Buying guide for best cloth face masks
When you’re trying to stay healthy — and keep those around you healthy, too — covering your nose and mouth is crucial. By keeping the droplets from sneezes and coughs from traveling farther, you can limit the spread of germs. A cloth face mask is probably the most convenient and comfortable covering you can find for everyday wear.
A cloth face mask is effective at containing the small droplets from your mouth and nose when you’re talking, coughing, or sneezing and prevents you from passing germs onto others. However, a cloth mask also offers some protection against larger droplets that come from those around you. The masks are made from various fabrics, which means you can choose a material that feels comfortable and breathable. Cloth face masks are usually adjustable, too, so you can get the right fit to keep those germs contained.
But with so many cloth face masks to pick from, choosing the right option can be a challenge. Our buying guide provides all the tips you need to find the best cloth face masks for your entire family. If you’re still unsure, we’ve included some specific mask recommendations, too.
Key considerations
Material
Cloth face masks are available in a wide range of materials. The tighter the fabric’s weave, the more protection it provides. However, a mask should also be breathable, so you feel comfortable when wearing it.
Cotton is the most popular option for a cloth face mask because it’s breathable but can still be fairly thick and dense to block droplets. You can often tell how protective a cotton face mask is by its thread count, the higher the thread count, the less porous the fabric is and the more protective.
Silk is another common material for cloth face masks because it’s good at repelling water, which helps prevent droplets from penetrating the mask.
Other masks are made of flannel, nylon, polyester, or a cotton-spandex blend. As a general rule, it’s best to avoid masks made of very stretchy fabrics because they can be too porous.
Layers and filters
Even the right mask material may not be as protective as you’d like if the mask doesn’t have enough layers. The more layers, the better the mask can contain droplets. For effective protection, a mask should have at least two layers, but the World Health Organization recommends three.
Some cloth face masks also have an additional filter layer between the fabric layers to help block any droplets or particles that make their way through the fabric. Some masks come with a filter, but you can also purchase filters separately or use a coffee filter, an unused vacuum cleaner bag, or paper towel as a filter in a pinch.
Fit
In order to offer adequate protection, a cloth face mask must fit properly. It must fully cover both your nose and mouth, extend past your mouth by at least an inch, and hook under your chin to keep it secure. It should be close-fitting but not so tight that it affects your breathing. Make sure that there aren't any gaps along the sides of your face, too.
We examine the material with which each cloth face mask is made: cotton, silk, flannel, nylon, polyester, or a cotton-spandex blend. Cotton is the most common material and the most breathable option.
We consider masks that are sold individually as well as those that come in multipacks. Some people find multipacks of 2 to 10 washable masks to be the most practical choice.
When researching the best cloth face masks, we evaluate the fit of each. The best masks are close-fitting but not too tight, and they completely cover the nose and mouth with no gaps.
We check to see how many layers each cloth face mask has. The more layers a mask has, the more protection it affords against droplets.
When comparing cloth face masks, we learn about how each one fastens to the face. Most have loops that go over the ears. A few have ties that go behind the head.
Although color doesn’t affect mask performance, we give bonus points to brands that offer a variety of colors and patterns.
We appreciate masks with a metal strip at the top edge of the nose, as this helps the mask stay in place. Masks with this feature are less likely to slip, and people who wear glasses tend to appreciate them.
If a cloth face mask comes with antimicrobial technology for added protection, we note it in our research.
When a mask comes with ear loops, we assess how comfortable they are and whether they are adjustable.
Some cloth face masks have a built-in pocket where you can insert a filter. Since filters offer an extra layer of protection, we take note of this feature.
Features
Fasteners
To stay securely on your face, a cloth mask must have some way to stay on your head. The majority of masks have either loops that go over the ears or ties that fasten behind the head.
Loops are probably the most common option because they allow you to easily put the mask on and take it off. However, some people find that the loops pull on their ears a bit. Some loops are made of elastic material and so are more comfortable and offer a better fit.
Tie closures can also work well and provide a good fit, though they’re more difficult to fasten, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Metal strip
Some cloth masks have a flexible metal strip in the top edge. This enables you to shape the mask to conform to the top of your nose, which prevents the mask from slipping and keeps any errant droplets from escaping. This can be an extremely important feature if you wear glasses because it helps keep your lenses from fogging up.
Filter pocket
Some cloth face masks have a built-in pocket to hold a filter between the fabric layers. A filter offers an extra layer of protection to keep droplets from escaping, so it’s a good idea to choose a mask that allows you to add one. It’s an especially handy feature if you choose a mask that only has two layers.
Quantity
Some masks are sold individually, but you can find many that come in multipacks of anywhere from two to ten. Since you’ll likely want to wear a mask every time you’re out in public, and the masks require washing between uses, you’ll definitely need more than one. Larger multipacks typically provide the best value for keeping the whole family protected.
Color/pattern
While the color or design of a mask doesn’t affect its performance, choosing a pattern or color scheme you love can make it more fun to wear. Black and white are probably the most common colors for cloth face masks, but you can find options in nearly any color in the rainbow.
You’ll also find plenty of patterned masks with polka dots, stripes, flowers, stars, hearts, and more. Some masks even offer designs that celebrate your favorite sports teams, movies, TV shows, or cartoon characters, too.
"Children under the age of two or individuals who have difficulty breathing shouldn’t wear a cloth face mask. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Hand sanitizer: Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer
In addition to wearing a face mask in public, you’ll want to keep your hands free of germs. If you can’t wash your hands, keep some hand sanitizer with you. We love this one from Babyganics because it’s alcohol-free and safe for even sensitive skin.
Cloth face mask prices
Cloth face masks vary in price based on the material, number of layers, design, and other features. Most masks cost between $1 and $16 each.
Inexpensive: The most affordable cloth face masks have a single layer of cotton, nylon, or polyester. They typically don’t have any special features like a pocket for a filter and come only in solid colors. You’ll pay $1 to $3 each for these face masks.
Mid-range: These cloth face masks usually have at least two layers. Most are made of cotton, nylon, polyester, silk, flannel, or a cotton-spandex blend. Many masks in this price range have a pocket for a filter, and some also have a bendable metal nose strip for a better fit. They’re often available in both solid colors and fun patterns and generally cost between $3 and $10 each.
Expensive: The most expensive cloth face masks have three layers or more. Many have a pocket for a filter, and some include the filter. Many also have a bendable metal nose strip and are available in solid colors, patterns, and even some sports logo and pop culture-licensed designs. These masks cost between $10 and $16 each.
Tips
- Wear your mask. To prevent the spread of germs, you should wear a face mask in any public locations where social distancing isn’t possible, including grocery stores, other retail stores, pharmacies, and on public transportation.
- Wash your mask. Cloth face masks are reusable, but you should wash yours after each use to kill any germs that might be on the mask.
- Wash your hands. Do this before touching or putting on your cloth face mask and after you take it off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth until you’ve washed your hands.
- Don’t touch your mask while you’re wearing it. This helps keep it from getting contaminated and prevents you from contaminating your hands with any germs that might be on the mask.
FAQ
Q. How should I wash my cloth face masks?
A. You can toss your cloth face masks in the washer with the rest of your laundry. Use any regular detergent and the warmest setting that the fabric can withstand. Most masks can be dried in a dryer on high heat, though you can also lay them flat to air-dry.
Q. How many cloth face masks should I have?
A. You should probably have at least two. That way, when one is in the wash, you have another to wear when you go out. However, if you’re very busy, you may not do laundry every day, so you might want to invest in additional masks to make sure you always have a clean one available.
Q. How should I store my cloth face masks?
A. Find a cool, dry spot for your cloth face masks where they won’t develop any mildew. Make sure to fold your masks, too, so the interior isn’t exposed to any contaminants.
