The 9 best cloth face masks we’ve tried in Australia

• Best overall cloth face mask: Clear Collective No Valve Reusable Anti Odour Cotton Face Mask
• Best cloth mask for people with glasses: Maskee Reusable Face Mask
• Best cloth face mask for working out: TECMASK Reusable Face Mask
• Best cloth face mask under $15: Gorman Face Mask – Black
• Also consider: Dangerfield Face Mask – Blue
• Best for medium-sized faces: The Eco Mask Adult Printed Masks
• Best for large faces and people with beards: ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face covering
• Best for kids and adults with small faces: Monster Threads 3 Layered Face Mask
• Best cloth face mask with head ties: Reusable Mask Co Reusable Cloth Mask

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There is no one best cloth face mask for every person. We all have different face sizes, shapes and tolerances for what we find comfortable. Plus, some of us wear glasses and have beards, further complicating finding that perfect fit. Fortunately, with the options available, everyone can find a mask that suits their face – you just have to know what you're looking for.

Any cloth face mask should fully cover your nose and mouth and be adjustable enough to fit snugly against your face. It should also be easy to breathe through without fabric getting sucked against your mouth. Plus, comfortable enough to wear for hours without hurting your ears or putting too much pressure on your face.

For the last 18 months, I tested a wide range of adult-sized cloth face masks available for purchase online in Australia. When testing masks, I considered comfort, fit, durability, washability, price and the number of layers the mask has. I wore each mask for several days during various activities including exercising and travelling on public transportation. I also washed each mask at least twice – in a delicates bag – to see how they held up.

You can also wear the cloth masks on this list with a surgical mask to add additional filtration. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you shouldn't layer cloth masks over KN95 masks, N95 or P2 masks as they can affect the seal of these masks and make them less effective.

We are not making any recommendations about the effectiveness of face masks generally or of any particular face mask.

It is worth noting that a series of highly transmissible Omicron variants are set to cause a significant spike in COVID cases. If you disposed of your masks earlier in the year, it might be time to purchase anew.

Read more detail on how we picked this list.

Our pick for the best cloth face mask for most people is The Clear Collective No Valve Reusable Anti Odour Cotton Face Mask. It's become my go-to daily mask because it's extremely comfortable to wear and fully adjustable with a mouldable nose strip and elastic ear-loops.

I've been wearing this mask in different colours pretty much non-stop for the last couple of years, and it's still my favourite.

It's a 3-layer mask with 2 cotton layers and a pocket for a filter insert. The mask comes with 2 carbon filters, and more filters are available for purchase through the Clear Collective website. According to Clear Collective, you should replace the filters after 7 days of use.

When I'm exercising, I don't wear a filter so I can breathe more easily, but I like that there's always the option to add an extra layer of protection. Plus, I've been able to find replacement filters easily as pretty much any standard-sized mask filter works with this mask.

The adult size measures 22cm x 14cm, but it's fully adjustable to fit various face sizes and shapes. My husband and I wear versions of this mask daily, even though we have different sized faces. The company offers family packs with discounts for ordering multiple face masks at a time with kids sizes available, measuring 13cm x 10cm.

After wearing this mask regularly for over a year, I'm impressed by how well it's held up. It's easy to wash, and the elastic hasn't stretched out after dozens of trips through my washing machine (I always wash my masks in a delicates bag). I've stained the white inner-liner of a few of these with lipstick, but overall, they're still going strong after more than 18 months.

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If you wear glasses or sunglasses with your face mask, you've probably noticed that getting the right fit without fogging up your glasses can be challenging. While the Maskee Reusable Face Mask isn't specifically designed for glasses-wearers, I've found it to be the solution to a lot of my lens-causing woes.

The main feature of this 4-layer mask that helps reduce glasses fog is the unique noseband that sits flat on your nose. Unlike nose clips, it doesn't get in the way of glasses and doesn't cause me any discomfort (which I get sometimes when my glasses dig into metal nose clips). This extra piece of fabric helps the mask sit flat on my nose and cheeks so that no extra air escapes to fog up my lenses.

It's also extremely comfortable to wear thanks to the 100% cotton inner layer that feels extremely soft against your skin. It has 2 middle layers, 1 made of a non-woven Polypropylene and 1 made of polyester batting layer that helps the mask keep its shape. The outer layer is made of 100% polyester, giving the mask a total of 4 layers.

The ear-loops on this mask are also soft and don't get in the way of ear hooks. But, they aren't adjustable like many other masks are and may stretch out over time. To prolong the lifespan of my Maskee mask, I always wash it in a delicates bag so the ear-loops don't catch on anything.

The Maskee Face Mask comes in 3 sizes: adult, small (suitable for adults with small faces and kids ages 8–12) and XXS (suitable for kids ages 3–6).

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When I'm exercising heavily, I find many face masks to be too restrictive. If I'm breathing heavily, I don't want any excess fabric to get caught in my mouth, and when I'm sweating all over my mask, I want a fabric that's absorbent yet breathable.

The TECMASK Reusable Face Mask strikes that balance. The centre-crease design stays away from my mouth no matter how heavily I breath and the material wicks moisture away from my face.

The inner layer of this mask is made of a moisture transferable carbon hi-tech yarn. The middle layer is an antimicrobial Folma Shield and the outer layer is made out of recycled polyester fabric. The result is a 3-layer mask that's lightweight and breathable.

This is my go-to mask for any intense workouts and I've worn it while dancing, rock climbing and running. It's also comfortable to wear on walks during hot summer days.

It comes in 3 sizes to suit a range of adult face sizes and shapes. TECMASK also has a version of this mask available for kids in 2 different sizes (XS and XXS) for $14.95.

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Our pick for the best runner up face mask for most people is the Gorman face mask. It's a 3-layer mask with 2 100% cotton layers and a filter pocket. It comes with 8 single-use nano melt-blown filters and you can buy additional filters on the Gorman website. Keep in mind, if you don't use a filter, the mask will only have 2 layers.

The Gorman face mask fits my face perfectly and because it's adjustable it fits a range of face sizes. While this mask fits my face, it also fits my husband pretty well even though he has a larger face and a beard.

It has a mouldable nose strip that helps it sit flat along my cheeks and a seam along the chin so that it stays in place when I talk. It's comfortable to wear, but the nose strip leaves a mark on my nose when I wear it for longer periods.

Keep in mind, you need to take out the filter when you wash the mask. The elastic ear-loops can get stretched out or tangled in the wash so we recommend using a garment bag or delicate setting when you wash it. After several washes, this mask has held up well and still fits the same way it did when I first purchased it.

The mask I ordered and tested was from Gorman. But, Dangerfield sells the same mask with the same product code, also for $15.

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Also worth considering is the Dangerfield Face Mask – Blue. The design is almost identical to Gorman's face mask, likely because both companies are owned by the same parent company, Factory X. It has 2 layers made out of 100% cotton and an inner pocket for a filter.

However, the elastic used in this Dangerfield mask is rougher and less comfortable. After a few hours of wearing the mask, my ears started to hurt a little. And, after several washes, some of the threads have come loose.

Other than the elastic and the patterned fabric, the Dangerfield mask has all of the same features of our top pick including adjustable ear-loops, a mouldable nose clip and a chin seam.

Like the Gorman mask, it comes with 8 single-use nano melt-blown filters.

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For medium faces the Adult Printed Mask from The Eco Mask is our top pick because it's the most comfortable 3-layer face mask I tested. However, it's not fully adjustable so it won't work for every face size.

The Eco Mask cloth face mask is made out of 2 layers of cotton with an inner pocket for a filter. It has a mouldable wire nose that helps it fit closely to your cheeks and the ear-loops are made of elastic, but they aren't adjustable. One of my favourite things about this mask is how easy it is to put on, without having to adjust the ears at all.

The Adult Printed Mask from The Eco Mask is extremely comfortable to wear, even for long periods. It has a folded seam down the middle that combined with a stiffer cotton material than some of the other masks I've tried, helps keep the fabric away from my mouth so I can breathe and talk easily. Also, the wire nose is very lightweight and doesn't leave a mark on my nose like other masks do, even when I wear it all day. It's held up through more than a dozen washes.

The mask is available in several colourful patterns and each mask comes with a filter. While the RRP is $30, it was on sale for $15 at the time of writing.

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When looking for a face mask for larger faces or for those with beards, we considered masks that cover a large area of the face while still being adjustable. An adjustable mask allows you to pull it tighter against your beard to get a more snug fit than one with static ear-loops.

The largest adjustable face mask we tested is the ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face covering. It measures 14cm x 22cm and is made of 100% cotton. It has a mouldable nose strip and adjustable elastic ears. However, it only has 2 layers and doesn't have a pocket for you to add a filter.

This is the mask my husband has been using most at home because it has enough room for his beard while being snug enough around his cheeks that it doesn't fog up his glasses.

While the ASOS Design mask is a bit big for me, the fit isn't terrible because the ear-loops are adjustable so I can pull it tighter. However, some of the extra fabric sticks to my mouth when I breathe heavily. The fabric also wrinkles easily and the cotton feels thinner after several washes.

This mask comes in a pack of 3 and is available in several different colours. For every mask purchase, ASOS donates $2 to Oxfam's Coronavirus Emergency Response Appeal.

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Why we chose it

The Monster Threads 3 Layered Face Mask is marketed as an adult-sized mask, but it's by far the smallest of the masks we've tested. Measuring 12cm x 16cm, this mask is barely big enough to cover my face and when I talk, it starts to slip down my nose and off my chin.

However, if you have a small face or are looking for something for an older child or teen, it's worth considering.

Monster Threads' mask has 3 layers. The outer layers are made of cotton and the inner layer is made of a non-woven synthetic material for more filtration. It comes in several brightly coloured patterns that would appeal to kids.

While the mask isn't adjustable, the ability to throw it in the wash without worrying about removing a filter could come in handy, especially if you have multiple kids. I have only washed this mask a few times to test how well it holds up and it seems fairly durable.

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The best face mask we've tried with head ties is the Reusable Mask Co Australia Reusable Cloth Mask. It comes with soft ties that can be tied behind your head or into smaller ear-loops. It's comfortable to wear, but adjusting the ties to the right size takes a bit of trial and error.

The mask has 4 layers. The outer layers are 100% cotton and the inner layers are made from polyester chiffon. It has a pleated design that unfolds to give you enough space to talk and move your chin while you wear it.

Though it doesn't have a mouldable nose strip, it has a backwards nose pleat design that creates a pocket for your nose so that the mask sits flat on your face. This mask fits well enough that it doesn't fog up my sunglasses, but the nose pleat leaves a mark on my nose after an hour or so.

It comes in 4 different sizes. I ordered my mask in size medium but the small probably would have been a better fit.

One of my favourite things about this mask is that you don't have to remove any filters to wash it. You can throw it right into your washing machine, though I recommend putting it in a delicates bag so the head ties don't get tangled. Because there's no elastic in this mask, it holds up really well in the wash and hasn't changed shape after multiple washes.

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Amazon prices last updated on 19 November, 2024 at 04:02 pmeBay prices last updated on 19 November, 2024 at 10:23 am

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Best face mask comparison

If you're looking for more options, you can compare the price and key features of all the masks we've tested in the table below.

Product	Number of layers	Adjustable ear loops or head ties	Valves	Filter	Material	Moldable nose	Price (per mask unless stated otherwise)
Clear Collective No Valve Reusable Anti Odour Cotton Face Mask	3	Yes	No	Yes	Cotton	Yes	$49.95
Maskee Reusable Face Mask	4	No	No	No	Cotton, polyester	No	$16.97
TECMASK Reusable Face Mask	3	No	No	No	Carbon hi-tech yarn, polyester	No	$19.95
Gorman Face Mask – Black	3	Yes	No	Yes	Cotton	Yes	$15
Dangerfield Face Mask – Blue	3	Yes	No	Yes	Cotton	Yes	$15
The Eco Mask Adult Printed Masks	3	No	No	Yes	Cotton	Yes	$30
ASOS DESIGN 2 pack face covering	2	No	No	No	Cotton	No	$24 for 2 masks
Monster Threads 3 Layered Face Mask	3	No	No	No	Cotton	No	$12.95
Reusable Mask Co Australia	4	Yes	No	No	Cotton	No	$29
Breathe Easy Cotton Face Mask	3	Yes	Yes	Yes	Cotton	Yes	$39.95
ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face covering	2	Yes	No	No	Cotton	Yes	$28 for 3 masks
NastyGal To My Face Fashion Face Mask	1	No	No	No	Neoprene	No	$18
Muellery Cotton Face Mouth Mask TPZA93095	3	No	No	No	Cotton	No	$9.49
Culture Kings Future Aesthetic Face Mask	1	No	Yes	Yes	Neoprene	No	$49.95
GE. Label Fashion Face Mask	3	Yes	No	No	Cotton	No	$29.95
Floatpac Reusable Cotton Face Mask	3	No	No	Yes	Cotton	No	$14.95

How to choose the best cloth face mask

If you're looking to buy a reusable face mask, plenty of options are available.

Ultimately, the best mask for you is one that you'll be able to wear consistently without having to touch or adjust while you're out and about. It should be comfortable, breathable and durable enough to withstand washing.

When you're comparing face masks, consider the following factors:

Material

Organic materials such as cotton are more breathable than some synthetics but offer lower filtration. If you opt for a cotton mask, look for a mask with more than 1 layer.

Materials designed to stretch, like elastic, increase the size of the gaps between the fibres when stretched. The larger the gaps between the fibres, the less effective the mask will be. Also, elastic materials don't hold up well in washing machines or high temperatures as other materials do.

Layers

Advice from the WHO and the Victorian government recommends wearing masks with 3 layers. This is because masks with more than 3 layers can be more difficult to breathe through, which means people are less likely to wear them consistently.

The quickest way to check how breathable a mask is is to put it on and try to breathe normally. Masks generally aren't returnable, so if you're not sure if a mask will be breathable enough to wear all day, check online reviews.

Keep in mind, commercially made masks are designed to be breathable and so it shouldn't be too difficult to find one that you can wear comfortably, even if it takes a little while to get used to wearing a mask for long periods.

Does a filter count as a layer?

Yes. Many cloth masks sold online have 2 layers of fabric and an inner pocket to insert a disposable filter. This filter counts as a third layer.

Coating

Some masks feature an outer layer that has been treated to make it water-repellent. However, the treatment usually only lasts for about 10–20 washes. Once the mask has been washed more than the recommended number of times, it will no longer be as effective.

The treatment can also affect the breathability of the fabric.

Fit

Look for a mask that fits snugly to your face and doesn't leak air out of the sides. There shouldn't be any large gaps between the mask and your face. If there are gaps, air will go around the mask when you breathe, instead of through the mask as it should.

Any mask should fully cover your mouth and nostrils and should stay in place without you needing to hold it up or adjust it.

Shape

Several types of mask shapes are available, including flat, folded, and duckbill designs. However, the mask's shape is a matter of personal preference and won't affect the mask's effectiveness as long as it fits.

Ear-loops, ties and head straps

Face masks typically come with either ear-loops, adjustable bungee ties or straps that tie around your whole head.

Ear-loops are non-adjustable loops that slide around your ears, holding the mask in place. They're usually made of the same fabric as the mask.

Bungees are stretchy adjustable ties that you can tighten or loosen depending on your head size. While thisreus can make the mask more comfortable and help with fit, elastic materials don't always hold up in the wash.

Masks with straps that tie around the back of your head are less convenient than those with ear-loops as they take longer to put on and take off, but some people find them to be more comfortable for extended use because they don't put pressure on the backs of your ears. Also, they won't interfere as much with the glasses.

Strap type	Pros	Cons
Ear-loops	Convenient Widely available	Not adjustable Might not be comfortable for extended use
Bungees	Adjustable Convenient	Can wear out more quickly in the wash, especially when made of elastic Might not be comfortable for extended use
Head straps	Adjustable Comfortable for extended use	Takes longer to put the mask on and take it off Can be harder to find

Patterns and designs

While the pattern of a cloth mask won't affect on the effectiveness of the mask, a lot of us would prefer to wear masks that we think look good. If we have to wear masks, we might as well have fun with them.

If you want to match your mask to your outfit or jewellery, you can find masks in a wide range of fashionable patterns, including animal prints, stripes, florals, tie-dye and tartan. You can also get funny face masks if you want to lighten the mood.

If you're more of a minimalist, there's no shortage of white and black face masks out there.

Cost

Finder analysis shows the average price of a cloth face mask in Australia is around $22.47. However, the cost can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, store and location. In some cases, shipping can cost just as much as a mask.

You can typically save on shipping by buying multiple masks from the same retailer.

Frequently asked questions

• How to choose the best face mask for exercise

  When choosing a face mask for exercise, consider how well it stays in place and how breathable it is. 1 or 2-layer cotton masks are ideal for these purposes, but naturally some protection will be sacrificed here. Moisture-wicking fabric will help with sweat but will often be less breathable. If you have a mask with an insertable filter layer, taking the inner filter out could give you the extra breathability you're looking for during your workout.

• How to choose the best face mask for kids and teens

  Choosing a face mask for kids and teens is fundamentally similar to choosing a face mask for yourself. Children under 2 should not wear face masks. Children under the age of 12 are exempt for mask-wearing rules throughout most of Australia. Some masks are too small for younger children and teenagers, so you'll want to look into smaller mask sizes. Purchasing patterned masks might serve as an incentive for your children to wear them.

• How to choose the best face masks for people with glasses

  A common complaint glasses-wearers have with face masks is that their glasses fog up frequently, making it difficult to see. According to The Royal College of Surgeons of England, an effective method to prevent your mask from fogging up is to wash your glasses with soapy water before putting your mask on. Let your glasses air dry or dry them off with a soft tissue. For more tips, check out our full guide on how to wear a face mask with glasses.

• How to choose the best face masks for people with beards

  Unfortunately, a beard can prevent your face mask from forming a seal or close fit to your face. Look for masks that come in large sizes and ones with long, adjustable head straps that don't interfere with your beard.

• How to choose accessible and deaf-friendly masks

  If you live or work with deaf or hard of hearing people and use lip reading, a standard face mask will limit your ability to communicate. Clear face masks and face shields are available. The Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center has also published instructions on how to make an accessible face mask using a sewing machine or hot glue gun.

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Face mask rules in Australia

Click here for a complete rundown of rules regarding wearing face masks throughout Australia. In summary, face masks are generally required in high-risk settings such as aged care facilities and on public transport.

As of 9 September 2022, it is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask on domestic flights. This is in line with earlier changes making it optional to wear a mask in airports. Face masks remain mandatory on inbound international flights.

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For more options, check out our full guide on where to buy cloth masks online.

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