While we hoped that face masks would be a thing of the past by now, it looks like they’re here to stay—especially for kids. Now that the AAP recommends that all children ages 2 and up wear face masks in school—regardless of vaccination status—it’s time to stock up on cute new masks that your kiddo will want to wear. Luckily, the choices are vast now (and masks are cheaper than a year ago), so we’re here to help you find the best kids face masks out there. Here’s to making COVID-19 a terrible memory.
Choosing the right face masks for children is important — possibly more important than choosing one for yourself, because as adults, most of us can intellectually understand why we’re doing it. Our kids, on the other hand, might not fully grasp the concept of public health (kinda like certain politicians?). So we need the best kids face masks we buy to be comfortable, fit right without having to be adjusted (because face-touching), and also have really fun, appealing designs.
By the way, when you find the perfect masks for your kids, you might want to continue shopping for one more clever accessory of our times: a face mask strap or lanyard. It’s a great way to make sure your children hold onto their masks while they’re eating or taking a socially distanced break from covering their faces.
While we’re still practicing social distancing, we’d also like to mention that shopping for face masks for ourselves and our kids is oddly fun. Thanks to all these clothing designers and retailers for giving us attractive, playful kids and adult mask options that we hope will mean we can one day rejoin a world similar to the one we once knew.
A version of this article was originally published on May 6, 2020.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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Enro Kids Face Mask
Image Credit: Enro. We adore these lightweight, full-coverage face masks which won’t slip below the nose (kind of defeats the point, no?) or require constant adjusting, and actually stay on your kid comfortably all day long. It doesn’t hurt that they come in tons of fun prints and patterns — everything from cool camo to punchy stars — so your child can choose a mask that best fits their personal style and preferences.
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Athleta Girl
Image Credit: Athleta Girl. Pick up this pack of five assorted, pleated masks while you pick up some other comfy basics for back to school. They’re made of one layer polyester/spandex on the outside and two layers of cotton to remain breathable against your face.
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Celeb-Kid Favorite
Image Credit: evolvetogether. J.Lo’s kids are among many celebs sporting these adorably chic 3-ply masks that also boast 95-percent filtration. A portion of proceeds from these masks will benefit the World Wildlife Fund.
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Cubcoats Masks
Image Credit: Cubcoats. The company that makes our kids’ beloved sweatshirts-that-turn-into-stuffed-animals has come up with something just as cute. They may want to wear these cuddly cotton teddy bear and kitty masks inside too. We love that these have a bit of metal for the bridge of the nose to ensure a secure fit.
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Old Navy Masks
Image Credit: Old Navy. Old Navy was one of the first large retailers to sell kids face masks, and they sold out immediately. That’s not an issue anymore, and you’ve got a ton of cute styles to pick from for your little one—and most are on sale!
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Nordstrom Masks
Image Credit: TUCKER + TATE. Nordstrom quickly became our go-to spot for chic masks for the entire family. This cute four pack of washable masks is even on sale!
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Rainbow Fun
Image Credit: Cremoly. If unicorns and rainbows don’t get them to wear a face mask, we don’t know what will. This skin-friendly mask is comfy too: it boasts adjustable straps so it doesn’t fall off, a nose bar to keep it snug, and a design that filters out PM 2.5 particles. Did we mention it’s 63% off?
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Brave New Look Cat Whiskers Mask
Image Credit: Brave New Look. This mask is the cat’s meow. It comes with a filter and has adjustable ear loops for comfort. Best of all, you can buy a family pack so everyone can match.
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Paige Lauren Mask Set
Image Credit: Paige Lauren. The best way to get kids to wear their masks is to model wearing one for them. So why not buy a matching set like these, which are available in white, gray stripes, pink stripes, and more?
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Disney Masks
Image Credit: Disney. Disney is producing an impressive variety of masks your kids are going to love.
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Olope Disposable Cartoon-Printed Masks
Image Credit: Olope. It’s hard to imagine putting those boring blue-and-white masks on any child when prints like these are available. These are three-ply, non-woven polyester masks at a very affordable price.
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Crayola Kids Face Mask
Image Credit: Amazon. These face masks are colorful, fun, and perfect for crafty kids. With secure ear straps and a nose clip, your child will be able to keep this on during recess, the classroom, and beyond. Fair warning: Since it’s like a costume accessory, kids may never want to take it off.
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Lilly Pulitzer Face Masks
Image Credit: Lilly Pulitzer. If these resort-ready mask sets don’t make your kid excited for school, we don’t know what will. These fun sets include a mask, lanyard, and pouch so they can keep it at the ready and protected when not using it.
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Honest
Image Credit: Honest. Jessica Alba’s Honest company is not just for delicious-smelling baby shampoo and cute printed diapers. The favorite of natural-loving parents everywhere is now making adjustable kids face masks out of 100% cotton, in patterns we’d certainly wear ourselves, too. Buy them individually or by the 6-pack.
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Name Face Mask
Image Credit: Courtesy of Personalization Mall. Customize their face mask with their name so it’ll feel extra special. It’s partcularly great for back-to-school season so new friends can remember their name easily.
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Bailey Blue Masks
Image Credit: Bailey Blue. Tie-dye, camo, stripes, solids, butterflies, and other playful prints make these masks pleasing to the eye. Rayon-spandex jersey material makes them breathable and comfortable to wear.
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Redbubble Construction Mask
Image Credit: Redbubble. Redbubble offers a variety of designs made by artists, so you can get a unique design while directly supporting a creator. They also offer teen and adults masks too, so the entire family can mask up in style.
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Hatch Littles
Image Credit: Hatch. These masks from Meghan Markle-approved Hatch are made from beautiful upcycled fabrics from the maternity clothing line. The sets come with triple-layer cotton mask (for extra protection) and one double layer chambray mask.
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Vistaprint RFS Masks
Image Credit: Vistaprint. Vistaprint is normally where companies to print business cards and get their logos on bags and T-shirts. But that means this place knows fast turnaround, so they’re able to make these masks for kids and adults that feature a replaceable filter that fits inside the layers of cotton.
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BaubleBar
Image Credit: BaubleBar. From Limited Too-like sequins to bold leopard and picnic-pink gingham, these kids face mask prints from BaubleBar are the most fashionable you can find. Buy two face masks for $12, and they will last your child all season (if you hand-wash them, that is).
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Boomer Naturals Nano-Silver Masks
Image Credit: Boomer Naturals. There is no proof that the nano-silver woven into the cloth of these three-layered masks offers more protection against COVID, but the material does have anti-microbial properties. We also love that it comes in so many prints, and you get free ear-savers with every purchase.
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Hatchimals Kids Face Mask
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sew Cal Masks. Inspired by your little one’s favorite toys, this mask is one they just might never want to take off. This kids face mask has double-layered fabric and adjustable straps so they can get the right fit.
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FOCO Kids Sports Team Mask
Image Credit: Courtesy of FOCO. Your little sports lover can proudly display their favorite team with this trio of masks. From the Boston Celtics to the LA Lakers, there are plenty of teams to choose from. Plus, you can get a matching adult set too.
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Crayola SchoolMaskPack
Image Credit: SchoolMaskPack. If your kid is going to school this fall, you’ll love having a pack of five masks, allowing you to avoid having to wash them until the weekend. Crayola’s designs (available for kids and adults) make mask-wearing an extra-friendly gesture.
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ABG Accessories
Image Credit: ABG Accessories. These masks are now beginning to represent the height of kids fashion, allowing them self-expression through cute pop-art design. It’s hard to imagine anyone complaining about having to wear these.
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Caraa Kids Masks
Image Credit: Caraa We can tell that thought and care went into choosing the fabric for these breathable cotton masks from this handbag and luggage company. You can choose your own color scheme for a pack of five — cool colors, warm colors, or pastel colors.
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SHEIN Toddler Face Mask
Image Credit: SHEIN. It is impossible not to smile when you see the happy clouds on this face mask, made of polyester. Make sure you smile with your eyes, too, because no one can see your mouth.
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Carter’s Kiddo Face Masks
Image Credit: Carter's. These new masks from Carter’s are made from two layers of 100 percent cotton poplin. That means they’ll be soft and breathable, even during hot summer months.
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Uncommon Goods Rainbow Face Coverings
Image Credit: Uncommon Goods. These masks were designed by kids, for kids, reminding us of the rainbow art children have been placing in their windows during quarantine. Uncommon Goods is donating 100 percent of profits to NYC Health and Hospitals.
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Smoko Kawaii Foodie Face Mask
Image Credit: Smoko. Well, you know your kid’s going to get food on their mask eventually, so why not get a head start? These masks have a pocket for optional filter, as well as a wire for holding it in place on the nose.
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N95MaskCo Reusable Kids Masks
Image Credit: N95MaskCo. As the name implies, this company makes disposable non-medical grade N95 masks that are actually available to the general public (at a hefty price). But it’s also now making very practical-looking, very affordable reusable 100 percent cotton masks for kids and adults.
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Busy Bees Navy Butterfly Cotton Face Mask
Image Credit: Busy Bees. These masks are going to become fashion statements, so you may as well get an early start on buying the most attractive prints available. These butterflies are top contenders.
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Onzie Mindful Masks
Image Credit: Onzie. The yoga clothing company made these masks with upcycled fabric that’s stretchy and breathable. Proceeds are donated to health-care workers through the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
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Dog Print Mask
Image Credit: Rabbit Skin. After a bit of searching, you can find all sorts of animal mouths printed on masks for kids and adults. This dog mouth makes us happy.
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KES Silk Mask for Kids
Image Credit: KES. Why not go a little more luxurious and choose a silk mask for yourself and your kids? The way these tie in the back makes them comfortable and adjustable for different hairstyles and head sizes. For every mask purchased, KES will donate one to a health-care provider.
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Image Credit: Bonnie Azoulay/SheKnows The best kids’ cloth face masks to buy now.
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