I think most of us can agree that face masks are going to be a way of life for many of us the foreseeable future, which means finding the best face masks is something we are all interested in doing.
As our world attempts to get a handle on the spread of COVID-19, face masks have been proven to be an effective preventative for the spread of the virus. Even if you’re like me and hate wearing them, it’s hard to deny the current science behind their efficacy.
If you still need some help understanding how face masks work, this might help: How Face Masks Work
No matter where you stand on the face mask debate, as many states and companies begin to mandate the wearing of face masks in public, having quality, well-made, comfortable face masks is going to come in handy.
For me, comfort means that I can wear it without breaking into a mad sweat or sucking it down my throat as I heavy breathe my way from my car to the front door of Target in 95 degree summer sun. I need it to be tighter across the nose to prevent my glasses from fogging up. Also, I want it to be well fitting, comfortable on my ears and as light eliminating as possible (learn more about the light test) while still being somewhat breathable and lightweight.
That’s what the best face masks look like for me.
I asked my Facebook community to share the best face masks they’ve tried because the only one I’ve been happy with is the homemade one a friend sent me. All the rest have fall into the too small, too tight, too baggy, too hot or too itchy categories.
Naturally, the moms on my Facebook page came through and left me with a great list of the best face masks out there.
The Best Face Masks Out There According to Moms
Diop
From the maker: We utilize an elastic two strap design that goes around the head rather than the ears. This is to reduce strain on the ears and provide a much more snug fit around the face.
The masks are a triple layered woven cloth mask made with our 100% wax printed cotton.
The mask is sealed just below the bridge of the nose to ensure breathability and preserve visibility. Durable and lightweight, designed to help you stay cool, comfortable, and above all else, safe.
Mom Review: “Really comfy, supports a black-owned business and they donate to a non-profit ” -Lindsey W.
Price: $15/mask
Buy here: Diop
Hanes
From the maker: Hanes face masks are here! Our non-medical-grade mask is soft, washable and reusable. With three layers of coverage, our breathable, 100% cotton mask is designed for comfortable everyday wear and features Cool Comfort™ moisture-wicking fabric. The ear loops are constructed from soft cotton yarn with internal rubber banding for a comfy personalized fit, while the adjustable nosepiece and front panel pleats provide contoured facial coverage.
Mom Review: “Masks by Hanes…cotton comfy on your face.”
Price: $25/pack of 5
Buy here: Hanes
Bicycle Trash
From the maker: The Origami Style Fabric Face Mask.
Specifications:
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Washable, reusable, durable origami style face mask
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3-layer mask
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Outer and inner layers 100% cotton quilting fabrics
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Third layer is medium weight non-woven fusible interfacing
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Washable and durable for long lasting wear
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Design holds fabric away from lips and nostrils for improved comfort
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Adjustable ear loops are made with recycled rubber cord
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Nose wire channel with nose wire included
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The mask is 9.5” wide, and 6.75” from nose bridge to chin
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Masks are mailed out next day USPS First Class Mail with tracking number
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Handmade in Washington, DC
Mom Review: “This is my favorite so far — it’s breathable but also is somehow curved so you don’t suck in the fabric. So far I’ve only hand washed it to help ensure it keeps its shape. Plus, local minority woman owned business!”
Price: $20/mask
Buy here: Bicycle Trash
Norwex
From the maker: Soft, comfortable Norwex Microfiber helps protect you and those around you. 100% satisfaction guarantee within 60 days of purchase. Contains BacLock, an antibacterial agent for self-cleansing purposes only. The agent is solely designed to inhibit odor from bacteria, mold and mildew growth within the product.
Mom Review: “I really like the Norwex ones. Comfortable and soft (window cloth material).”
Price: $14.99/mask
Buy here: Norwex
Boco Gear
From the maker: Custom designed versions of our Face Mask consisting of a 2-layer fabric design with an internal pocket slit which could hold a filter. The outer layer consists of our woven polyester fabric while the inner layer is a durable knit performance fabric. Our internal fabric includes a slit that exposes a pocket where you can insert a filter to help provide more protection. The soft elastic is sewn to both the top and bottom of the mask for a secure fit over the ears. These masks cover the mouth and nose comfortably.
Rothy’s
From the maker: A pack of two non-medical masks, designed to be durable, comfortable and fully machine washable (air dry only). The Mask 1.0 sits close to the face, covering the nose and mouth and secures over the ears. We developed this first iteration of masks using existing thread and our 3D knitting technology, which knits the masks to shape for maximum comfort and minimal waste.
Mom Review: “These are my favorite… a bit pricey but worth it and I have tried TONS of masks.”
Price: $25/2 masks
Buy here: Rothy’s
Old Navy
From the maker: Pack includes 5 reusable, personal-use, non-medical-grade cloth face masks for adults, in assorted colors, prints and patterns.
- Designed per CDC recommendations on non-medical-grade masks.
- 3-ply, woven, 100% cotton poplin.
- Soft & breathable.
- NEW! Adjustable, elastic over-the-ear straps.
Mom Review: “I actually have found the ones I bought from Old Navy are my favorite!! A lot of the masks I have bought fall down off my nose or I suck in the fabric. I can wear my ON masks for 4 hours straight with no problem!”
“My youngest is very sensory oriented when it comes to clothes and how things feel and he absolutely loves the ones from Old Navy. I ordered a bunch online and the price is pretty reasonable and come plain or in fun patterns. I like them too. Don’t worry, I’m a deep breather too.”
Price: $12.50/5 masks
Buy here: Old Navy
Sock Fancy
From the maker: Our masks offer triple-layered protection and are constructed with the highest quality machine-washable combed cotton.
- Protective particle-resistant outer layer
- Polyester fiber middle layer for particle filtration
- Ultra-soft & breathable combed-cotton inner layer
- Adjustable ear loops for fit and comfort
- Flexible nose clip for the perfect seal
- 3D chin design
For every mask purchased from Sock Fancy, we’ll donate one to the medical community to support those most at risk.
Mom Review: “SockFancy! Comfortable, good fit, and bonus points for the 90s vibes, which have been getting me compliments nearly every time I wear it. Kids and adult sizes, with adjustable ear loops.”
Price: $12/mask
Buy here: Sock Fancy
Jaanuu
From the maker: Crafted from the same soft, fabric as our signature scrubs, which are treated with the Silvadur™ antimicrobial preservative technology, our face masks are washable and reusable, designed for durability, reinforced with cotton lining, and feature comfortable, adjustable ear loops.
Mom Review: “We’ve tried a few & Jaanuu are our favorites. Jaanuu are thick scrubs material on the outside & mesh (like basketball jersey) on the inside.”
Price: $25/5 masks
Buy here: Jaanuu
Best Handmade Face Masks
Best DIY Mask Pattern: Jesse Mask
From the maker: The story is that an engineer and a nurse practitioner teamed up to create the perfect mask pattern. Can’t find the originals, but found plenty of people recreating them online. Search “jesse mask” or “jesse killion mask” to see for yourself.
Mom review: “If you sew, these are the patterns that I use. They have an extra deep curve in the front and are sized based on facial measurements. They were designed by an engineer. These are comfortable and easy to wear. I slightly adapted the pattern by using t-shirt material for the inside layer, adding a smaller 3rd layer as a filter pocket and folding the sides in to form a casing for elastic ear loops because my guys didn’t want the ties.” -Rae E.
Price: free (but you do have to get your own fabric)
Download pattern here: Jesse mask pattern