Stay itch-free with these breathable face masks seen on former President Barack Obama, Rihanna and others.
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As face masks have become wardrobe essentials over the last 21 months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend that all people (even those fully vaccinated) wear them in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Due to the Omicron variant, California and New York are once again mandating masks for indoor spaces, while Denmark plans to shut down movie theaters and restaurants for four weeks to curb the highly-infectious variant’s spread.
In October, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco required face masks or proof of COVID-19 vaccination at movie theaters, restaurants, outdoor festivals and other public spaces.
All of this means we’ve also spent nearly two years in search of comfortable face masks that aren’t itchy or result in maskne. Per the CDC, a reusable cloth mask is sufficient, so long as it has two or more layers of washable and breathable fabric, it completely covers your nose and mouth, it has a nose wire and fits snugly against the sides of your face without any gaps.
When and Where Are Face Masks Required?
The CDC says masks are generally not required in outdoor settings unless you’re in a crowded setting, the area has a high number of COVID-19 cases or you’ll be in contact with people who aren’t fully vaccinated.
Face masks are required at airports, train stations and other U.S. transit hubs and on public transportation, and must be properly worn over the nose and mouth.
According to the National Academy for State Health Policy, there are mask mandates in effect for indoor public areas in California (through Jan. 15, 2022 regardless of vaccination status), Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. Mask requirements vary by city and country, so travelers should check local regulations at their final destination.
Where to Find the Most Comfortable Masks Online
If you’re ready to swap out your worn-out face coverings or want to refresh your mask collection for winter or the busy travel season, we’ve rounded up the best comfortable face masks (note that not all are approved by the FDA for use by healthcare professionals). Keep reading below for a range of stylish, non-medical masks frequently spotted on stars, from breathable reusable designs that have been worn by former President Barack Obama to biodegradable masks seen on Rihanna, Sophie Turner and others.
1. Enro Solid Tech Face Mask
Enro’s popular (and often sold-out) face masks feature a built-in PM0.1 filter, which blocks 98.5 percent of particles of .01 microns and maintains the same protection after over 100 washes. The stylish face coverings feature an antimicrobial finish for preventing bacteria growth and odors, and the brand says its triple-layer mask is lighter than its competitors. They’re available in a variety of solid colors and prints, and in adults and kids sizes; stars including Katherine Schwarzenegger, Kaia Gerber and Emma Roberts have worn the brand.
2. Allbirds TrinoXO Face Masks
Allbirds’ three-layer face mask is made of leftover T-shirt material made from a super-soft blend of Tencel Lyocell, merino wool and chitosan. The non-medical, moisture-wicking face covering comes in a three-pack.
3. Evolvetogether KN95 Masks
Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gabrielle Union, Sophie Turner and Gigi Hadid are just a handful of stars who have sported Evolvetogether’s disposable and biodegradable face masks. The eco-conscious company’s KN95 masks feature six layers, including a water-resistant exterior layer, two filtration layers (which filters about 95 percent of particles), an odor-reducing activated charcoal layer and two moisture-absorbing interior layers. The masks are independently tested and certified by SGS, and they feature the coordinates of global destinations as a “reminder that we’re all connected” (this five-pack of burgundy masks are inspired by Aspen).
The travel-inspired brand also debuted a personal care collection of plant-based hand sanitizer sets, natural deodorant and hydrating hand cream (available Dec. 20), which make great stocking stuffers for the nomads on your list.
4. Masqd Classic Rib Face Mask Bundle
One of the most comfortable face masks that’s also frequently worn by A-listers (including Olivia Wilde, Dakota Fanning, Naomi Watts and Sarah Jessica Parker, among many other stars), Masqd’s reusable non-medical coverings are made of anti-microbial cotton and Lycra fabric and feature an adjustable nose bridge for comfort. Bella Hadid recently wore the brand’s Classic Rib face masks, which come in a pack of five. (The company is treating shoppers to 30 percent off sitewide for a limited time with code HOLIDAY.)
5. Lele Sadoughi Garden Party Set of 3 Face Masks
If you’re looking to match your face covering with your festive attire (but don’t want to go full holiday), consider New York-based designer Lele Sadoughi’s whimsical garden party face masks, which feature a two-layer contoured design with t-shirt lining. Adjustable elastic ear straps and a nose bridge make them comfy to wear all day, and they’re finished with stylish embroidered florals and stamped hearts and pearls. The masks come in a set of three and are also available in kids sizes.
6. Lululemon Ear Loop Face Mask 3-Pack
Designed for those sweaty activities (like working out or intense retail therapy), Lululemon’s Ear Loop face masks are made of the brand’s moisture-wicking Luxtreme fabric that keeps its shape while staying comfortably stretchy.
7. Jaanuu Antimicrobial Face Masks (5-Pack)
Recently seen on former President Barack Obama, healthcare apparel brand Jaanuu’s antimicrobial face masks are made of the same moisture-wicking and breathable fabric used in its medical scrubs. The Silvadur coating prevents discoloration and the buildup of bacteria, mold and odors, and the reusable and washable masks have a reinforced mesh lining and adjustable ear loops for all-day comfort. The face coverings are also available in other colors and kids sizes.
8. Henry Reusable Face Mask
Co-founded by celebrity tailor Patrick Henry and his brother, Chase Morgan, L.A.-based brand Henry’s origami-inspired face mask offers three layers of particle filtration. The minimalist pleated masks feature a boxy silhouette that was designed to avoid touching your mouth and to keep lipstick intact. Officially approved by Oprah Winfrey, the company’s U.S.-made masks have also been spotted on LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Dwayne Wade (among others). They’re available in cool patterns and vibrant colors as well as in kids sizes. You can also order them as monthly subscriptions and in custom designs.
9. Inex Gear The Better Mask
Inex Gear’s washable face mask features a breathable cotton outer layer, a middle layer with an embedded nanofiber filter and an inner layer made with moisture-wicking and cooling polyester fabric that feels comfortable on the face. The outer and inner layers both feature an antimicrobial treatment, and the mask’s scalloped design makes it fog-free and comfy for those who wear glasses. The moldable nose bridge and adjustable ear loops add to this breathable mask’s overall comfort; it’s available in multiple colors and sizes (including for kids).
10. Kitsch 100 Percent Cotton Face Masks, 3-Pack
Kitsch is known for its stylish hair and beauty accessories (not to mention its collaboration with celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan) — and it also makes equally chic face masks that are comfortable and affordable. The brand’s 100 percent cotton face masks are pleated and have comfortable elastic ear loops, and they come in a three-pack featuring solid and leopard print designs.
11. Under Armour Sports Mask
Fitness enthusiasts will find a sweat-friendly option in Under Armour’s sports mask which is made of 100 percent polyester and the brand’s Iso-Chill fabric so it feels cool and comfy when worn all day. The structured design features a water-resistant outer shell and a moisture-wicking layer that keep your face and lips comfortable during workouts, and the antimicrobial treatment helps to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.
12. Powecom KN95 Respirator Face Mask
Approved by the FDA for use by healthcare professionals, Powecom’s KN95 face masks were designed to filter out at least 95 percent of bacteria and other small non-oil-based particles. The masks feature an adjustable nosepiece and earloops for a secure fit; they’re also available with over-head straps.
13. CoRevival Face Masks
Made of 100 percent cotton, CoRevival’s face masks have a three-piece contoured design that prevents your glasses from fogging up. The washable face coverings feature two filter layers, an antimicrobial coating and an adjustable metal nose bridge for comfort.
14. Blissy Face Mask
Wearers with sensitive skin have raved about Blissy’s silk face masks, which are made from 100 percent pure mulberry silk, a luxe and sustainable fabric known for its hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties (and thus great for preventing maskne). They’re a stylish option for wearing solo and double-masking, too.
15. Happy Masks Pro Series Face Mask
You’ll need to sign up for a waitlist if you want to get your hands on (or face in) Happy Masks’ comfortable Pro series face masks, which are restocked on the Southern California-based company’s website twice a week. The brand’s five-layer masks (which are independently tested by Nelson Labs) include a three-ply “wafer-thin” nanofiber membrane filter that provides “over 99.99 percent filtration against viruses, bacteria, pollen, air pollution, smoke and other pollutants.”
Available in a range of solid colors and fun patterns (think kid-friendly dinosaurs, masks are designed with a “parrot beak” shape that makes them comfy to wear for extended periods of time (reviewers say even kids don’t mind wearing them for upwards of four hours), and they last for up to 250 hours of wear. The family-run business also offers a Base series line of face masks without the extra trim, which is helpful for those with sensory issues.
