girl wearing a face mask that matches her outfit

7 Best Face Masks for Kids They’ll Actually Wear

At least for now, face masks for kids are officially a school essential. The CDC recommends that all kids over two wear a mask indoors. The good news: Masks work, and with styles that let their little personalities shine through, there is something for everyone.

For day-to-day, the best kids' face mask is the one your child will wear. While we've found kids to be admirably adaptable (and zealous sticklers for mask-wearing rules), one that gets them excited to mask up in the morning can make the transition back to school a bit easier. Our editors rounded up the masks that have worked for their kids.

To introduce mask-wearing to younger kids, try slipping a mask on their favorite stuffed animal, pointing out the cool kid down the block wearing one, and wearing your mask consistently. Then, involve them in choosing their own.

Once you've found a few that work, keep face masks from ending up in the lost and found with a summer-camp-inspired Covi Cords Face Mask Cord personalized with their name.

For the Outdoorsy Set

Several moms mentioned the hand-painted prints in the Oso & Me 3 Mask Set created by artist Happy Menocal – a classic dot, a woodland romp featuring foxes, rabbits, and hedgehogs, and a graphic oak leaf for fall. They're "the perfect amount of cute" and lined with comfy double jersey lining.

For the Little Animal Lover

Dinoski Face Masks are the best kids’ masks to turn getting dressed for school into imaginative playtime with animal face designs that transform minis into a friendly lion cub, bunny, or panda.

set of 3 masks with a lion cub animal face

For Matching with Mommy

Maison Me's Mask Bundles come in matching Mommy and mini sizes. We like that the tonal floral and gingham prints are machine-washable cotton, latex-free, and the rubber toggles are easy for little hands to adjust at school.

set of three Maison Me kids face masks in floral prints

For the Little Sun-Seeker

Inspired by a summer trip from Malibu to Montauk, Le Surf Kids Cotton Face Masks are made from sustainable fabrics in cool beachy prints. The three layers of cotton include a pocket to slide a PM2.5 filter and a nose wire to create a close fit. Kids can tie the long elastic strings together to wear them around their necks and the sporty side grommets.

yellow kids face mask with bandana print

For the Mini Athlete

Parents that preferred medical-grade disposable masks liked that kids can swap for a fresh one after they get damp or dirty during recess, like Barrière Kids Denim and Midori Face Masks. One mom said her kids seem to touch their faces less with this style.

best breathable face mask for kids from Barriere

For the Budding Artist

Andy & Evan Coloring Face Mask Packs are the best face masks for kids to personalize. Aspiring Takashi Murakamis can use the odorless fabric markers to color in the intricately patterns printed on the masks or use the blank canvas to create their own masterpiece.

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