19 Face Masks That Got Us Through 2020

All the face masks that kept our faces comfy, safe, and oh-so-chic this year.

Hey there! By now you've seen the CDC's guidelines recommending people wear nonmedical face coverings in public (and know whether or not they're mandatory in your area).

CDC

These guidelines are in place primarily to protect people around you from droplets you might expel through breathing, talking, or coughing; even people without symptoms may still be at risk of spreading the virus. The masks don't have to be anything fancy — the primary functions are that they are breathable, cover your nose and mouth, and are tight enough that they don't leave loose space for droplets to escape. Ideally, face coverings will also be multi-layered — and even *better*, could include a pocket for a filter. You can check out BuzzFeed's guide to the CDC's face covering recommendations, which include answers to all your burning mask questions as well as tutorials for how to make your own!

You can also check out BuzzFeed's guides to face masks in solid colors, the prettiest face masks, and face mask problem products for more options.

1. A BaubleBar face mask for an elevated look that doesn't skimp on safety.

BaubleBar

"I have the black star mask and it's been my fave for when i'm actually going somewhere (not very often) but made me feel...dressed? As opposed to some of my thinner cotton masks I'll use when running." —Heather Braga, BuzzFeed Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get at set of two from BaubleBar for $12 (available in 13 sets).

2. A pack of Old Navy face masks so sturdy, reliable, and affordable you'll want to buy them for everyone you know.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, Old Navy

Despite the popularity of these, I held off on buying them until about August, and boy do I wish I had gotten them sooner! They come in so many versatile prints, depending on what you need them for — neutrals for work, standard black and gray for uniforms, and tons of beautiful assorted patterns if you're looking to express yourself. The fabric is thick and sturdy, so it is very protective without doing that annoying thing when you breathe and the fabric sticks in your mouth. I have a small-ish face, so I tied the elastic on mine in the back for a tighter fit. I've tried a ton of face masks throughout the pandemic — I write about face masks a lot, so I've probably tried more varieties than most — but these definitely give you the most bang for your buck. Also I love mentally fist-bumping people on the street when I see them in familiar Old Navy mask patterns! Definitely one of the most popular choices of 2020; Old Navy really came through this year.

Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping (plus Old Navy is offering in-store and curbside pick-up!)

Get a five-pack from Old Navy: adult face masks for $12.50 and a kid's face masks for $12.50 (available in dozens of styles).

3. A set of Madewell face masks in neutrals that'll match just about anything in your closet.

Madewell

"I bought two of these three-packs to split up between myself and my mom. She was thrilled to find something with a filter pocket with nonpainful ear loops that ALSO matches most everything." —Elizabeth Lilly, BuzzFeed Senior Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get a three-pack from Madewell for $16.80 (originally $24; available in five combinations).

4. A two-pack of Ember Cendre Studio face masks made with a face-cooling bamboo blend.

Ember Cendre Studio/Etsy

Ember Cendre Studio is a New York-based Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in creative apparel and face masks.

"Back at the beginning of quarantine — before every store imaginable was selling masks — I tried to make my own. That was an epic fail, so after my one embarrassing attempt, I headed to Etsy where I found these bamboo beauties from Ember Cendre Studio, a women’s ready-to-wear brand based in NYC. The lightweight, incredibly breathable design got me through summer without too much sweating and unlike a lot of other masks, they fit my face just right! (Completely unnecessary aside: My mask hunt revealed I apparently have a weirdly tiny face?)" —Chelsea Stuart, BuzzFeed Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Bamboo blend

Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 4-5 days

Get a two pack from Ember Cendre Studio on Etsy for $11.19 (originally $15.99).

5. A set of workout-friendly Reebok face masks made with fabric so soft and cool, your face will thank you for it.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, Reebok

I ordered two packs of these back in June and WOW, do I love them. I wear one of them nearly every day for errand running and walks, and they're by far my favorite running/exercise mask. The material is protective but lightweight, with sort of a wetsuit feel. It stays locked in place while I'm running even though I sweat buckets. The seams are so subtle that they don't irritate my face. Also, I feel really cool wearing them, which is saying something, because I am the least cool person I know. Note: I got the M/L size and tied the elastic straps for a tighter fit; XS/S seems more geared to kids and people with smaller faces.

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Recycled Polyester & Elastane

Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 6-7 business days

Get a set of three from Reebok for $30.

6. A hand beaded Swatch Hub face mask that will, quite honestly, put the night sky to shame.

Ali Faccenda

Psst — this face mask is sold out, but expected to restock soon!

"This mask is absolutely gorgeous. It is so easy to breathe through and literally is a fashion statement. I wear this over and over again and it’s hands down my most worn mask because it goes with literally everything. You won’t regret adding this to your mask lineup." —Ali Faccenda, BuzzFeed Shopping Writer

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Swatch Hub for $32.

7. A five-pack of Athleta face masks a lot of reviewers swear by for breathability and a snug fit.

Athleta

"At this point, I don't recognize my face without an Athleta mask covering it. They're sturdier and offer more coverage than other masks I've tried, but they're still somehow soft and super breathable. I especially love that the ear loops are adjustable on top and bottom, so you can find your perfect non-slip fit (without crushing your ears!!). At $30 for a five-pack, they're an affordable option and let you rock a new color every day (or if you're like me, divvy the pack up among your quarantine pod and fight over who gets the pretty light blue tie-dye one)." —Julia Queller, BuzzFeed Senior Communications Strategist

Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Polyester and spandex with cotton liner

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get a five-pack from Athleta for $30 (available in five color combinations).

8. A two-pack of Rothy's face masks perfect for anyone who's tired of inhaling the fabric on their face masks all day.

Abby Kass/BuzzFeed

"These are my favorite favorite favorite masks. The knit material makes it so there is actually room to breathe, and they are stretchy, so they are comfortable on your face. I wear mine everywhere. I also got my mom hooked on them as well because she has to teach fitness classes with a mask on, and these make it so she's not inhaling fabric as she teaches. 10/10 would recommend." —Abby Kass, BuzzFeed Shopping Writer

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Rothy’s signature rPET thread

Shipping Time: Standard shopping

Get a two-pack from Rothy's for $25 (available in five color combos).

9. A fully customizable Laurie Makes Masks face mask — you can choose the size, the fastener type, and one of dozens of fabrics.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, Laurie Makes Masks

Laurie Makes Masks is a Washington-based, Black-owned mask shop established in 2020 that specializes in face masks with custom sizes, fits, and prints.

One of the very first masks I started using in quarantine was from this shop, and I love it to pieces! I ended up getting them for my whole fam. They are sturdily made, super comfy, and have an excellent fit — the nose wire makes it especially perfect for someone like me, who talks a LOT and effusively and needs something snug to keep a face mask in place 😂. It was also so lovely to be able to pick the fabric!! Spidey crew FOR LIFE.

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps, around the head straps, or custom

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Dependent on print

Shipping Time: Expected to ship within 7-10 days

Get it from Laurie Makes Masks for $10 (available in three sizes, custom fastenings, and dozens of styles).

10. A set of three Tory Burch face masks made from seasonal prints, with all the proceeds going to various charities. (You may have spotted these on Oprah's Favorite Things this year ❤️.)

Tory Burch

The price includes the cost to produce and a $10 donation that will be divided between two organizations — $5 to International Medical Corps and $5 to the Tory Burch Foundation, working to advance women’s empowerment and women entrepreneurs.

“The fabric is soft, but substantial — it doesn’t feel cheap, even though it’s polyester. They have the adjustable nose wire, and the ear loops are soft and extra large with adjusters so you can resize them without them being tight or pulling on your ears at all, and they don’t loosen up over the day! Even when you talk a bunch, the mask stays put and doesn’t come down off your nose, and it’s moisture-wicking, so unlike cotton ones the moisture won’t build up. It has the filter pocket, and is very comfortable to wear even with the filter in it. Everyone I’ve given one to (I work at a preschool) has come back and told me that they really are more comfortable than the other options they’ve tried! If that’s not enough, they’re also a not-for-profit product: they sell it at-cost plus a couple of extra dollars that go to charities.” —Cheryl Brown, BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Natalie Brown’s mom

Type Of Fit: Adjustable ear loops

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Polyester

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get a three-pack from Tory Burch for $35.

11. A D.bleu.dazzled face mask to add a touch of bling to your look while still keeping you comfy and safe.

D bleu dazzled

D.bleu.dazzled is a Black woman-owned, LA-based business specializing in custom crystallized hosiery, lingerie, and performance wear. You can check out the brand's unisex bedazzled sweatpants, which these masks were made to match!

"So I looove this 'grateful' mask from D.bleu.dazzled!!! It actually came as a free add-on with a biker shorts purchase I made. So many masks I owned this year were uncomfortable, ugly, or both LOL. This one felt great on my face, didn't fall off my ears, offered a lil' bling, and shared a message about gratitude that I really rock with. It's the one mask I've managed to NOT LOSE because it works so well, I try to keep up with it. It's also a quick handwash-and-air-dry situation to take care of it." —Marquaysa Battle, BuzzFeed Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Ear straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from D.bleu.dazzled for $30 (available in eight styles).

12. A four-pack of Alisewmama Bags face masks on Etsy you can get in rich colors, pastels, or bold prints.

Alisewmama Bags/Etsy

Alisewmama Bags is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2019 that specializes in origami EcoBags and face masks.

"After searching online for face masks, I found so many cute options at this Etsy shop. They're available in a bunch of prints and super comfortable around my ears. I love wearing them with activewear and casual outfits." —Genevieve Scarano, BuzzFeed Associate Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear bands

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Linen

Shipping Time: Expected to arrive in 5-10 days (this shop offers free shipping!)

Get a four-pack from Alisewmama Bags on Etsy for $30 (available in multiple style combinations and in custom requests).

13. A five-pack of Buck Mason face masks that tie around the back of your head to avoid back-of-the-ear aches.

Griffin Gonzales/BuzzFeed

"Back in September I had to take a long-ish flight, so I was determined to find the perfect mask that would both protect me and be comfortable for my journey through the clouds. All I can say is: I took this incognito selfie just to send to my peeps and tell them how good these masks are. I have a big ole head (and nose), which meant finding a mask with adjustable straps and a large-enough face covering was undebatable (and quite challenging) — these have been my go-to ever since! They’re also SOOOOOO soft and feel great against your skin." —Griffin Gonzales, BuzzFeed Junior Shopping Writer

Type Of Fit: Around the head ties

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton and spandex

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get a five-pack from Buck Mason for $30 (available in three colors).

14. A Dolce Vita face mask with soft cotton ties you can get in prints that match just about everything.

Dolce Vita

"This is my all-time favorite mask. It's so comfortable, easy to breathe in, and adjustable. I thought the string ties would be annoying, but the top loop actually makes it easy to wear the mark around your neck when not in use. The leopard print is also just very nice and matches everything. Dolce Vita will donate $1 to Feeding America for every mask purchased." —Rebecca O'Connell, BuzzFeed Senior Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Around the head ties

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Dolce Vita for $14.99 (available in three patterns).

15. A Cotopaxi face mask in the brand's signature bright colors to put a lil' pep in your step.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Cotopaxi is donating a mask for every mask sold.

I have a big ole family of four siblings *plus* two of their partners and our parents, and I am not kidding when I say that all (*counts quickly*) eight of us own a variation of this mask (Cotopaxi is one of my sister's favorite brands because of their sustainable, high quality outdoor apparel and gear). We legitimately all took pictures of ourselves in these masks for a socially-distanced Christmas card collage this year. It's super comfortable, comes in a ton of fun colors, and most notably, has ridiiiiculously comfortable ear loops. There's a toggle on each side so you can get a fit that is perfectly tailored to your face. 8/8 members of my family recommend.

Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Cotopaxi for $13 (available in eight styles).

16. A sustainable Christy Dawn face mask you can get in a five-pack for easy cycling through the week.

Samantha Tomaszewski/BuzzFeed

"The Sustainable Mask from Christy Dawn was one of the first masks I purchased when I realized we were going to be doing *gestures vaguely*...this, for awhile. And it’s been one of my favorites ever since! I bought a five pack, which is great for being able to cycle them out and wash them (you are washing your masks, right?) I love that the patterns are enough to look a little fancy, but not too loud that they clash with an outfit. I can grab whichever one I can find and go. They are light and comfortable, but also two ply so they feel safe and effective. I really like the elastic loops on the ears — they fit my face really well." —Samantha Tomaszewski, BuzzFeed Senior Social Media Strategist

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear loops or around the head straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Christy Dawn for $10+ (available in various three- and five-packs and patterns).

17. A Masks Made Here face mask made with adjustable straps so you can get that *juuuuust right* fit.

Masks Made Here

"My dad is a big guy and we had to try on several face masks to find one that fit him just right. We had some great success with these masks once we took off the adjuster. Plus he wasn't into any crazy patterns or super bright colors, so I got him three in extremely neutral greens and blues." —Elizabeth Lilly, BuzzFeed Senior Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Adjustable ear straps

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Polyester

Shipping Time: Expected to ship within 2 business days

Get it from Masks Made Here for $12 (originally $20; you can enter the code BF20OFF at checkout for a BuzzFeed exclusive discount on the current $15 sale price).

Psst — this company offers free shipping!

18. A Dippin' Daisy's face mask with seams specifically constructed to avoid gaps in the chin area.

Dippin' Daisy's

“We’re all out here trying to find the perfect face mask, and people, this is mine. It’s my go-to constantly, so much so that I get *sad* when I have to wash and use another while it dries. I love the convenient pocket for a filter, so you can easily take it out and replace, and the special design of the chin area. It’s sewn specifically to fit your chin, and fit without large gaps (because, well, gaps defeat the purpose of wearing a mask in the first place!). The adorable print is just an added bonus!” —Kayla Suazo, BuzzFeed Shopping Editor

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear loops

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Polyester

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Dippin' Daisy's for $7 (originally $14; available in four prints).

19. A Reuse Masks face mask so comfortable, your family members might steal it from you straight out of the wash.

Reuse Masks

"When I initially found these masks on Instagram I thought they were the trendiest ever. I ordered them thinking they were cute and then once I started using them I realized they are literally THE MOST comfortable masks I’ve ever used. Everyone in my family legitimately stole them from me and ended up having to order more. I probably own about 7+ masks from this brand and they are hands down my holy grail masks." —Ali Faccenda, BuzzFeed Shopping Writer

Type Of Fit: Around the ear loops

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Rayon and spandex

Shipping Time: Standard shipping

Get it from Reuse Masks for $10+ (available in dozens of styles and in adult and kid sizes).

Psst — a few little mask tips before you go!

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

✨If you're looking for a better fit, try these ear savers and mask adjusters from Amazon ($6.99 for a four-pack); I use them on masks where the elastic isn't quuuuite a perfect fit on my face.

✨ If your glasses are fogging up with a mask, people are swearing by this anti-fog spray on Amazon for $10.55.

✨ And if you're looking for a cute, convenient way to store your masks without installing anything permanent, try Command hooks! I've included a pic of my set up below; I just put them by the door so I can grab 'em on my way out. It's also really nice if I've washed a mask and I'm waiting for it to air dry. You can snag a pack of nine small hooks on Amazon for $7.48.

If you're looking for even *more* mask recommendations, though, I've also assembled a MASSIVE list of the best places to buy face masks online, including faves like Aerie, Old Navy, and Target, as well as a ton of cute Etsy shops ❤️.

Just remember — masks are not a substitute for social distancing! You should still maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance between you and other people when possible, and continue washing your hands and avoiding touching your face. Stay safe!

TV Tokyo

You can also check out BuzzFeed's guides to face masks in solid colors, the prettiest face masks, and face mask problem products for more options.