The 10 Best Face Masks I Tried: Pros & Cons Of Each

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If you’re looking for the quick and easy answer…my whole family reaches for THIS face mask the most. It comes in a smaller kid size (adjustable) that my boys love as well (ages 7 and 12). 

It’s really not that quick and easy, though. Many of you know how I get a little obsessed with finding the best of everything, right? Usually, it’s the best clog boots, the best summer slip-ons, or the best puffer jacket…but during the past six months, it has been the search for the absolute best face mask.

For safety recommendations on selecting and wearing face masks, check out the CDC’s recommendations here. Personally, I’ve been looking for double or triple-layered, breathable, comfortable and cute masks that I’m actually excited about (not dreading) wearing. And if you heard Tara Parker-Pope’s most recent advice, that’s right on the nose (oops – ha!) — the best mask is the one you will wear and keep on. I know I’m not the only one searching for just the right mask (you can check out Laura’s mask post with cute neutrals here.) 

The Best Face Masks For Every Situation

I have tried SOOOO many masks (and included selfies, pros and cons of 10 of them in the post below), but unfortunately, I have not found one face mask that meets ALL my needs. I have come to the realization that the best solution is having multiple masks that I rotate for different needs and different occasions. 

The 10 Best Face Masks I Tried

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10


A Review Of Cute, Comfortable Face Masks With Pros & Cons Of Each


 

1. The Best Mask For Working Out AND Everyday Comfort
Athleta

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Athleta Everyday Mask | Small U Earrings
Left: Hoodie | Joggers | Sneaks
Right: Sweater | Under $100 Option | Denim | Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: Super-breathable; Doesn’t collapse in when you breathe; Easy-to-wear neutral colors; Adjustable ear loops (so they fit the whole family)–their smaller version fits kiddo faces extremely well too; 3 layers (with cotton lining); Soft; Washes well.

Cons: Limited color and pattern choices; Sometimes fogs my glasses if it’s not positioned perfectly; Gets stolen by EVERYONE in my family.

2.  The Best Mask For Outdoor Dining
Nordstrom– 

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Nordstrom Face Mask-4 Pack 
Left: Top | Under $100 OptionDenim | Boots | Under $100 Option | Bag
Right: Sweater | Under $100 OptionCardigan | Under $100 Option | Denim | Boots | Bag

Pros: Easy to wear around your neck and pull up when needed (especially great for outdoor dining); Super-breathable; Very soft and lightweight; Cotton lining; Adjustable ear straps with 16” tie; Tons of NEW awesome patterns; Adjustable fit (fits my kids too).

Cons: Not as quick to put on and take off as ear loop masks (unless you already have it tied to fit).

3.  The Best Mask For Looking Cute
 Boden

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.  
Boden Masks | Earrings **Sustainable**
Left: Cardigan | Under $100 OptionTop | Denim | Sneaks **Sustainable Pick** 
Right: Sweater | Skinnies **Plus Sizing Available**| Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: AMAZING patterns and colors; Softest mask I’ve tried; Supercomfortable; Stretchy comfy ear loops (fits my 12-year-old and hubbie too); 3 layers with filter built-in; Internal nose bridge wire; Doesn’t fog my glasses.

Cons: Not as breathable as Athleta, Nordstrom and Outdoor Research; Collapses in when you breathe; Viscose (I wish it had a cotton liner).

4. The Best Mask For Special Occasions
Reformation

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Reformation Masks
Left: Dress | Heels
Right:  Sweater | Skinnies **Plus Sizing Available** | BootsUnder $100 Option |

Pros: Beautiful fabrics, and can be coordinated with their gorgeous clothing line.

Cons: Polyester fabric (I prefer cotton); Tie-Straps (I prefer stretchy ear loops).

5. The Best Mask For Looking Regal
Regal Clothes **Black-Owned Business**

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Regal Clothes Face Masks **Black-Owned Business**

Left: Cardigan | Under $100 Option | TopDenim | Sneaks **Sustainable Pick**
Right: Sweater | Skinnies **Plus Sizing Available**| Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: Gorgeous fabrics; Huge variety of designs and patterns; Many of her masks have descriptions of the historical meaning of the flower/pattern/colors; 100% cotton; Fast shipping.

Cons: Sizing too big for me; Not super, super-soft right away; I prefer a thinner elastic for ear loops.

6. The Best Mask For Hiking & Extra Protection
  –Outdoor Research

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Outdoor Research Mask At Amazon | At Dillards
Left: Hoodie | Joggers | Sneaks
Right:  Sweater | Skinnies **Plus Sizing Available**| Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: Comes with 3 filters; Microbe resistant mask material; Filters greater than 95% of virus, bacteria, and particles in accordance with ASTM test standards; Super-breathable; Adjustable ear loops and nose wire (comfortably fits my 12-year-old and hubs too); Comes with storage pouch; Water and stain repellent, Doesn’t fog glasses, You can read more about the filter and protection here.

Cons: Expensive; Limited color choices; Not super-soft.

7. The Best Mask For Looking Chic & Size Variety
ShopBuru

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

ShopBuru Masks | Small U Earrings
Left: Dress | Heels | Earrings **Sustainable**
Right: Sweater |Under $100 Option | Denim | Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: One of Shana’s favorite masks, Shana’s kids wear them a ton too; Multiple sizing options (adult, teen, lg child, sm child); Cute reversible patterns/colors; comfy thin elastic ear loops; Sculpted shape doesn’t collapse in when you breathe.

Cons: Sizing difficult to determine; Helps to order multiple sizes then mix and match with a friend for sizing; At this time, you can’t pick your pattern/colors.

8. The Best Mask For Fun, Fun, Fun
Clare V

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Clare V Masks
Left: Cardigan | Under $100 Option |Top | Denim | Sneaks **Sustainable Pick**
Right: Dress | Heels | Earrings **Sustainable**

Pros: 100% Cotton; Fabulously fun designs; Usually I prefer ear loops, but the straps hanging down like earrings can be fun. 

Cons: Assorted prints (don’t know what you’re getting); Tie-Straps (I usually prefer stretchy ear loops).

9. The Best Mask For Feeling Hugged 
No Sew Homemade

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

Homemade No-Sew Pattern
Left: Cardigan | Under $100 Option | Top | Denim | Sneaks **Sustainable Pick**
Right: SweaterSkinnies **Plus Sizing Available** | Boots | Under $100 Option

Pros: My mom made mine, so I feel hugged every time I wear this one; Budget-friendly; Can use fabric you already have; Comfortable and adjustable sizing.

Cons: You have to be (or know someone) a BIT crafty…the no-sew pattern, though, is not too bad even for the non-crafty among us.

10. The Best Mask For Kids
Athleta Kids– 

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.
-Photo Credit: Athleta.Gap.com-

Athleta Kids Everyday Mask

Pros: Same design as the adult ones I love, but smaller; Soft; Comfortable; Breathable; Neutral Solid Colors; Adjustable ear loops; Fits both my 7- and 12-year-old boys (the adult version fits my 12-year-old as well). 

Cons: Limited color/pattern choices.

Shop Face Masks I Reviewed + Masks I Want To Try

I have a feeling my search will not end with this post. I’m definitely ordering these and these….so cute! Anyone found a mask that has a variety of cute color/pattern choices, adjustable ear loops, is breathable, soft, 100% cotton, triple layered, not too expensive, AND doesn’t fog your glasses? Shout out your personal favs in the comments pretty, pretty please…would love for this to be a collaborative search! 

-Linzi

This one’s for the pinners…

The best mask? We think: cute, comfortable & breathable. Athleta, Outdoor Research, Reformation...a review of 10 face coverings we tried.

23 COMMENTS

  1. Those Revolve ones are so cute! I think I may order them, too. My sister in law has launched a website for selling masks that she makes. They are two layers with a pocket for a filter (I believe) and a really unique design. Her site is http://www.courtneyrafter.com. I just got mine today and haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. But it looks promising!

  2. Early early on, Laura posted face masks from Madison Flitch, which has now opened another brand for face masks and bags called Madison Stitch. https://www.madisonstitch.com/face-masks

    These are on the expensive side, but I love the bungee that goes around your head and neck. So it’s fully adjustable and sits comfortably on your face. It’s only two layers but there’s a pocket for a filter. The giraffe pattern is cool without being too over the top, and they have some nice neutrals. My kids like their kids’ masks too.

    • So nice to know, Joni. My kids don’t love any masks besides my mom’s homemade ones and the Athleta ones…great to have other options. Thanks.

    • Agree..that dark chambray is such a versatile color/fabric. Good find. Sounds like they’ve been tweaking the design too based on customer feedback….so good. Thanks, Sara, for the recommendation.

  3. My absolute favorite masks are Tory Burch (pack of 5 $35.00) one pack comes with bandana patterns and my kids love them. They are super comfortable and you can wear them all day.

    • Awesome. The bandana patterns are so cute. I find the adjustable ear loop makes a big difference with fit. Always excited to see cute patterns that have this!

  4. Could you please provide a review for the Slip silk face mask? Silk is supposed to be a good fabric choice for people who get acne from wearing masks. Thanks.

  5. I came to the comments to suggest the slip silk mask!! This is a family favorite!! They’re not inexpensive at $39 but they are the best I’ve tried and like everyone else I’ve tried tons! They come with the nose wire so no fogging you glasses or slipping throughout the day. They even include replacement nose bridges should you lose one in the wash. The mask is multilayered and has a small gathering on the inside that keeps it from being sucked into your mouth. It also has adjustable ear loops with replacement silicone stoppers so it adjust to fit any face. We have six of these in my house and everyone from the husband to the 14yr old boys grabs the slip silk ones first. I cannot recommend these enough and the silk is naturally antibacterial so it helps prevent the dreaded ‘mascne’. I wear a mask 8hrs a day and forget this little baby is one! Its thick for sure but the silk stays cooler and doesn’t let the hot air blow back on you like the dreaded blue mask.

    • Okay. Must.Order.Now! I’ve been trying to stick to cotton or at least cotton liners when possible, but now I’m sold. Excited to try. Thank you so much for the report!

  6. This is a great post as we keep trying new ones too. My boys and I love the Sanctuary ones- they had some good camo designs early on and we just tried the Athleta masks, which run a close second. Definitely going to investigate the silk mask next!

  7. Our favourites are some we had custom printed by Vistaprint with adjustable ear bands and a nose wire. We made “school uniform” ones so they’d feel more like a normal part of the day for the kids They have a chin section (gusset?) so I find they stay in place well when talking which was an issue with some of the other styles for me. We have a bunch in the kid sizes because my 9 year old has glasses and it’s hard to find kid sizes with nose wire. The kid size fits our 5 year old well too. So far they’re holding up to lots of washing.

  8. Should mention that they aren’t natural fibre which I was concerned about for breathability but honestly they are more comfy to wear than some of our cotton ones. They’re definitely the top choice for fit of what we’ve tried. (We also have Old navy ones, Bien Aller ones, and some homemade)

  9. I’d be careful to always check masks with the candle test. A good mask won’t let you blow out a candle. I found that a lot of the “easy to breath in” masks my kids liked were basically useless. A fabric itself may be tested for XYZ but if there are big gaps due to poor fit for air to move around or if kids wear it stretched out it doesn’t help.

    As an MD, I wear ear loop masks for clinic, but for surgery and life I am only willing to wear masks that go around my whole head. So uncomfortable otherwise! I have not found many traditional retailers that make this style so have been doing Etsy. I have found that replacing the ear loop with a jersey strap and adding a plastic toggle to tighten has really helped. Super easy for kids to take on and off now too.

  10. I bought my daughter some headbands with buttons so she can loop it over the buttons instead of her ears and it’s apparently a big improvement.

  11. I have been researching masks since April and I have some unique ones that you can buy from my website, https://www.wowcustomapparel.com/face-masks/ or some awesome SIP EZ masks from my other website http://www.sipezmask.com. Since I am a Phila based company I also have great Philadelphia sports patches and even some NY teams as well. Please check out my website for unique items. My college masks are designed by an artist and are great gifts for college kids, new twist on the one college sweatshirt.

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