- The CDC now recommends wearing a cloth face cover in public to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 – wearing one is mandatory in cities such as New York and San Francisco.
- Cloth face coverings mostly help protect other people from your germs, which is especially important since a significant portion of people can transmit the virus while being asymptomatic or presymptomatic.
- Retailers such as Reformation and Caraa have repurposed their production facilities to make non-medical grade masks for the public. You can find a shoppable list of 35 brands making masks below.
- This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.
- See more: A running list of brands giving back during the coronavirus pandemic, and a list of where to buy face masks for kids.
After learning that a significant portion of people can transmit the novel coronavirus without knowing they’re infected – either because they lack symptoms, or because their symptoms haven’t developed yet – the CDC has recommended the use of cloth face coverings in public settings to prevent community transmission.
The CDC is advising the general public to use non-medical cloth face coverings rather than surgical masks or N95 respirators. Critical supplies should be reserved for those who need them most, such as healthcare workers. Cloth face coverings also don’t replace other CDC guidelines; it’s still essential to maintain 6 feet of social distancing and to wash your hands frequently.
Where and when to wear a face mask in public
You should wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, like grocery stores, transit stations, and pharmacies – and especially in areas with significant community-based transmission. If you live in cities such as New York and San Francisco, face coverings are mandatory if you’re going out in public. Exceptions to the rule are children under the age of two, and anyone who has trouble breathing or is otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
Why are face masks important, and how do they help?
Wearing face masks in public is firstly about social responsibility – protecting others from your germs – more than protecting you from them. The CDC’s guidelines say that “cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community.”
Even if you don't feel sick, you could easily be one of the estimated 25% of contagious people with coronavirus who feel completely fine. "If everyone wears a mask when in public, the ones who have illness in them, whether symptomatic or not, will not contaminate the environment," Chris Ziebell, an emergency medical director for US Acute Care Solutions, told Business Insider.
But, if you properly wear a mask with at least two layers of heavy material (including cotton), you can decrease your own risk. Carbon and/or HEPA filters can help block even smaller particles than regular cloth, so look for those materials if you're opting for a mask with space for a filter. Note that non-carbon or HEPA filters haven't been shown to increase the effectiveness of the masks, but we've noted which ones do have pockets for filters if you choose to use them.
It's also just as important for your own safety to practice social distancing, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. Lastly, be sure to wash your cloth masks between every use.
Who should avoid wearing masks?
There are some people who should not wear masks. According to the CDC, this includes "children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."
35 places where you can buy cloth face masks online:
This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Redbubble. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*
Reformation
Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Donation Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Donation Masks, 250-Pack, $1,250
Reformation's non-medical, reusable masks are tied on. The fabrics vary from Tencel to cotton blends, and they take one to two weeks to ship.
Vida
Single Mask, $10
Masks, Two-Pack, $18
Masks, Four-Pack, $36
Bulk Face Masks, 10-1000 Pack, $80-$6,000
Vida's mask is two layers of 100% cotton and has adjustable straps and a metal nose-piece for a snug, personalized fit. Each mask has a pocket for a filter and comes with one PM2.5 six-layered activated carbon filter which the company says effectively blocks airborne contaminants. They also come in a variety of colors.
According to Vida, 10% of the profits are donated to SF-Marin Food Bank & Food Bank NYC.
To coordinate donations and bulk orders of 1,000 masks or more, email [email protected] for more information.
Avocado
Masks, Four-Pack, $30
Child Masks, Four-Pack, $30
Avocado is best known for mattresses. Its face masks are made out of two layers of 100% GOTS organic certified cotton and based upon a publicly available pattern. The company says they're selling the masks at cost, not for profit. Orders are limited to one per household.
The brand asks that you allow 10 to 15 days for production time and an additional two to three days for shipping.
Redbubble
Mask, $12.49
This "Avocado Yoga" mask is one of many Redbubble non-medical face masks in prints by independent artists. Each mask is made of two layers of 100% brushed polyester and has elastic over-ear straps for a snug fit. Choose from tons of fun graphic designs on Redbubble.
*Sponsored by Redbubble
Everlane
100% Human Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Everlane's non-medical masks are made with a double-layer knit and cotton-Lycra ear loops.
The company launched the 100% Human Face Mask Three-Pack, which comes in sets of all black or the mix of black and heather and charcoal gray masks. For these, Everlane donates 10% of the sales to the ACLU.
The company says it worked with its tee factory in downtown LA to make its now sold-out Face Mask Three-Pack, and used fabrics it already had on hand. For every three-pack produced, Everlane said it would donate a mask to Feeding America to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts.
Onzie
Masks, Two-Pack, $24
Shop all Revolve handmade masks
Onzie makes non-medical, reusable face masks with elastic straps. They'll come in a two-pack of assorted colors, and the company will donate the proceeds to healthcare workers through a donation to the Center For Disaster Philanthropy.
Orders are expected to ship within five business days.
You can also find one on Revolve.
Summersalt
Masks, Three-Pack, $32
Summersalt's non-medical grade masks are made from three layers of machine-washable, reusable materials (recycled fabrics and 100% cotton) and have adjustable straps for a custom fit around your ears.
For every set sold, Summersalt says it will donate a face covering to "a worthy organization doing their part to help our larger community" and have encouraged customers to send in suggestions of such organizations.
Currently, customers are limited to purchasing three sets. They're currently available for pre-order and should ship in two weeks.
Cotopaxi
Mask, $13 pre-order
Cotopaxi's Face Mask is a light, breathable non-medical grade mask that's made from repurposed 100% tightly woven cotton fabric. They come with adjustable ear loops, a wire nose adjustment, and accordion-like pleats for a close fit to your face.
The bright, colorful options are also fully reversible (though you'll want to wash your mask before reversing it).
According to Cotopaxi, the company will also donate another high-quality mask to its nonprofit partner, Mercy Corps, for someone who needs it.
Currently, these masks are on backorder.
Topo Designs
Mask, $18
Topo Designs is an outdoors brand that's making double-layered face masks. The exterior is 100% cotton, and the interior is a blend of polyester and cotton. There's an interior pocket for an air filter insert, and adjustable elastic bands nose strip for a snug, comfortable fit. Sales of commercial masks help fund the brands' commitment to manufacturing 10,000 masks for the Colorado Mask Project to protect frontline essential workers and vulnerable populations. Masks ship in one to two weeks, and there's a limit of 10 per order.
Gap
Face Mask, 3-Pack, $15
Contoured Face Masks, 3-Pack, $18
Patterned Face Masks, 3-Pack, $18
Statement Face Masks, 3-Pack, $18
Gap's three-ply, non-medical grade masks are machine-washable and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and sizes for both kids and adults. The company has also reportedly donated 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Boys & Girls Club of Canada.
Old Navy
Face Mask, 5-Pack, $12.50
Face Mask, 10-Pack, $25
Old Navy's three-ply, machine-washable, non-medical grade face masks are available in perhaps the widest variety of colors and prints. They're available in versions with non-adjustable and adjustable elastic over-the-ear straps. Some colorways are backordered in both packs (currently until late September).
Athleta
Face Masks, 5-Pack, $30
Kid Face Masks, 5-Pack, $30
Exercise Masks, 3-Pack, $25
Kid Exercise Face Masks, 3-Pack, $25
Athleta's three-ply, machine-washable, non-medical-grade masks come in a basic cotton everyday version and an athletic-friendly polyester/spandex version with a mesh liner, hidden pocket for a filter, and interchangeable head strap. You can also shop each one in a kids' size.
Customers are limited to purchasing five packs per person.
Athleta is also reportedly donating 100,000 non-medical masks to a major healthcare organization.
Baublebar
Kid Face Masks, 2-Pack, $12
Face Mask, 2-Pack, $12
Face Mask, 3-Pack, $18
Face Mask, 5-Pack, $30
Baublebar's double-layered, non-medical grade, reusable fabric face masks come with adjustable ear loops and in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Food52
Mask, $22
Food52's reusable, non-medical grade masks are made from 100% cotton, upcycled deadstock fabric. They have an adjustable wire for the nose bridge and adjustable ear elastics. The built-in pocket also means you can add a filter for extra protection. The company also says it gives 10% of the retail price to No Kid Hungry.
Helen Jon
Mask, $15.50
Mask with Foam Insert, $18
Helen Jon's Los Angeles factories are making reusable non-medical grade masks out of its swimwear fabric. You can buy masks with or without a foam insert. According to the company, the insert helps hold the shape of the mask around the nose and may make it slightly easier to breathe while wearing.
The company says it is selling them below their cost and is donating additional masks to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
Masks are estimated to ship within 10 days after ordering.
Bonobos
Masks, Three-Pack, $25
Bonobos' non-medical grade masks are made of two layers of cloth and have over-the-head elastic straps. There's an opening for a filter insert, and an adjustable wire at the nose for a custom fit.
Bonobos said it will make a one-time donation of 1500 face masks to Callen-Lorde - an organization that provides healthcare and related services to New York's LGBTQ+ communities.
Alice and Olivia
Mask, $10
Limited Edition Mask, $12.95
Alive and Olivia's washable, reusable masks are double-layered and designed so that you can remove the stitching to add a filter.
You can buy as many as five at a time. Since the company is manufacturing them in real-time, they'll ship in approximately two weeks.
For every mask sold, Alice and Olivia is donating one to communities in need.
Madewell
Masks, Three-Pack, $20
Madewell's non-medical cotton masks have elastic ear straps, a three-layer construction that includes a filter, and come coated in an antimicrobial and water-repellant finish that should last for up to 20 washes. Madewell and J.Crew also donated 75,000 single-use face masks to Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
Caraa
Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Donation Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Caraa, a popular bag company, has launched Caraa Cares to sell reusable, washable, non-medical grade masks with elastic loops made out of repurposed materials from its production line. Inside, there's also a moldable wire for the bridge of your nose. You can buy a pack of five for yourself or purchase a pack to donate to relief efforts. Caraa will be matching all mask pack purchases and donations.
Baggu
Masks, Three-Pack, $32 (currently out of stock)
Baggu's reusable, double-layered, non-medical grade face masks are made from 100% Organic Quilter's Cotton - which the company says it chose for the fabric's tight weave and thick thread - and have both an adjustable nose wire and straps.
The company says it is donating a portion of its proceeds to communities in need for every pack of masks sold.
Sanctuary
Women's Masks, Five-Pack, $28
Men's Masks, Five-Pack, $28
Kids' Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Sanctuary's masks are made with 100% cotton muslin. They're divided into men's and women's options, but the only difference is in patterns. The company says they will donate one mask for every one bought.
Sanctuary also says credit cards will not be charged until masks are shipped.
Rent the Runway
Masks, Five-Pack, $50
RTR is making non-medical washable, reusable cotton masks with elastic earloops out of scraps that have been salvaged from its earlier production runs or purchased as unused surplus from textile mills. They also have a wire insert for shaping at the nose.
For each five-pack sold, RTR says it will give a five-pack to a community in need through a partnership with Project Renewal, a New York-based nonprofit organization founded to end homelessness.
Nation LTD
Masks, Three-Pack, from $30
Donation Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Nation LTD's non-medical, reusable face masks are available in a handful of animal prints and have a 100% recycled cotton lining. Orders are expected to begin shipping within five business days.
Under Armour
Face Mask, $30 pre-order
Under Armour's non-medical face mask for athletes is made out of standard UA materials and can be worn all day and when exercising. Currently, it comes in four face sizes.
Its outer shell is water-resistant and breathable. The polyurethane open-cell foam lets air through but makes it difficult for moisture and sweat to pass, according to the company. Its interior has an anti-microbial treatment, and a fabric that should feel cool-to-the-touch for as long as it's worn (which is also used for the ear straps).
It has a soft, moldable nose bridge and comes with a washable, anti-microbial carry pouch with a locker tag for your name and number. It should ship by August 17, according to the company.
Citizens of Humanity
Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Citizens of Humanity has repurposed its sewing facility to produce masks for frontline responders, including hospitals, healthcare workers and children's advocacy groups. More recently, it's started offering 100% cotton, washable masks in five-packs for the general public.
There's a limit of five packs per order, and the brand asks that you allow two to three business days for your order to ship.
Etsy
Mask, $11.90
Shop all Etsy handmade masks
Etsy has a plethora of mask options. This cotton mask pictured above has a pocket for a filter to be inserted and wire sewn over the bridge of the nose for a secure fit. Currently, they'll be shipped out within eight business days.
Custom Ink
Masks, 12-Pack, $19.99
Masks, 120-Pack, $169.99
Custom Ink's face masks use a single-ply blend of cotton and spandex, with coverage that's about the same as what you'd get from a single layer of T-shirt fabric (which you can make at home) in comparison to other two-ply options. These masks are similar to the single-ply "quick cut T-shirt" option listed by the CDC.
Buck Mason
Masks, Five-Pack, $20
Donation Masks, Five-Pack, $20
Masks, 250-Pack, $1,000
Buck Mason's mask pack includes five non-medical, reusable cotton masks with an anti-microbial coating on the inner layer which should last for 30 washes according to the product description.
Buck Mason has pledged to donate one mask for every one mask it sells. You can also donate directly through its site without buying yourself any.
Los Angeles Apparel
Masks, Three-Pack, $30
Los Angeles Apparel's masks are made from 100% cotton and have an adjustable nose bridge. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns. The company says the purchase of face masks by consumers helps to fund its donations of masks to other essential services.
Matteo
Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Donation Masks, Five-Pack, $25
Matteo's face masks are made of 100% cotton with 100% linen ties. They're also double layered with a pocket. Since the masks rely upon whichever fabrics are available, there's no way to tell which color you'll receive.
They should ship within seven to 10 business days.
J.Crew
Printed Masks, Three-Pack, $18
J. Crew's non-medical cotton masks are double-layered, have elastic ear loops, and an opening for a removable filter that's not included in the three-pack. They'll come in the brand's signature stripe and gingham patterns, and orders are limited to two per customer.
Mack Weldon
2-Pack Silver Mask, $32
Mack Weldon is best known for its comfortable and odor-resistant underwear and it's bringing that same technology to face masks. The proprietary material is made from a blend of Supima cotton and real silver fibers, which are anti-microbial. A bit of Spandex is used for a comfortable stretch, too.
Todd Snyder
Cotton Jersey Face Masks, $20
Popular menswear brand Todd Synder is known for his unique approach to fashion, and their face masks prove that covering your face can be stylish. Each mask includes a polyester filter pocket and is available in sizes small, medium, and large. They're considerably expensive at $20 for a single mask, but you can always count on Todd Snyder for good quality and even greater style.
Ministry of Supply
Mask Kit, $50 [currently sold out]
Ministry of Supply is offering 3D-knit masks with filter inserts for sale, which the company says were developed with healthcare professionals for comfort over long-term use. According to Ministry of Supply, the filter element provided has been independently tested by Nelson Labs to provide higher than 95% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency. Each Mask Kit comes with 10 filter inserts, each of which has an expected eight hours of use. You can find replacement filters here (10 filters for $20).
If you purchase two kits, you'll receive the third free.
Mask orders will begin shipping in three to six weeks, and for each purchase of a mask, the company will donate a mask to frontline healthcare professionals.
Adidas
3-Pack Face Cover, $20 [currently sold out]
Adidas' cloth face cover is perfect if you'd like a mask that matches your gear from The Three Stripes. The mask is made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane, which makes it sustainable and comfortable. There's also an insert for adding a filter. The 3-packs come in unisex sizes XS/S and M/L. They currently sold out, but we expect Adidas to restock quickly.
How to make your own face mask at home
If you can't buy a cloth mask or don't want to wait for the estimated shipping date, you can make one at home using household items, like a bandana and a coffee filter. You can also find an ASL Video Series: Easy DIY Cloth Face Covering on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4