The Best and Top Rated Face Masks for Exercising

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and most of us already have identified our favorite day-to-day face mask. However, when it comes time to exercise, our go-to masks might not be quite as effective or comfortable.

Elizabeth Gardner, MD, sports medicine physician at Yale Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation and head team orthopaedic surgeon for Yale Athletics, explains to The Doctors that there are a number of things to consider when choosing the right mask for exercise. “The first is to think about the environment in which the exercise will be happening as well as how much social contact is involved in the activity,” she points out. “When in closer contact, the fit of the mask becomes more important because of the increased risk of disease transmission,” she explains.

Another important consideration is the breathability of the fabric. “Certainly during exercise, it's important to ensure that you are still able to breathe comfortably during your workout. It's also important to think about whether or not the material will be able to withstand perspiration during vigorous exercise,” Dr. Gardner continues. This is why it has been helpful that some companies have directed their attention towards moisture-wicking fabrics for use in masks.

“Use of disposable filters, which can offer an added layer of protection has also been helpful as these are often disposable after a workout,” she concludes.

To help you find the best face mask for exercising, The Doctors has compiled a list of the highest-rated, best-selling and user-approved masks. 

Best Overall Adult Sports Mask

Best Overall Adult Sports Mask

Under Armour has been engineering some of the best athletic apparel on the market for decades, so it is zero surprise they nailed the crown jewel of athletic face masks. Need proof? It’s a bestseller on Amazon with an average 4.5 star rating from over 18,000 reviewers. This is primarily due to the fact it is super comfortable, reusable, water-resistant and designed for maximum breathability. And, it’s available in four different sizes and multiple colors.

Under Armour Adult Sports Mask

$30.00 $19.76 and up

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Best Mask for Outdoor Exercise

Best Mask for Outdoor Exercise

If you are an outdoor exerciser, make sure to protect your face from dangerous UV rays. This UVshield mask offering UPF 50+ protection from Sunday Afternoons will get the job done in style—all while keeping your face cool in the process. The moisture-wicking mask is constructed out of certified OEKO-TEX® fabric on the exterior but lined with soft mesh to keep your face cozy. It looks great too, and comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns.

Sunday Afternoons UVShield Mask

$12.00

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Best 100 Percent Cotton Mask

Best 100 Percent Cotton Mask

If you prefer the clean, soft feeling of cotton against your skin, Champion’s minimalist mask is the way to go. Like the Adidas CVR, you will love its old school style. But the fact that it offers two layers of breathable comfort utilizing X-Temp™ technology—giving it the ability to adapt to temperature, keeping you cooler and drier —your face will thank you post workout session. The one-size mask is available in three classic colors, black, khaki and navy.

Adult Cotton Wicking Face Mask

$10.00 $6.00

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Best Mask on a Budget

Best Mask on a Budget

While these 100 percent cotton masks from Hanes couldn’t look any more basic, they offer three layers of breathable coverage—and retail for just $1.50 a pop. They are constructed out of their trademarked Cool Comfort™ moisture-wicking fabric, and paired with their comfortable soft yarn with internal rubber banded ear loops and an adjustable nosepiece, they are perfect for your everyday workout.

Hanes Wicking Cotton Masks, 10-Pack

$25.00 $15.00

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Best Old School Style Mask

Best Old School Style Mask

Some things never go out of style, and the OG Adidas logo is one of them. This timelessly cool face mask is constructed out of a minimum of 40 percent recycled materials. It is available in black, white, and Blue Bird, the brand’s iconic shade. Users love its breathability, contoured fit, high quality construction, and that it keeps its form after washing and drying. “This mask functions perfectly for the gym: it fits well, it is comfortable, it allows me to safely workout,” wrote one reviewer. 

Adidas Face Cvr

$20.00

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Best Mask for Cycling

Best Mask for Cycling

When you are getting your ride on—whether on a stationary bike or in the great outdoors—the last thing you need to worry about is your mask falling off. This inclusive kit from Outdoor Research offers their premium, athletic designed mask, which is comfortable as well as breathable, along with a 3-pack of filters for added protection.

Outdoor Research Adrenaline Mask

$29.00 $26.92

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Best Mask for Yoga

Best Mask for Yoga

Who better to make a mask designed for yoga class than a brand devoted to the practice? Beyond Yoga’s trademark mask features non-elastic adjustable straps that tie on each side, so you can tighten them to your liking. Aside from the fact they are super soft, comfortable, and offer maximum breathability, you are going to majorly crush over the on-trend patterns available, ranging from snake print to tie-dye.

Beyond Yoga Mask

$25.00

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Best Gaiter

Best Gaiter

Many people find a neck gaiter to be more comfortable than a mask for outdoor activities. The Ticonn Neck Gaiter is a moisture-wicking, sun and windproof face covering adored by nearly 20,000 Amazon users, making it the best-selling gaiter on the website. It is machine washable and available in 25 different colors and designs. Keep in mind that it doesn’t offer the same protection as many of the other face masks, so it's better suited for an activity like running or hiking where you don’t make as much contact with others. 

Ticonn Neck Gaiter

$11.95 $10.95

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Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.