Only in a pandemic am I reviewing and comparing face masks but here I am. I have collected masks from 6 different companies to find out which one is the best. I also have a few different styles from the same company to see which one is the best. Since it doesn’t look like face masks are going anywhere anytime soon, we might as well invest in some good ones that are also cute. So let’s get started to find the best face masks.
The Best Face Masks
The contenders areā¦ (in no particular order)
Old Navy Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters)
BaubleBar Adult Adjustable Face Masks Set of 2
Vera Bradley Cotton Face Mask (Non-Medical)
Vera Bradley Pleated Mask with Adjustable Elastic
Erin Condren Mid Century Circles Colorful Adult Face Mask
J.Crew Factory Nonmedical printed mask
Dippin’ Daisy’s Face Mask (2 print versions)
The Judging Criteria:
Price (Mask + Shipping)
Fit
Quality
Comfort/Breathability
Filter Compatibility
Print/Pattern
It’s so funny how you can immediately tell if you are going to like a face mask or not, but most of the time you can’t return them or you really don’t know until they will be until you try them on. Hopefully, this criteria helps bring clarity and at the end, I’ll rank them in order of faves! So let’s get started on the journey to find the best face masks.
Old Navy Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters)
These Old Navy masks really intrigued me because of the price, color options and that they come in a 5 pack. They come in 20 different 5-packs so there are a lot of options to choose from for both men and women in solids and patterns.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
For a 5-pack of masks, it’s $12.50 plus $7 for shipping. These are available in stores and for store pickup, if you wanted to avoid paying for shipping. But I think this is a really good price for 5 masks. When you break it down you’re paying $2.50 per mask without shipping or $3.90 per mask with shipping which is by far the cheapest option per mask out of all contenders.
Fit
I was actually pleasantly surprised by the fit of these masks, given the price point and retailer I actually had the lowest expectation for these masks. They fit really well with great coverage. Although it puckers on the side it’s not able to let air in. I really like that it has the ear adjusters to really help customize the fit.
It does come up pretty high at least on me where I can feel my lower lashes rubbing against it which I don’t love, but it does come down on the neck to keep things covered at the bottom.
Quality
Quality is again surprisingly good. It is double layered and it feels well made. For the price, the quality is actually better than some of the more expensive ones.
Comfort/Breathability
These masks are very easy to breathe in, but still feel safe and secure. Because of the sturdy more structured fabric it doesn’t cave in on your mouth when breathing or talking which is a major bonus.
Filter Compatibility
These are not compatible with adding your own filter.
Print/Pattern
As I mentioned above there are 20 options of colors and patterns to choose from which makes finding one that fits your style easy.
Overall, I really like these masks and I am impressed with the color options, quality, fit and breathability along with price.
BaubleBar Adult Adjustable Face Masks Set of 2
I had really high hopes for these masks because I love BaubleBar. I thought the color options were cute but was disappointed once they came in the mail.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
These masks come in a 2-pack for $12 with an additional $5.95 for shipping. This makes the cost of each mask $8.97 each.
Fit
The fit of these masks is really BaubleBar falls short. The have an opening both under the chin and the fabric does not lay flat. I feel as if when I breathe in I can feel the outside air sneaking in. They fit similar to the Old Navy ones just worse.
Quality
The quality is really nice. It’s double-layered with what feels like some type of padding in between the two layers. I do like the adjustable strap option, and there are pleats on the sides to make sure it doesn’t pucker out which is a really nice touch.
Comfort/Breathability
These masks fit very comfortably and are easy to wear for long periods. They don’t cave in when you breathe or talk.
Filter Compatibility
These are not compatible with a filter.
Print/Pattern
I really like the style options with 5 different variations to choose from. I was drawn to the gingham and embroidered flower one because it was unique.
Overall, these masks are cute but not super functional. I want a mask that fully protects me and I just really don’t get that from these mask.
Vera Bradley Cotton Face Mask (Non-Medical)
Initially, I was very hesitant about the Vera Bradley face mask because fresh out of the package it was way too big on me, but I found a trick to make fit better.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
This face mask is $8 for one with $8 for shipping. This mask is definitely up in their price due to the higher cost of shipping. These are available at Vera Bradley stores if you have one close to you which helps reduce the cost.
Fit
So fresh out of the package the fit of these masks are very large, however, I threw mine in both the washer and the dryer and it fits perfectly to my face. Because it’s 100% cotton it definitely shrinks in the dryer which I found to be a plus. This is actually my second mask in this style from Vera Bradley because I lost the first one.
I really like the spape of the mask making it fit nicely to cover the nose and chin well without just being a straight rectangle piece of fabric.
Quality
The quality is great. I really like how soft it is so it’s not itchy or uncomfortable on my face. It’s double-lined so there is more protection.
Comfort/Breathability
This mask is the easiest to breathe in. I wore this mask for 3 hours straight while getting my hair done with absolutely no discomfort. When talking it doesn’t get stuck in my mouth and it doesn’t feel suffocating.
Filter Compatibility
This mask does have a opening to put in your own filters, but filters are not included with purchase.
Print/Pattern
As you would expect from Vera Bradley, these masks come in bold prints and patterns which might be a good fit for everyone. Personally, I love the boldness and there a bunch option to choose from.
Overall, this might be my favorite mask. It’s so comfortable and easy to wear and not hot at all.
Vera Bradley Pleated Mask with Adjustable Elastic
Also, Vera Bradley, this mask is very similar to the mask above with the major difference being fit.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
Similar to the first Vera Bradley one this one also retails for $8 with $8 shipping and is available in stores.
Fit
The fit is where this mask wins. Out of all of the masks, this one fit the best. The two-strap system is different but it works. It hugs the mask close to your face and let’s no air in whatsoever. The straw are all connected so you can pull and adjust however you need to make it fit your face.
Quality
The quality is also where this mask win. Unlike the first Vera Bradley mask, this mask has a metal strip over the nose to really help with air coming in from the top. This also is helpful if you wear glasses to reduce your lenses fogging up.
This mask is also double-layered.
Comfort/Breathability
This mask is very easy to breathe in and very comfortable to wear. I think this mask would be ideal for long-term wear if you were a teacher, a service worker or even a pregnant momma having to give birth during COVID.
Filter Compatibility
This one is not compatible with adding your own filter.
Print/Pattern
These also come in bold prints and patterns with multiple color options.
Overall, I really did not think I was going to like this mask because of the strap but I wore this over the weekend running errands all day and was so comfortable. Plus there are ways to the strap if that bothers you. You can wear a hat which is an easy fix or you can pull your hair half up half down and place the strap at the crown of your head and let the top half down to camouflage the top strap.
Erin Condren Mid Century Circles Colorful Adult Face Mask
This was the first face mask I bought and it is still going strong, but how does it compare to the rest? Keep reading!
Price (Mask + Shipping)
This face mask is the most expensive at $12 for the mask and $6.95 for shipping.
Fit
The fit of this mask is ok, for the price it definitely should be better. It’s a little big on me on the sides and under my chin. It’s a different shape than all of the other masks and I think if there were elastic on the sides and not just bottom it would help with the fit.
Quality
The quality is definitely the best out of all of the masks. It’s a nice thick stretchy double-lined fabric. It also includes elastic at the bottom as I mentioned along with a metal nose strip which is a major bonus for me.
Comfort/Breathability
The level of comfort and breathability is average. My biggest complaint with this mask is when breathing or talking I find it caves in on my mouth which is very frustrating and almost suffocating feeling.
Filter Compatibility
It is not compatible with adding your own filter.
Print/Pattern
Similar to Vera Bradley the print options are bold but limited in comparison to some of the other brands, but you don have those classic Erin Condren patterns.
Overall, I loved this mask as my first mask but then I tried other and realized there was better out there. Sorry, Erin Condren maybe just sticker to paper!
J.Crew Factory Nonmedical printed mask
I am just going to tell you now, this mask sucks. 100% not worth it.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
The price of this mask is $8 with a $5 shipping rate. So this mask is the same price as Vera Bradley with slightly cheaper shipping for reference.
Fit
The fit of this mask is absolutely terrible. It doesn’t fit with opening at the top, sides, and bottom. I don’t understand how this is possible because it appears to be the same shape as the Old Navy ones but something about it does not work.
Quality
The quality is also absolutely terrible. It’s very thin and the straps feel like this could break at any second. It feels like this mask should have stayed at the drawing board a little longer.
Comfort/Breathability
It’s easy to breathe in because there are so many holes, lol!
Filter Compatibility
It is compatible with a filter through an opening in the middle which I didn’t realize until just now as I am inspecting it to write this.
Print/Pattern
There are a few pattern options like cheetah or seersucker that feel very on-brand for J.Crew but personally, I could care less about the pattern if the mask sucks.
Overall, don’t waste your money on this mask.
Dippin’ Daisy’s Face Mask (2 versions)
Shop Dippin’ Daisy’s here.
I had never heard of this brand before but my mom and sister both purchased masks from them and could not stop raving about them. I purchased these back in April and have gotten a lot of wear out of them. I have two versions but they are the same just in different patterns/colors.
Price (Mask + Shipping)
These masks retail for $10 each with $4.60 shipping, but this includes more than just the mask. Dippin’ Daisy’s also provides two single-use, carbon activated disposable 5 layer filters.
Fit
The fit of these masks are very nice and hug your face with no openings. As you can see in the photo the seams are made to fit closely around your nose as well chin which I really like.
Quality
The quality of these masks are extremely nice. Unlike all of the other masks, Dippin’ Daisy’s is a swimsuit brand, so these masks are made out of swimsuit like material. I think these masks are made really well.
Comfort/Breathability
They are very comfortable wear and I actually wore my on the place to Disney for many hours and felt totally fine, even running through the airport to catch my flight. Check out that story here if you haven’t already.
Filter Compatibility
These are compatible with filters and like I mention come with 2 included in the $10.
Print/Pattern
They have 67 different prints, colors, patterns, you name it. There is something for everyone. I really love the eyelet one because it’s so different and would be perfect for all those COVID brides out there. I also like the navy and white stripe on because it has a black interior which is nice to hide those makeup stains.
Overall, these masks are definitely high on the list. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck this is definitely the route to go in.
Shop Dippin’ Daisy’s here.
Final Ranks:
Vera Bradley Cotton Face Mask (Non-Medical)
Dippin’ Daisy’s Face Mask (2 versions)
Vera Bradley Pleated Mask with Adjustable Elastic
Old Navy Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters)
BaubleBar Adult Adjustable Face Masks Set of 2
Erin Condren Mid Century Circles Colorful Adult Face Mask
J.Crew Factory Nonmedical printed mask
Final Thoughts:
Overall I reach the most for my Vera Bradley Cotton Face Mask followed by my Dippin’ Daisy’s ones. These are the easiest to breathe in and the most comfortable. For long-term wear, I reach for the Vera Bradley Pleated Mask with Adjustable Elastic. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck Old Navy Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters) is the way to go.
To be honest, I would skip the last three (BaubleBar, Erin Condren, and J.Crew Factory) because I think there are much better options out there.
Angela, thank you so much for this post! As a college student who is required to wear a mask anytime I step foot on campus (and wants to be protecting myself and others), it is so helpful to know which masks will be most effective within my budget. I have some Old Navy masks but am excited to try out the Vera Bradley style & Dippin’ Daisy’s!
I also found the bauble bar masks to let lots of air in. I performed the lighter test (put the mask on and try to blow the flame of the lighter out) and it failed. Which means the air was easily flowing out. I wish I would have waited for this blogpost before buying them.