Editor’s note 1/10/2022:If you’re reading this in 2022, experts are no longer recommending cloth masks or DIY masks for protection against the Omicron variant. Check out our more recent mask coverage to learn more about the kind of masks that would be the best fit for your family.
By now, we all know that it’s the responsible, respectful and public health conscious move to wear a mask when you’re around other people (after all, you never know someone’s vaxx status or if they’ve got young children or sick relatives at home!). So when you’re getting in some outdoor exercise — whether it’s running or cycling or yoga in the park— you’re going to need a breathable, comfortable face mask for workouts.
Being able to exercise safely in an abnormal pandemic summer is an excellent way to stave off cabin fever or boredom, look after your physical and mental health and actually leave the house. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people two years or older wear masks “when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”
According to the agency, which recommends fundamentally that medical grade masks be saved for medical professionals, non-medical grade cloth face coverings are the recommended barrier to “prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control.” So when you’re running or cycling or doing your workout of choice on a more populated path or trail, your workout-friendly face mask is a must-have.
“This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth,” the agency notes. “COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of cloth face coverings is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.”
To help you stay safe and stay sane and enjoy what you can while working out in a pandemic, here are the best face masks for workouts we’ve been able to find.
A version of this story was published July 2020.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Women’s Activate Face Mask (2 Pack)
Athleta’s Activate Face Mask is super comfortable for wearing while working out with adjustable straps, a moldable fit around the nose and cheeks and their TurboDry™ fabric that can outlast your next sweat sesh.
Athleta Made to Move Mask (3 Pack)
The point of this Athleta mask’s design is in the name: “made to move.” With a soft, breathable fabric that allows air to pass through as you work out. Plus, this mask was designed with your workout pony tail in mind with elastic binding and an interchangeable strap to position your mask securely around your ears, your neck or the crown of your head.
Under Armor UA Sports Mask
Designed to be comfortable enough for all-day wear and during sports, this mask from Under Armor features their high performance materials and a design that sits off the face and lips. And it’s designed to keep function (sweaty, stinky as your post-and mid-workout bod can be) in mind with “anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer to help keep mask fresh, polyurethane open-cell foam lets air through but makes it hard for moisture & sweat to pass, UA Iso-Chill fabric on interior lining & ear loops feels cool to the touch for as long as you wear it.”
Onzie Mindful Masks
Stretchy, quick-drying and breathable on top of being some of the cutest designs out there, Onzie’s Mindful Masks feature multi-layer fabric made of Full Flex Spandex on the outside with “a high performance inner lining and elastic straps.”
Plus, proceeds are donated to healthcare workers across America through a donation to the Center For Disaster Philanthropy.
Adidas Face Covers (3 Pack)
Made with 40 percent recycled materials, these covers from Adidas are easy to wash and dry and reuse daily. It’s soft, breathable fabric and stretch-y ear bands allow it to stay put and comfortable as you take off for your workout.
Reebok Face Covers (3 Pack)
With 93 percent recycled polyester and 7 percent elastane material, Reebok’s mask is designed for a close fit for optimal coverage during your workout.
Skin Cooler™ Face Mask
A high-tech “tightly knitted, stretchy fabrifc that absorbs very little moisture,” this mask allows you to control how it sits on your face with its durable stretchy tie straps and how much protection you need to feel comfortable (with a pocket for additional filtration).
The Better Bandana
If you’re more of a bandana kind of person but want the protection of a high-tech mask, this bandana’s antimicrobial INEXSHELL™ fabric offers a stealth looking but filtered option for low-key runs. We wouldn’t recommend this one or a gaiter style mask for indoor wear since the seal is the key for an effective mask, but if you’re outside in a semi-crowded place and are anxious about the proximity it might be a fit for you.
Koral Infinity Mask
Koral’s infinity mask uses their performance fabric (fast-drying technology, tight knit UV Protection with breathability and soft lycra stretch for a secure fit) and lets you put it on your face. Comfortable, sleek and stylish too, you won’t be preoccupied with how it looks and can focus on your workout.
Geometric Rainbow Printed Mask
A high-art looking mask that offers comfort and peace of mind with a filter pocket and built with a PM2.5 filter — which means it can capture/keep tiny particles in the air measured at 2.5 microns from getting in.
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