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OLD NAVY MASK REVIEW, OLD NAVY FACE MASK
OLD NAVY MASK REVIEW, old navy mask review, OLD NAVY FACE MASK
We’ll likely be wearing face masks for a long time. Might as well figure out ways to actually enjoy it.
And even after this is all over, you’ll probably still find me wearing my masks from time to time. I know, that’s hard to imagine coming from someone who was born in the USA and who 2 months ago believed masks belonged exclusively to healthcare workers and painters.
I sewed some of my own homemade masks in early April when masks became a requirement where I live. But they just didn’t fit right. The shape wasn’t right for my face and the masks were constantly sliding down. And therefore I was constantly readjusting and touching and defeating the purpose of wearing the mask at all. I decided I wanted to be cheap and live with my homemade masks for the few weeks they would be necessary. But that “a few weeks” assumption quickly went out the window (it’s more like a whole year now,) and so I felt it was time to invest in some masks that didn’t make me miserable. I took a chance on these, and I am glad I did!
Keep reading to learn more of my thoughts on the Old Navy cloth face masks.
A mask doesn't have to feel like a prison for your face. You'll be surprised at how cozy it feels when you find the right one! Share on X
Reasons to Love Old Navy Masks
Variety of Prints & Colors // I love that these masks come in so many fun color ways. There is something for everybody. Most of the cloth masks found where I live either have sports team logos or marijuana leaves printed on them, and I am not here for either of those.
Old Navy was having some issues in this department previously (more on that later,) but now that it’s sorted I will probably be ordering more.
Comfortable Elastic Ear Loops // The elastic ear loops are soft and velvety, and they feel nicer than just regular ol’ elastic. They feel like they are made out of a stretchy tube-top-like material.
I have a small head and the ear loops are small enough that the masks stays up on my face comfortably without slipping. With the generous amount of stretch and soft texture, I don’t think the elastics would be uncomfortable on larger faces.
For extra small humans, the masks also come in kids size.
Passes the “light test” // Each mask is comprised of 3 layers of 100% cotton. The layers are thin, which makes the mask very breathable and comfortable.
Experts say to hold your mask up to a light source to gauge its filtration ability. Despite being made of only 3 thin layers, I didn’t see too many specks of light shining through when I held the mask up to natural light. (Some performed better than others, though.)
Affordably Priced // The masks are mostly sold in packs of 5 for $12.50. The best prints and variety are found here, so I suggest shopping this section first. At $2.50 per washable + reusable mask, you can’t go wrong.
The masks also come in packs of 10 for $25, or an “Americana” themed pack of 3 for $7.50. However, since the per-mask price is the same, I recommend getting a couple of the 5 packs to get exactly what you want.
Here Are The Downsides
I know many people would like a pocket for a filter, but unfortunately these do not have one.
Also, there is no built-in nose contouring wire. However I find that the mask lies pretty flat without it. I also wear glasses with nose pads most of the time so that helps the mask lie flat against my face, too.
The masks on the left (top on mobile) were photographed straight out of the package. The masks on the right were machine washed and dried in a lingerie bag.
Wrinkling is just a character trait of cotton, so it’s nothing against the Old Navy masks in particular. It’s nothing that a quick pass with an iron or steamer won’t fix.
To extend the life of my Old Navy masks, I plan on continuing machine washing in a lingerie bag, but instead of throwing them in the dryer I have been hanging them to air dry. When I hang the masks, I hang them in a “U” shape using both ear loops so that one side doesn’t get more stretched out than the other side.
I can’t speak for the lifelong durability of the elastic just yet. But for $2.50 per mask, I’m not expecting the world.
Some Misconceptions from Customer Reviews
These are complaints that I noticed coming up a lot in reviews posted on Old Navy’s website. Granted, I don’t know what the quality of the masks was like in the early stages. But I can say now that these are no longer the case.
The Old Navy masks are, in fact, made of 3 sheets of cotton sandwiched together. If you rub the mask between you fingers gently, it is possible to separate each layer and count them. Granted, they are thin layers, but there are 3 of them.
I think this was an issue in the early stages when Old Navy just wanted to get the masks out quickly when they were needed. They sold “variety” 5-packs with no promise on the prints. Most of these packs arrived with 2 of one print and 3 of another instead of 5 different prints. While I can see why the customers felt disappointed, I don’t think Old Navy was deceptive because customers technically received what they ordered: 5 masks, no promises on prints.
This issue has been dealt with with for the newer packs going forward. You can choose the specific color/pattern set that you want to order and it will arrive as shown.
What The Experts Say
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people wear face coverings over noses and mouths where maintaining a 6-foot social distancing radius is not possible. The CDC recommends the use of non-medical face coverings for the general public. Old Navy has created these masks on-par with the CDC’s guidelines by using multiple layers of breathable and comfortable cotton, and attaching ear loops that make it easy to put on and remove the mask without touching your face or the front of the mask.
U.S Surgeon General Jerome Adams said it best in his tweet on June 14, 2020:
“Some feel face coverings infringe on their freedom of choice- but it more wear them, we’ll have MORE freedom to go out. Face coverings → less asymptomatic viral spread → more places open, and sooner! Exercise and promote your freedom by choosing to wear a face covering!”
We'll likely be wearing face masks for a long time. Here's how you can actually enjoy it! Share on XThat’s all for today!
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Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
Benjamin Garcia says
I got a tribal print mask and it’s my favorite, old navy is where I go for masks, I enjoyed the article and say those mask look stylish on you.
F. Roman says
The Old Navy mask I tried passed the “match test”. I’ve heard that you can test a mask’s effectiveness by trying to blow out a match through the mask. I could not blow it out though I tried quite hard to.
Kay says
That’s awesome!
Michael says
Do you see these old navy masks lasting you for months? Or have you had to buy more?
Kay says
Hi Michael! I have had the masks for over 2 months now, and my most used ones have been washed at least 5-10 times each. They are holding up very well. They don’t look tattered or faded at all, and the elastic is still nice and stretchy. I machine wash my masks in a mesh bag and hang to dry. I do plan to buy more just because I want more colors, but not because the ones I have are wearing out. I think a couple of packs on rotation will last you for months, and you’ll likely get tired of the prints/colors and want new ones before the old ones wear out. Hope this helps, and thank you for commenting! -Kay
Mel says
Have you had issues with the fabric becoming scratchy on your face? 8ve washed mine in the washing machine and used All detergent and downy fabric softener. However; now my masks are uncomfortable because they are scratchy. Do you have any suggestions on how to soften them?
Kay says
Hi Mel! I haven’t had issues with the fabric being too scratchy. I personally don’t have very sensitive skin, so what is not an issue for me may not be the case for others. I have had success softening fabrics by soaking them in white vinegar for a couple of hours before rewashing. I haven’t tried that with these masks though. On another note, I make sure to moisturize my face heavily while wearing my masks. I wear a thick layer of CereVe Moisturizing Cream, much more than I would wear normally. I feel like this helps create a barrier between my face and the mask and it makes the mask feel just a bit more comfortable. I’m sorry the masks haven’t been a great experience for you, and I hope this helps. 🙂
Barbara Mahar says
Need masks for my 12 and 14 year old grandaughters…will the kids sizes fit them??
Kay says
Hi Barbara! I personally don’t have any experience with the children’s sizes, but I think those are intended for young children. For a 12 and 14 year old, I would suggest going with the adult sizes. For reference, I am 5′ tall and am generally just a small person, and I am wearing the adult size masks. Hope this helps! 🙂
Misa says
I waited to receive oldnavy’s masks almost 2 months. Finally I have received today but so disappointed because when I ordered the masks, pictures of masks were colorful cute patterns but what I received were 3 plain solid white masks and 2 pink stripes masks. So boring. I was unlucky!
Kay says
Hi Misa, I’m so sorry to hear that! Old Navy had serious quality control issues with their earliest mask release. I think it’s safe to say that they released the masks in haste. It may not be much consolation now, but they have listened to feedback about the misrepresentation of patterns and now what you order is what you get. I know they say no returns on the masks, but really wish Old Navy would consider exchanging the early packs that were misrepresented. Thank you for your thoughts!