The Best Face Masks of 2021

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No
Different sizes: S/M, M/L
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

Here at Reviewed, we are big fans of Tom Bihn. The brand makes the best carry-on under seat luggage and one of our favorite carry-on bags. Not to mention, a few of our editors are self-proclaimed “Tom Bihn nerds” (they own the masks now, of course). That being said, it’s no surprise we love the brand’s masks. This mask is comfortable to wear due to the soft ear loops, and because of its construction, it does not cling to my face. The material is also densely woven (meaning more protection), but not thick to the point where it becomes hard to breathe.

While we love that the masks come in different sizes, the fit might not be perfect for everyone. I ordered the smallest size, and it runs slightly large on me. However, it’s still wearable.

A few of the Reviewed editors who purchased the Tom Bihn face mask gave it rave reviews. Our editor, Seamus, loves the unique nose piece. He says, “I think the best bit is that for the nose piece, instead of sewing in a piece of metal for you to bend that you can't replace should it break, they use twist ties. This significantly lengthens the long-term wearability of the mask.”

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Adjustable ear loops
Filter: No
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and lay flat to dry

If you love Summersalt swimsuits just as much as we do, you’ll love the look of their masks. The face coverings come in a 3-pack that includes two cute patterned masks that feature the same material as their trendy swimsuits and a solid black one. Each mask is triple-layered, and the inner two layers are thick woven cotton which offers more protection. This mask is also a “cone” shape. This gives a snug fit around the border of the mask, providing protection while leaving some space between your face and the material. This is good for someone who doesn’t like it when masks press against their nose and mouth. The ear loops and nose piece on each mask are adjustable, but I found that the nose piece did not work very well and required constant adjustments.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

Plover started as an organic cotton bedding company, so it’s no surprise that their face masks are also made of their 100% organic cotton bedding material. This mask was one of the softest materials out of the ones I tested, and it was comfortable to wear. The ear loops were not extremely tight around my ears, and the bendable nose piece kept my glasses from fogging up. Although the mask fit well, it could have been tighter to my face and didn't offer as much protection as other more fitted masks.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No
Different sizes: XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL, XL/XXL
How to wash: Hand wash or machine wash and dry flat

Under Armour launched a face mask for exercising that sold out in less than an hour after launch. The “Sportsmask” is made with performance fabrics and according to the website, it has enhanced airflow, water-resistance, cool to touch feel, built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, and anti-microbial treatment to keep the mask fresh. It also has a structured design so the mask doesn’t sit directly on your face.

The design of the mask allowed for a snug fit almost everywhere around its border while leaving room to breathe around the nose and mouth. Another plus of this structured design was that even when the mask was soaked in sweat the fabric did not cling to my face, allowing me to breathe comfortably. The soft and stretchy ear loops are comfortable to wear long term and also help the mask stay securely in place. However, the bendable nose piece did not completely mold to my nose, leaving a slight gap, which made my glasses fog up while wearing it.

I wanted to love the Iso-Chill fabric, however, while the mask felt cool against my skin after putting it on, after a few minutes, the cooling effect feeling was gone. The last thing: The “three-layer system” in theory is a good idea, but that has some flaws, too. Because the layers are thicker than most masks, it is almost like wearing a blanket over your face, making it feel warmer. While I didn't notice that I sweat more in this mask than others, I didn't like the feel of extra heat over my face. You can read more about my thoughts on the popular Under Armour mask here.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; One filter included
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

Vistaprint, a custom print company, is making and selling masks. Their face coverings have soft seams, adjustable nose pieces, and ear loops—all making the masks comfortable to wear. The problem with them, however, is that they may not offer as much protection. The outer layer of each mask is a stretchy knit and the inner layer is thinner cotton. It does come with its own filter, though, which can help make up for the weaker material. The problem: the filters are not reusable, meaning when you need more, you’ll either have to make your own or buy more from their website.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; filters not included
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry flat

Banana Republic’s masks come in a pack of three and include a variety of colors and patterns. They have adjustable ear loops, adjustable nose wires, pockets for a filter, and are made with two layers of knit material. Knit material offers less protection than woven materials, but it’s usually easier to breathe in. However, I found this mask hard to breathe in. While wearing it out and about, the material had a tendency to cling to my face, making it feel as though I was breathing in the fabric. This also felt somewhat suffocating.

Adjustable nose wire: No
Ear loops or ties: Ties
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; no filters included

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

The Take Care mask is good for someone who prefers to tie their mask around their head. The ties are soft, stretchy, and comfortable, although they were prone to slipping on my head and may need some adjustment. The mask also provides decent protection, as the outer layer is a thicker fabric while the inner layer is softer with a pocket for a filter. One downside to them is that the sizing seems to be inconsistent. The 3-pack of masks I ordered fit my face perfectly, but our Shopping Director, Sam, ordered the same 3-pack and received completely different sizes, although they claim to only sell and make one size. Sam's Take Care masks are so big, they cover her entire face. Luckily, her husband has a large head and the masks work for him. The other potential dealbreaker is the shipping. They ship from Canada, so you may have to pay a foreign transaction fee if you are ordering from the U.S., and both Sam and I did not receive the masks until weeks after ordering them.

Adjustable nose wire: No
Ear loops or ties: Ties
Filter: No

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

Out of all the masks we tested, this one has the thickest material and the most snug fit, making it one of the best cloth masks in terms of protection. However, due to the material thickness, it is difficult to breathe in this mask during the summer heat and humidity. Another downside is that the ties which secure the mask to your face can slip leading to constant re-adjustments.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ties
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; no filters included

Different sizes: XS, S/M, L
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

This homemade mask is sold by Etsy seller Shiitake Creek. It's made of good quality fabric, has a pocket to place your own filter, and offers a very snug fit to your face. One drawback is that the elastic used to secure the mask on the face is short, making it complicated to tie around the head. Also, due to the thickness of the fabric, it can be hard to breathe in high heat and humidity, making it is a better mask for cooler temperatures.

Adjustable nose wire: No
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; no filters included

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

MaskClub launched as an effort to help a local hospital in Michigan with personal protective equipment and has since started selling face masks across the U.S. This mask is pretty basic; it has two layers of material and is pleated with a pocket for your own filter. Even though the mask has double layers, it’s on the thinner side, making it less protective. Although I thought the thin material would make the mask more breathable, it actually felt a bit suffocating to wear. While on a longer walk with it on, the fabric would cling to my face with each breath I took. It also does not have an adjustable nose wire or ear loops.

Adjustable nose wire: No
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash

Koral makes high-fashion activewear that has been spotted on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift. When they came out with a face mask, I knew I had to try it. The mask is made of the same performance fabrics that they use for their athletic wear, with items like leggings costing in the $100+ range. According to their website, this mask is made for stepping out or jogging and offers performance features like fast-drying, breathability, and UV protection. I wanted to love the mask immediately because of it’s soft feel and on-trend fabric, but unfortunately the fit of the mask was loose around my nose and cheeks, leaving a large gap between the mask and my face. The verdict: While they are cute, these masks won’t offer you much protection.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: Yes—Filter pocket; filters not included
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Hand wash and dry flat

Hedley and Bennett, the company known for its popular aprons, was one of the first retailers to start making and selling masks. I ordered my Hedley and Bennett mask right when they first went on sale, and since bought an updated version, too.

Unfortunately, both masks were too big for my face, but Reviewed Editor Alicia Cypress purchased both versions and loved them. She notes that the second update included an adjustable nose piece, and was better in terms of fit, although in the three-pack she purchased the mask sizing wasn't identical. She also liked the sturdy cotton-poly fabric that's easy to clean and more comfortable than other masks she's tried.

As we were finishing up our testing, Hedley and Bennett released a third generation of the masks, which now includes adjustable ears loops. We have not had a chance to try the new masks, but as the design and fabric appears to be identical, the updated adjustable ear loops may help with any fit issues.

Adjustable nose wire: No
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

I wanted to love this mask because I’m a huge fan of the fashion brand Alice and Olivia and am obsessed with their classic Staceface print that covers it. However, even though the mask is double-layered, its knit material offers less protection. The fit of this mask also wasn’t ideal, as it left gaps around my nose and cheeks. One of our editors, Nicole, ordered this mask for herself and also did not like it. She says, “It’s nowhere near as cute as the picture. Most masks on me are slightly oversized, but this one is so huge and shapeless.”

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: No

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Machine wash and dry

T-Masks is a company that turns t-shirts into face masks. Their face coverings are double-layered and come with what the company calls a “fabric-based filter” that’s sewn between the two layers. They allow you to adjust the fit around the nose and chin, but I found neither were great at helping to achieve a tight fit.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Both options available
Filter: No

Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Hand wash only

Fashion retailer Anthropologie carries a ton of masks from contemporary fashion brand Amadi. These masks come in a variety of patterns and colors. The best part—customers have the option to select masks with either ear loops or elastic bands that go around your head when purchasing. I opted for the mask with elastic bands and unfortunately found it disappointing. The bottom piece of elastic is so loose that it doesn’t help secure the mask to your face. It does have an adjustable nose piece, but the material is very thin, and it doesn’t offer as much protection as other masks. Another downside is that the instructions state to hand wash, which is inconvenient for those who prefer to machine wash items.

Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ear loops or ties: Ear loops
Filter: Built-in filter
Different sizes: One size
How to wash: Hand wash only

When I saw the trendy camo and animal prints on fashion brand Sanctuary’s masks, I fell in love. I was so excited to try these out, but the hype was short-lived. Yes, the masks were as chic as they looked online, but they are hand wash only, which is inconvenient compared to others that you can toss in the washer and dryer. The biggest issue: While all the other fabric masks we tested are reusable and can withstand multiple washes, these masks come with instructions to dispose of them after a few uses, which at $28 for a 5-pack is a pretty expensive disposable mask.