You may find yourself reaching for a
face mask less often now that vaccines are widely available. But masks will likely remain useful—if not required—for certain situations, even as going
Cloth Face Mask increasingly becomes the norm. Compared with early on in the pandemic, now you have many high-quality masks to choose from: Between disposable respirators and comfortable, reusable cloth masks that filter nearly as well as medical-grade masks—and can be adjusted for a more secure fit—just about everyone can find something they feel good wearing. Here we recommend a variety of cloth options that balance fit and comfort with filtration efficiency and breathability.
We consulted a range of authorities, from fashion designers and textile experts to aerosol scientists and infectious-disease specialists, to zero in on the small but crucial design details that have an outsize impact on how a
Cloth Face Masks fits and feels, and—by extension—how it helps reduce person-to-person viral transmission. We then commissioned independent lab tests to assess the filtration efficiency and breathability of a variety of cloth masks and filters, including our picks.
Because how well a specific
Cloth Mask works for any given individual involves myriad factors (the size of a person’s head and facial features, their behaviors, and the environment), we couldn’t possibly identify the most effective
cloth face mask for every person and every situation. However, based on extensive reporting, real-world fit and comfort testing, and scientific filtration-efficiency and breathability testing, we have a few recommendations. Our picks are adjustable in multiple ways and, when worn properly, can filter airborne particles better than most cloth masks, while still being easy enough to breathe through. All have pockets for an additional filter layer and can also be worn over a surgical-type mask. (For more information on N95 and KN95 respirators and surgical masks, see below. We have some preliminary recommendations for those, too.) Given that the
best cloth face mask for you is the one you’ll wear and not fuss with, we’ve provided a range of options to help make that happen.
For advice on the best cloth face masks for children, see our buying guide just for kids face masks. In addition, we’ve identified a handful of legitimate N95 respirators, KN95 respirators, and surgical-style masks anyone can buy.
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