25 Best Winter Face Masks to Lower Coronavirus Risks In Colder Weather
These masks help to shield you from the elements and remain snug against your face.
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Wearing a mask during the winter season has ended up being helpful in two ways; one, it keeps the risk of transmitting COVID-19 low between those in public, and two, properly fitted masks keep our face sheltered from the cold! Before you ask, yes: You should be wearing a face mask each time you head into a public space this winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their definition of "close contact" to include those inside poorly ventilated spaces, evidence that illustrates how important it is for people to keep social distance and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) this winter. And that's in addition to ever-increasing new COVID-19 cases due to cold winter weather (which pushes us all indoors!), a drier climate for infectious viruses to spread easier, and the possibility that our immune systems may be already challenged by common colds and the flu.
There's a bit of a silver lining: Research suggests that tightly woven fabrics, particularly cotton, make for the most effective material for face coverings. Most of our fabric masks have indeed been made with cotton, but in the summer months, you likely shopped for moisture-wicking options that were as light as possible. Now, those who are always freezing can reach for masks that are triple-layered and heftier, including options that cover more skin beyond your nose and mouth, and sit firmly against your face. Officials at the CDC also just recently updated their advice to greenlight double masking, which can help keep your mask drier and more effective in cold temps outside.
What you should look for in winter face masks:
The best face masks for winter are made to cover more of your face, creating a tight seal against your cheeks. If your ears are sore from mask fatigue, it's also a good time to try a mask that ties or sits against your crown or the nape of your neck; they may work against any cheek gaps to keep gusts of wintry air out. Selecting a rugged, tighter cotton knit for your mask is important as well, and even those that may be lined with extra layers for comfort.
With the help of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textile Director Lexie Sachs, we're highlighting the best winter face masks that'll keep you warm if you spend lots of time outside. Most are designed in a surgical style, but some include variations that add things like scarfs, ear muffs, and even head wraps into the mix. Just like in warmer weather, if you know you're going to be outside for many hours at a time, bring an extra face mask along: Cold temperatures aren't fun when the breath condensation in your masks soaks through inner layers, as a dry mask will feel simply toasty in comparison.
A note on neck gaiters and ski masks:
Current research is divided on whether gaiter-style face coverings can effectively prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 airborne particles. Research published in Science Advances, spearheaded by scientists at Duke University, found that polyester and spandex-based neck gaiters aren't as effective as cotton-based face masks (or medical options). Their findings suggest that simply talking or breathing heavily may, in fact, create more individualized droplets or particles compared to other options. Since then, a team at the University of Georgia conducted their own study and determined that gaiters may provided a similar level of protection when compared to other cloth-based face coverings.
You should abide by any rules or policies outlined by local businesses and government officials, but err on the side of caution if you choose to wear a gaiter yourself. Selecting a cotton-based gaiter may be best. Only wear ski masks if you plan take a break in an outdoor space where you can remove a face mask, as wearing both may cause shortness of breath over a longer period of time (especially if you are active). We'll update this guide with more information as necessary.
A pop-up nose bridge helps to keep a cotton mask off of your mouth directly, meaning it won't become saturated as quickly as other face masks.
This mask comes with a handy neck lanyard-esque feature that makes eating and drinking easier than ever. But the interior's bamboo viscose lining is quite smooth and cozy, without being too hefty or fuzzy to actually blocking you from breathing.
The ear loops on this mask have been incorporated into a pair of fuzzy earmuffs to keep your ears warm. The cotton and polyester blend fleece interior lining will also feel like a warm hug in cold temperatures.
It's loosely designed to resemble a surgical-style flat mask front, but Allbirds' masks' true advantage is its up cycled construction. The mask is partially made from three layers of merino wool, making it a great option for a double mask layer of your own.
American Blanket Company Soft Fleece Face Mask
It's fuzzy on the outside, but this mask stays warm on the inside thanks to additional polyester lining. Since it's not a cotton base, however, this mask might not be best for long hours outside — a quick errand is best.
The ear loop bridge secures to the back of the neck, relieving the pressure off your ears while ensuring the mask is tight to your face. With a multi-blend of polyester, cotton, and viscose, the exterior is much softer and cozier than others on the market.
While it's easy to layer a scarf atop any of your face masks in a hurry, we love this stylish solution that combines a mask and scarf in one. It's made from leftover cotton in two different prints for a clean look.
Made from upcycled fabric, the rugged cotton exterior that Rag & Bone uses in these "stealth" masks are much more substantial than cotton poplin used in summer-friendly masks elsewhere.
Hedley and Bennett The Wake Up & Fight Mask
Designed with the help of an orthopedic surgeon, this adjustable mask has been enforced with extra stitching to ensure it doesn't stretch over time. It's equipped with a filter pocket, but we love how its designed to tuck beneath your chin entirely, protecting you from the elements.
These tailors took the materials they normally use for structured coats and blazers to spin into a stylish mask. Since wool is much heavier than pure cotton, it'll be quite warm in comparison; but keep an eye on whether or not it feels really breathable for you over longer hours of wear.
Equipped with a hybrid ear loop turned neck tie, this mask is made with a triple-layer cotton jersey blend and is finished with a manufacturer's anti-microbial coating. But the pima cotton lining on the inside is quite soft on cold days.
This brand's sewn masks come lined with a third filter area, in addition to multiple layers, for added protection. It's also equipped with a nose clip and custom-fit head and neck ties to keep things snug.
It's a lightweight quilted mask front, but it's incorporated with a custom nose clip and a chin strap. Rafi Nova's mask is made in three different sizes, including a kid's mask, for a firm, tight fit.
Unlike other neck gaiters on the market, this circular scarf is embedded into a knit wool mask that contains a filter pocket for added protection. This mask's ear loops are adjustable as well.
This mask is constructed with two layers of thick cotton and a generous fit. You can also fit filters in between the layers of cotton, which are also certified organic, per the manufacturer.
Tailored Industry 3D Knit Mask, Charcoal Grey
There's room for a filter as well as an adjustable nose clip, but this knit-style mask is warm without being overly stifling. The viscose and lycra infused fabric here is key.
Akese Alewa Mask, Wrap and Neckpiece Set
We love how this designer added the functionality of a matching hair wrap and optional neckpiece alongside a cotton-based face covering. While they are two separate pieces, the mask comes in multiple sizes for correct sizing, and a corresponding neckpiece can also work to shield exposed skin from the cold.
Modeled after the build of a medical-grade respirator, this cotton canvas mask has 4 layers in total — two up front, and two layers of filter material that precedes a cotton lining. Simply secure it to the back of your skull using the pinch tie system shown here.
With enough material to also cover a surgical respirator, this two-layered cotton mask is tightly woven and can cover most any chin entirely. There's an embedded copper nose band that bends to secure around your nose, too, as well as a pocket for an optional carbon filter.
The added nose and chin straps on this otherwise sturdy cotton canvas face mask makes a world of difference. It ensures your mask won't slip while out and about, all while covering more of your face — especially since it's secured with ties in place of ear loops.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women's lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.
