Face mask chains are the newest fashion trend to take hold on Instagram — here are 11 of our favorites, nearly all of which are under $20

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• Face masks are imperative to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
• Chains have become a popular way to accessorize face masks, not just because they're cute, but also because they solve the problem of what to do with your mask when you need to take it off temporarily.

Face masks are the new normal. Along with other precautions like washing your hands frequently and practicing social distancing, wearing a mask is imperative to slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We're getting to the point that we want everybody to wear masks when going outside, especially if they're going to be in a setting that cannot be more than six feet apart from others," Roberto Posada, MD, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at Mount Sinai previously said to INSIDER. "Ideally, [they should wear] a new mask each day or each time they have to go out."

As face masks become a part of our everyday routines, we're seeing more and more brands offer their own versions. Whether you want a certain fabric, style, or pattern, there's really a face mask out there for everyone. We're also seeing more and more mask accessories, like chains.

At first, they seemed purely for style — which, if they get people to keep their masks on, great — but it's become apparent that mask accessories are working double duty as a functional accessory, too. Mask chains make it easy to keep your mask nearby at all times and to take it off when necessary and safe to do so, without putting it down on a surface. Not to mention, they help integrate masks into our lives even more by making them feel like any other accessory you throw on before you leave the house.

Keep reading for 11 mask chains and accessories that are practical and stylish.