These Lightweight Face Masks Are Designed for Running and Outdoor Workouts

Working out and running outside is possible for so many more of us now that spring is here, and the weather is only going to get warmer. Wearing your best-designed cotton mask (or a double mask!) during a sweat sesh at the gym is a must, but warm temps and even warmer sunshine may feel oppressive on a traditional medical mask or a well-made cotton option this season. In the last year, some of our favorite activewear brands have designed optimized face masks that actively work to lower COVID-19 transmission risks while also keeping your mask cool and dry, all while helping you to be more comfortable.

The following face masks for runners are designed to wick sweat and other moisture off your mouth and nose while adhering to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask guidelines. Fitness fanatics will appreciate that these masks are all made with at least 2 layers (if not 3 or more!) to act as a barrier for any potentially infectious particles in the air around you, which is a valid risk for even those running outside. A group of researchers in Belgium created buzz last summer after self-publishing data that suggests that runners and cyclists could potentially be inhaling each other's exhalations during a workout as far as 33 feet away. The research is limited, but the need is clear — runners and outdoor enthusiasts must remain masked up while working out in any public area.

How to shop the best masks for running and working out:

Cloth-based face mask design has come a long way since the pandemic began, and there are breathable options that are made with lighter fabrics so you can breathe easily. Lexie Sachs, Textile Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says the best masks for exercising are made from performance fabrics in place of cotton because these materials are smooth and better at wicking away your sweat. Polyester and polyester blends, in this case, can be engineered to wick the moisture by drawing it to outer fabric layers, leaving your skin cool and dry for longer.

When you're picking a mask for any running or fitness routine, wear a mask that is:

• Breathable. Effective masks will provide some breathing resistance due to filtration and proper fit, but you need to be able to take deep, even breaths if you're spending lots of time outside working out. Current recommendations from the CDC suggest two layers of fabric, Sachs notes, as well as a design that covers your nose, mouth, chin, and can form a firm seal against your cheeks. In terms of disease prevention, tightly woven cotton masks have been shown to be most effective (silk masks may also repel infectious particles and droplets more effectively than other options). To be clear: Activewear masks aren't as effective in protecting you from infectious airborne particles and droplets, but are suitable for outdoor use, where risks for transmission are considerably lower than poorly ventilated indoor areas. Read more about the best ways to exercise indoors here.
• Snug and tight. Some cloth-based masks are built to stretch over a filter or another medical disposable option, and while that's okay if you're breathing normally, extra fabric can be an issue if you're huffing and puffing. A mask should form a firm seal around your chin and cheeks so that it's not shifting or slipping out of place while you run or exercise, Sachs says; and it won't feel like you're sucking in fabric every time you inhale and exhale while you're outside.
• Comfortable around your ears (or head!). Whether you choose a mask that features ear loops, or surgical-style ties that secure around the crown of your head and the nape of your neck, is up to you. Ultimately, you want to be able to wear your mask the entire time you're exercising without having to stop and adjust it routinely. Sometimes, an adjustable head tie may be a better fit than ear loops — trying it could be a serious upgrade for any runner.
• Washable and rugged. Material choice is everything, and the masks on this list are made with materials that can help keep you cool and comfy, but they're also going to stand up to vigorous use! Washing a soiled mask between public workouts is a must, and you don't want a mask that'll lose its quality with repeated washing. If you're dead set on using a disposable mask in the case that you don't have access to in-home laundry, one of the cotton options below may be better suited for you.

Below, shop some of our favorite face masks for runners and fitness enthusiasts who are planning on staying active while outside this spring, summer, and fall.