Face Masks That Don't Suck and Where to Buy Them

As terrible as this global pandemic is, at least we're living through it during the time of internet. Thanks to Al Gore, we can browse through endless face mask options from the comfort of our own quarantine (not to mention order food, supples, and Pinterest far too many banana bread recipes). Sure, it may take a little longer than usual for the masks to arrive, but we don't have to leave our homes to buy them, which we couldn't do without masks anyway. So, yay?

Face masks, however, are not all created equal. You've probably discovered that it isn't easy finding a mask that provides proper protection, fits well, is comfortable, and is actually a design you'd wear.

I asked friends, strangers, and the people of the internet for their input on the best face masks, taking into account all the above requirements. I was able to try several of them for myself, so I'm only including the ones that don't suck. Because let's be honest, a lot of them suck.

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? Yes

Adjustable nose piece? Yes

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? Yes

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

*Adult mask fits larger faces better than smaller ones.

Adjustable straps? No

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? No

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? No

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

*For each mask purchased, B. Yellowtail donates one mask to Indigenous communities most impacted by COVID-19.

Adjustable straps? No

Cool designs? Two options in black and white.

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? Yes

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes, four layers with an anti-moisture microbial layer.

Filter pocket? No

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? No

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? Yes

Adjustable nose piece? No

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? Yes

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

*For every mask purchased, one is donated to someone in need.

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? Yes

Machine washable? Yes, but hand washing is recommended

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? Yes

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

*Masks are made with Anti-Microbial, nano silver-infused fabric. Clear-It Antifog solution is recommended for smile masks to prevent fogging.

Adjustable straps? No

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? No

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? No

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

Adjustable straps? No

Cool designs? Four color options

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? No

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? Yes

Filter included? Yes

Kid sizes? No

*A better fit for larger faces. For every mask purchased, one is donated to Direct Relief.

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Three color options

Reversible? No

Adjustable nose piece? Yes

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? Yes

Filter included? Yes

Kid sizes? No

*Made from sustainable bamboo fabric that naturally repels odors, allergens, and toxins.

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? Yes

Adjustable nose piece? No

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? No

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes

Adjustable straps? Yes

Cool designs? Yes

Reversible? Yes

Adjustable nose piece? Yes

Machine washable? Yes

More than one layer? Yes

Filter pocket? No

Filter included? No

Kid sizes? Yes