At the beginning of the pandemic, sewing enthusiasts started making their own face masks at home, with some creating mass amounts to donate or sell to those in need. Now, it seems almost every retailer produces and sells masks.
With so many options available from small businesses, large retailers, and independent sellers, it can be overwhelming to figure out which is the best mask to buy—and which one is best for you. It’s easy to default and pick a mask based on a fun pattern or color, but you may end up with a mask that offers minimal protection or does not fit your face comfortably. This is why we decided to test masks—to help you figure out which ones are actually worth your money.
After many hours spent researching, testing, and wearing multiple masks, we found our favorite face coverings. The best mask we tested is the Athleta Mask (available at Athleta for $30.00). These masks strike a nice balance between providing protection and breathability, and they are quite comfortable with adjustable ear loops and a nose wire providing a quality fit. The Old Navy Mask (available at Old Navy) finished in second place and is our best value pick. We love that these masks have three layers of soft cotton material that makes them comfortable to wear, and easy to breathe in.
Are you convinced of the importance of wearing a dust work mask? Then you should begin researching the different brands and models of these products starting with ten of the top-rated ones below.