19 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear
Few objects have symbolized the complexities of pandemic decisionmaking more than the humble face mask. Mere months after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, the organization updated its instructions. Now the CDC recommends that even vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks indoors to help mitigate the spread of the much more contagious Delta Covid-19 variant.
A good face mask is a critical tool to help slow the spread of Covid-19. We've been outfitting our kids and adapting our practices as new, science-based recommendations emerge. These are some of the masks, and masking practices, that I and other WIRED staff members are using. I've also highlighted sustainable options, ones from diverse and small manufacturers, as well as companies donating masks to or sharing profits with worthy causes.
Try a few, but remember to keep washing your hands regularly, stay at home when possible, and maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others in public (preferably outdoors).
Earlier this year, the materials-testing organization ASTM International published the first-ever manufacturing standards on what constitutes a good face covering. Based on these guidelines, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health now recommends that if you're going into the office, you use a mask that meets the minimum ASTM guidelines.
The advent of ASTM standards mean that it's now very hard for me to recommend face coverings that aren't certified. But it may take time for every mask manufacturer to get their products tested. In the meantime, make sure your mask follows the recommended guidelines from the CDC, fits well, and is clean. A good reusable mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, use at least two fabric layers, and be washable. When I receive a mask, I first use the light and candle test—can I see light through the weave? Can I blow a candle out while wearing it? The mask's weave should be tight enough to prevent you from doing either of those things. Then I wear them while grocery shopping or walking my dog.
We've included some tips on mask care and choosing the best kind of mask straps at the end of this list. Be sure to check out our guide to the best face masks for kids and How to Prevent and Treat Mascne.
Updated November 2021: We added the latest mask recommendations and new picks.
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Should You Double-Mask?
Are 2 Masks Better Than One?While the vaccines are, indeed, very good, they're not a magic bullet against the more transmissible Covid-19 variants that are now circulating around the globe. If N95s or their alternatives are not an option for you—either because of their cost or their limited availability—double-masking is another way to upgrade your protection.
In general, you should double-mask if doing so would improve the fit or thickness of the mask you already own. For example, if you only have two-layer masks, or if your disposable surgical mask has side gaps that a well-fitting cloth mask would pin down, then double up.
Check our guide to double-masking for tips on how to do so safely.
- Photograph: Hygenix/Amazon
You Need Some Disposable Masks
Disposable 3-Ply Face Masks (50 Pack)The CDC's findings on double-masking apply only if the first mask is a surgical mask, so you'll probably want to get your hands on some of these. Most disposable face masks have been certified to one of the ASTM's three levels of efficacy. These are a Level 3, which means they've been tested to over 99 percent efficacy at keeping out bacteria and particulates, and moderate efficacy at keeping out fluids.
Not only are disposable masks affordable, but they're also the lightest masks I've tried. It's easy to keep a few in your car or your bag. They may get soaked by sweat and vapor, but at least you won't have to wash them afterward.
- Photograph: Sengtor Ltd
A KN95 Mask
KN95 Disposable Masks (60-Pack)Earlier in the pandemic, the CDC recommended that most Americans leave N95s for health care workers, due to supply chain issues. However, most health care workers now have an adequate supply. If you can find N95s, the CDC now recommends that you wear them.
I still wear cloth masks outdoors, but I usually wear N95s or KN95s indoors. Although they're disposable, you can hang them to air them out for up to three uses. These alphanumeric names denote foreign manufacturing standards, but they usually indicate masks similar in efficacy to an N95. Just make sure you don't get a fake one. You can check whether a mask manufacturer has gotten an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC has a few tips on how to spot a counterfeit face mask. You can buy your masks through organizations like Project N95, which independently review manufacturer and product certifications as well as pricing, availability, and lead times.
- Photograph: Airpop
Best Mask for the Office
AirPop Light SE MaskLike a lot of people, I wear glasses to work on the computer. If I had to work in an office every day, I would use the AirPop Light SE masks. As I noted in our best-kid-masks roundup, they've been independently certified by several international product testing and quality assurance companies, and they are an ASTM-certified Level 2.
Most important, they have a peaked shape that holds the mask off my face to make it easier to breathe. They also have a comfortable, cushioned seal around the nose that absorbs moisture and prevents my glasses from fogging. Although the packaging says they're machine-washable for up to 10 times, I think they're too delicate. But you can hand-wash and hang them up to dry.
- Photograph: Kitsbow
The Best Double Mask
Kitsbow Wake Protech Reusable Face MaskI spent a lot of time experimenting with masks to wear over a disposable one in a crowded, indoor, public place. The purpose of the second, cloth mask is to improve the fit and security of the first mask. For me, that rules out double-masking with two masks that have ear loops, since that's uncomfortable and makes both masks more likely to slip off.
If I wear a second mask, I like to use a different strap system than my first. It also needs structure to it, with a nose wire to close any gaps on my face. Kitsbow's mask was designed in collaboration with Wake Forest Baptist Health and offers six sizes to fit a whole slew of faces. This is one of the best-fitting and most secure cloth masks I've worn; after trying the tester masks, I bought my own replacements. It comes with options for removable inserts and in a merino wool version.
- Photograph: Happy Masks
Best for Kids
Happy Masks Pro SeriesOne of the strangest developments over the course of the past year and a half has been watching my kids get used to face masks. My son was 2 when the pandemic started, and I had to chase him like the dickens to get anything on his face. Now he's 4 and carefully puts on his mask before playing on the playground, the same way that he checks his shoes—even though his pants are still on backward.
Now that my kids are more aware of the risks of not wearing masks, these Happy Masks have become their surprise favorite. The small size fits my 4-year-old and 6-year-old well, once we adjust the ear loops. They have a nanofiber filter and are a bit stiffer, with more structure than other masks, so it's easier for them to run and play. However, it verily hurts my eyeballs to see these $24 masks getting stained and crushed in the bottom of our wagon. Getting your hands on replacements has also become increasingly difficult, to the point where I joined the waiting list and follow the company on Instagram to get advance notice of restocks. We still keep the cheaper Old Navy masks on hand. Read our guide to the best masks for kids for more options.
- Photograph: CastleGrade
Best Reusable Respirator
Castlegrade Respirator MaskThe American West has become something of a seasonal dystopian hellscape. After 2020's catastrophic wildfires, I bought respirator masks for my family and myself so that we could leave the house safely and walk the dog. (Don't worry. I bought my dog a mask, too.)
The CDC notes that elastomeric respirators provide at least as much protection as an N95 mask. I've also seen them being worn by several people whose jobs required them to be indoors with a lot of in-person contact. Castlegrade's masks do make you look a little bit like Miss Piggy, but the silicone is soft and shockingly comfortable. These masks are suitable for protecting against Covid-19, have no vents or valves, have replaceable filters, and were independently tested by Nelson Labs for filtration and particle penetration.
★Alternative: If looks don't matter to you, there are much cheaper masks online. I like the reusable respirators by Honeywell or 3M.
- Photograph: Armbrust American
American-Made Disposable Masks
Armbrust Surgical MasksDisposable masks are affordable and easily found through large retailers. But it can be hard to independently verify their efficacy or provenance. And given worldwide shipping delays and stock shortages, it can be hard to predict when they'll arrive.
Armbrust American masks are made in the US and have been independently tested to be ASTM Level 3 certified. They're noticeably thicker and sturdier than the disposable surgical masks I've purchased on Amazon. The company also makes accessories and folding N95 masks that arrived much more promptly than others that I've purchased.
- Photograph: Con.Struct
Best Cheap Mask
Con.Struct Cotton Pleated MaskI have to say: There are much better masks available now. But if all you want is to keep a few emergency extras in your car or bag, the Con.Struct cotton face masks are shockingly durable and well made for the price, or around $5 each. There's only one size, but they fit my medium-size face well, and the ear loops have adjustable bungees. The light, pleated cotton is breathable and passes the light test. They have a moldable nose wire and a pocket for an adjustable filter.
- Photograph: Lululemon
Most Convenient Mask
Lululemon Double Strap Mask 3-PackNo matter how effective a mask is, it's not going to work if you don't want to wear it. I don't usually mask outside, but I'm going on a distanced walk or hike and am nervous about being in large groups of people, I will wear this mask around my neck. When another mask with a nose wire left bruises on my face during a trip, I wore this mask for 12 hours straight (with minimal breaks for eating or drinking) and felt no discomfort or irritation. It's made from Lululemon's signature soft, wicking Ultralu fabric, so it's stretchy and silky against your face.
The caveat here is that this mask has not been ASTM-certified and, as of publication, we don't know if it will be. It also flutters in and out of stock, so check the website for updates.
- Photograph: Nike
The Status Mask
Nike Venturer Performance Face MaskIf you watched the Summer Olympics, you may have noticed athletes wearing a face mask that reminded this writer, at least, of Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. That mask was the Nike Venturer Performance mask, which is very comfortable and also the biggest mask I've tested.
I like the molded 3D form, which holds the mask off my face while working out, and the double-strap system, which I find to be more comfortable and adjustable than ear straps. It's also machine-washable and comes with its own case for storage, so you don't have to shove a sweaty, germ-laden mask into your gym bag. However, it's too big to fit in my fanny pack for everyday use, and it's also incredibly ostentatious—by design, but still.
- Photograph: Graf Lantz
Most Durable Mask
Zenbu Cotton MaskThe Graf Lantz Zenbu masks were originally not one of my favorite picks. I found the amount of fabric to be a nuisance to store, and it caused the mask to feel a little bulky on my face. But more and more people have bought these masks, including WIRED digital producer Kim Chua, and find them exceptional for their breathability and durability.
These masks have strategic darts that allow them to sit well off your face. They're also made from multiple layers of tightly woven organic cotton, a material that has been shown to be very efficient at filtering out nanoscale aerosols. Each mask also has a filter pocket for additional protection. For every mask sold, the company donates five meals to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the US.
- Photograph: Outlier
The Most Stylish Mask
Outlier Mask 001 Ultrasuede SnaptightWe don't endorse using loosely tied bandanas as face masks. But a bandana-style face mask is another thing entirely. The experimental clothing brand Outlier recently branched out into face masks, and former WIRED photo editor Phuc Pham likes the Mask 001, which makes you look like a cool city cowboy. It has a linen insert, an internal nose bridge, and an easy-to-use magnetic closure to hold it flush and securely against your face.
Outlier is a textile-nerd company, and the Ultrasuede material is made from polyester that is soft, lies well, and is fine, dense, and washable. It also makes a more conventional-looking pleated mask, but check back often because its products swing in and out of stock.
- Photograph: Tom Bihn
Another Sturdy Cloth Mask
Tom Bihn V4 Cotton Flannel Reusable Face MaskTom Bihn masks have stayed at the top of our list for a long time, but the ear loops are just too hard for me to wear over a disposable mask. I also find its latest version, a six-layer mask, to be bulkier and more uncomfortable than it's worth. Still, its two-layer masks have held up to almost a year of washing and line-drying, and the fit is still secure, with an adjustable nose wire and adjustable ear loops.
These are also efficient cotton masks, and I particularly like the neck strap so I can easily take it on and off while I'm walking around. The masks are handmade in Seattle, and for every mask you buy, Tom Bihn donates one to a local charity. You can track those donations in a public spreadsheet.
- Photograph: Primal
An Accessorized Mask
Primal Wear Carbon Face Mask 3.0Primal's mask has slowly climbed my list of favorites, especially as I've started wearing a filter again to protect against the Delta variant. The NT3D filter is easy to wash, although you have to replace it after 10 washes (so get some extras). The patented plastic X-Frame insert holds it well off my face, and the neck strap makes the fit more comfortable and holds it conveniently when I'm biking downtown for an errand.
- Photograph: Bilio
A Mask That Won't Fog Up Glasses
Bilio MaskIn my bin of masks, this one is incredibly distinctive. It's knit to shape from recycled yarn. That means it's zero-waste—no cutting and sewing pieces of fabric with scraps that will have to be discarded—and it also stands off my face. This shape, combined with the fact that it points sharply over the bridge of my nose, means it doesn't make my glasses fog. It also passes both the light and the candle test. It's a little harder to breathe while wearing it on walks or longer hikes.
Bilio uses proprietary SilverKiss antibacterial tech, though coronavirus is not bacteria. If you're having a lot of trouble with mascne, then silver, copper oxide, or zinc oxide treatments like this might help (maybe), but you'd probably get more benefit from washing your mask more often and doing spot treatments.
- Photograph: Hedley & Bennett
A Very Comfortable Mask
Hedley & Bennett The Wake Up and Fight Mask 3-PackOver a year, many mask makers have had ample opportunities to improve. We liked Hedley & Bennett's masks last year, and WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer and I both like the latest version (as does WIRED web producer Kim Chua).
Hedley & Bennett is a kitchenware company that quickly pivoted from making aprons and chef coats to masks. It designed them in collaboration with Robert Cho, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. They're sturdy, comfortable, and made from either cotton or a cotton-poly blend, with an adjustable nose wire. They come with a pocket for a removable filter and now offer adjustable straps and different strap designs. For every mask sold, the company donates a mask to front-line health care workers and farmworkers.
- Photograph: Outdoor Research
A Treated Mask
Outdoor Research Face Mask KitI've tested a number of masks with purported antimicrobial and antiviral properties. While there is some sound science behind antiviral coatings, rigorous, independent studies that show reliable Covid protection aren't here yet. It's best to pick one that fits well and is comfortable. For that reason, my favorite treated mask is the Outdoor Research Essential mask. It uses HeiQ NPJ03, which is a Swiss textile treatment that has been tested in the European Union for antiviral and antibacterial properties. However, these tests have not been replicated in the US.
I also tried the är mask, which is too loose and lets out too much air around my nose, and Cupron's copper-infused face masks, which are one-size-fits-all but are enormous on my medium-size face. You'll still need to wash and care for these masks as thoroughly as you do your regular cloth masks.
- Photograph: Vistaprint
A Great Graphic Mask
Vistaprint Fabric Face MaskVistaprint's masks are popular, stretchy, extremely comfortable, and machine washable. They come in a plethora of chic designs and have adjustable ear loops and a pocket for a filter, which Vistaprint makes. (No cutting up vacuum bags here!) It also makes incredibly cute kids' masks that fit my 6-year-old perfectly. However, they're not made from breathable cotton. The outer layer is 100 percent polyester. In summer's damp humidity, my breath soaked through these and left them dripping in a matter of minutes.
- Photograph: Timbuk2
A Mask 3-Pack
Timbuk2 Face Mask 3-PackWe love Timbuk2's messenger bags, and the company now makes masks in its San Francisco factory. WIRED senior editor Michael Calore likes the reusable masks, which come in two sizes. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure from ear to ear across the bridge of your nose to find the best fit.
The masks are made from jersey cotton and have a pocket for holding a filter. Unlike some of our other picks, which loop behind the ears, these tie around the head. It makes them a little harder to pop on and off but more comfortable for extended wear. This might be a good option if you need to wear your mask all day, every day.
Photograph: AYJMore Masks We've Tested (and Like!)
Honorable MentionOur staffers have tried and recommend these masks:
- Tentree Protect Mask for $20: Executive editor Brian Barrett finds these masks to be “d*rned comfortable.”
- Uniqlo Airism Face Mask 3-Pack for $15: Gear reviewer Louryn Strampe finds this mask thin, cool, and comfortable enough for hiking on a 98-degree day. It's also light enough for people to hear you speak easily.
- Baggu Mask 3-Pack for $32: When a WIRED staffer's mother was sick with Covid-19, this was the mask she wore to sleep in. The seal is tight enough to keep in the virus and reduce fogging of your eyeglasses. We like the ear loop version better than the tie version, which snags long hair.
- Airband Mask for $13: This mask has an internal membrane to help filter out particles as small as 0.01 microns. The company has also partnered with Bill Nye the Science Guy on a number of initiatives over the year. Right now, proceeds from its space mask go to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit advocating for space exploration, of which Nye is the CEO.
Photograph: Rothy'sFace Masks to Avoid
Masks I Didn't LikeNo mask is perfect, and every mask manufacturer is constantly refining its design. Here are some face coverings that didn't make our list.
- Buff Filter Mask for $22: The Buff neck gaiter has been one of the most popular running mask picks, so it makes sense the company would try a dedicated face mask. Like a Buff, it squeezes your face while you run. No thank you.
- Nathan Black Running Mask for $15: This mask is well-made, comfortable, and fits well. Unfortunately, there's a big slit running through the middle of it, rendering it useless.
- Outerknown Recycled Mask 3-Pack for $17: These are well made and soft, but enormous. I passed these on to the biggest-headed colleagues I could find.
- Sanctuary Fashion PPE Mask 5-Pack for $28: I liked these masks early in the pandemic, but after six months of careful handwashing and line-drying, the fabric started to disintegrate.
- Courtyard LA Vintage Fabric Mask for $34: We recommended these masks earlier, but the higher price and long lead time are two significant strikes against the company. There are plenty of other luxurious, handmade, or recycled options available on Etsy or through other retailers.
Photograph: AmazonOur Favorite Maskcessories
Straps, Lanyards, and MoreWe encourage you to look past the tempting sterilizing products like lights, cases, and sprays. The underlying science of their use might be sound, but the average consumer is not likely to follow the rigorous protocols that hospitals and other institutions use to make sure their sterilizing technology works. The best way to make your mask more effective is to make it easier and more comfortable to wear.
- Double-sided tape or staples: If your surgical mask gaps at the top of your nose, you can tape it to your face to seal it. You can also fold down the sides of the mask and staple it shut to seal gaps at the side.
- Knotting your mask: The CDC recently released a report showing that both double-masking and knotting and tucking a surgical medical mask significantly reduces exposure.
- Mask lanyards and head straps: If I'm going to be out and about, I clip a mask lanyard onto my mask to wear it around my neck so I don't have to stuff it into a pocket. If wearing a face mask with ear loops hurts your ears, you can also try attaching a head strap. I like Tom Bihn's the best, but many companies make them.
- Mask brackets: Mask brackets and mask fitters hold and contour simple cloth masks off your face. I find the ones I've tried to be more trouble than they're worth, but a few WIRED staffers like them.
- Anti-fog spray: Like many of us, product reviewer Louryn Strampe has to deal with annoying mask-glasses-foggery. She recommends Warby Parker's defogging lens cleaner. Cat Crap on your sunglasses also works pretty well.
- Mask storage: If you're away from home and need to remove your mask, you may want to carry a designated pouch in your bag for dirty ones. We like reusable ones from Stasher or Baggu.
Photograph: Viktoriia Yanushevych/Getty ImagesMask Care Basics
Keep It Clean!Masks work by reducing the spread of droplets. That means if you remove your mask by the cloth covering, instead of the ear loops or ties, you're getting potentially infected droplets on your hands and spreading them around. Remove your mask carefully by the ear loops, wash it after use, and wash your hands after removal.
The easiest way to wash your masks might be to buy a week's worth and toss them into the washing machine with regular detergent. But I've also been soaking mine in my bathroom sink with hot water and no-rinse detergent, then line-drying in the sun.
Don't get overenthusiastic with the adjustable straps either. The mask shouldn't be so tight that it restricts your breathing, and a mask is also not recommended for children under 2 or for anyone else who might have trouble getting it off their face.
Photograph: Getty ImagesWhat Kind of Straps Are Best?
Which Mask Is Right for Me?Should you get a mask with ear loops, adjustable bungees, or head ties? Which one you pick depends on the size and shape of your head and how long you're planning to wear the mask. As mask mandates have grown stricter across the country, I now prefer masks with head ties. It's easier to remember a mask if you sling it on as you go out the door, like sunglasses or your car keys.
Head ties might work better for you if you have an unusually large or small head that falls out of the normal manufacturer specs. They can also feel more secure and put less strain on your fragile ear cartilage if you're wearing your mask for long periods of time. If you see a mask you like with head ties but would prefer ear loops, you can improvise your own with a sliding knot.
Though a widely cited Duke study seems to suggest that neck gaiters (turtleneck-type masks) are less effective than other masks, my colleague Megan Molteni points out that the study used a sample size of one. If your neck gaiter fits you well and covers your nose and mouth, it might work fine! But there are more comfortable and effective options available.
