Face masks have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It's a new thing for Americans, having to wear masks pretty much everywhere in public. But it's important to stay protected. The good news is that we don't have to wear masks that don't work for us. From small business owners on Etsy to larger clothing retailers that began making masks, there are now lots of mask options on the market.
Some are funny masks and some genuinely cute, but there's lots to choose from. They are mostly all cloth or special material masks that aren't surgical but add the needed protection. Some have patterns and designs while others are plain. Choose the mask that'll make the family feel safe and also still a little bit more normal, because this is normal for all of us now.
Cotton Face Mask
Protective, cozy, and cute? Sign us up. That's the deal with this affordable cotton face mask from Etsy. It's made from cotton material with black bands to put around the ears. It's a step up from flimsier paper types.
Cotton Face Mask ($8, PineValleyMarket/Etsy)
Mask With Filter Pocket
Some people like their masks plain and simple, while others like to use it as a safe accessory to express themselves and their individuality. These are available on Etsy as well but they are also made with a filter pocket for easier breathing.
Mask with Filter Pocket ($12, AndMonsterToys/Etsy)
Five Layer Mask With Filter
The small white circle on this mask is a filter to make it easier to breathe. This Etsy mask has a filter along with five layers of material for extra protection against other people's droplets.
Five Layer Mask With Filter ($15, SchertzTexas/Etsy)
Cloth Face Masks
These face masks are perfect for people who want to stay safe while also rocking a more retro look to match their personal style. They are made from cloth and only run for $5 on Etsy. They also come with a filter pocket.
Cloth Face Masks ($5, louiseswonders/Etsy)
Reformation Masks
Reformation is known for being the brand with chic style, often seen on Instagram, but when the health crisis started, the clothing company pivoted to making masks for its customers. And they're super cute. They have tie-style ear strings, but the colors and patterns will be random, made from the fabric that is on hand. There are five in a pack.
Reformation Masks, pack of 5 ($25, Reformation)
Rag & Bone Stealth Mask Pack
Like Reformation, Rag & Bone also started making masks when the pandemic hit. Its masks are different shades of gray and black and super sleek. They come in a Stealth Mask Pack of three masks.
The Stealth Mask Pack ($55, Rag & Bone)
Banana Republic Printed Face Masks
These face masks definitely have a lot of style. Like other clothing retailers, Banana Republic began making its own style of printed masks. These run at a lower price than some of the company's competitors.
Printed Face Mask 3-Pack ($29, Banana Republic)
Cotton Face Masks With Flexible Nose Bridge Design
One of the complaints people have about many masks is the irritation and fit of the masks. These cotton face masks from Emilia George have that in mind: They're built with a flexible nose bridge for a comfortable fit. They come in adult and children's sizes.
Cotton Face Masks with Flexible Nose Bridge Design ($8, Emilia George Official)
Sanctuary PPE Masks
For a simple, but well-made face mask, consider this design (and color) by the brand Sanctuary Clothing. The company uses quality materials for its Sanctuary PPE Masks that include a nose wire and a pocket for a filter. They're made of organic cotton.
Sanctuary PPE Masks, pack of 3 ($24, Sanctuary)
Athleta Five-Pack Masks
For those who want to change out their masks daily, Athleta's five-mask pack might be a good choice. Athleta is known for its great workout wear with strong and durable material. Translate that to its masks and there ya go.
Athleta Five-Pack Masks ($30, Athleta)
Patterned Masks
Sometimes plain masks or masks with basic patterns just won't cut it. Etsy has a bunch of fun masks like llamas and gorgeous patterned flowers. They are 100% cotton and washable/reusable — and made with elastic ear loops.
Patterned Masks ($13, HostessCityDesign/Etsy)
Soft Fabric Mask
For a no-frills but effective and affordable mask, like super affordable, try this one from a site called 24-Hour Wristbands. It's a soft fabric mask that slips over the ears to sit evenly on the face. The more you buy, the cheaper they are.
Soft Fabric Mask, pack of five ($15, 24 Hour Wristbands)
Official Nano-Polyurethane Face Mask
These masks from Official look so comfortable. They are made with nano-polyurethane material for protection (and optimal comfort) and also come this lovely lilac shade. The mask also comes in classic black and heather gray.
Official Nano-Polyurethane Face Mask ($10, Official)
Fabric Cotton Mask
We honestly don't think it can get any cuter than this handmade fabric cotton mask from Etsy. It has an amazing colorful floral design and simple tan bands that go over the ears. Its 100% premium cotton and reusable.
Fabric Cotton Mask ($25, PopFizzCheers/Etsy)
Araks Tie Face Mask
Speaking of super cute masks, this Araks tie mask also has a floral pattern in a tie design that somehow transforms this utility tool into a chic accessory, too. The pleats make it fit better over the contours of the face without restricting breathing too much.
Araks Tie Face Mask ($40, Araks)
Rag & Bone Stealth Mask
For a patterned mask that has some style but isn't too crazy, check out this $30 Rag & Bone patterned mask. Rag & Bone masks are crafted by hand in NYC and some of the proceeds are donated to those most impacted by COVID-19.
Stealth Mask ($30, Rag & Bone)
Helmstedt Berryfield Face Mask
International brands are also getting in on the face mask game. This Berryfield mask is made from "silk cotton" which sounds incredibly comfortable. The Danish brand also says some of the profits will benefit WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Berryfield Face Mask (approx. $37, Helmstedt)
Reusable Cloth Covering
Gingham is super popular on clothes, so why not use it for face masks? This one is made from reusable cloth fabric and has a tie-back design. The mask is designed to fit the shape of the nose. The company has new patterns as materials become available.
Reusable Cloth Covering ($10, Kit Made)
Madewell Masks
Madewell, the trendy clothing retailer, has also decided to make masks during this unprecedented time. The company is selling a three-pack of face mask in a design that reflects the style of the brand.
Madewell Masks, pack of 3 ($20, Madewell)
Five-Level Filter Face Mask
This Airvog mask is like those iPhone cases that have a minimalist style but focus on its utility. It's all-back, washable has a five-layer filter valve (that's also anti-fog). As with most of these masks, it's designed to be washed and worn many times over.
Five-Level Filter Face Mask ($10, Airvog)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
