On the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest guidance on masking rules, it’s looking like face masks will likely remain part of our daily dressing routines for a while longer. New findings reveal that the Delta variant has the ability to spread to vaccinated people, and the CDC is now advising that masks be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.
California in August became the first U.S. state to require that teachers and school staff get vaccinated or tested regularly for COVID-19. After approving vaccine requirements for indoor public spaces, L.A. County extended its mask mandate that previously covered indoor spaces (including movie theaters, gyms, bars and restaurants) to go in effect at “mega-events” such as concerts, fairs, festivals and sporting events. Coachella owner AEG also announced that its vaccination policy will go into effect by or before Oct. 1. And New York City mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed an executive order requiring people to show proof of vaccination to attend indoor live events.
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The CDC in February recommended layering a cloth face covering over a medical mask, and stars were among those who promptly doubled up to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. More recently, Los Angeles and St. Louis are among the cities that have already reverted to indoor mask mandates following a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Those infections include “breakthrough” instances that generally result in milder symptoms among vaccinated individuals.
If you’re erring on the side of caution and in need of new face masks for fall, we’ve rounded up some of the best cloth options (and filters to go with them) as well as disposable and medical-grade covetings for those who prefer to double-mask. Check out our top picks for the most stylish and safe cloth face masks below, including a handful that are on sale for up to 75% off.
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1. Original Penguin 3-Pack Reusable Pleated Face Masks
Original Penguin’s stylish pleated face masks come in a three-pack and are available in many other patterns and colorways. If you’re into tigers, florals and cheer (oh my!), you can get all three designs for just $4.
2. Masqd Antique Rose Rib Face Mask
Olivia Wilde, Dakota Fanning, and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few who’ve worn L.A.-based brand Masqd. This stylish ribbed face mask (available in other autumn-ready colors) is made of antimicrobial cotton and includes a pocket for a removable filter (not included).
3. Basecamp Reusable Cloth Face Masks
4. Pink Moon Aromatherapy Mask
This three-layered and waterproof organic cotton face mask by textile designer Elena Scarlata and Pink Moon features an aromatherapy pocket and a special pure wool insert for adding your favorite essential oils.
5. Onzie Mindful Masks Starry Night/First Bloom Set
Fitness fiends can stay safe and comfortable in Onzie’s stylish face masks, which come in a set of two and are made of upcycled activewear fabric that’s moisture-wicking and breathable.
6. Enro In Bloom Face Mask
Recently spotted on Emma Roberts and Katherine Schwarzenegger, Enro’s flower-powered face mask is made with antimicrobial and water-repellent fabric and features a built-in PM 0.1 filter that keeps you from breathing in particles of 1 micrometer or smaller. The adjustable nose bridge and ear loops offer extra comfort, and the mask is available in a variety of stylish colorways. The brand is currently “experiencing unprecedented demand” and says it expects to restock Aug. 30; in the meantime, their best-selling face masks are still available in black.
7. Rendall Co. Ace Face Mask
Workwear brand Rendall Co. pivoted to making face masks during the pandemic, offering stylish options made from their sturdy apron fabric. The brand’s Ace pleated face mask has comfortable elastic ear loops and gives full coverage, and it’s available in different colorways and quantities (choose from a single mask to packs of four, eight or 20).
8. Tianlu 5-Pack Breathable Face Masks
These reusable cloth face masks are made of three-ply fabric and include an adjustable nose wire, adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket. The five-pack also comes with PMC 2.5 filters.
9. Perry Ellis Standard Reusable Pleated Face Masks
Made of breathable cotton, these washable Perry Ellis face masks come in a pack of six fun floral prints and solid colors. The plastic cords are adjustable and the mask’s rounded shape offers a chic look.
10. Nordstrom Assorted Face Masks
These summer-ready washable double-layered face masks come in a pack of four in gingham prints and solid hues, plus a matching storage bag. Made of jersey, they offer nose-to-chin coverage and include a filter pocket.
11. Henry 4-Pack Face Mask Subscription
Recently spotted on Jennifer Lopez, Henry’s origami-like face masks can be ordered in two- or four-pack subscription options, making it easier to restock. These washable and reusable masks are designed to be replaced every week when used regularly, and they’re made of breathable three-ply material.
12. Lapcos Breathable Face Masks
These sleek breathable face masks by Lapcos are made of soft, form-fitting cotton fabric. They offer UV protection and feature comfortable ear loops.
13. Skims Seamless Face Masks
Match your minimalist shapewear with these non-medical face masks from Kim Kardashian-founded label Skims, made of a breathable nylon and spandex blend. They come in a pack of five and are available in other skin tone shades; they’re currently out of stock, but you can sign up for the wait list to get notified when they’re back.
14. Maskc Dark Floral Face Masks
Looking to double-up in style? Mandy Moore, Lucy Hale, Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck are just a handful of stars who have been seen in Maskc’s disposable face masks, which offer print-happy layering under your favorite reusable cloth covering. The company’s variety of patterned and solid-colored face coverings — like this dark floral option (reg. $18)— feature three layers (including a breathable and moisture-proof interior layer) and an adjustable nose bridge. The brand also offers KN95 respirator masks, which have five layers for filtering out 95 percent of small particles.
15. Inex Gear The Better Face Mask
Inexgear’s reusable face mask is made of the company’s breathable Inexshield fabric that features “nanofiber filtration technology.” The moisture-wicking covering has adjustable ear loops, a wire nose bridge, a contoured fit, and a glasses-friendly design. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes.
16. Lele Sadoughi Assorted Face Masks
Some of the best cloth face masks come in an array of fashionable fabrics, like this three-pack from Lele Sadoughi (whose maximalist headbands have been worn by Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore and Zendaya). Each two-layered mask has a contoured fit and adjustable elastic ear loops, and includes a built-in pocket for adding a PM 2.5 charcoal carbon filter (not included). The sets are available in a variety of patterns and colors.
17. Honest Co. Adult Cotton Face Masks
This two-pack of cotton face masks from Jessica Alba-founded brand Honest are made of washable cotton and come in standard and large sizes. They’re available in a variety of prints to suit your style, and you can stock up in matching versions for kids.
18. John Elliott Tie-Dye Face Masks
John Elliott’s non-medical reusable face masks come in hand-dyed tie-dye or solid black options in the L.A. designer’s signature edgy streetwear aesthetic. These washable cotton face coverings include elastic ear loops, and 10% of sales will be donated to UCLA Health Research & Education.
19. Johnny Was Signature Sateen Masks
We like that Johnny Was’ pleated sateen face masks contain an interior pocket that can hold a filter (not included). This five-piece assortment includes non-medical grade coverings made from a variety of repurposed fabrics, so styles and prints may differ. The brand will donate a pack of masks to essential workers for every set sold.
20. Amazon Essentials Marvel Washable Face Masks
Show off your MCU fandom with these Marvel face masks, which come in adults and kids sizes and in packs of four. They’re also available in other Disney designs, including Frozen, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse and more.
21. Millton PM 2.5 Activated Carbon Filters
If your cloth face masks have a filter insert pocket, these 2.5 PM activated carbon filters add an extra layer of safety. They measure 4.7 inches by 3.1 inches and feature five layers of airborne contaminant filtering, and they’re effective at capturing particles that are 2.5 micrometers (such as droplets).
