12 of the Best Breathable Face Masks You Can Order Online

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Gone are the days when a makeshift scarf wrap was your only option for a face covering to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 and its many variants, including the now-prevalent Delta and emerging Omicron. It's been nearly two years since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended everyone wear face masks when social distancing isn't an option, and masks are still playing a role in the fight against the pandemic, even as more people are vaccinated and some get booster shots.

While you might already have a stash of reusable face masks and disposable options at home, it's clear that this is one wardrobe staple that will be getting plenty of use for the foreseeable future. So it might be time to do a little research and invest in protective face coverings that are actually comfortable, whether you're running errands, working out at the gym, or heading back into the office. Of course, wearing fabric over your mouth and nose is never going to feel particularly comfy (especially if you live in a warmer climate), but it's an easy way to protect yourself and others, and there are plenty of great options to choose from.

In our search for the best breathable face masks available online, we scoured thousands of customer reviews and discovered 12 options that real people swear by. They include cotton face masks from fashion labels, spandex options from athletic brands, bamboo coverings from travel companies, and disposable masks from newer brands. Each is a little different, but they all feature CDC- and WHO-recommended layers of material and a tight fit. Take a look at all 12 breathable face masks below to stay cool while staying safe.

Athleta Made to Move Mask

This face mask from Athleta includes adjustable, soft-knit ear loops and pleated fabric for a comfy fit. It also has a hidden nose bridge wire to keep the three layers of fabric out of your mouth. Made with polyester and spandex, it allows for airflow while remaining protective. The masks have over 7,000 customer reviews, more than 6,000 of which include a perfect five-star rating. "These are very comfortable, and I don't feel like I am breathing in the fabric when talking to people," one shopper wrote.

Nxtstop Travleisure Face Mask

Made of bamboo instead of traditional cotton, this adjustable face mask is breathable and environmentally friendly. Plus the bamboo material is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant, so it will help you stay comfortable even in warm weather. "I have struggled to find a mask that won't fog my glasses up and has comfortable adjustable straps," an Amazon shopper explained. "I finally found what I was looking for in this mask… The fabric is soft and breathable. And the best part: No fogging up my glasses!"

Evolvetogether Everyday Face Masks

You can order a pack of 30 disposable masks from Evolvetogether for $36. The masks have three layers and are made of latex-free, hypoallergenic materials, so they shouldn't upset your skin. Each has a nose bridge for a comfortable, secure fit and comes with soft ear loops. Moreover, many celebrities are known to wear the minimalist masks, including Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes. They also come in a variety of colors, and certain styles allow your purchase to contribute to a good cause, like funding tree-planting projects through One Tree Planted.

Masqd Ultra Sport Face Mask

With three layers of fabric and a filter pocket, this lightweight, breathable mask is fit for just about any activity. It has a soft cotton lining and is made with antibacterial and hypoallergenic materials. There's also a nose clip for easy breathing and adjustable ear loops for a custom fit. Use it for workouts, commuting, or running errands. Reviewers say it's "comfortable and "has an awesome fit."

Old Navy Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks

When Old Navy first dropped its cloth face masks online in May of 2020, they sold out almost instantly. They've since been restocked multiple times and are just as popular as ever. They're made of three airy layers of 100 percent cotton, and each pack of five masks is available in multiple colorways and patterns. With over 8,400 five-star reviews, these might just be the most top-rated masks we've found so far. "I have had a hard time finding a mask that fits well and is comfortable. These are both," an Old Navy shopper said.

Bondir Air Guard Reusable Fabric Face Mask

If you're looking for breathable face masks on Amazon, you'll want to consider this option from Bondir. A favorite of one of Real Simple's own editors, the reusable mask is made of lightweight fabric and comes with adjustable straps and replacement liners to keep you safe and comfortable. The mask is also sold on Sonix, where a majority of reviewers have awarded the face covering five stars. "One of my favorite masks yet," one person wrote. "I don't feel suffocated when I wear it, and it's super comfortable."

Onzie Mindful Masks

These face masks are made with up-cycled fabrics from the activewear brand's usual offerings. They feature multiple layers of stretchy, quick-drying material and elastic straps to keep the cover secured into place. Reviewers say the masks are lightweight enough for running and comfortable for wearing all day. A nurse even called them "super breathable and comfortable and way cute," adding that they fit better than any other mask and always garner compliments.

Reebok Face Covers

Reebok's machine-washable face masks are made with recycled polyester and a small amount of elastane. They offer a tight fit and two layers of fabric with a pocket for an added filter. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the basic black face covers is that they've tallied up more than 2,000 reviews, many of which recommend the mask for working out. "These masks are better than expected," one reviewer wrote. "They are soft, comfortable, a perfect fit for my face, and help me workout better in a mask. They are all I wear now."

Devereux Face Mask

Devereux specializes in golf attire, but the brand quickly began using its resources to produce cloth face masks in 2020. Its organic cotton and performance polyester face masks feature a flexible wire lining and adjustable elastic ear cords for a custom fit. "One of the golfers in our family got these masks. Pretty soon, all of us are ordering them," one customer explained. Another said, "I've tried a number of masks so far but this will be the last mask I'll have to buy. The quality of the mask is superb."

Vida Protective Mask

This comfortable mask is made with two layers of cotton fabric, has adjustable ear straps, and includes a metal nose piece for a secure fit. It even comes with a filter, which you'll want to replace once a week. You can pick from 12 solid colors and order up to five masks in one pack, or grab a single mask to try before buying more. A quick read through the reviews on Vida's website proves the masks truly fit well and offer ample protection and style. "These are the most comfortable masks we have found, and [they] work well for my whole family," one reviewer wrote, adding that they're the best they've tried wearing with glasses thanks to the nose piece. And if you're looking for even more protection, check out the brand's KN95 masks.

Fruit of the Loom Reusable Cotton Face Mask

Ideal for buying in bulk, this pack of 50 face masks from Fruit of the Loom is available on Amazon. Yes, the familiar underwear brand makes cotton face masks with three-ply 100 percent cotton, and Amazon shoppers say the coverings fit comfortably and are lightweight for easy breathing. "This mask allows me to talk and breathe without feeling restricted," one of the hundreds of Amazon reviewers wrote. "Do not waste your time with any other mask. This is the one."

Maskc Face Masks

You can buy a pack of 10 disposable masks from Maskc for $18. Each one has three layers, soft ear loops, and an adjustable nose bridge for easy breathing. They're made to use just one time, so you don't have to fuss about washing them—though you will have to make sure you have an ample stash for daily use. Hundreds of shoppers give them five-star reviews, including one who said, "I'm required to wear masks at work, and these are comfortable, breathable, and colorful without being whimsical."