It’s been many months now (has it really been nine months?) since we started wearing face masks for the health and safety of everyone. Wearing a face masks is one of the simplest and easiest things you can do to protect yourselves and others, and it is something that all of us should be doing, especially as we start heading home for the holidays. And since we have incorporated face masks into our daily routine, we have also come to realize how important a comfortable face mask can be, and it’s a bonus when it matches your outfit for the day.
Because we have been doing this for awhile now, I’m sure you, like us, have that a go-to face mask brand, but if you want to add to your face mask collection, here are some of our favorites:
- Madewell Three-Pack Face Mas
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Full disclaimer: I am a part-time Sales Associate at a Madewell store near me. When I returned to work during this past summer, we were all given a blue striped face mask to wear during our shifts. The soft breathable cotton is ideal for someone who deals with maskne and I find that the simple blue and white stripes pair well with most of my outfits (not that fashion is as important as staying safe during Covid). The stretchy straps also make wearing the mask for long hours studying in Shain Library a lot more bearable. From November 4, 2020 to January 1, 2021, 40% of your purchase of these masks will go towards the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Many customers would come into the store during the summer months asking when they could buy Madewell’s masks. Now that they are available in-store and online, take a peek through Madewell’s website and find a pattern and style that you like!
– Elizabeth Berry ‘21
- Shein Star Patterned 3-pack Face Mask
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At the end of the summer, I found myself with a severe lack of cute face masks. I had spent the summer wearing those gaiter-style masks that I now know don’t really work but were good for sun protection. I was looking for some good cheap masks, and I was getting targeted Instagram ads from Shein every day, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered a few different mask packs, and these navy blue and white masks quickly became my favorites. The adjustable straps are really comfortable, and I love how the mask hooks under your chin and over your nose to really keep it in place. My favorite feature is the pack of PM2.5 filters that come with the masks. The masks have a little pocket to slide the filter in and out, so you can replace it when it gets dirty. In this whole semester, I’ve only gone through 2 filters per mask, so they last a while. If you run out of filters, Shein sells a refill pack on their site. I also loved the cute designs on the masks. My favorite color is navy blue, so they went really well with everything I own. If you do some digging on Shein, you can find the same cut of masks in different colors as well.
– Ellie Wagner, ’23
- Athleta Everyday 5 Pack Masks
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My favorite face masks are definitely the Everyday Non Medical Masks from Athleta that are sold in a 5 pack for $30. I have tried many, many masks (as I am sure we all have) and the Athleta masks are the ones I always reach for first. There is a variety of solid colors in the pack that could match any outfit, making it easy to grab a mask on the go and not worry it will clash with anything you are wearing. The straps are also adjustable around the ears, so they can fit anyone and can also be made tighter/looser depending on your personal preference. There is also a bit of wire inside the mask around the nose area that can be adjusted and tightened to further secure your mask. The fabric is extremely breathable and lightweight. I wore my Athleta masks on many long walks and hikes outside and did not feel as though my breathing was restricted, despite the 3 layers of fabric in the mask. Overall, Athleta masks come in colors that match any outfit, they are very comfortable and most importantly keep you safe! If you are looking for new masks, I highly suggest giving the Everyday Athleta masks a try.
– Sarah Hennig ‘24
Since it never hurts to have more masks, we want to know: what is your favorite face mask brand? Let us know on our Instagram!