November Update
A Gentleman’s Guide to Face Masks
Which ones to buy, plus how to wear and wash them
LA's General Quarters is selling masks made from Japanese shirting material—but are currently sold out.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that masks will be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. But what kind of mask do you actually want to wear on your face? Do you want ear loops or straps that tie? Do you want a pocket for a filter or just want it to look cool? Why not get one you actually want to wear on your face? And more importantly, which ones do the best job?
Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who recently conducted a study of the efficacy of different materials used for homemade masks, says that you want thick, tightly woven cotton. Want to make sure a mask is effective? Dr. Segal suggests a light test: If you can see light passing through the material, when you hold it up to a bright light or the sun, it's less likely to be a good filter.
To help you out, we've rounded up the best ones still in stock—for now. There's a lot of variety out there and so many brands are making them. From simple styles cut from chambray shirting and cozy sweatshirt material to more advanced styles featuring antimicrobial scuba fabric or vintage bandanas, take your pick and be safe out there.
The Best Masks to Buy Right Now
Generous fit won’t slip off your face
Flannel V4 face mask,
$16 by Tom Bihn
Lightweight pleated cotton mask,
$25 (for six) by Con.Struct
This silk feels so good against the skin
Silk scrap mask,
$35 by Jalama Dyes
Customizable knit face mask,
$20 by Outdoor Research
Great for workouts
UVShield cool face mask,
$12 by Sunday Afternoons
Heavy-duty layered mask,
$20 by Dapper Villains
Adjustable technical mask,
$25 by Greats
Tiger stripe camo mask,
$15 by General Quarters
Layered stretch 3-D fit mask,
$35 by Wolford
Multi-pleat upcycled masks,
$55 / $35 (for three) by rag & bone
Chambray mask,
$19 by Fine & Dandy
Cotton jersey mask,
$15 by Todd Snyder
Lightweight cotton masks,
$20 (for two) by Saturdays NYC
Bandana print mask,
$15 (for three) by Levi's
Great for those who wear glasses
Organic cotton mask,
$22 by Graf Lantz
Fitted mask,
$14.99 by Herschel Supply Co.
Cotton-lined silk mask,
$45 by Serà Fine Silk
Features an adjustable nose bridge
Double-layered tie-dye mask,
$28 by Revolve
Stretch mask,
$15 by Universal Standard
Comes with ten insertable filters
3D print-knit mask,
$50 by Ministry of Supply
Face cover mask,
$16 (for three) by Adidas
Treated with an anti-microbial coating
Anti-microbial mask,
$20 (for five) by Buck Mason
Yarn-dyed cotton mask,
$25 by Sid Mashburn
With replaceable 3-layer filter
Everyday mask,
$25 by Proper Cloth
3-layer mask,
$29 (for three) by Banana Republic
Infinity mask,
$20 by Koral
Tie dye mask,
$20 by Hyer Goods
Wake up & fight mask,
$22 by Hedley & Bennett
Sewn with a polypropylene meltblown filter
Sewn with a polypropylene meltblown filter
Printed cotton mask,
$28 (for five) by Sanctuary
It's electric mask,
$25 by Let's Be Frank
Graphic print mask,
$10 by Kenny Flowers
Adjustable protective mask,
$10 by Vida
Bandana paisley mask,
$25 by Profound
Pleated plaid mask,
$18 by Kevan Hall
Dark denim mask,
$6 by Sixty Nine
Made from moisture-wicking and abrasion-resistant technical fabric
Traditional mask,
$16 by Mystery Ranch
Salvaged hemp mask,
$20 (for three) by United by Blue
Double-layer cotton mask,
$36 (for three) by Coal
Triple-layered woven cloth mask,
$15 by DIOP
Soft jersey cotton mask,
$12 (for three) by New Republic
Washable chambray mask,
$12 by Stock Mfg.
Grey neoprene mask,
$12.50 by American Trench
Breathable Surfstretch mask,
$19.95 by Birdwell
Made from antimicrobial scuba fabric that's light and breathable
Antimicrobial stretch mask,
$16 by Jack Henry
With built-in pocket for additional filter
Cotton folded mask,
$19 by Rendall Co.
Cotton camo mask,
$20 by Ball and Buck
Customize it with your own message
Stretch cotton mask,
$19 by Apolis
French Terry mask,
$30 (for three) by Los Angeles Apparel
Wear It Properly
If you wear your face mask incorrectly, it's useless. According to Oscar Health, you should never pull it up or down while you're outside. “Don't wear it below your nose or expose your chin. Do make sure your face mask comes all the way up, close to the bridge of your nose, and that it fits snugly around your face, without any gaps.” Don't touch the fabric part of the mask. Remember, that's filtering the germs, and you don't want to spread whatever germs it has trapped. Instead, use the ear loops or ties to secure your mask and to remove it.
How to Clean Your Mask
According to the CDC, your fabric masks should be “washed routinely.” Most experts advise washing them daily or at least weekly in a machine or a sink, just using regular laundry soap. Toss it in the dryer or let it air dry. And while it's not necessary, you can also go over it with a hot iron to ensure any germs that might remain are killed.
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