17 masks for fall that meet current safety guidelines

This article reflects health and safety recommendations at the time of publication. As these are constantly evolving, be sure to follow the most current public health and safety guidelines regarding COVID-19.

By now, you likely have your go-to face masks. But if you're looking for a better fit, new fall colours and styles, or — most importantly — something that meets the most up-to-date safety recommendations for non-medical masks, this list should help. 

Below, you'll find 17 reusable masks of various shapes, fabrics and designs (and even some with a bit of autumnal flare) that you can purchase online — many from Canadian businesses and designers. All of the masks on this list feature "at least [two] layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton," and "a third middle layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene" — or a pocket to add your own non-woven insert — as per the latest guidelines.

Uniqlo's masks have 115 five-star reviews on their Canadian site — and they're now back in stock in most of the four available sizes. They've been updated with smoother seams and a lighter feel. The first and third layers are made of Uniqlo's AIRism fabric, a nylon and spandex blend, while the second features a built-in, non-woven filter. 

AIRism Mask, 3-pack, $14.90, Uniqlo

Known for their popular reusable bags, Baggu also makes reusable masks that appear to offer great nose and chin coverage. The masks are made of 100 per cent quilter's cotton, and feature a nose wire, adjustable ear loops, plus a pocket for a filter. They're available in three-packs in various colourways, including this rather autumnal palette. 

3 Pack Reusable Cotton Face Masks, Clay, $27, Indigo

Coo-Mon's pleated masks are made of polycotton on the outside, lined with cotton on the inside, come with two disposable polypropylene filters and feature a pliable metal wire to help you get a close fit. The masks are available in three colours and four sizes — one adult option and three options for kids. 

Fabric Face Mask in Black, White, or Orange Green, $17, Coo-Mon

It was hard to decide which mask from Considerate Goods to highlight (because this basketball net option is truly incredible), but it was the ribbon ties that sold us on this one. Made of two layers of cotton with a filter pocket in between, and featuring a contoured fit, this mask is available in medium or large and in black, red, blue or sparkly blue. You can order it with ear elastics, an around-the-head elastic or, our personal fave, ear elastics covered in festive ribbon. 

Mask with ribbon ties, Red and Black, Blue, Blue Sparkle, $40, Considerate Goods

We've highlighted Gap's masks in past articles, but their newer versions feature a filter pocket. They're available in adult and kids sizing — so the whole family can match! — and many colour combos. They've also got a nose wire and adjustable ear loops for added comfort. 

Adult and Kids Contour Mask with Filter Pocket, 3-pack, $22 and $24, Gap

These two-ply contoured masks with filter pockets from Anne Mulaire caught our attention because each mask is a surprise — they use different patterns and colours of fabrics to create a unique style for the buyer. All of the masks come with adjustable elastics, are made of bamboo-cotton fabric, are available in three sizes, and can have a nose wire added to them if requested at checkout. 

Non-Medical Grade Cotton/Bamboo Masks - Zerowaste, $25.50, Anne Mulaire

This smiley face–print mask from Canadian streetwear brand Kuwalla Tee is made of 100 per cent cotton twill, features a filter pocket and comes with a PM2.5 filter (which is made up of layers that include non-woven polypropylene, making it compliant with the Government of Canada's guidelines). It's available in white or black, and is in both the men's and women's sections, but the sizing is the same for both (and the ones in the men's section are currently on sale).

Smiley Mask in White or Black, $10, Kuwalla Tee 

Toronto-based intimates brand Mayana Genevière created this limited-edition three-layer mask, made of quilter's cotton and non-woven polypropylene, and embellished with lace. It would be wonderful for wearing with formal outfits. 

Eyelash Lace Mask (White), $55, Mayana Genevière 

This pleated, two-ply cotton mask has a pocket, allowing you to add a filter. A metal nose wire and adjustable ear loops help you get a snug fit, and there's coverage at the bottom for your chin. The masks come in three sizes (for adults, youth and kids) and in black or white, and you can choose from many different-sized packs. 

Reusable Face Covers Pack, 2-pack, $24.99, Send Us Masks

Saje's masks feature adjustable ear loops, are made with two layers of cotton and come with three hand-washable nylon filters, so you don't need to keep replacing disposable ones. 

Face Mask, $16, Saje 

These made-to-order masks from renowned Toronto-based Indigenous designer Lesley Hampton are made of three layers of fabric — cotton for the outer ones and polyester for the middle. They are available in 10 different colours and patterns, and feature a nose wire for an adjustable fit. 

Cotton Masks, $25, Lesley Hampton

Enro's masks are so popular that you can only shop the brand's restocks if you've joined a waitlist. Wirecutter called them one of the best cloth masks, and although they may be hard to acquire, these masks sound super promising: they feature a sewn-in PM0.1 filter (able to block ultrafine particles), nose wire and adjustable ear loops — and they're available in six different sizes and so many colours. 

Masks waitlist, Enro

Instead of loops that go around your ears, this celestial-patterned one from Thief&Bandit has straps to wrap around your head. It's made of cotton crepe, has a filter pocket and is handprinted and sewn in Halifax.

Stardust Mask, $33, Thief&Bandit

These masks from underwear brand Toni Marlow also fit around the head (instead of the ears). They've got two layers of cotton-spandex, a filter pocket and a nose wire, and they come in a range of graphic designs. 

Reusable Mask, $10, Toni Marlow

Under Armour has released a new-and-improved version of its popular sports mask. According to the brand's site, this one is sleeker, more comfortable and 40 per cent lighter than the first iteration, but it's still designed to sit away from the face for added breathability. It's got nylon outer layers and a polyurethane foam one in the middle to serve as a filter, and the brand's size guide at the bottom of the page will help you determine which of the five sizes to order. 

UA Sportsmask Featherweight, $35, Under Armour 

If you're in search of a silk option, Wallflower makes masks with 100 per cent silk inner and outer layers, and filter pockets. This four-pack comes in jewel tones, but their collection features pages of colours and designs you can purchase as sets or singles. 

Triple Layer 100% Silk Masks with Filter Pockets, 4-pack, $45.99, Wallflower 

A list of masks for fall wouldn't be complete without this Halloween and autumn collection from Janice's Tailoring in Halifax. The company has over 11,800 reviews on their Etsy site (many of them are five-star) and has made over 100,000 sales. Their triple-layer masks have nose wires and filter pockets, come in three different styles and numerous patterns like pumpkins, bats and fall foliage. Some are currently sold out, but there's a waiting list you can join — and there are still so many left to pick from. 

Halloween and Autumn Facemasks, starting at $7.99, Janice's Tailoring via Etsy