UK face masks: Buy reusable and washable face masks

face mask uk
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the UK face masks are now the norm, and it's clear that we're all going to have to get used to wearing face masks as part of our everyday lives. Especially as we're about to enter a "very challenging winter period," according to Prof Chris Whitty. That's why we've put together the best UK face masks below – from bright patterns to medically-certified face coverings to face masks ideal for glasses wearers to people who need to lip read. 

Wearing a face mask is no longer a question of choice, either. In England, Scotland and Wales, it's now mandatory for people to wear face masks on all public transport, in all shops, plus banks, supermarkets and corner shops, post offices and indoor shopping centres, cinemas, museums and libraries. This excludes people with a medical condition or children under 11 years old (see a full list of exemptions here). People repeatedly not wearing face masks in designated areas will face increasing fines of up to £3,200.

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The best disposable face masks | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3595&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wowcher.co.uk%2Fdeal%2Flondon%2F14390852%2Fdisposable-3-ply-face-masks%3Fusr_src%3Dsearch" data-link-merchant="wowcher.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From £2.99 at Wowcher
Wowcher has a range of deals, and there are plenty of different types of face masks available. If you want a cheap, bulk order of face masks, you can get 10 disposable face masks for £3.99, and 100 for just £25.99.

The largest range of masks | Cloth, medical, PPE at Amazon

The largest range of masks | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?tag=georiot-trd-21&node=21680266031&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="amazon.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cloth, medical, PPE at Amazon
Amazon has started a UK face masks-specific store, and as you'd imagine there's all sorts to pick from. Choose from general use, reusable cloth, medical and PPE. 

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The best medical UK face masks | <a href="https://www.medisave.co.uk/surgical-face-masks-type-ii-x-50.html" data-link-merchant="medisave.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">40 for £10.99 at Medisave Recommended for primary, outpatient, community and social care, these medical-grade face masks are available to order on Medisave. There's also <a href="https://www.medisave.co.uk/virustatic-shield-antiviral-face-covering-snood.html" data-link-merchant="medisave.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="medisave.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">antiviral face coverings available to buy too.

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The best luxury face mask | <a href="https://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(888)a(1621074)g(24769930)" data-link-merchant="clk.tradedoubler.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£13 from Vistaprint
When it comes to quality, comfort and stylish designs, you'll be hard pushed to find better than the Vistaprint's face masks. The CB team now has a selection of these, for both adults and kids, and they're the best we've tried so far. Plus, delivery is free.

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The best antimicrobial face masks | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=2647194&v=4888&q=389987&r=103504" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£6.99 from Samuel Johnson
The comfortable Noordi face masks designs for adults and children are fitted and reusable. Silver Ion antimicrobial technology stops the growth of micro-organisms and maintains hygiene.

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Reusable cloth face masks | <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xwashable+face+mask.TRS0&_nkw=washable+face+mask&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=face+mask&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From £2.49 on eBay
While we can't vouch for the quality of every face mask on eBay (and a search for 'face masks' brings up a ton of creams – add the word 'washable' to narrow it down), there are lots of cloth masks available.

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The best face mask patterns |<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prezzybox.com%2Fface-masks.aspx&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - prezzybox.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> £15.99 at Prezzybox
If you're looking for a standout face mask design, look no further than Prezzybox. The great selection of animal, nature and patterned prints come complete with two filters.

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The wildest face mask styles | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Fmarket%2Fface_mask" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From £3 on Etsy
This range of UK face masks is great if you want something bespoke. There are loads of handmade options available on Etsy's UK store, plus a range of filtered face masks.

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Best face mask if you wear glasses | <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=36620&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wolfandbadger.com%2Fuk%2Fdark-grey-linen-cotton-face-mask-with-filter-pocket" data-link-merchant="wolfandbadger.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£20 from Wolf & Badger
If you wear glasses, you'll want a face mask that minimise the amount of lens fog, i.e. one which is contoured and has nose wire. This Wolf & Badger is a good option for glasses wearers, as is this <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Flisting%2F806023179%2Fliberty-print-adjustable-cotton-facemask" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" data-link-merchant="wolfandbadger.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">multilayer toggle mask with filters on Etsy.

The best budget face masks | 3 for £12.95 from Adidas

The best budget face masks | <a href="https://www.prf.hn/click/camref:1011l38Ig/pubref:hawk-custom-tracking/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adidas.co.uk%2Fface-covers-m-l-3-pack%2FH08837.html" data-link-merchant="adidas.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">3 for £12.95 from Adidas
If you're on a bit of a budget, you'll be hard pushed to find a better deal than these quality Adidas face masks. Three in a pack, theses 40% recycled material designs work out at less than £4.50 a mask, with £2 from every pack being donated to charity. 

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The most fashionable face masks | <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=35718&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asos.com%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dface%2Bmask" data-link-merchant="asos.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£10 for two at ASOS
If you're looking for fashionable and affordable designs, head over to ASOS. You'll find animal print patterns as well as camouflage, baroque and slogan prints. And at just £10 for two, they're a bargain to boot!

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The most playful kids' face masks | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18484&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.notonthehighstreet.com%2Fwildthingsfunkylittledresses%2Fproduct%2Fkids-cotton-face-mask-in-fun-animal-designs" data-link-merchant="notonthehighstreet.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£12 from Wild Things
If you want your kids to wear a face mask without any drama, you should definitely check out these incredible animal designs from Wild Things over on Not On The High Street. They're made from 100% cotton and are suitable for children over the age of 3.

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The best face mask for lip reading | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Flisting%2F825728669%2Fface-mask-with-clear-window-and-nose%3Fsource%3Daw%26awc%3D6091_1594997884_955e822e88c5249e9385b4b3b548fae1%26utm_source%3Daffiliate_window%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Duk_location_buyer%26utm_content%3D103504%26utm_term%3D137027" data-link-merchant="etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£10.50 from Etsy
While a face mask can help prevent the spread of germs, it's a nightmare for those dependent on lip reading. This best-selling design on Etsy includes a clear panel so the mouth is always visible.

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The best face mask multipack | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.justhype.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fhype-cares&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - justhype.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">3 for £24.99 from HYPE
With this deal from HYPE, you can support keyworkers and NHS staff as well as keeping yourself covered in style. Not only do 100% of the profits go to the NHS, but for every sale, HYPE will donate a mask to the NHS, a care home or a keyworker.

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Quality Buff face coverings | <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3549&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gooutdoors.co.uk%2Fbr%3Abuff%2F" data-link-merchant="gooutdoors.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£24.75 from Go Outdoors
Buff's face coverings have a tubular design, allowing them to double as a scarf (or even a beanie) when not being used to cover the face. The great thing about these is that you can also use them for hiking or cycling. Sold out? Try <a href="https://track.webgains.com/click.html?colour=1705&wgcampaignid=138487&wgprogramid=7795&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&wgtarget=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cotswoldoutdoor.com%2Fp%2Fbuff-merino-wool-buff-patterned-A3312063.html%3Fcolour%3D1705" data-link-merchant="cotswoldoutdoor.com"" data-link-merchant="gooutdoors.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cotswold Outdoor.

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Kerrie Hughes
Freelance writer

Kerrie Hughes is a frequent contributor to Creative Bloq, and was once its editor. One of the original CB crew, Kerrie joined the team back in 2013 after moving from her role as staff writer on 3D World. Since then she's written regularly for other creative publications such as ImagineFX, Computer Arts and Digital Camera World. After a stint working for the police, Kerrie is back reviewing creative tech for creative professionals.