What About a Bandana? Sold in packs of three, adidas Face Covers stand as a minimalistic and affordable, yet effective workout mask. Luckily, some of our favorite brands are on top of making masks that make your life a little easier. They are better than nothing, but they aren't a direct swap, either. Pros: Comfortable fit, nose flap guides breath down instead of up into your face, made of hypoallergenic and antimicrobial fabric, easy to hand wash and dries quickly, features a pocket for use with an N95 filter, Cons: Expensive, unless you get the correct size, you may have some fit issues. Heres why you can trust us. The Adidas Face Cover isn't adjustable, but comes in two sizes designed to fit most adults. Furthermore, for each mask sold, the California-based company is donating a pair of socks to medical workers on the frontline via its Stance for Scrubs Initiative. ), "I love how light and breathable this mask is. Email us at reviews@insider.com. It doesn't fit very securely under the eyes either, which can cause glasses and shades to steam up. 2022 HICONSUMPTION LLC. By slipping one into a small built-in pouch inside the mask, it grants an added layer of quality protection (and peace of mind). Best neck gaiter: Perspective Fitwear Got You Covered Tech Mask, $24 on Perspective FitwearIf you prefer a neck gaiter to a strap mask, Perspective Fitwear's Got You Covered Tech Maskis made of buttery-soft, moisture-wicking fabric and can double to keep you warm during winter runs. To help shine a light on these distinguishing elements, weve highlighted the nine primary aspects to taker into account when shopping around for a modern workout masklisted in order of importance. The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. As such, youll want to keep an eye out for the type of filter being used, whether or not its replaceable or washable, and what size particles it can block out. Shes a UK Athletics qualified run leader, and in her spare time enjoys nothing more than lacing up her shoes and hitting the roads and trails (the muddier, the better). The fit is second to none, which is why we love this mask to wear during any kind of advanced training or sports. This includes everything from adjustable and removable straps to integrated hoods or neck gaiters to masks with built-in, resealable mouth openings from removing a mouth guard or taking a drink from a water bottle. Finally, the design was inspired by the look and feel of fighter pilot face masks, which gives it a rather cool aesthetic. Manufactured in solid black or white, as well as five other vibrant designs and pattern options, this low-profile mask is made from a breathable, moisture-wicking material with a chafe-free cut that enables it to remain in place during exercise. There was a problem. HiConsumption is reader-supported. Getting vaccinated is the best form of protection against COVID-19but the CDC still advises all Americans, including fully vaccinated folks, to wear a mask indoors in public places to combat the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. The design has an added strip of fabric at the bottom to wrap over your chin and provide an even tighter seal (my bearded boyfriend loved this feature). This is made with a stretchy spandex outside and a breathable liner. "Many people are stressed about going to a gym, so a good alternative could be to get some exercise and vitamin D at the same time.". Looking for a stylish and effective face mask to wear to the gym? It's lightweight, breathable, and affordablethere's a lot to love about Uniqlo's AIRism Face Mask. This lightweight and moisture-wicking gaiter is soft enough that it won't irritate your skin on long runs. Harnessing the firms sustainably-sourced BUTTERBLEND premium fiber materialcomprised of a modal, lyocell, and elastane blendthis no-frills face mask offers an ideal combination of comfort, protection, and airflow. Materials & Construction: Unequivocally the single most important aspect of a quality mask, the materials used to create a mask play an enormous role in its efficacy and durability. Not only is that much cheaper than the Asics and Under Armour masks, it also means you'll always have a clean mask to hand when one is in the wash. It's good value, with a pack of three costing $25 (about 20 / AU$30), three sizes (junior, adult and large), and a range of colors. Sold in packs of two with an included carrying case, other noteworthy details include adjustable ear straps with a cinch fastener, a pair of one-way air valves, and a metal nose strip. The brands Filter Mask uses a replaceable triple-layer filter that effectively shields its wearer from 98% of all airborne particulates. Buffs are great for runs where you need your stuff to stay put. Pros: Fabric repels water, non-clingy and moisture-wicking interior lining, one-piece construction, cool aesthetic, Cons: Ear straps instead of loops (might be a pro depending on your preferences). Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and journalist living in Austin, Texas, covering beauty, grooming, style, and culture. Wearing a mask while traveling to work and running errands is one thing, but wearing one while you're running or working out is quite different, and a face covering can easily become hot and uncomfortable when you're working hard. Built with permanent silver anti-odor protection, this mask traps and neutralizes nasty odors, including sweat. A tight weave and a tight seal are your go-to details here, along with multiple layers of cotton fabric. With more than 125-years of experience in the sports apparel and athletic equipment sector, it really is hard to go wrong with almost anything from the exercise experts at Reebok, and the Bolton-based brands Face Covers are no exception. Plus, this one looks good. Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. "You need to keep it over your nose and chin. Anti-microbial is another fitness attire staple that is extremely welcome in the realm of face coverings. No paper or cheap cotton or mesh masks.". The masks vary greatly, but all do a good job of keeping material away from your nostrils, helping you breathe more easily than a handmade cotton mask, and all are washable and reusable. Perhaps one of the chief complaints of face masks, especially when exercising, is that the fabric clings to the front of your face. Under Armour's soft, comfortable workout mask comes with a hygienic pouch so you can put it safely away when you've finished your workout until you're ready to wash it. It's the only mask in this guide that fastens at the back, which means there's no pressure on your ears and it's very unlikely to come away accidentally. Plus, the brand makes the Mask 2.0 in simple, solid colors, or with fun prints like pineapples and mustaches so there's a mask for every kind of person. Comfort: Rigorous workouts already involve more than their fair share of pain and discomfort, so the last thing you want when pumping iron or pounding the pavement is an itchy, uncomfortable mask. With this mask, you have the option to insert a disposable filter for extra protection and peace of mind. We recommend keeping a few in your gym bag just in case. Best on a budget: Athleta Made to Move 3-Pack, $9.99 on AthletaThe Made to Move Athleta mask comes in a 3-pack for $25, or roughly $8.50 per mask. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the science has shown that being outside (and staying more than six feet apart to social distance) poses the least risk for getting sick. Additional Uses: Unsurprisingly, the lightweight, washable, and highly-breathable nature of athletic workout masks, also allows these products to lend themselves incredibly well to basic everyday use. If you consistently exercise, having multiple masks on hand is highly recommended (and handy). Each mask featured in this guide went through several rounds of active testing in order to judge its effectiveness in five different categories: Comfort: We viewed comfort as to how well the mask felt over the course of a workout. There's a special breathable panel at the chin to allow for improved airflow without letting through droplets. If you're out running and not coming into contact with other people, you also don't need to wear it. It's tightened at the back of the head with a toggle and secured with rubber cord adjusters, enabling you to get a secure but comfortable fit. Made from an abrasion-resistant 3D-mesh fabric wrapped around a flexible support chassis, the maskwhich is ViralOff-treated throughoutfeatures adjustable ear straps, an innermost Sensitive Comfort Layer complete with internal Lycra chin and nose gaiters, and a changeable filter thats certified to block out 99% of airborne viruses and bacteria. Like the Asics mask above, it's structured to give you plenty of space inside to breathe comfortably, though in our tests it didn't fit quite so closely under the eyes, which could cause fogging if you're wearing glasses or shades. Adjustable ear straps make the mask comfortable to wear, even for long events, with simple toggles to keep them in place. The quick answer? Whichever fabric you go for, make sure to keep it clean so it can do its job best. Listen, we get it. On top of the convenienceand much higher levels of protectiona washable workout mask also makes for a hugely more environmentally-friendly option than its disposable counterpart. The robust cooler is equipped with a cutting table and battery-powered vacuum sealer for lakeside prep. The cut and form of this mask help increase airflow inside the mask while keeping pathogens out. Long before the current global pandemic, BUFF was producing premium face masks for athletes and motorcyclists and the like, so its frankly unsurprising that one of the companys ergonomically-optimized masks would find its way onto this list. The Livinguard Fitness Mask comes with its own zip-up storage bag, which has an elasticated strap so you can easily carry it around your wrist during runs; a welcome touch that we'd like to see more often. It also has adjustable ear straps to keep it tight to smaller faces. Then be sure to check out our guide to the best washable face masks contains more than a dozen stellar mask options for your EDC loadout. We've also included insight into how to shop for an active face mask, as well as how we tested each mask featured. You're probably fine alone in your own backyard. It's no surprise that Under Armour made the perfect mask for athletes. Shock Doctors appropriately-named Play Safe Face Mask is a lightweight piece of PPE designed for use on the field or in the gym. And, while this item does offer full head and neck coverage, it wasnt engineered as a piece of PPE, and as such doesnt afford the most robust protection from airborne germs. Bear in mind that none of them are designed for medical use. There are also more advanced antimicrobial and electro-charged filters offered on some premium mask models. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Fitness Mask is made from a particularly lightweight Lyocell microfiber material that we found never became clammy, even during tough workouts. The Made to Move Athleta mask comes in a 3-pack for $25, or roughly $8.50 per mask. Both the bag and the lining of the face cover itself have an anti-microbial treatment, which helps prevent odors, and the mask is filled with polyurethane foam that's breathable but also captures droplets from your breath. The UA Sportsmask isn't adjustable, which is drawback, but it comes in three sizes and the ear loops are made from soft, stretchy material that won't dig in or pull. Of all the masks on test here, the Adidas Face Cover is the cheapest, with a pack of three coming in at just $20/14.95/AU$12. Even better for your health and general stable state of mind? Plus, many fabrics aren't conducive to wicking sweat or keeping you cool, and certain fabrics cause high friction that can lead to chafing and breakouts. Best with a N95 filter: Oura Active Mask, $55 on OuraThe Oura Active Mask is compatible with an N95 filter and uses lab-tested antimicrobial fabric to help kill germs as it filters them delivering an added layer of protection. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. The straps go around your head, so no ear fatigue mid-run and the curved shape fits longer faces nicely. " These particular masks tend to sport supplementary coverage in the form of a balaclava, hood, or neck gaiter, and often feature more robust waterproofing, preventing filters from clogging if exposed to precipitation or excessive perspiration. In the past, she served as the shopping editor for Aol.com, and contributing editor at xoVain. The Oura Active Mask is compatible with an N95 filter and uses lab-tested antimicrobial fabric to help kill germs as it filters them delivering an added layer of protection. And with all the health precautions around, we want to make sure you're getting your workouts in the safest way possible. Upon its release back in mid-July of 2020, Under Armours UA SPORTSMASK hugely raised the bar in the athletic face cover sector, setting a new, incredibly high standard for protection and performance that very few have since been able to match. This one was made for athletes, with a moveable part near the mouth (a "quick flip") that lets you grab a sip of water without taking the mask off completely. It's easy to lift up and down, too, if you're off the beaten path and far away from people. Pros: Inexpensive, elastic binding that prevents snagged hair, head strap alleviates pressure on ears, insert space for a removable filter, Cons: Fabric tends to stick to your mouth when breathing deeply, runs small. For that reason, it might serve you better for low-impact workouts or in situations when you're outdoors and need to quickly cover if you run into someone else.