Knowing where to buy the best face masks is more important than ever. With governments the world over increasingly requesting face masks be worn in many social situations, and with stocks in and out of supply, knowing where you can get a face mask quickly is essential.
Whether you want a graphic, stylish face covering, or a medical-grade PPE, we can help you out. Here, we've compiled a list of online retailers that currently stock face masks, and can deliver straight to your door.
We also got more up-to-date content on face masks. If you'd rather make your own face mask, see our guides to how to make a face mask. And if you're in the UK, get more advice on the best face masks that you can get right now. Finally, we've got information on the best kids' face masks too.
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Where to buy a face mask: US
Where to buy a face mask: UK
Should you wear a face mask?
Whether you should wear a face mask mostly depends on which country that you live in, as governments guidelines vary. In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wear a face mask if you are in a place where it's hard to maintain social distancing, for example when you're shopping. New York has made it mandatory to wear face masks in public when social distancing isn't possible (see CNN's list of states here for a comprehensive look at where to wear a face mask).
The UK government has advised the public to wear a face mask whenever possible where social distancing is not always possible. It is also now mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport in England and Scotland.
All this makes the question of where to buy a face mask even more pressing. Above you'll find our pick of the face masks currently available.
What to consider when buying a face mask
It can feel a little overwhelming trying to choose the right face mask for you. What exactly should you be looking for?
First of all, consider what type of face mask you want to buy: some are more like bandanas, some are glorified scarves or T-shirts and others are more like the sort of eye mask you might get in a posh spa – but for your mouth and nose. When making your face mask choice, remember that cool features are no good if your face mask isn't functional. Fit is especially important – you want your mask to cover your mouth and nose safely, with no gaps – check the sizing of the mask before you buy it. You also want to touch the mask as little as possible once it is on, so you need one that will stay in place.
And as we're a design site, it'd be rude for us not to mention style considerations. While a face mask isn't a fashion accessory, having one that is aesthetically pleasing can be, well, pleasing, both for you and those around you.
Also consider comfort – some masks can be uncomfortable around your ears, depending on the material they are made of and how they are fastened – elastic in particular can cause problems if it is too tight, but also think about how long you're likely to be wearing your face mask for.
The best face masks are also reusable and washable, and many of them come in packs of more than one so you can always have one clean and ready to use.
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