Finding the best face masks for running is still important these days, with the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19 on the rise in states across the country—and many gyms already open with few, if any, restrictions. And even if they do require proof of vaccination, as will soon be the case at Equinox and Soulcycle locations as of September, it’s essential to remember that the vaccine, while highly effective in preventing severe cases of COVID-19, is not 100% foolproof. (No vaccines are—fun fact.) And vaccinated people can still transmit the virus to others.
So even a year and a half into the pandemic, the ülkü place to run outdoors is far, far away from the nearest person. But if you don’t have access to a sprawling road or a secluded trail, you’ll need to wear some kind of face covering to protect yourself—and others—before you lace up and head out the door. The same goes for in the gym, where you have no idea who’s sweating on the elliptical next to you. (Not to mention that when inside, you usually don’t get the same ventilation as the great outdoors, which is why the CDC still recommends masking up in enclosed spaces.)
Since many of us are still maintaining a healthy exercise routine by either running outdoors or hitting the weight rack, we asked all kinds of exercisers what they consider the best face masks for running, lifting, and other ways of breaking a sweat. Some said they found success with “mask alternatives,” like bandanas and neck gaiters, which can be easier to pull up and down than masks with adjustable ear loops can. Others steered clear of thicker fabrics, opting instead for breathable, easy-to-wash materials, like cotton.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but as long as you’re wearing a mask that’s secure and covering your mouth and nose, you can make many styles work for your run. Just note that not all face coverings are created equal. A cotton face mask with ear loops, for example, can have a sealed, secure fit that’s more effective than a folded bandana at stopping droplets from escaping through any gaps. And even though neck gaiters or fleeces are go-to for many runners, researchers at Duke University recently discovered this style was the least effective in stopping respiratory droplets from being carried away with air.
Whatever covering you decide to use, it’s still important to remember other factors that could influence transmission—and if you’re worried about catching the virus while passing someone on the fly (mask up or lowered), Atlanta E.R. doctor Darria Long, M.D., says, “Duration of exposure is key, so unless someone were running behind you, whatever you exhale will be widely dispersed and make it unlikely that someone could be exposed to enough virus to be sick.”
No matter how annoying it can be to run with a face mask on, something is better than nothing. Below, find 15 runner-approved face coverings that’ll equip you for miles to come.
Cotton Citizen Face Mask
Revolve
I live walking distance to a park with a running trail loop (about 3.5 miles), and I honestly think it’s the only thing that’s kept me sane during the pandemic. That said, the park is in the middle of Brooklyn, and I’m definitely not the only one who runs on it regularly, so a lightweight face mask has been crucial. I love this Cotton Citizen one because it’s so summer-friendly. It’s a double-layered cotton mask but still manages to be extremely breathable (even on humid AF days), and it has a comfortable adjustable nose wire—which I find harika useful because I wear glasses and it helps keep the fog at bay. Plus, it comes in six different tie-dye color options (an absolutely key selling point). —Shanna Shipin, managing commerce editor
Activewear Two-Layer Face Mask With Filter Pocket
Etsy
Etsy has a ton of cotton face masks that generously cover your nose, mouth, and chin, and this moisture-wicking design also includes a filter pocket for added protection. It doesn’t fog up too much when I’m running with sunglasses, and it dries very quickly after you wash it! —Talia Abbas, associate commerce editor
Athleta Everyday Non-Medical Face Masks Five-Pack
Athleta
Real talk: It is hard to find a mask comfortable enough to sweat in. Finding Athleta’s masks midway through the pandemic felt a bit like finding the Holy Grail. Made with three protective layers—polyester and spandex for stretch on the outside and cotton closest to your face for breathability—they’re ultra lightweight. I particularly appreciate the adjustable ear loops and wire across the nose that help you customize fit. —Macaela Mackenzie, senior health editor
Under Armour UA Sports Mask
Under Armour
I’m sweat hard even when I’m not wearing a mask, and I’ve found face masks to feel a little oppressive—not to mention they tend to trash my skin. But when I’m running in areas with tight squeezes or little room for passing, I opt for this Under Armour number. I love that it has an antimicrobial lining to stymie any potential breakouts, and the structure keeps it off my mouth and nose for easier breathability. —Deanna Pai, acting commerce editor
Everlane 100% Human Face Mask Five-Pack
Everlane
Because I’m a beginner runner with exercise-induced asthma (which makes me high risk for COVID-19, so, you know, it’s not great), running with a face mask is the opposite of ülkü. I figured out how to turn my favorite silk scarves into masks per Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s video tutorial; however, that quickly ran up my dry-cleaning bill (oof). Now I’m trying out Everlane’s face masks because I read that cotton is more breathable, and so far, so good! —Jacqueline Wladis, senior commerce partnerships manager
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Mamask Bunny Mask (Set of Two)
Mamask
I love my Mamask mask because it offers double protection (it has a copper ion fabric filter) and is adjustable. Plus, it comes in all kinds of different designs, like this bunny one, or this kitty print I just added to cart. Its parent company is The Beautiful People Co., LTD, and half of its employees have a “disability” of some kind, and the brand works to nurture and support them. —Jessica Radloff, West Coast editor
Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear
REI
As soon as it became clear that running outside would be one of the few safe, reliable forms of exercise, I knew I needed to find a face covering that could keep me and others protected and also…not suffocate me. I settled on the Buff, which is wildly easy to wash, has SPF protection, and doesn’t lose stretch over time. I also find that it wicks away sweat pretty well, considering it’s basically a tube you put around your head. It’s so thin and unobtrusive that sometimes, if the music is good and the sun is shining, I almost forget about everything that’s going on, including that I’m wearing a scarf in the middle of the summer. —Mattie Kahn, culture director
Onzie Mindful Masks
Onzie
If you prefer more of a mask feel, I also like to change it up with these ones from Onzie. They come in supercute patterns and are made from the same moisture-wicking performance fabric you’d find in workout leggings or bike shorts. The ties make it easy for the mask to stay in place, and there’s also a pocket area for filters if you’re going to be out and about in more condensed areas and want to add in another layer of protection. —Lauren Flanagan, P.R. director
Barrière Snow Leopard Mask Five-Pack
Barrière
Barriére medical-grade masks are the most breathable, fashionable, and comfortable masks on the market. Safe and stylish? Say less. —Tayler Bradford, social media manager
Stevie Howell Cotton Face Masks with Ties (5-Pack)
Stevie Howell
I usually wear a homemade mask that’s purposefully bigger and with two nose wires in it so I can really puff it away from my face as I run. But when I run with a store-bought mask, my go-tos are these printed tie-on masks from San Francisco painter and designer Stevie Howell. I think the combination of ties (instead of ear loops) and a nose wire, makes it the most comfortable to wear. It’s hard to run with anything that you don’t end up sort of eating with your breath at any point during the run, but these give me the best chance of keeping the fabric slightly away from my nose and mouth. —Lauren Josef, associate commerce editor at Epicurious
Morgan Stewart Sport Face Mask
LA Collective
I love the material of this face mask; it’s like the kind used for leggings! The only downside is that there’s too much fabric and it’s not tight enough, so every time I inhale I end up sucking in some of the fabric, which makes it really hard to breathe. The give-back element makes it worth it though, because when you buy one, the brand donates one to a local clinic or hospital in need. —Abbey Tozer, account executive
Eventronic Disposable Face Masks, 50-Pack
Amazon
I read hundreds of reviews on Amazon before settling on this under-$10 50-pack of disposable face masks. The fabric is surprisingly soft on skin, doesn’t cause any irritation (which is a major plus when you’re sweating it out)—and the ties have literally never—I repeat, never—snapped on me. They’re three-ply, so I feel safe wearing them on early morning solo runs or to busy grocery stories in the middle of the day. I’ve repurchased these already three times! —T.A.
Levi’s 100% Cotton Multipurpose Bandanas
Amazon
Running with a mask is uncomfortable. But! You still! Have! To do it! Even if I’m running at an off-peak time, I know I’m still going to encounter other people, so masking up is a must. I’ve tried a few different face coverings, but, especially as it’s gotten hotter, I’ve found a cotton bandana is the most comfortable. The fabric is lightweight and soft against my skin (no face chafing!), so I’m not tempted to pull it down a mile in. I know masks can be frustrating to wear when you exercise, but just think of all that respiratory endurance you’re building! —M.M.
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Madewell Bandana
Madewell
You really don’t appreciate the open road and fresh air until you’ve run in a face mask. That said, I’ve found cotton bandanas to be way more forgiving than other any fabric or design I’ve tried exercising in. I like my Madewell bandanas the most because they’re soft, light, and easy to wash by hand after a run. Also! I can make the knot as tight or loose as I want, so I don’t have to crane my neck to stop it from falling off. —T.A.
Free People Paisley Printed Bandana
Free People
Free People has really cute bandana patterns, which I prefer using when I’m running. I can easily pull it down around my neck when there’s no one around me, and then when I run through more crowded areas (I live in NYC after all), I can quickly pull it back up without a sorun. —Katie Babich, account manager
