In the era of coronavirus, face coverings, whether fabric or medical masks, neck gaiters or face shields, are something to have handy when we’re out and about. In fact, for many, face masks have become as much a part of our style, and how we express it, like any other accessory in our wardrobe.
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That includes men, many of whom have beards or facial hair or bigger builds, so they're looking for extra-large face coverings or men's face masks specifically designed with guys in mind.
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This self-cleaning facemask with nanofilter is one of the safest on the market
Best face masks with filters for increased protection against coronavirus
Men's face masks: Monochrome vs prints, beard-friendly, office-ready, neck gaiters & more
Thankfully it seems that these days there is a men's face mask style to fit every personality. In our list of the best men's face coverings, we've made sure to cover the most common needs.
A plain multi-layer mask with adjustable ear toggles and nose clip, and additional filter pocket
Reusable Face Mask with filters /$12.99, Amazon
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READ MORE: Here's where to get a fashionable face mask
There are monochrome masks but if you love a bolder fashion print, you can find masks in Versace-style baroque or the bestselling Off-White designer face masks which immediately sold out and are now back in stock.
At a higher price point, är's state-of-the-art anti-viral face mask with nanofilter is one of the safest on the market – and it actually cleans itself!
Self-cleaning anti-viral face mask, more colours available, £26.44/$29.90, är
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If you are looking for a face covering to wear to the office, we've found the best smart men's face masks in traditional menswear fabrics, including one silk face covering that doubles as a pocket square. There are balaclava-style neck gaiters with filters for men – and we've even tracked down the best extra-large face masks for men with beards!
This Etsy seller has double-layered masks with filter pockets in both plain and print, and each comes with two filters and a travel bag
AFRIKOThreads Luxury face mask, £11.99 / $7.40, Etsy
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RELATED: Best face masks for people who wear glasses - and how to stop the fog!
Is it normal for men to wear face masks?
Absolutely! While not compulsory at all times, face masks are definitely handy to have these days. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that wearing non-medical fabric masks, which should be washed in hot water and detergent daily, will help protect others around you and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The new normal: Men these days are including face mask style when considering their wardrobes. This face covering is designed for men with beards
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While a joint study by Middlesex University and the Mathematical Science Research Institute, Berkeley in May 2020 found that men were less inclined to wear face masks in public, the normalisation of wearing masks eventually made it more commonplace across the board – which is good news for public health.
Many opt to wear disposable triple-layer face masks, which are more breathable and easy on sensitive skin
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Signs of face masks becoming the new normal include a National Geographic and Morning Consult survey from October 2020 which reported that 74 percent of Americans said they saying they "always" wear a mask when leaving home, up nearly 25% since July. In another US poll by sexual wellness brand Royal, 88 percent of women said they find men who wear face masks 'sexier' than those who don't.
One of Nordstrom's many face masks for men
Brixton face mask, was $12.50 now $3.90/, Nordstrom
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On that note, we've curated our favourite men's face masks, including fabric face coverings with or without filters, and face coverings from brands like Pacamask, whose face masks are made from special Silver Ion antibacterial fabric that promises to kill 99 percent of bacteria.
Print face masks, various, were £17.95 now from £2.99, Pacamask
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And right now you can get a host of Pacamask designs starting from just £2.99, more than 80% off the original £17.95 price.
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Our most popular face masks for men
Let's kick things off with these men's face masks, which have proven to be among the most popular with our readers...
Reusable face mask for men with beards, three lengths available, from £7.99/$10.75, Etsy
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For men with beards, you can find face masks like this one that have a size available for every beard length.
XXL Face Masks, various prints, £9.99/$21.73 each, Etsy
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Many men are looking for special face masks that have enough coverage for larger faces, like these popular face masks handmade in Scotland.
Neck gaiter with filter, £11.99/$13.99, Amazon
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Neck gaiters are also a popular face mask option for men – and you can even find these types of face coverings with filters for extra protection.
RELATED: 20+ best neck gaiters for women
So whatever your face mask needs or style, here's a rundown of more of our favourites, including more great face masks for men with beards, office-appropriate face coverings, and neck gaiters for guys.
Sporty face masks for men
If he needs a face covering for going to the gym, or just like the logo looks of brands like Adidas or Nike, check out these sport-ready masks.
Adidas face coverings, pack of three, £19.99/$17.99, Amazon
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Adidas' simple, workout-ready style.
UA face mask, £26, Under Armour
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This mask from athletic wear favourite Under Armour has a flexible nose bridge with comfy suede-like anti-slip material, SPF 50+ protection, and lining which uses UA Iso-Chill technology so it feels cool even if you're sweating.
Namaste Face Mask, £7.99, Gandys
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This mask from sustainable and charitable travel & outdoor favourite Gandys features a Namaste message as well as an adustable nose wire and straps.
Gymshark face mask, £5 /$5
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Popular activewear Gymshark also has a line of sporty face masks.
Men's face masks for beards
Men's Face Mask, £6.60, eBay
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Just £6.60 will get you a new double-layer handmade face mask with a nose wire – a great men's face mask for guys who wear glasses. The face covering is currently available in 15 colours and patterns, from solid hues to Halloween and camouflage prints
XL Harris Tweed Face Masks Triple Layer with filter, £27.50/$47.42, Etsy
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This Etsy seller gives you the option to "Super Size" their tweed masks, which are handmade in Scotland, for a larger face covering and straps
'Badass' beard face mask, various colours, £17.58/$24.20, Etsy
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A filter-compatible full face covering made to order and available in ten colours and patterns.
'Big and Tall' face mask £19.97/$30.25, Etsy
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This extra-large face mask comes in themes like Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr Who and Snoopy.
Monochrome men's face masks
For the man who wants to keep things simple, face masks in neutral hues.
Double Layer Mask Scarf, £32.78/$40, Nordstrom
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This 100% cotton chambray face-covering provides nose-to-chin coverage, has a filter pocket and both ear loops plus a tie for secure fastening
100% human mask, pack of three, £20/$25, Everlane
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Simple and stylish – and unisex!
HELLO! mask in navy, £14, Melissa Odabash
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All profits from the HELLO! x Melissa Odabash face mask will be donated to WellChild
Neck gaiters and snoods for men
Neck gaiters come in a host of colours, and can be found with pandemic-ready details like filter pockets and ear loops.
Neck gaiter with filter and nose clip, £6.99 each, eBay
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On eBay you can find neck gaiters with filter pockets, like these ice silk snoods that also feature adjustable nose clips and can come with or without ear loops
Neck Gaiter with Filter 4-pack, £8.99/$11.99, Amazon
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You can also buy neck gaiters in multi-packs to make sure you always have one at the ready.
Fleece Neck Gaiter, £14.99, Gandys
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Gandys' popular snood, a favourite of guys who love travel and outdoors, also comes in a cool map print.
Neck Gaiter with Filter with Carbon Filter Pocket, from £19.99/$29.03, Etsy
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This neck gaiter has a filter pocket, comes in a one-layer or warmer two-layer style, and also is available in sizes up to XXL
Men's face masks in prints and colours
Make a fashion statement with a face mask in a fun hue or a motif that expresses your personality or favourite hobby.
Great British Designer Reusable Face Coverings, £5 for three, Boots
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Stylish face masks by top designers Julien Macdonald, RIXO and Liam Hodges.
Blue patterned mask, £9.73/$12, Redbubble
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This blue-and-white mask nods to the legendary wilderness of Harz Mountains National Park with its unique print.
Crocodile Face masks, £11/$2.49 each, Etsy
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Five-star Etsy seller MotiejusYarns is a great place to find chic, fun and quirky prints.
Rainbow Face Mask, £9.58/$6.04, Etsy
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A face mask for Pride or just because he loves rainbows.
Sailing Face Mask, £15.50/$14.04, Not on the High Street
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A fun nautical look perfect for summer.
Men's designer face masks
For the label-conscious guy, some of fashion's top designer brands from Off-White to Hugo Boss have their own collections of face masks.
Off-White arrows logo face mask, was £70 now £41/$42, Farfetch
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The sold-out top-selling designer face mask of 2020 is back in stock.
Off-White Diag printed face mask, £70/$105, Farfetch
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Another popular offering from late Off-White designer Virgil Abloh.
Face masks, pack of 3, £21/$45, Hugo Boss
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This mask features elastic bands that wrap around the ears and a metal nose bridge for an individual fit.
G-Star Raw face mask, pack of 5, £45, G-Star.com
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The designer denim brand's organic cotton face coverings, which contain a filter and have an antibacterial effect, come in a set of five.
DSQUARED2 face mask, £68/$70, Farfetch
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A stretch-design face covering by designer label DSquared2.
Men's smart face masks for the office
Shop face masks made from traditional menswear fabrics and patterns for the return to the office.
These smart men's face masks are made from fabric that's water repellent and anti-microbial
David Donahue 3-pack of men's face masks, £32.08/$40, Nordstrom
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Protected AF men's face mask, £19.95/$21, The Tight Spot
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This triple-layer mask features with elastic head straps rather than ear loops and comes in three neutral colours. You can also get the ladies' version too.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
