First Friday Faves – August 2020

This month we’re looking at three of my favorite face masks. These are masks that I’ve been wearing during the Corona Virus Pandemic. None are medical-grade masks so use at your own risk.

1. Old Navy Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults
2. Target’s 2 ct. Adult Fabric Face Mask
3. 3 Ply Face Mask from AglassShop on Etsy

My first favorite mask is from Old Navy. I have to say I was quite excited when I learned that Old Navy was going to start selling face masks. I already like their clothes so how could I not like their masks? And guess what? The masks do not disappoint!

Let’s start with the basics. These masks are made of 3 ply woven 100% cotton poplin. They come in two styles, one has adjustable ear straps and the other does not. I have both styles and like them equally. They wash up nicely though they do shrink somewhat if you dry them in the drier. I appreciated this because I felt the masks fit my face a bit snugger after they were dried. I would suggest laying them out flat to dry if you don’t want them to shrink.

What I like about the Old Navy mask is that it’s comfortable. It’s not oppressively heavy or cumbersome. It can be worn comfortably for a prolonged period of time because it is lightweight. The ear strap adjusters are made of soft rubber and don’t feel bulky or cause ear irritation. And, there are so many colors and patterns available!! You can pick up a 5pk for $12.50 or a 10pk for $25.00. Kid packs are available as well for the same price or they offer cute 3pks for $9.50.

The only cons with these masks, in my opinion, are that there is no nose wire and no filter pocket. For some folks this may be a deal breaker. I like having an adjustable wire at the top but it is not such a big deal that I wouldn’t buy more if I needed to. The same goes for the filter pocket, it’s great if it’s there but it’s not going to deter me from buying more since it’s not.

Second Friday fave

My second favorite mask is Target’s 2 count Adult Face Mask. They run $4.00 for a pack of 2. I like that they come in different sizes. I bought the S/M size while my hubby went with the L/XL. They also have kid face masks, too. Because they offer two different sizes you can almost guarantee a better fit for your face. My hubby has a longer face than me so a one-size-fits-all mask wouldn’t be as good an option for us.

The Target masks are made of two layers of 100% cotton. They are very lightweight and have built in ear straps that are not adjustable. One thing that these masks do have is a filter pocket. They come in a couple of solid colors right now, though I wish they’d offer more. You know how we ladies like to have options, right?

These masks wash well but will shrink if dried in the dryer. Lay out or hang to dry if you are concerned about shrinkage. I found no real cons with the Target masks as they are designed with the seam in the front to form closely around your nose. Because of this they don’t need a wire. The only thing I can think of that would make them better would possibly be adjustable straps.

Third Friday Fave

My third favorite face mask comes from the Etsy shop AglassShop. This is the most expensive mask on the list at $7.99 per mask. I also paid $5.19 shipping for two masks so definitely more costly than the other two choices. I purchased these masks online during the quarantine. Even now though, I would consider repurchasing a mask from this shop because the quality is excellent.

These homemade masks are made from 100% cotton and are 3 ply. They come with a filter pocket and adjustable ear straps. They shrink slightly so dry with caution or lay or hang to air dry. Out of all the masks, this one is the heaviest/thickest. As a matter of fact, it is so thick that I can not wear it outside this summer. Indoors it’s fine, but outside in the heat, it’s very hot.

There are quite a few patterns to choose from and you can request your size, either S/M or L/XL. One thing that may appeal to some is that these masks are handmade and purchasing from a seller like this is a way to support small businesses.

Have you found a mask that you love? I’d love to hear about it.