Stay safe, stay stylish and don't lose your face mask with these face mask accessories.
Just as we were getting used to going maskless, new guidance from the CDC has us masking up again, vaccinated or not, to stop the spread of the new COVID-19 Delta variant. But for the optimistic, the cloth face mask is the 2021 way to express your personal style while staying safe. And for those who want to double down on pandemic fashion, face mask accessories are part of their everyday ensembles.
In addition to helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a breathable face covering holder lets you go hands-free when your mask is not in use. Think of each lanyard, chain and other face mask accessory as functional fashion for unprecedented times. (And don't forget that face masks themselves can be a fashion statement -- we see you, J.Lo!)
Just like a chain for your eyeglasses or sunglasses, these simple accessories work by dangling your face mask from your neck so you don't lose it or set it on a dirty surface. In fact, you can repurpose certain glasses chains for your mask, as long as they have clips or hooks at both ends rather than little rubber loops.
Many retailers are still offering face masks as alternatives to true personal protective equipment (PPE), which are disposable and predominantly used by medical staff. Everyday, reusable options include face masks for adults, face masks for kids, clear face masks, face masks with matching outfits and face masks for exercising. Well-known apparel and fashion brands like Levi's, J.Crew, Athleta, Old Navy, The Honest Company, Forever 21, Gap and Kim Kardashian's Skims sell their own lines of masks as well.
Below, browse ET Style's picks for the best face mask accessories you can buy online right now for form, style and function.
BaubleBar Mask Chain
Shiny accessories is what Baublebar knows best! Its designers were thinking ahead when they created this Mask Chain that can also be worn as a necklace.
JCrew Corded Sunglasses and Mask Chain
This simple and stylish mask cord from J.Crew is 71% off right now.
BP. Frosted Link Sunglasses & Mask Chain
This Frosted Link Sunglasses & Mask Chain from Nordstrom's BP. is one of the more unique mask accessories we've found. Shop now to get it for 50% off.
Express Braided Face Mask Chain
This shiny gold Braided Face Mask Chain from Express is simple and versatile enough to wear with any outfit.
Byoliviaco Daisy Face Mask Necklace
Dainty daisies are the mask embellishments you didn't know you needed.
Madewell Do-It-Yourself Convertible Face Mask Lanyard Kit
Madewell's Do-It-Yourself Convertible Face Mask Lanyard Kit lets you build your own mask chain with colorful acrylic beads.
Canvas Jewelry 3-Pack Kids' Face Mask Chains
Little ones heading back to school will look adorable in these colorful beaded mask chains. They feature a lobster hook to secure them to masks.
The Sis Kiss Custom Face Mask Holders
This mask holder iss completely customizable. Choose from turquoise, rainbow, gray crystals, faux pearl and black clay disks, then add a nickname or inspiring mantra.
Lele Sadoughi Long Link Sunglass Chain
This high-shine link chain works with your cotton face mask thanks to the hooks at the end.
HappiBox Face Mask Chain
This affordable face mask lanyard is available in a dozen styles and uses lobster claw clasps to attach to each ear loop on your reusable mask of choice.
Petite Moments Linked Mask Chain
This simple and elegant mask chain is 64% off the regular price at Revolve.
Fabric Headband with Buttons
This fabric headband has a button perfectly positioned for each elastic ear loop, relieving your ears of tension. Plus, the fabric is soft and stretchy, making for a pleasant mask experience all around.
JAWENJOY Silicone Mask Extender Soft Extension Strap
Not a face mask lanyard, not a face mask chain -- but just as handy. This little doohickey is called an ear saver, and it attaches to your mask's ear straps so you can customize the fit to your head. If you find yourself having to wear a mask for long stretches of time, an ear saver will make your experience more comfortable.
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the World Health Organization website.
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