We all know face masks are a must right now. And we all know, when worn correctly and in public spaces where distancing of at least six feet may be difficult to maintain, face masks help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. But when it comes time to wear one, we’ve all experienced from time to time just how uncomfortable face masks can be. Some, especially essential workers, may find the mask straps particularly painful after hours of wear; others may complain of skin irritation or find their masks difficult to breathe in. That’s where face mask bandanas and neck gaiters come in handy.
While the CDC recommends wearing a cloth face mask in public, other face coverings such as mask bandanas and gaiters are solid face mask alternatives, notably when outdoors and maintaining social distancing is possible. When worn correctly, the aforementioned face covering can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from an infected person to the surrounding area, USA Today reports. “We do know that tighter-fitting face masks have better aerosol filtration, but the most important thing is for people to find a mask that is comfortable that they can and will wear,” Emily Sickbert-Bennett, Director of Infection Prevention at UNC Hospitals in North Carolina, tells the publication. “A neck gaiter covering the nose and mouth would most likely be appropriate.”
When shopping for alternative face coverings, it’s important to take note of the material and the fit. As Sickbert-Bennett mentioned, the tighter it is, the better. As for the material, those with a higher thread count and those made of blended materials (i.e., cotton and another material) may be more effective.
From lightweight and cooling neck gaiters to unique face mask bandanas with comfortable ear loops and filter pockets, ahead are some of our favorite face mask bandanas and neck gaiters.
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.
Buck Mason Built-Tough Bandana 2-Pack
Made with 100 percent woven cotton, Buck Mason’s rugged bandanas — available in five colors — may start off stiff, but rest assured, they will get softer with every wash.
Huckberry Got Snaked Bandana
Bandanas are one of three materials the CDC recommends using when making homemade, non-sewn masks (the other two are old T-shirts and square cotton cloths).
Simply fold a bandana — like this one from Huckberry — in half, then fold the top down and fold the bottom up, and finally, place rubber bands or hair ties about six inches apart. That’s it!
Banana Republic Adjustable Gaiter
Banana Republic’s tube scarfs are made with one layer of stretchy jersey (60 percent nylon, 30 percent polyester, and 10 percent spandex). So, while these don’t meet CDC face covering requirements, they make for a great alternative for when you’re out and about outside and able to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
Eddie Bauer Multiclava
Made of breathable polyester fabric, this multi-use accessory not only shields your skin from the sun and wind, but it also wicks moisture. (We’re suckers for this colorful print, too.)
Carolina Mfg. Paisley Bandana
Wear one of these incredibly inexpensive paisley bandanas, and you’ll be in great company: Tom Hanks wears these, too.
Hanks Kerchiefs HK X PP (Utah)
Or, opt for Tom Hanks’ son Colin Hanks’ bandanas, appropriately named Hanks Kerchiefs. Many of the designs are already sold out, including the popular national parks kerchiefs created in collaboration with Parks Project, so you better act fast.
Mission Neck Gaiter
Desert rats, listen up: With nearly 3.5K reviews on Amazon and an overall 4.5 rating, Mission’s neck gaiters claim to cool you off quickly (we’re talking 30-degrees-below-average-body-temperature-in-under-30-seconds quickly) when activated with water.
NeovicGoods Neck Gaiter
Unlike many other gaiters, NeovicGoods’ gaiters on Etsy — made with a single-layer, four-way stretch polyester spandex fabric — have ear loops.
Filson Smokey Bear Bandana
So… when’s your next camping trip?
Texasizedeal Drawstring Mask
This neck gaiter on Etsy has it all: an adjustable drawstring, a nose wire for a closer fit, and a filter pocket. Oh, and did we mention it’s super-affordable, too?
Wazoo Foraging Bandana
Come on, just look at that print. Gorgeous.
iHeartRaves Mask Bandana
These mask bandanas boast a moisture wicking fabric that’ll help cool you down.
Into the AM Seamless Mask Bandanas
Into the AM’s face mask bandanas are made with a breathable, 100-percent microfiber polyester; and they also have more than 30 bandana/gaiter designs from which to choose on Amazon.
Achiou Neck Gaiter
A very popular option on Amazon for being lightweight, breathable, and boasting UV protection, Achiou’s neck gaiters are made with a single layer of a chinlon-spandex-nylon fabric blend and are an inexpensive and lightweight face mask alternative for outdoor activity.
Leave a Comment