Lululemon Just Launched the Best Affordable Workout Face Mask. Period.
If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that a lot—a whole lot— can change in a year. Sure, I’m still testing the latest gadgets and gear for the holiday gifting season, but instead of comparing notes on cool tech gadgets with colleagues by the water cooler in the Men’s Health offices, I’m sitting in my “home office” (A.K.A. my couch in a cramped New York apartment) sitting in front of an overwhelming pile of well over 50 fabric face masks, analyzing the differences in construction and fabrication in between Zoom meetings. Weird flex, 2020, but okay.
None of us would have guessed this would be the norm for 2020, but regardless of whether you’re showing any symptoms of a sore throat, dizziness, or fever, it’s imperative that you wear a mask to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
This doesn’t mean the holidays are cancelled this year. It just means that like finding your perfect gift for a loved one this season, finding the perfect face mask is key to making the most of the holly jolly season. The only problem is, finding the most comfortable reusable face mask is a hell of a lot more challenging than it sounds (kind of like figuring out what to gift dear ole dad that seems to have everything he needs.)
You want a mask that provides a secure, snug fit, but somehow feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. You need your mouth covered, but require the utmost breathability to feel like you’re taking in fresh air instead of smothering yourself with cloth. Oh, and finding a damn good work out mask is a whole other ball game—drowning in a pool of your own sweat sounds like a childhood nightmare you’d continue to hash out with your therapist. After months of searching for the perfect workout mask, I’ve almost completely given up on my quest. Where’s Tony Stark when you need him, amirite?
But then I found out Lululemon was taking on the challenge of making the most comfortable face mask we’ve all been waiting for—and we had to test it out. While the brand isn’t known for developing AI-powered sunglasses or anti-gravity gizmos à la Iron Man, Lululemon consistently delivers wearable, comfortable gear with innovative technical fabrics and smart design tweaks to help you move like an Avenger while living your best life as an average Joe. If there’s one performance apparel brand that could make this ideal mask, it has to be Lululemon.
The Fit
At first glance, The new Lululemon Double Strap Face Mask looks a bit intense with two adjustable straps, but that’s what makes it great for workouts. While other performance face masks from Lululemon’s competitors feature ear loops that can cause irritation, especially when soaked in sweat, the brand was committed to creating a solution for consumers with an active lifestyle. Basically, the two straps prevent this reusable face mask from shifting during any activity, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and nothing else.
The face mask’s construction has a comfortable Olson-like mask shape to contour to your face. To ensure you have some breathing room, it features a center seam that keeps the mask lifted away from your skin, preventing friction against your skin and lowering the chances of pesky "maskne".
The Fabric
The secure fit is great, but had this Lululemon mask been created with the wrong fabric, there’s no way it would be considered comfortable. Thankfully, Lululemon is known for their innovative fabric technology, so naturally, the brand looked to a fabric they created for their popular women’s sports bras, Ultralu.
Ultralu is an extremely lightweight and breathable fabric that incorporates key features that make it ideal for reusable face masks: four-way stretch, moisture-wicking technology, and quick-drying capabilities. It has the incredibly smooth feeling that’s similar to neoprene but less dense. With added Lycra, the mask is able to stretch to your face shape and retain its shape wear after wear.
What makes this mask stand out the most compared to other workout masks on the market is the breathable fabric—it doesn’t create too much heat inside and the thinness of the fabric makes it a million times more comfortable. Plus, I noticed it’s easier for friends to hear my voice when making calls outside. “Can you hear me now? Good.”
The Style
Like most of Lululemon’s apparel offerings, the Double Strap Mask has a minimalist design with discreet seam construction for a streamlined look. Honestly, the last thing you want anyone to focus on is your face mask—and if for some reason you’re purposely trying to look like an astronaut, there’s an option for that, too.
With a low price tag of just $10, you can load up on multiple mask colors and pattern designs, from a cool Palm Deco print to the rich Ink Blue colorway I enjoyed pairing with my denim duds. There are plenty of stylish face masks on the market, but not all match the comfort of this stunner.
It might seem bizarre to consider a face mask as a holiday gift, but trust us, it’ll make everyone on your list extra merry this year.
The Lululemon Double Stap Face Mask will be available on November 17th at lululemon.com and in stores on November 24th.
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