The back to school season is upon us and with the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing, many parents and school staff are wary about the repercussions of social gatherings such as classes taking place. The good news is, the CDC has several recommendations on how to increase safety and defense against Covid-19 while in public spaces such as schools and classrooms. Still, the primary recommendation when heading outdoors and into public spaces is to wear a cloth face mask or covering. While it may not protect against the virus 100%, it does help prevent a person who is already sick with the virus from spreading it to others, especially individuals who are asymptomatic and cannot tell if they actually have the virus. Remember that being asymptomatic does not mean you can’t infect others. In fact, you can infect others if you are asymptomatic and they may develop symptoms that their bodies might not be able to fight off as well as you do. Because wearing face masks has now become the norm, these cloth face masks have become a new part of our back to school fashion essentials. Here, we’ve curated some of the best cloth face masks for every type of person, so you can find one that fits your personality and style.
For those who absolutely love prints and florals
1. Weddingstar Washable Cloth Face Mask in Watercolor Rose
Floral-print lovers will enjoy sporting the Weddingstar Washable Cloth Face Mask that comes in a dainty design. It’s made for those with smaller faces, though, so watch out for this size dimension. It measures 6.75″ (L) x 5.25″ (H), with ear straps that measure 3.55″. It’s made with 5 layers of superior protection against allergens, particles and pollutants. It’s also equipped with an insert sleeve for the disposable PM2.5 filter, which is sold separately. Its ear straps are adjustable to maximize comfort and fit. Made of 100% cotton and rayon. This cloth face mask has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I like everything about it. It’s got a very cheery flowery design. The ear loops can be tighter if you want. The filters fit really nicely inside. Also, get complimented a lot! It’s very comfortable and it doesn’t ever feel like I’m going to faint with it on.” Sabrina
2. American Exchange Adult Face Mask 2-Pack
Who says face masks can’t be stylish? This new normal must-have comes in stylish black floral and black polka dots. It features an elegant flower design that matches seamlessly with summer dresses or back to school OOTD’s. Make a fashion statement with these face masks that measure 0.08″ L x 10.5″ W x 5″ H and offer three layers of protection. It features adjustable ear loops for a perfectly comfortable fit. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “They are really cute and the fit is great, still look and fit great after washing.” Jackie
3. Medi+Sons Supply Reusable Washable Designer Fabric Women’s Face Covering Mask
For ladies who love to make a fashion statement using their face masks, go for this pack of 3 from Medi+Sons. It features face masks in feminine designs and made of 100% cotton with a cotton lining. It effectively provides coverage with its 4″ x 7″ measurement and expands for a snug fit thanks to its pleated design. Customers love it for its softness, comfort, and value for money. This 3-pack is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are the most reasonably priced masks I’ve found. I like that they are bigger than some masks with pleating making them easier to fit over the nose and chin. They also have a filter pocket which has been harder to find than I had anticipated. The prints are also very nice. Well made.”
4. UTRIPSUNEW Anti Pollution Dust Mask Washable and Reusable
Made of strong, breathable, and skin-friendly cotton material, this face mask features an M-shaped nose clip to ensure a better fit around the nose and prevent particles such as dust and other impurities from going beneath the mast. It also features a high elastic and adjustable ear loop that provides a closer fit. This set includes 1 dustproof mask, 4 pieces of PM2.5 activated carbon filter and extra 1 bag adjustable rubber O shape ring. This product is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Really nice package, comes with 4 filters, an extra set of adjusting bands for the elastic bands that hold it on. Pattern was exactly as pictured and it’s much more comfortable than the disposable ones I was using and I can actually breath & talk without it coming into my mouth. No more fogging up my glasses either. Well worth the money.” Debi
5. Society of Threads Unisex Face Mask Rose 6-Pack
Style and protection combine in this pack of 6 face masks from Society of Threads. Each face mask is made from lightweight and breathable cotton and measures 3.75″H x 7.25″W. It features inner pockets for filters and a nose bridge wire for proper contour on the face to effectively cover the nose and mouth. It also features adjustable straps to modify the fit and tighten to the face comfortably. 88% of reviewers recommend this product. Get yours at Macy’s.
Promising review: “Absolutely the best face masks I’ve bought. They are stylish, have several layers, a good nose wire and are adjustable. They also have a pocket for a filter. The masks fit very well, even for people with a small face. The package of them is a good value.” Rebecca
For kids of various ages
1. Hatley Kids’ Double Layer Face Mask with Ear Elastic in Red Farm Tractors
Brighten up your child’s day during the back to school season with this face mask from Hatley. It’s made of 97% woven cotton and 3% woven spandex. It’s equipped with an elastic closure for a more secure yet comfortable fit to help reduce person-to-person droplet transmission. This face mask has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I ordered 2 of these masks for my grandson. They fit well, his glasses don’t fog when wearing one. My little farmer loves his new masks.” Sherry Sutcliffe
2. Steve Madden Jcombat Kid’s Face Mask
A stylish yet functional face mask for kids, the Steve Madden Jcombat face mask is a fun face mask that would match your little boy’s sneakers. It features an elastic ear loop, a pocket for a filter, and an adjustable nose bar. It comes with 3 filters. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “Bought for my 12 year old daughter and she loves it fits perfect also bought the all black and fits me perfect also we love that it’s adjustable washable we air dry and it comes with filters.” Ale3
3. Society of Threads Kid’s Face Mask Dinosaur 6-Pack
For smaller children aged four to five and below, these small sized face masks from Society of Threads are made of lightweight and breathable cotton. It features an inner pocket for filters and a nose bridge wire for proper contour on the face. Its adjustable straps offer a great fit. Easily washable by hand. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “These fit better than any mask I have purchased for my 3 and 5 year olds so far and I have tried quite a few different styles. The material is soft and the ear loops make it easy for them to put these on themselves. Love that they have a filter pocket for extra protection! This is the perfect size for small faces and doesn’t fall down.” Monica
4. Tiwiw Washable Reusable Black Cotton Mouth Cover with 4 Pack Activated Carbon Filter
With a filtering efficiency of up to 95%, this cotton mouth cover features a 3D lightweight design that offers a comfortable fit with its elastic earloop. Customers love it for its thickness, comfort, and softness. It has an overall rating of
4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Beautifully crafted and so soft and comfortable. Arrived very quickly. In this time when greedy opportunists are putting out such junk at extreme prices, this was such a pleasant surprise to get such a quality product quickly and reasonably priced.” Amazon Customer
5. Biaoyun Cotton Dustproof for Children, Orange Cartoon Bears
Made with cotton material, this anti-dust face mask for kids is vibrant and fun to wear. It has a stretchy, elastic strap that makes it easy and comfortable to wear for the little ones. Customers love it for its stretchiness, softness, thickness, comfort, and value for money. It has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This face mask is awesome for small kids. 4-5 yr old is what I’m basing my review on. Well-made, washable, durable, comfortable—out of all the kids’ face masks I’ve tried so far this one is by far the best.” Amy Johnson
For teachers or professionals who work in a corporate setting
1. Gildan Reusable 3-Layer Cotton Face Mask
Made of a 100% polyester outer layer, 100% ring spun cotton dual inner layers, and 100% cotton sides, this 3-layer reusable cotton face mask offers premium protection for the back to school season. Whether wearing it to school or to the office, this face mask is a great addition to any outfit this back to school season. This product has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I was surprised at the quality of these masks given the price. They are comfortable and well-made and easy to breathe through. The pleats and size are perfect for covering from nose to chin, and although the masks are not as wide horizontally as others that I’ve had they are wide enough to do the job. Although they are almost ‘disposable’ in price, they should easily last for multiple wearings and can be washed.” David D. Busch
2. Perry Ellis Reusable Rounded Woven Fabric Face Masks (Pack of 6)
Conveniently reusable and machine washable, these fabric face masks from Perry Ellis offer a great alternative to disposable face masks for everyday use, especially when heading to school or the office. They come in attractive neutral prints that go well with just about any outfit. They are designed to be lightweight and breathable and feature an adjustable cord for a more personalized fit. Also features a filter compartment and a wire to fit the top of the nose. This has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “The ear straps are adjustable so the mask fits large or small size features. Washes easily and the color/designs are neutral and attractive.” Twinkle
3. Safe+Mate x Case-Mate Washable & Reusable Cloth Face Mask
For a wider range of size options, go for the Safe+Mate x Case-Mate reusable face masks, which come in small/medium and large/extra large sizes. This pack of 3 face masks are made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Each mask comes with an optional replaceable filter insert and features a back elastic strap for relief of tension around the ears when using for extended periods of time. It snugly fits under the chin for a comfortable yet non-binding feeling. It’s also conveniently machine washable. This product has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon3.
Promising review: “As a glasses wearer, I found these masks to be less of an inconvenience to wear than the standard cloth or medical masks. The vents in this mask allowed air to pass in without completely steaming your glasses so much that you cannot see a thing. This mask fully covers your mouth and nose, I feel safe wearing this mask.” JC
4. EnerPlex Youth/Adult Medium Size Black Face Mask Reusable (3-Pack)
When it comes to face masks, one size often does not fit all. That’s why EnerPlex offers a wider range of sizes, with small, medium, large, and extra large sizes for a more personalized fit. These masks are ideal for daily use and are easy to maintain as they are machine washable. It features stretch ear loops for a perfect fit, three layers of water resistant fabric, with a tightly woven inner layer, and lay flat seams that provide a snug fit on the bridge of the nose. This pack of 3 masks are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “FINALLY! I feel like I have spent so much money trying to find the right mask for me and this is the holy grail of them all! I have a small face so I ordered the medium and it was perfect. This mask is breathable and comfortable. Also the ear loops are thin and don’t make my ears poke out, which I love. Don’t think twice just buy.” Briana
5. Bloch Soft Stretch Reusable Face Mask Pack of 3
Made of 43% polyester zinc and 52% cotton, the Block stretch reusable face mask features an adjustable closure for a closer, more snug fit. It features two layers of high density, odor resistant soft stretch fabric that contours to the face for a better fit. This pack of three is great for daily use and is easily machine washable. Customers love that it’s stretchable, comfortable, thick, and has great value for money. This product has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are really great. Super soft and comfortable and the easiest to breathe in I have found so far. They are adjustable so they fit my tiny head. And when you take the little adjusters of they fit my fiancés ginormous head too!” Jay Dee
More Whimsical Face Masks for Kids
When it comes to kids, tickle their imagination with fantastical face masks that not only keep them safe, but also spark their creativity. These face masks offer two layers of fabric with a colorful, sublimated print on its outer layer, which is made of 83% polyester and 17% spandex. Its internal layer is made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex. Its small size is recommended for kids aged 8 to 12, while its extra small size is great for kids 3 to 7. All masks offer over-ear elastic straps for great fit.
- Tommy Tinker’s Magical Fairy Kingdom™ Kids Mask designed by TeelieTurner, available at RedBubble
- Flowers For You With Love™ Kids Mask designed by TeelieTurner, available at RedBubble
- Pastel Unicorns At Play™ Kids Mask designed by TeelieTurner, available at RedBubble
- Beige Helper Fairies In Tommy Tinker’s Village™ Kids Mask designed by TeelieTurnerl, available at RedBubble
- Easter Bunny Hiding In The Bird Nest™️ Kids Mask designed by TeelieTurner, available at RedBubble
To learn more about the best cloth face masks to wear in public to keep safe from Covid-19, head over to the stories from our archive below.
Your Guide to the Different Types of Face Masks for Covid-19 Protection
Covid-19 Safety: Stylish Face Masks to Go with Your Spring/Summer Outfits
Back to School College Essentials During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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