It’s becoming increasingly clear that masks will be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. Earlier this week, seven states began requiring residents to cover their faces when they visit essential businesses or use public transportation while dozens of cities around the country have issued similar mandates.
Because there's still a shortage of N95 masks (and they're not exactly necessary for those of us walking down the sidewalk), health-care workers and high-risk individuals are the only people who should be wearing those medical-grade masks. So that leaves non-surgical fabric masks for the rest of us.
Now the question becomes, what kind of mask do you actually want to wear on your face? Do you want ear loops or straps that tie? Do you want a pocket for a filter or just want it to look cool? Why not get one you actually want to wear on your face? And more importantly, which ones do the best job?
Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who recently conducted a study of the efficacy of different materials used for homemade masks, says that you want thick, tightly woven cotton. Want to make sure a mask is effective? Dr. Segal suggests a light test: If you can see light passing through the material, when you hold it up to a bright light or the sun, it's less likely to be a good filter.
To help you out, we've rounded up the best ones still in stock—for now. There's a lot of variety out there and so many brands are making them. From simple styles cut from chambray shirting and cozy sweatshirt material to more advanced styles featuring antimicrobial scuba fabric or vintage bandanas, take your pick and be safe out there.
The Best Masks
to Buy Right Now
Generous fit won’t slip off your face
Flannel V4 face mask,
$16 by Tom Bihn
Lightweight pleated cotton mask,
$25 (for six) by Con.Struct
This silk feels so good against the skin
Silk scrap mask,
$35 by Jalama Dyes
Customizable knit face mask,
$20 by Outdoor Research
Great for workouts
UVShield cool face mask,
$12 by Sunday Afternoons
Heavy-duty layered mask,
$20 by Dapper Villains
Adjustable technical mask,
$25 by Greats
Tiger stripe camo mask,
$15 by General Quarters
Layered stretch 3-D fit mask,
$35 by Wolford
Multi-pleat upcycled masks,
$55 / $35 (for three) by rag & bone
Adjustable protective mask,
$10 by Vida
Bandana paisley mask,
$25 by Profound
Pleated plaid mask,
$18 by Kevan Hall
Dark denim mask,
$6 by Sixty Nine
Made from moisture-wicking and abrasion-resistant technical fabric
Traditional mask,
$16 by Mystery Ranch
Salvaged hemp mask,
$20 (for three) by United by Blue
Double-layer cotton mask,
$36 (for three) by Coal
Sewn with a polypropylene meltblown filter
Sewn with a polypropylene meltblown filter
Printed cotton mask,
$28 (for five) by Sanctuary
Comfortable stretch cotton fits securely without feeling too snug
Comfortable stretch cotton fits securely without feeling too snug
Stealth mask,
$30 by rag & bone
Triple-layered woven cloth mask,
$15 by DIOP
Soft jersey cotton mask,
$12 (for three) by New Republic
Washable chambray mask,
$12 by Stock Mfg.
Two-tone nylon mask,
$12.50 by American Trench
Breathable Surfstretch mask,
$19.95 by Birdwell
Made from antimicrobial scuba fabric that's light and breathable
Antimicrobial stretch mask,
$16 by Jack Henry
With built-in pocket for additional filter
Cotton folded mask,
$19 by Rendall Co.
Cotton camo mask,
$20 by Ball and Buck
Customize it with your own message
Stretch cotton mask,
$19 by Apolis
French Terry mask,
$30 (for three) by Los Angeles Apparel
Wear It Properly
If you wear your face mask incorrectly, it's useless. According to Oscar Health, you should never pull it up or down while you're outside. "Don't wear it below your nose or expose your chin. Do make sure your face mask comes all the way up, close to the bridge of your nose, and that it fits snugly around your face, without any gaps." Don't touch the fabric part of the mask. Remember, that's filtering the germs, and you don't want to spread whatever germs it has trapped. Instead, use the ear loops or ties to secure your mask and to remove it.
How to Clean Your Mask
According to the CDC, your fabric masks should be "washed routinely." Most experts advise washing them daily or at least weekly in a machine or a sink, just using regular laundry soap. Toss it in the dryer or let it air dry. And while it's not necessary, you can also go over it with a hot iron to ensure any germs that might remain are killed.