Gyms and fitness studios are slowly beginning to reopen (at reduced capacity) across the country. But before you go back, you’ll need one new piece of workout gear: a face mask fit for a workout.
Safety should always been the number one priority, but the idea of working out while wearing a mask is bound to trigger two concerns: sweat and smell. They’re both valid and luckily, both easy to address with a workout mask designed to ensure you don’t feel like you’re going for a run with someone’s sweaty palm clamped over your mouth.
Picking up a separate mask to wear while working out will not only help ensure you’re more comfortable but will also help prevent skin irritation and “maskne” that can come from having sweat and bacteria trapped against your skin. Always wash your mask — and your face — after every workout.
Here are nine masks to help keep you safe during your next sweat session.
Oakley
Oakley’s hydrolix fabric helps prevent your mask from getting sweaty (and smelly) mid-workout by wicking moisture and repelling odors. Throw it in the washing machine when you’re done.
Everlane
These 100 percent cotton face masks are super soft. Translation: no chafing during a sweaty cardio session. But even better, you can throw them in the washer and dryer and they come out looking like new (unlike some other cotton masks that can come out looking wrinkled, misshapen and in need of an iron)—perfect for helping sure you actually do wash after every workout.
Reebok
This stretchy mask is designed to flex like your favorite workout gear. The stretch allows it to fit snugly, so no slipping during a HIIT workout.
Clothsurgeon
A minimalist mask, this cozy option is made from 100 percent cotton recycled Nike sweatpants—good for the planet, and the health of your fellow gym-goers. With elastic ear loops, cotton lining and an inside pocket that can accommodate an air filter, this mask will help you feel protected, comfortable, and chic during your workout.
Bandier
For especially steamy workouts, silk can be a cooler option than cotton or polyester. This version is washable, includes an N95 filter to help block the spread of particles in the air, and is also treated with a coating that helps reduce the ability of germs to survive on the surface of the fabric.
GRLFRND
This double-layered jersey mask is soft, simple, and washable. Think of it as the classic black leggings of face masks.
Heroine Sport
These metallic masks look super cool—like the mask version of Wonder Woman’s outfit—and they’re strong enough to stand up to a tough workout. They’re made of four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric. They’re lined with a soft mesh to help prevent bacterial buildup on the skin—an extra bonus if you’re prone to maskne.
Love Changes
Gaiters are the face masks from before we needed to wear face masks—they’ve been around for a long time to cover your face during chilly runs and winter sports. This polyester and spandex version will keep you cozy during cold outdoor workouts.
Bandier
Maybe you don’t want to deal with washing your workout mask after every sweat. That’s fair—2020 is hard enough without extra laundry. For a disposable option that you can wear two to three times, luxe athleisure retailer Bandier stocks N95 masks in a variety of patterns and colors.
We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.
