it’s important to have strategic fashion solutions in your arsenal. One of them is a gaiter. It comes in handy at any time of year, but in spring it will be especially useful. And not only for athletes. This thing will successfully fit into everyday life.

What is a geitor?

Gator is a multifunctional sports accessory resembling a scarf-pipe. As a rule, it is made of synthetic materials: fleece, microfiber. The accessory drains moisture well, allowing the skin to breathe. Gator protects the neck from unfavorable weather conditions: cold, wind, scorching sun. And its main feature is multifunctionality. This accessory can be worn in different ways.

Gator is indispensable for bicyclists and bikers who like to ride with the wind. It is comfortable, does not slip off and protects you from unfavorable environmental conditions.

Outventure Gator (spring-summer), 699 rubles / Spormaster

History of origin

Gator was invented in the 90s in Spain, namely in Catalonia. One of the locals named Juan Rojas was an avid biker and part owner of a textile factory. In those years, motorcyclists used arafats, scarves or shawls to protect themselves from the sun, dust and wind. But wearing such accessories caused discomfort. Shawls came untied, fell down. At high speeds, such malfunctions are dangerous.

Columbia Tech Trail Gator (with UV protection), 649 rubles.

Rojas got the idea to create a more practical and comfortable accessory. He began to experiment with the shape and style of scarves. He made different styles at his factory.

Rojas didn’t just come up with test models of scarves. He drew sketches, thought about the practical component. He tested experimental prototypes on his friends: active bikers and extreme sports enthusiasts. In the course of joint tests, the geitor, or buff, was invented – a seamless scarf-bandana in the form of a tube.

Who needs a gator?

Paralympic track and field champion and Demix ambassador

“A gator is a universal accessory that can be worn both in the city (instead of a regular scarf) and outdoors. If you ride a bike, go jogging, hiking, mountaineering, snowboarding, skiing and any other active sport, it is an indispensable thing in your closet”.

Parents also appreciated the convenience of the geitor. The accessory perfectly replaces a scarf for children. Thanks to its design, it is safe, comfortable, easy to take off and put on. For children, the latter characteristics are very important. It will not come untied and will not get lost.

BUFF COOLNET UV INSECT SHIELD KIVU ROSE, 2690 rubles / alpindustria

Types of accessorizing

There are many different variations, styles of the accessory. There are men’s, women’s, and children’s gaiters. In addition, they differ from each other in the material of manufacture and application. For example, acrylic and ordinary fleece are suitable for walks around the city and everyday use in the cold season.

There are fleece gaiters with heat-saving technology. They will keep warm and protect during hiking or active sports. There are gaiters with an adjustable fixation on the elastic band, reflective elements, holes for the nose. Everyone will be able to find an option that suits him.

Gator is not only about insulation. The thing will come in handy in the off-season, and in the summer. Gator saves from wind and dust. It can be worn as a mask or tied on your head to protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate materials and technology will be used here.

Multifunctional bandana Turtle Fur COMFORT SHELL CLASSIC, 3850 rubles / Trial-Sport

How to wear a gaiter?

A gaiter is such a multifunctional piece of clothing that it can be transformed depending on your desires, style preferences and occupation. Even if you are not a professional athlete or a fan of extreme sports, the accessory can be a great addition to the outfit, a highlight of the image.

1. Wear the geitor around your neck like a scarf. For those who like to save time on dressing the accessory will be a salvation.

2. Put a pipe scarf on your head as a bandana with or without a knot. In this case, the geitor will save you from the wind and scorching sun.

3. use it as a hair band or a headband to cover your ears.

BUFF COOLNET UV DILM MULTI BANDANA, 1990 rubles / alpindustria

4. Replace it with a hat. To do this, turn it out, split it in half, make a couple of turns around one half and turn the other back to the front side.

5. Use the gaiter as a mask covering half of your face. In this case it is an excellent defense against wind and cold when moving.

6. The accessory can replace a hood. Simply put it around your neck and pull the top edge over your head.

Aucrux Standard Pro5 Buff, 410 rubles / Sportmaster

7. Use the accessory as a balaclava. Put it on like a hood and pull the bottom part over your chin.

8. Bikers and cyclists use the geitor as an under-helmet.

9. The lightweight fabric accessory can even replace an elastic band for long hair.

10. The geitor can also be worn on the wrist as a wristband if needed.

And even that’s not all. The Gator can be useful in extreme wilderness conditions. Water is filtered through the fabric of the accessory. And even use it as a bandage for injuries.

BUFF COOLNET UV+ BANDANA, 1890 rubles / alpindustria

How is a gaiter different from a buff?

Many people have heard that a scarf tube is often referred to as a buff. Hence the confusion over the names. There was even a theory that there are significant differences between a geitor and a buff.

We’ll let you in on a secret: there are no differences between the two. We are talking about the same product with the same characteristics and ways of wearing. “Buff” is a Spanish brand that makes geitors. It’s just that over time, the word has become a household name. Customers, having once heard the name baff, began to call the accessory in a similar way.