Both the CDC and the WHO recommend wearing a mask when you are out in public—it’s clear this small step could have a major impact on our livelihood, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find quality masks that are stylish and functional. While these don’t provide 100% protection COVID-19 outbreak, and of course N95 respirators and surgical face masks are reserved for health care workers, these masks can offer a bit of ease while navigating our new normal.
To help you out, we comprised a list of our favorite masks—there’s even one that includes an embedded copper nose band that bends for a snug, custom fit and reduced eyewear fogging (yes, finally!).
Here are our favorite brands creating non-medical face masks:
Cubcoats Uki the unicorn
We love this multi-tasker for so many reasons. It transforms into a buddy your little can wear on their wrist or strap onto their backpack, or it can also be used a hair tie. It’s a simple way to get kids who might not be super happy about wearing a mask to get excited because it can double as a toy. And the elastic ear-loops are stretchy so they won’t pinch little ears! They are double-layered for safety, breathable, reusable and can be safely machine washed and dried. 🙌
Emilia George 100% cotton face masks
We love that the strings on this mask are fully adjustable, making it easier to readjust on any face, and more comfortable to wear. It comes in 10 different colors, so you can buy one to match any look you may be rocking.
Cubcoats Tomo the Tiger reversible face mask
Cubcoats gets a double mention here, because we love it for all the reasons above, but this one is also reversible, so you get two masks for the price of one. This is great for those style-conscious preschoolers who want their mask to match with every outfit.
Baublebar For Your Mini adjustable face mask (set of 2)
One of the hardest things about kids face masks is making sure they don’t slip off little faces. We love these from Baublebar because they’re fully adjustable, super soft, and made especially for your mini. Another cool thing is that BaubleBar is offering these to shoppers at cost. Because safety comes first.
PAIGELAUREN better than nothing matching face masks
Looking for mommy and me mask sets? Babywear brand Paigelauren is offering affordable parent and pint-sized mask sets to keep your children (and you) during this time. Masks are made of super-soft rib and jersey material, with a cover stitch over binding to make it comfortable for long usage.
Rendall Co. sentry mask
Most masks are secured on the side, but this one is a bit different. It’s an accordion-folded mask, with a tie-back style that offers full, comfortable coverage. What’s more? The built-in pocket lets you add your own filter. It’s also sustainably sourced and produced in LA—packaged and shipped from their LA partner factory. Try them in four colors: indigo chambray, indigo denim, ticking stripe and wabash stripe.
Rhythms of village village face mask
In need of masks that represent you and your African heritage? Rhythms of the Village is a family-owned and operated business with hand crafted face masks with traditional African prints. We’re obsessed with the village masks made of 100% cotton African textiles.
Elyse Maguire reusable silky wave face mask
This two-layer reusable facemask uses repurposed silky scarf material on the outside and an inner layer of tightly woven cotton. The double-layer fabric construction is protective but also breathable and the ribbon tie closure provides an adjustable, secure fit. Bonus: For every mask purchased, the brand will donate another mask to an essential worker on the frontlines.
Luminora protective face mask
Lifestyle brand Luminora, known for swimwear and resort wear pieces, released a new face mask design that is antimicrobial, moisture impermeable, lightweight, breathable and offers sun protection blocking 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays. It clearly begs the question: Is there anything this mask can’t do?
Plover
Plover, makers of organic bedding and home accessories, decided it was time to make masks when a nurse told them she was looking for the densest fabric that she had and used an old Plover tablecloth to make masks. Now, the Seattle-based brand is making GOTS-certified organic cotton masks from their fabric scraps, which are constructed from their heavyweight woven cotton twill. Snag one of the four prints: yellow confetti, blue plants, olive plants and blue ottoman for a stylish ensemble.
41 Winks non medical face mask
41 Winks, a New York City based lifestyle brand best known for memorable eye masks, is now producing non medical face masks in partnership with their women-led factory in Pennsylvania. Each pleated face mask features two layers of 100% cotton fabric and one layer of polyethylene filter for added protection as well as a plastic adjustable nose bridge for a snug fit.
Old Navy cloth face masks
One of our favorite family brands, Old Navy is offering reusable, non-medical grade masks made of 100% cotton poplin. Available in an adult and kid sizes with five masks per pack, the masks have cool prints like flowers, bananas and polka dots—everything you need to make you feel a bit better during these uncertain times.
Additionally, to further help those in need, Old Navy is making a donation of 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You’ve got this.
[This was originally published April, 2020 and has since been updated.]