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Need a newface mask? We’ve gotyoucovered

By Jamie Ueda

ACE MASKS HAVE BECOME a new

Fnormal for society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wear cloth face masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and in many locales, doing so is required in public spaces.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which is the best mask to buy — and which will work best for you. So, product-testing company Reviewed tried dozens of face masks for you.

To gauge wearability and comfort, we evaluated how easy it was to put on and take off each mask. We also noted if adjustments were needed for the nose wire, ear loops or ties to keep the mask in place. Next, we assessed the effectiveness of each mask by evaluating the material and fit. To gauge quality, we washed them according to their care instructions and looked for any post-cleaning damage. We noted if their laundering instructions were inconvenient (i.e. if the mask was hand-wash only). We also examined the fabric to see if it was substantial or flimsy, as well as the overall sewing construction of the mask.

After many hours spent researching, testing and wearing multiple brands, Reviewed found its favorite face coverings. Here are some of the best cloth face masks we tested:

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BEST OVERALL

ATHLETA EVERYDAY NON MEDICAL MASKS $20 for a set of five; athleta.com PROS: Three layers of fabric; comfortable; easy to adjust; breathable CONS: Care instructions: lay flat to dry

Athleta is known for its functional workout and active lifestyle clothing, so we were curious about how their masks would perform. After hours of wearing them, the face coverings were better than expected.

While the material is thinner than other masks, each one is triple-layered. It strikes a nice balance between providing protection and breathability. The masks are comfortable to wear for long periods at a time, as they have adjustable ear loops for a customized fit and an adjustable nose piece. The one drawback is that care instructions advise they not be put in the dryer, which can be an inconvenience.

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BEST VALUE

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OTHER HIGH-PERFORMING OPTIONS

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OLD NAVY TRIPLE-LAYER CLOTH FACE MASK $12.50 for a set of five; oldnavy.com PROS: Three layers of fabric; fits snug to face; breathable CONS: No adjustable nose wire This was one of the most budget-friendly options that Reviewed tested. The face covering is relatively simple and does not have an adjustable nose wire or a pocket for a filter, but it still performed better than other masks that had them. The soft cotton material made it comfortable to wear while out walking, and it was easy to breathe in. It fit well despite not having extra adjustments and has three layers of fabric which offers additional protection.

The masks come in two styles – with and without adjustable ear loops. The version we tested had nonadjustable loops, and they struck a good balance between being tight enough to secure the mask, but not so tight as to cause pain around the ears. The only drawback is that without an adjustable nose wire there was a small gap around the nose, which had a tendency to fog glasses. TOM BIHN V1 REUSABLE CLOTH FACE MASK $13; tombihn.com PROS: Easy-to-adjust replaceable nose wire; multiple sizes CONS: Fit may be loose on smaller faces This mask, which comes in two sizes, is comfortable to wear due to the soft ear loops, and because of its construction, it did not cling to the face. The material is also densely woven (meaning more protection), but not thick to the point where it becomes hard to breathe.

SUMMERSALT FACE COVERINGS $32 for a set of three; summersalt.com PROS: Three layers of fabric; comfortable CONS: Care instructions: do not tumble dry; nose wire needs re-adjustment The face coverings come in a three-pack that includes two patterned masks and a solid black one. They all feature the same material as Summersalt’s trendy swimsuits. Each mask is triple-layered, and the inner two layers are thick woven cotton. This mask forms a “cone” shape that gives a snug fit around the border of the mask, providing protection while leaving some space between your face and the material. PLOVER ORGANIC COTTON FACE MASKS $35 for a set of two; ploverorganic.com PROS: Two layers of fabric; comfortable; soft material CONS: Weak elastic ear loops Plover started as an organic cotton bedding company, so it’s no surprise that its face masks are also made of 100 percent organic cotton. This mask was among the softest we tested, and it was comfortable to wear. The ear loops were not extremely tight around the ears, and the bendable nose piece kept glasses from fogging. Although it fit well, it could have been tighter to the face.

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UNDER ARMOUR SPORTSMASK $30 ; underarmour.com PROS: Five sizes; comfortable ear loops; soft material CONS: Care instructions: lay flat to dry; feels thick Designed for use while exercising, the Sportsmask touts performance fabrics, enhanced airflow, water-resistance, cool-to-touch feel, UPF 50+ sun protection and anti-microbial treatment. The design allows for a snug fit almost everywhere around its edges while leaving room to breathe around the nose and mouth. The “three-layer system” makes it thicker than most masks, however. The sensation is heavy, like wearing a blanket.

Jamie Ueda writes for Reviewed, a USA TODAY content partner offering product testing and recommendations at reviewed.com.