In the blink of an eye, face masks have become the symbol of 2020: a method of protection against COVID-19; a fashion statement; a politicized target of attack; and, sadly, a new source of litter and pollution. The solution (besides proper disposal)? A reusable mask!
Why Reusable Masks?
Our Pollution Problem
The planet is drowning in plastic — a material that’s derived from non-renewable resources but used to create fleetingly-used convenience items. Designed to be tossed away after one brief use, disposable plastic waste lingers (virtually) forever in landfills or as environmental pollution. To make matters worse, the plastics industry is poised to increase production in the years ahead.
To be sure, plastic is used in the creation of useful items – medical devices, construction parts, sewage pipes – but these products represent a small fraction of the plastic waste generated. Most of the accumulation in plastic waste is from unnecessary single-use items.
We’re now forced to contend with “Covid waste”: disposable PPE in the form of masks, gloves, and protective gear made from synthetic materials, including plastic. PPE litter can be found everywhere and has become a new and growing source of environmental pollution.
Reusable Masks are Safe and Environmentally Friendly
One way to reduce the ever-increasing buildup of plastic waste is to use reusable items as much as possible. One common myth is that single-use disposable products are more hygienic than their reusable counterparts. A little digging to uncover its origin and you’ll find that this is a well-worn story trotted out by the plastics industry as a way to justify continued production (and pollution) of disposable plastic. In addition, properly constructed reusable cloth masks have been shown to be as safe as disposable (non medical-grade) masks.
As with any reusable item — clothing, bags, household linens — there’s a simple solution to keeping them clean: a good wash! The CDC has thorough instructions on how to wash your mask, but in general, treat your reusable mask as you would any item of clothing and wash it regularly to destroy germs.
What to Look for in a Reusable Mask
Whether you purchase or make your own reusable mask (or do both), here are the features to look for.
Safety
Look for masks that are made using CDC or medical guidelines, include layers (ideally, two) to form a protective barrier, and preferably contain an insert for a filter.
Keep in mind that no mask is completely safe, and most reusable masks will not be medical-grade, but the scientific evidence shows that in most day-to-day situations, masks are extremely effective in helping to curb the spread of infection and protect those who wear them while helping reduce the viral load.
If you’re in a high-risk area or situation, consider doubling up on masks or inserting a filter for added protection. If necessary, wear a medical-grade mask, such as an N-95 respirator, but in most cases, these masks should be reserved for the medical healthcare professionals who need them most. As always, follow safe hygiene practices – physical distancing, washing hands with soap and water – while wearing a mask in a public setting.
Fit
Fit is largely determined by how the mask fits around your head and secured on your nose. The mask shouldn’t be too loose around your face and be able to cover both nose and mouth. Take note of how the mask fits around your head: masks with ear loops are easy to take on and off but aren’t as snug as head ties. Some masks have adjustable elastic or ties for a snug fit. For an even more secure fit, look for masks with a nose bridge.
Fabric
Look for a durable material that can withstand consistent wear and multiple washes. Preferably made with organic materials, masks should be breathable while providing protection.
Price
My reusable mask list includes a few pricey options (for special occasions!) that are made using high-quality materials and customized designs, but there are hundreds of reusable masks to choose from that are affordable and safe. I list a few below, including how-to sites to make your own.
Style
Yes, face masks are designed for health and safety, but they’ve also become a fashion accessory. Your mask is an opportunity to make a statement even if your mouth and nose are covered, so pick a few stylish masks to reflect your unique personality.
Sustainable Practices
Check products to see if they’re made using natural, organic, recycled, and/or upcycled materials. Other features to look for are whether the company uses sustainable business practices in its packaging and is committed to supporting its employees and community.
Filters
Filters provide an added layer of protection. You can make your own using a coffee filter, a section of a non-fiberglass HEPA vacuum bag, a piece of flannel, or any material that passes the light test but doesn’t restrict your breathing. For more information, Hedley & Bennett has put together a helpful filter FAQ page.
Reusable Mask Picks
Sustainably-Made Masks
Rachel Craven ($26)
Rachel Craven‘s commitment to sustainability is evident in their products. Their 100% linen masks are made from the highest quality flax that has been grown using natural techniques, free of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The company uses minimal packaging made from recycled materials. Rachel Craven is also dedicated to social sustainability, with their commitment to fair labor practices and mask donations to local non-profit organizations.
Shop for masks here.
Rawganique ($29.95)
Rawganique masks are made using 100% organic cotton fleece and jersey, with no latex, dioxin, formaldehyde, or chemicals used in their manufacturing process. Their masks are packaged inside biodegradable cellophane packaging. The company also sells organic filters.
Shop for masks here.
OhSevenDays ($35 for 3-Pack)
OhSevenDays is a sustainable brand that makes “slow fashion from fast fashion’s leftovers.” The company up-cycles their workshop scrap fabrics to make their reusable masks, using deadstock fabrics and leftover scraps. Masks are made with two layers of natural fiber fabric with simple adjustable tie straps.
Shop for masks here.
Clare V. ($35 for 4-Pack)
Each Clare V. Bisous four-pack is made from 100% cotton remnant and deadstock fabric, produced locally in L.A. and embroidered with Clare V’s signature CV lips patch. Ties are adjustable for a precise fit and masks are lined with chambray. Please note that masks are made from assorted fabrics, so prints may vary. You also have an option to make a donation to an L.A.-based charity with your purchase.
Shop for masks here.
Stylish Masks
Recognizing their fashion-statement potential, luxury designers are getting into the mask business, with Burberry just announcing their line of designer reusable masks. These masks may be a bit pricier than others, but they’re worth checking out for their unique style and customized designs.
Ziran ($45)
These gorgeous Ziran handmade masks are reversible and made with hand-dyed xiang yun sha silk. Yes, they’re pricey but they’re made using scrap fabrics and zero waste practices. Each mask is slightly different, making yours a unique fashion statement. They also have a few bandana styles and a line of kids’ masks. 20% of every mask sale is donated to Frontline Foods to support restaurants, healthcare workers, responders, and impacted communities.
Shop for masks here.
Etsy: LittleFlowerFabric Masks ($11 – $13.50)
You can get lost on Etsy with hundreds of styles of masks to choose from. LittleFlowerFabric‘s handmade masks are gorgeous, with beautiful floral designs using Liberty of London fabric. Anyone who knows Liberty fabric is familiar with its unique designs and silky, yet durable cotton that lasts for years. These masks are double-lined with stretchy ear loops. Adult and child sizes.
Shop for masks here.
Lele Sadoughi ($40 for 3-Pack)
I love these pretty “Lucky Charms” masks from Lele Sadoughi. The 3-pack includes hand-embellished masks with silver butterfly charms, pink neon hearts, and a leopard jersey cotton version. All feature a contoured fit and two-layer design made with soft t-shirt lining. Ear straps are adjustable elastic and there’s an opening for a filter pocket.
Shop for masks here.
The Mighty Company ($25)
These glittery masks from The Mighty Company are a perfect way to glam up any party outfit for that (socially-distanced) gathering! The masks come in blue or pink glitter and are made of 80% nylon/20% spandex with a 100% cotton lining. Elastic ear loops.
Shop for masks here.
Masks With a Message
With half our faces covered, it’s difficult to be seen, physically, but your mask can carry its own message. Here are a few masks with an environmentally-focused message, but you can always design your own and participate in Pinterest’s Make a Statement Mask challenge, or Maskbook’s Pollution Mask challenge, which invites people to create unique masks using up-cycled materials to express their environmental anxieties.
PADI Shark Recycled Plastic Mask & 5 Filters ($20.40)
PADI masks are made from post-consumer, recycled plastic bottles and are dual-layered with a filter insert. The company sells their masks at cost with the goal of raising awareness about ocean pollution while providing incentives for people to take action in reducing plastic pollution.
Shop for masks here.
Custom Apparel Platforms
Custom apparel platforms like TeePublic, Zazzle, and Redbubble, allow you to create your own mask designs, but they also sell thousands of ready-made mask styles that feature environmental messages, including “There’s no Planet B,” “Climate Change is Real,” and “Save the Bees.” You can also show support for climate activist groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, with pre-designed masks.
Affordable and Effective
Felina Cotton Masks ($29.95 for 4-Pack)
Felina’s 4-pack of masks are made with certified organic cotton and plant-based dyes. They’re easy to wear with adjustable stretchy, straps. The 4-pack comes in an assortment of earth-tone colors.
Shop for masks here.
Fruit of the Loom ($12.95 for 5-Pack)
This was the most affordable reusable mask I found and it gets high marks for breathability, safety, and comfort. Made with 3-ply 100% cotton, Fruit of the Loom masks also have an antimicrobial finish to minimize bacteria and provide odor protection. They also come in bulk quantities of 50, 100, and 250.
Shop for masks here.
New Republic ($12 for 3-Pack)
New Republic 100% cotton masks come in one color, black, but you can’t beat the price of $12 for a 3-pack. In addition, for every three-pack of non-medical grade masks sold, New Republic donates a mask to a Los Angeles-based charity.
Shop for masks here.
Parachute ($30 for 5-Pack)
These reusable masks from Parachute are a great deal and are made using 100% cotton top sheet layers. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. For every set sold, Parachute will donate a set to those in need through GetUsPPE and Safe Place for Youth.
Shop for masks here.
Everlane ($25 for 5-Pack)
The price and message of Everlane‘s masks are unbeatable! Each tie-dyed mask is made from a double-layer knit fabric and features cotton-Lycra ear loops for a little stretch. For every 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack sold, Everlane donates 10% sales to the ACLU. To date, they’ve donated over $600,000 through this program.
Shop for masks here.
Caraa Universal Masks ($25 for 5-Pack)
Caraa reusable masks are dual-layer and include a filter pocket, embedded nose wire, and adjustable elastic ear loops. There’s a style for everyone with their wide variety of colors and patterns. For additional savings, Caraa adds a 15% discount to bulk purchases of five or more mask packs. The company matches your purchase with a donation to relief efforts.
Shop for masks here.
Your Workout Mask
Buff Filter Mask ($27 – $29)
The Buff Filter Face Mask is an excellent choice for active daily life. It includes a filter, adjustable elastic bands, and CoolNet UV+ cooling fabric. Masks comes with five replacement filters and are sized for men and women.
Buff also carries a line of multifunctional Unisex CoolNet UV+ Headwear ($18.99 – $37.37) that can be used as a full or half mask, along with its other functions as a headband and gaiter. It’s made of 95% recycled microfiber and comes in dozens of styles.
Under Armour Sportsmask ($30)
Under Armour has created a reusable mask that’s perfect for sports or any time you’re working up a sweat. The UA mask has a water-resistant outer shell and anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer to help keep the mask fresh. With built-in UPF 50+ sun protection and a design that sits up off the face & lips for breathability, you’re all set for running, training, or any activity.
Shop for masks here.
Reusable Masks for Children
Cubcoats Kids Masks ($14.99 for 2-Pack)
These adorable masks from Cubcoats are made with two layers of fabric with a cotton inner layer. They include an insert for a filter, elastic ear straps, and a metal nose piece for a secure fit. Recommended for ages 5+.
Shop for masks here.
Avocado Masks ($30 for 4-Pack)
Known for their mattresses, Avocado is now focusing its manufacturing on making masks and hospital necessities. These reusable masks have a double-layer and are made from 100% certified organic cotton. Note the tie straps, which make these masks more appropriate for older children.
Shop for masks here.
Christy Dawn Sustainable Mask ($30 for 3-Pack)
Christy Dawn Sustainable Masks are 100% doubled deadstock, organic cotton, and feature a finished binding and behind-the-ear elastic. Children’s masks measure about 7.5″ x 4.5″ (not including elastic). Sustainable production measures include production centers in L.A. and India, where the company works toward creating a fully regenerative fibershed.
Shop for masks here.
Masks for a Cause
United by Blue ($20 for 3-Pack)
United by Blue’s salvaged hemp masks have it all: they’re adjustable, double-layered with space for a filter, and made from a blend of salvaged hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL. For each 3-pack purchased, one mask is donated to a charitable cause.
Shop for masks here.
Surfrider ($12)
Surfrider Foundation’s navy face coverings are made in accordance with CDC guidelines and use three layers of upcycled Pima cotton from Known Supply t-shirts. 100% of the profits are used to fund Surfrider’s mission.
Shop for masks here.
Hedley and Bennett ($36 for 3-Pack)
The leader in professional-style aprons (I own one and love it), Hedley and Bennett have now teamed up with a local surgeon to design an attractive, durable mask that includes a filter insert, flexible metal nose insert, and reinforced stitching. For every mask you purchase, they donate a mask, and for every 3-pack and 20-pack purchased, 5% of sales go toward donating more masks.
Shop for masks here.
DIOP ($15)
DIOP‘s wax printed cotton face masks deserve to be listed in the “Stylish” mask category for their range of incredibly cool and unique patterns, but I’ve listed them here for the company’s exemplary efforts in supporting company-based Detroit businesses and residents. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of DIOP Masks will be donated to Feed the Frontlines in Detroit, which supports Detroit restaurants and provides meals to emergency and healthcare workers.
Shop for masks here.
Make Your Own Mask
If you’re crafty (I’m not) make your own masks! To make an eco-friendly version, use leftover fabric that’s not too porous. Here are detailed instructions from the CDC and Johns Hopkins University.
- The CDC’s guide includes both sew and no-sew instructions, along with a helpful video.
- Johns Hopkins University provides instructions for both child-size and adult-size face masks.
