The Most Comfortable Face Masks for Working Out, According to Athletes

As gyms slowly reopen and warmer weather approaches, it’s a great time to upgrade your exercise face mask—especially since experts predict we’ll be wearing masks until at least until 2022.

The good news? Thanks to a new wave of face masks designed specifically for exercise, staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 while working out has never been easier. There are plenty of options out there, but the best face masks for working out are breathable, multilayered, and comfy. Read on to find out how to choose the mask that’s right for you.

How to choose the best face mask for working out

Unlike strolling through the grocery store, working out requires a high-performance mask that’ll stay in place and offer plenty of airflow. Here’s what to look for:

✔️ Safe breathability. Being able to take deep breaths while wearing a face mask is crucial for athletes, says Sonja R. Price Herbert, founder of Black Girl Pilates and an antiracism educator. The covering you pick should offer “enough space for oxygen” without compromising fit, she explains.

The CDC recommends choosing a face mask made of at least two layers of breathable fabric (read: not leather, vinyl, or denim) that fits snugly around your nose and mouth. Any tightly woven fabric will do the trick; Cotton is CDC-approved, and both silk and polypropylene have been shown to actively repel respiratory droplets, the main drivers of COVID-19’s spread. Athletic fabrics like spandex have also been shown to be effective, but only when layered.

Many workout masks include valves or vents, but the CDC specifically warns against them—they might filter the air coming in, but they don’t filter the air going out, putting the people around you at risk. They’re especially dangerous if you’re inside a gym or in close proximity to others so it’s best to avoid them.

✔️ Snug fit. A proper seal is essential to protecting both yourself and others; you won’t expel as many respiratory droplets and you’ll be exposed to less unfiltered air. Such a snug fit around the nose, cheeks, and chin might sound stifling, but plenty of masks offer room to breathe. In fact, a lot of people are liking masks that are more structured because they create a well of oxygen and rest off of the lips, says Natalie Hanson, a champion powerlifter and the owner and coach at Corvus Strength Co. That way, when you’re taking a deep breath before a set, you don’t feel like you’re swallowing your mask.

✔️ Smart design. When you’re working out, a mask that’s customizable can make all the difference. Those with nose wires seal the top much more effectively. Comfortable ear straps are essential, Hanson says, especially during long sets. She recommends looking for adjustable loops, which allow you to optimize your fit (and avoid any digging into your ears). Antimicrobial, water-resistant, moisture-wicking, and UV-blocking fabrics all make exercise just a little more pleasant. And after you get home, it’s much easier to just throw your mask in the washing machine (because we all have felt the horrors or maskne), so look for an option that can withstand frequent cleaning.

Ready to choose the face mask that’ll take your exercise routine to the next level? Check out the expert-picked, workout-ready face masks below.