19 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear

This week, the Biden administration begins delivering 400 million high-quality N95 masks for free at pharmacies and other locations. Adults can claim up to three masks each. If you want to claim your free masks, try the nearest branch of your local pharmacy chain or any vaccine distribution centers. 

However, you will probably need more masks than three. This model is one of the CDC's approved masks, and several WIRED team members have recommended it. Instead of ear loops, it has two comfortable head straps for long-term wear and a molded shape that holds it off the face for easier breathing and less dampness. However, it doesn't fold, which makes it harder to carry and store. And like most N95s at the moment, it fluctuates in and out of stock so check back if it's sold out. 

If you're having trouble finding N95s in stock, we have a guide to disposable masks that you may find helpful. I buy my N95s through Project N95, which connects PPE supplies with the organizations and people that need them. They also independently review manufacturer and product certifications, as well as pricing, availability, and lead times, so you don't have to worry about counterfeit masks. I've purchased these masks off Project N95 for school pickup, and they fold and are individually wrapped for easy storage. Several other WIRED team members use them as well.

These are the masks I wear daily. Although they're disposable, you can hang them to air them out for up to three uses. These alphanumeric names denote foreign manufacturing standards, but they usually indicate masks similar in efficacy to an N95. Just make sure you don't get a fake one. You can check whether a mask manufacturer has gotten an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC has a few tips on how to spot a counterfeit face mask. You can buy your masks through organizations like Project N95, which independently review manufacturer and product certifications, as well as pricing, availability, and lead times.

If I had to work in an office every day, I would use the AirPop Light SE masks. As I noted in our Best Kid Masks roundup, they've been independently certified by several international product testing and quality assurance companies, and they are an ASTM-certified Level 2. 

Most importantly, they have a peaked shape that holds the mask off my face to make it easier to breathe. I wear glasses, and these masks have a comfortable, cushioned seal around the nose that absorbs moisture and prevents my glasses from fogging. Although the packaging says they're machine-washable for up to 10 times, I think they're too delicate. I've been hand-washing ours and hanging them up to dry.

I personally purchased this mask on the recommendation of two members on WIRED's science desk for my high-risk, vaccinated and boosted parent who traveled during the holidays to visit my unvaccinated child. It's an investment, but worth it if you need to mask for long periods of time. 

It's easy to assemble and replace the filters, and the gel padding on the nose is shockingly comfortable. You can choose either traditional head straps or the quick ear loops, which relieves the pressure off the ears. However, the boxes of replacement filters are also expensive and my mom reported many stares in the airport. The best mask is the one you'll use, and this might not be a great choice for people who are particularly self-conscious. 

Unfortunately, most disposable surgical masks do not offer a sufficient level of protection against airborne viruses, as these loose-fitting masks are designed at keeping out particulates and fluids. An N95 is much more effective, as it forms a close seal around your nose and mouth.

However, if you need to keep extra masks in your car or donate masks to your kids' school, these are affordable and light. They have also been certified to one of the ASTM's three levels of efficacy. These are a Level 3, which means they've been tested to over 99 percent efficacy at keeping out bacteria and particulates, and moderate efficacy at keeping out fluids. These are also great for outdoor workouts, as they're so light. They may get soaked by sweat and vapor, but at least you won't have to wash them afterward.

If you want to double-mask (see below), your choice must improve the fit and security of the first mask. For me, that rules out double-masking with two masks that have ear loops, since that's uncomfortable and makes both masks more likely to slip off.

If I wear a second mask, I like to use a different strap system from my first. It also needs structure to it, with a nose wire to close any gaps on my face. Kitsbow's mask was designed in collaboration with Wake Forest Baptist Health and offers six sizes to fit a whole slew of faces. This is one of the best-fitting and most secure cloth masks I've worn; after trying the tester masks, I bought my own replacements. It comes with options for removable inserts and in a merino wool version.

One of the strangest developments over the course of the past year and a half has been watching my kids get used to face masks. My son was 2 years old when the pandemic started, and I had to chase him like the dickens to get anything on his face. Now he's 4 and carefully puts on his mask before heading to the playground, the same way he checks his shoes—even though his pants are still on backward.

Now that my kids are more aware of the risks of not wearing masks, these Happy Masks have become their favorite. The small size fits my 4-year-old and 6-year-old well, once we adjust the ear loops. These have a nanofiber filter and are a bit stiffer, with more structure than other masks, so it's easier for kids to run and play. However, it verily hurts my eyeballs to see these $24 masks getting stained, crushed, or lost. Getting your hands on replacements has also become increasingly difficult, to the point that I joined the waiting list and followed the company on Instagram to get advance notice of restocks. My daughter also likes the Airpop kid masks. Read our guide to the Best Masks for Kids for more options.

Disposable masks are affordable and easily found through large retailers. But it can be hard to independently verify their efficacy or provenance. And given worldwide shipping delays and stock shortages, it can be hard to predict when they'll arrive. 

At the start of the pandemic, software entrepreneur Lloyd Armbrust pivoted to making masks. These are made in the US and have been independently tested to be ASTM Level 3 certified. They're noticeably thicker and sturdier than the disposable surgical masks I've purchased on Amazon. The company also makes accessories and folding N95 masks that arrived much more promptly than others that I've purchased. 

I have to say: There are much better masks available now. But if all you want is to keep a few emergency extras in your car or bag, the Con.Struct cotton face masks are shockingly durable and well made for the price (around $5 each). There's only one size, but they fit my medium-size face well, and the ear loops have adjustable bungees. The light, pleated cotton is breathable and passes the light test. They have a moldable nose wire and a pocket for an adjustable filter.

No matter how effective a mask is, it's not going to work if you don't want to wear it. I don't usually mask outside, but if I'm going on a distanced walk or hike and am nervous about being in large groups of people, I will wear this mask around my neck. When another mask with a nose wire left bruises on my face during a trip, I wore this mask for 12 hours straight (with minimal breaks for eating or drinking) and felt no discomfort or irritation. It's made from Lululemon's signature soft, wicking Ultralu fabric, so it's stretchy and silky against your face. 

The caveat here is that this mask has not been ASTM-certified and, as of publication, we don't know if it will be. It also flutters in and out of stock, so check the website for updates.

If you watched the Summer Olympics, you may have noticed athletes wearing a face mask that reminded this writer, at least, of Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. That mask was the Nike Venturer Performance mask, which is very comfortable and also the biggest mask I've tested. 

I like the molded 3D form, which holds the mask off my face while I'm working out, and the double-strap system, which I find to be more comfortable and adjustable than ear straps. It's also machine-washable and comes with its own case for storage, so you don't have to shove a sweaty, germ-laden mask into your gym bag. However, it's too big to fit in my fanny pack for everyday use, and it's also incredibly ostentatious—by design, but still. It's currently sold out, but check back for updates. 

The Graf Lantz Zenbu masks were originally not one of my favorite picks. I found the amount of fabric to be a nuisance to store, and it caused the mask to feel a little bulky on my face. But more and more people have bought these masks, including WIRED digital producer Kim Chua, and find them exceptional for their breathability and durability. 

These masks have strategic darts that allow them to sit well off your face. They're also made from multiple layers of tightly woven organic cotton, a material that has been shown to be very efficient at filtering out nanoscale aerosols. Each mask also has a filter pocket for additional protection. For every mask sold, the company donates five meals to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the US.

We don't endorse using loosely tied bandanas as face masks. But a bandana-style face mask is another thing entirely. The experimental clothing brand Outlier recently branched out into face masks, and former WIRED photo editor Phuc Pham likes the Mask 001, which makes you look like a cool city cowboy. It has a linen insert, an internal nose bridge, and an easy-to-use magnetic closure to hold it flush and securely against your face.

Outlier is a textile-nerd company, and the Ultrasuede material is made from polyester that is soft, lies well, and is fine, dense, and washable. It also makes a more conventional-looking pleated mask, but check back often because its products swing in and out of stock.

Primal's mask is comfortable, secure around my nose and mouth, and includes a filter to improve the level of protection. The NT3D filter is easy to wash, although you have to replace it after 10 washes (so get some extras). The patented plastic X-Frame insert holds it well off my face, and the neck strap makes the fit more comfortable and is convenient when I'm biking downtown for an errand.

In my bin of masks, this one is incredibly distinctive. It's knit to shape from recycled yarn. That means it's zero-waste—no cutting and sewing pieces of fabric with scraps that will have to be discarded—and it also stands off my face. This shape, combined with the fact that it points sharply over the bridge of my nose, means it doesn't make my glasses fog. It also passes both the light and the candle test. It's a little harder to breathe while wearing it on walks or longer hikes, though.

Bilio uses proprietary SilverKiss antibacterial tech, though coronavirus is not bacteria. If you're having a lot of trouble with mascne, then silver, copper oxide, or zinc oxide treatments like this might help (maybe), but you'd probably get more benefit from washing your mask more often and doing spot treatments.

Over a year, many mask makers have had ample opportunities to improve. We liked Hedley & Bennett's masks last year, and WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer and I both like the latest version (as does WIRED web producer Kim Chua). 

Hedley & Bennett is a kitchenware company that quickly pivoted from making aprons and chef coats to masks. It designed them in collaboration with Robert Cho, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. They're sturdy, comfortable, and made from either cotton or a cotton-poly blend, with an adjustable nose wire. They come with a pocket for a removable filter and now offer adjustable straps and different strap designs. For every mask sold, the company donates a mask to frontline health care workers and farmworkers.

Vistaprint's masks are popular, stretchy, extremely comfortable, and machine washable. They come in a plethora of chic designs and have adjustable earloops and a pocket for a filter, which Vistaprint makes. (No cutting up vacuum bags here!) It also makes incredibly cute kids' masks that fit my 6-year-old perfectly. However, they're not made from breathable cotton. The outer layer is 100 percent polyester. In summer's damp humidity, my breath soaked through these and left them dripping in a matter of minutes.

We love Timbuk2's messenger bags, and the company now makes masks in its San Francisco factory. WIRED senior editor Michael Calore likes the reusable masks, which come in two sizes. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure from ear to ear across the bridge of your nose to find the best fit.

The masks are made from jersey cotton and have a pocket for holding a filter. Unlike some of our other picks, which loop behind the ears, these tie around the head. It makes them a little harder to pop on and off but more comfortable for extended wear. This might be a good option if you need to wear your mask all day, every day.

Our staffers have tried and recommend these masks:

• Tentree Protect Mask for $20: Executive editor Brian Barrett finds these masks to be “d*rned comfortable.”
• Uniqlo Airism Face Mask 3-Pack for $15: Gear reviewer Louryn Strampe finds this mask thin, cool, and comfortable enough for hiking on a 98-degree day. It's also light enough for people to hear you speak easily.
• Baggu Mask 3-Pack for $32: When a WIRED staffer's mother was sick with Covid-19, this was the mask she wore to sleep in. The seal is tight enough to keep in the virus and reduce fogging of your eyeglasses. We like the ear loop version better than the tie version, which snags long hair.
• Airband Mask for $13: This mask has an internal membrane to help filter out particles as small as 0.01 microns. The company has also partnered with Bill Nye the Science Guy on a number of initiatives over the year. Right now, proceeds from its space mask go to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit advocating for space exploration, of which Nye is the CEO.

No mask is perfect, and every mask manufacturer is constantly refining its design. Here are some face coverings that didn't make our list.

• Buff Filter Mask for $22: The Buff neck gaiter has been one of the most popular running mask picks, so it makes sense the company would try a dedicated face mask. Like a Buff, it squeezes your face while you run. No thank you.
• Nathan Black Running Mask for $14: This mask is well-made, comfortable, and fits well. Unfortunately, there's a big slit running through the middle of it, rendering it useless.
• Outerknown Recycled Mask 3-Pack for $30: These are well-made and soft, but enormous. I passed these on to the biggest-headed colleagues I could find.
• Sanctuary Fashion PPE Mask 5-Pack for $28: I liked these masks early in the pandemic, but after six months of careful handwashing and line-drying, the fabric started to disintegrate.
• Courtyard LA Vintage Fabric Mask for $34: We recommended these masks earlier, but the higher price and long lead time are two significant strikes against the company. There are plenty of other luxurious, handmade, or recycled options available on Etsy or through other retailers.

While the vaccines are, indeed, very good, they're not a magic bullet against the more transmissible Covid-19 variants that are now circulating around the globe. If N95s or their alternatives are not an option for you, you might want to consider double-masking. 

In general, you should double-mask if doing so would improve the fit or thickness of the mask you already own. For example, if you only have two-layer masks, or if your disposable surgical mask has side gaps that a well-fitting cloth mask would pin down, then double up. However, it's far more effective to use one mask that fits correctly. 

Check our guide to double-masking for tips on how to do so safely.

We encourage you to look past the tempting sterilizing products, like lights, cases, and sprays. The underlying science of their use might be sound, but the average consumer is not likely to follow the rigorous protocols that hospitals and other institutions use to make sure their sterilizing technology works. The best way to make your mask more effective is to make it easier and more comfortable to wear. 

• Double-sided tape or staples: If your surgical mask gaps at the top of your nose, you can tape it to your face to seal it. You can also fold down the sides of the mask and staple it shut to seal gaps at the side.
• Knotting your mask: The CDC recently released a report showing that both double-masking and knotting and tucking a surgical medical mask significantly reduces exposure.
• Mask lanyards and head straps: If I'm going to be out and about, I clip a mask lanyard onto my mask to wear it around my neck when not on my face so I don't have to stuff the mask into a pocket. If wearing a face mask with ear loops hurts your ears, you can also try attaching a head strap. I like Tom Bihn's the best, but many companies make them.
• Mask brackets: Mask brackets and mask fitters hold and contour simple cloth masks off your face. I find the ones I've tried to be more trouble than they're worth, but a few WIRED staffers like them.
• Anti-fog spray: Like many of us, product reviewer Louryn Strampe has to deal with annoying mask-glasses-foggery. She recommends Warby Parker's defogging lens cleaner. Cat Crap on your sunglasses also works pretty well (did I just write that?).
• Mask storage: If you're away from home and need to remove your mask, you may want to carry a designated pouch in your bag for dirty ones. We like reusable bags from Stasher or Baggu.

Masks work by reducing the spread of droplets. That means if you remove your mask by the cloth covering, instead of the ear loops or ties, you're getting potentially infected droplets on your hands and spreading them around. Remove your mask carefully by the ear loops, wash it after use, and wash your hands after removal.

The easiest way to wash your masks might be to buy a week's worth and toss them into the washing machine with regular detergent. But I've also been soaking mine in my bathroom sink with hot water and no-rinse detergent, then line-drying in the sun.

Don't get overenthusiastic with the adjustable straps either. The mask shouldn't be so tight that it restricts your breathing, and a mask is also not recommended for children under 2 or for anyone else who might have trouble getting it off their face.

Should you get a mask with ear loops, adjustable bungees, or head ties? Which one you pick depends on the size and shape of your head and how long you're planning to wear the mask. As mask mandates have grown stricter across the country, I now prefer masks with head ties. It's easier to remember a mask if you sling it on as you go out the door, like sunglasses or your car keys.

Head ties might work better for you if you have an unusually large or small head that falls out of the normal manufacturer specs. The ties can also feel more secure and put less strain on your fragile ear cartilage if you're wearing your mask for long periods of time. If you see a mask you like with head ties but would prefer ear loops, you can improvise your own with a sliding knot. 

Though a widely cited Duke University study seems to suggest that neck gaiters (turtleneck-type masks) are less effective than other masks, my colleague Megan Molteni points out that the study used a sample size of one. If your neck gaiter fits you well and covers your nose and mouth, it might work fine! But there are more comfortable and effective options available.

This week, the Biden administration begins delivering 400 million high-quality N95 masks for free at pharmacies and other locations. Adults can claim up to three masks each. If you want to claim your free masks, try the nearest branch of your local pharmacy chain or any vaccine distribution centers. 

However, you will probably need more masks than three. This model is one of the CDC's approved masks, and several WIRED team members have recommended it. Instead of ear loops, it has two comfortable head straps for long-term wear and a molded shape that holds it off the face for easier breathing and less dampness. However, it doesn't fold, which makes it harder to carry and store. And like most N95s at the moment, it fluctuates in and out of stock so check back if it's sold out. 

If you're having trouble finding N95s in stock, we have a guide to disposable masks that you may find helpful. I buy my N95s through Project N95, which connects PPE supplies with the organizations and people that need them. They also independently review manufacturer and product certifications, as well as pricing, availability, and lead times, so you don't have to worry about counterfeit masks. I've purchased these masks off Project N95 for school pickup, and they fold and are individually wrapped for easy storage. Several other WIRED team members use them as well.

These are the masks I wear daily. Although they're disposable, you can hang them to air them out for up to three uses. These alphanumeric names denote foreign manufacturing standards, but they usually indicate masks similar in efficacy to an N95. Just make sure you don't get a fake one. You can check whether a mask manufacturer has gotten an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC has a few tips on how to spot a counterfeit face mask. You can buy your masks through organizations like Project N95, which independently review manufacturer and product certifications, as well as pricing, availability, and lead times.