Why Choose a Reusable Face Mask (Plus 12 Zero Waste Options)
Sustainable Fashion
August 6, 2020 | Kathryn Kellogg
Whether you’re traveling, cleaning, or simply want to ensure you don’t get sick, a reusable face mask is certainly the most sustainable option! They’re functional, stylish, and won’t end up in a landfill.
If you’re looking for a reusable, eco friendly face mask, my guide compares the best reusable cloth face mask alternatives! You’ll also learn why it’s so important to use reusable face masks, how disposable masks fill our landfills, my favorite organic cotton face mask, and a list of some other great brands with plenty of reusable face mask options to choose from.
Table of Contents
reusable face masks
Face masks have become more and more popular in recent years — and while they are useful for protecting against sickness, they can do so much more! Justin and I actually always keep a few reusable face masks inside our eco-friendly emergency kit just in case.
But unfortunately, we lost both of them in our recent move. So, it was time to order a few to have on hand to rotate through when washing.
When I went to make my purchase, I knew I wanted to support eco friendly companies that use sustainable textiles and ethical business practices. You already know my problems with fast fashion!
I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of masks available from some of my favorite sustainable fashion brands. I wanted to round those up for you in case you need an extra organic cloth face mask or two.
why choose a reusable cloth face mask?
While medical-grade masks and face coverings are generally considered more effective than reusable ones, a study by the National Library of Medicine did determine that, “cloth masks may provide some protection if well designed and used correctly” (Source).
Neither Justin nor I have any immune deficiencies, meaning that cloth masks work well for us. We also sometimes wear them to clean, or if we know we’ll be on a crowded flight and we don’t want to catch a cold. All of this said, if you do need medical-grade protection, don’t hesitate to use the best mask for your specific situation.
It’s not only better for the environment, but it also frees up single-use PPE masks for doctors, nurses, and medical professionals — or patients with certain medical conditions who really need them.
The French non-profit Opération Mer Propre, which does a lot of beach clean-ups along the Côte d’Azur, has been finding an alarming number of disposable masks and gloves, a few of which are pictured below.
The statement, “more masks than jellyfish,” has been thrown around quite a bit. I’m not sure if that statement is factual, but it does have a nice ring to it (Source).
So, if you’re in a position to choose a reusable cloth mask, I hope that you will!
reusable face mask tips:
- Opt for a double-layered mask or one with a filter
- Don’t touch your mask or fiddle with it while you’re out. The less you touch your mask and face the better.
- Try to avoid touching your mask on the inside.
- Wash your hands before and after you remove or put on your face mask.
- Make sure you’re washing your masks! Wash your masks with hot water in the washing machine.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links for more information please see my disclosure policy.
the BEST reusable face masks
1. united by blue:
3 Pack of Masks | $20
United by Blue has a pack of 3 double-layered masks with space for a filter.
For every purchase, one mask will be donated to Chosen 300 to benefit Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness.
Their masks are made from deadstock fabric and use a blend of hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.
2. eco mask:
Filter Mask | $27
Ecomask is made with post-consumer recycled content, 100% renewable energy, and proceeds from each sale go to Healthy Seas to save marine life.
Not only are they eco-friendly, but their filter has a 98% efficiency rating! It filters out bacteria, germs, dust, air pollutants, pollen, and other allergens. At the end of its life, you can send it back to Ecomask where they’ll properly recycle it.
Use Kathryn10 for 10% off until December 31st.
/ SHOP ECO MASK /
3. taylor jay:
3 Pack of Masks | $57
Taylor Jay is a mother-daughter business based out of Oakland, CA.
All of their masks are made from 100% repurposed cotton French terry, and they sell single masks as well as packs of three and four.
/ SHOP TAYLOR JAY /
4. onzie:
2 Pack of Masks | $24
Onzie makes reusable performance masks specifically designed for working out, and they come in both adult and children sizes.
Their fabric is breathable and made from up-cycled bamboo activewear, and they have a pocket area designed for filters.
They’re partnered with LA Protects and have donated thousands of masks to local hospitals.
/ SHOP ONZIE /
5. naturpedic:
6 Pack of Masks | $49
Naturpedic makes lightweight and breathable cloth face masks in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Their face masks are made with two layers of 100% certified organic cotton material, and their masks are produced and sold at cost so they make no profit from these sales. This is one of my favorite options for an organic cotton face mask.
/ SHOP NATURPEDIC /
6. natural home:
1 Mask | $15
The Natural Home by the Futon Shop makes double-layered, organic cotton face masks for both kids and adults.
Their adult masks go around the head whereas the ones for kids loop around the ears.
When tested, the masks filtered out 88% of airborne particles including viruses.
7. amour vert:
3 Pack of Masks | $40
Amour Vert makes adult-sized masks in San Francisco, CA with various deadstock fabrics.
They have a large range of patterns and colors, and they sell two different types of masks.
One organic cloth face mask option includes a pocket for a filter, and the other type is a double-layered pleated knit mask.
Each purchase ensures an essential worker in the City of San Francisco will receive a non-medical grade mask.
/ SHOP AMOUR VERT /
8. made trade:
3 Pack of Masks | $40
Made Trade sells double-layered, fabric face masks in kids, adults, and small adult sizes.
Their masks are made from recycled hemp and organic cotton in Portland Oregon.
Made Trade is carbon neutral, and portions of each organic cotton face mask sale go to 1% for the Planet.
/ SHOP MADE TRADE /
9. threads 4 thought:
1 Mask | $10
Threads 4 Thought makes masks for adults with a pocket for a filter. They have a small selection of colors and patterns.
Their masks are made in their sustainable factories around the world, and they’re made from peached performance jersey, recycled polyester, and spandex.
10. christy dawn:
3 Pack of Masks | $38
Christy Dawn makes masks for both adults and children in their factory in Los Angeles.
They have a wide range of colors and patterns. They offer two different types of masks — one made from two layers of 100% deadstock cotton with behind-the-ear elastics, and one made from two layers of 100% deadstock silk with tie straps.
Their masks are handmade at their factory in Los Angeles.
11. etsy:
1 Mask Avg | $15
There are a bunch of handmade masks available in all different colors, patterns, shapes, and types of fabric available on Etsy.
You can even have them custom-made or embroidered!
/ SHOP ETSY /
12. parachute:
5 Pack of Masks | $30
Parachute sells 5 packs of adult masks that are made in the U.S.A.
They have two different types of reusable masks. One has two 100% cotton top sheet layers. The other type of mask has one layer of 100% utility fabric with a poly liner.
Their fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, and for every set sold, one set is donated.
/ SHOP PARACHUTE /
reusable face mask faqs
what should I look for in an organic face mask?
The best reusable face mask is made from sustainable or organic materials. And it’s washable so you can reuse it over and over again. Bonus points if the company is committed to eco friendly initiatives and creating slow fashion!
do people still mask?
Yep! While many places are certainly more relaxed about masking, thanks to access to vaccinations and better treatment options, people are welcome to mask at any time. And many people choose to when they or those around them have the sniffles to prevent sickness spread in the workplace, or to protect at-risk family members! Keeping an eco friendly face mask on hand makes this a convenient option for you, no matter the situation.
what are the benefits of reusable masks?
There are tons of benefits to reusable masks. They are eco friendly, sustainable, and reduce waste, and are often more affordable than single-use masks. I also find them to be a lot more comfortable, especially on long flights! They’re usually a lot more stylish too.
how many times should you reuse a face mask?
It’s recommended to wash your reusable face mask after 5 days of continuous use.
