9 lightweight, breathable face masks to help you stay safe on hot summer days
Amir Ismael
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- Many states are in the stages of reopening, but that doesn't mean you should stop wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing.
- The CDC is still recommending that all people wear some sort of cloth face covering when in public — whether it be a homemade mask, a scarf, or a bandana. In fact, many places are requiring a face mask for service or entry.
- Face masks are understandably uncomfortable to wear in the heat of summer, so we rounded up 9 lightweight masks that make it easier.
- Wearing a cloth mask won't completely protect you from contracting the novel coronavirus, but it can reduce the possibility of spreading it, whether you're showing symptoms or not.
Although the spread of the novel coronavirus has begun to slow down, and many states are either open or gradually reopening in phases, you don't want to put your guard down just yet. The potential risk of contracting the coronavirus hasn't gone away, and the CDC is still recommending that people wear cloth face masks and practice safe social distancing. In fact, most businesses and public places require you to wear a mask for entry or service.
With summer officially here, people have gone from searching for the most heavy-duty masks to ones that are easier to wear in warm weather. So, to help you safely enjoy the summer months rather than staying inside every day, we rounded up 9 lightweight and breathable face mask options.
It's worth noting that none of the masks included are medical-grade, and the manufacturers, whether they be small sellers on Etsy or well-known brands, cannot make medical claims. However, the CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines for people interested in creating masks at home for personal use or for selling online.
Why is it important to wear a face mask?Wearing a cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other virus, but it can decrease the likelihood of spreading germs.
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."
According to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, somewhere between 25% and 50% of people infected with the new coronavirus may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic.
Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone, not just those who show symptoms, wear a face mask outside the home.
In other words, even if you are comfortable being in public without wearing a mask and you're willing to assume the risk, it has become common courtesy to wear a mask for the people around you.
Note that cloth face masks are not medical grade and that additions like filters, unless they are carbon or HEPA, have not been proven to be any safer or more effective.
The CDC recommends that face masks have the following features:- A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face
- Ties or ear loops that keep it secure
- Multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
It should also be noted that 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."
More articles about where to buy face masks:- 12 of the highest-rated cloth face masks on Etsy
- 25 brands making stylish, reusable cloth face masks you can buy online
- 7 affordable cloth face masks you can find on Amazon for both adults and children
Vida face masks
Vida's mask has two layers of 100% cotton, plus 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 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.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Linen face mask by HeyJanuary
Whether you're shopping for lightweight sheets or shirts, linen is a quality option and that goes for face masks too. HeyJanuary's linen masks were specifically designed to have added breathability over regular masks during the summer. The seller has over 33,000 total sales, a 4.5-star rating, and more than 3,000 customer reviews for the linen masks alone.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Summer Face Mask by FortunaCreation
FortunaCreation's masks are cut from a stretchy and silky material made for comfort. They're also very lightweight, which makes them a solid choice for anyone who prefers a more breathable material in the summer when heat can be a problem. They're available for adults and kids and come in plenty of fun colors and patterns.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Old Navy face masks
Old Navy is one of the best places to buy cloth masks if you're looking for ones to match your style. The brand offers a huge variety of colors and patterns and they're all affordably priced. You can buy a 5-pack for $12.50 or a 10-pack for $25, which is less than some individual masks on the market. And since they're available in adult and kid sizing, the whole family can find a mask they like. You can also check out Old Navy's parent company, Gap, for more patterns, though the selection is different and they're slightly more expensive at $15 for a 3-pack.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Cotton face mask by BKBTailoring
BKBTailoring's mask is made from 100% cotton and is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, yet protective. With elastic straps and a one-size-fits-all construction, this one should work for most adults. You'll also save when you buy in bulk.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Buttonsmith cotton face masks
Made from a stretchy cotton T-shirt material, Buttonsmith's masks are a good choice if your main concern is comfort. The brand offers them in black and white colors, but it's worth noting that the white version is cut slightly smaller to accommodate smaller faces.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Activated carbon mask with respirators and filter by WISREMT
WISREMT's activated carbon mask features almost everything you could want in a non-medical grade mask. It has a pocket for the included filters, an adjustable nose, and dual respirators to let heat and moisture escape. That way, you won't feel like your breathing is restricted.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Rent the Runway face masks
Rent the Runway is making non-medical washable, reusable cotton masks 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.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Madewell face masks
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.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: No
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