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At this point, we've probably all got used to wearing masks as part of our day to day lives. So why not make it more stylish in the process? There have been many innovative new accessories popping up all over the internet with the purpose of making mask-wearing more comfortable, convenient and functional, and in this article we've done the research to find the best so you don't have to.
Ears getting a little sore, or becoming tired of having to keep taking your mask off then putting it on again? We've ranked the top 10 mask chains, ear savers, lanyards headbands and extenders in the UK. With options for both men and women, as well as fun mask accessories for kids, our favourites from Amazon and ASOS are all you need to keep yourself and others safe without compromising on comfort!
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Table of Contents
In this guide, we'll go through the different mask accessories available, and the various functions they offer. Whether you want to combine wearability with fashion, or just opt for something that works — we've got the accessory for you!
There are several ways to accessorise your mask that will make wearing it more comfortable and efficient, perhaps even add a little pizazz to your day too! Read on for the different options available online, and the benefits of each.
Chains are a popular mask accessory. Even before mask chains were being made specifically for that purpose, stylists, trendsetters and those who just needed a new solution, started to repurpose glasses chains.
Now there are lots of mask chains available in a whole range of styles and designs, from diamantes and chunky gold chains to beads. Usually featuring a lobster clasp, mask chains attach to the ear loops allowing you to carry your mask around your neck — which can be a lifesaver during a busy workday!
However, mask chains are generally made for personal use, especially those which are meant to be used as an eyeglass chain. If you decide to wear it for work, be sure to keep it clean and sterile with antibacterial wipes and to keep your hair out of the way.
Lanyards are another very popular type of mask accessory. Unlike chains, they are simple in design and are generally non-decorative. Adjustable toggles allow you to perfectly customise your fit, making it as tight or loose as you need, meaning they can be worn by those of any gender or age.
Another great thing about wearing a mask lanyard is that it bypasses your ears completely, making mask-wearing much more comfortable. You simply attach the clasps to your mask's earloops and adjust the cord to sit on your head or neck and voila!
Lanyards are more utilitarian than a mask chain, but you can still have fun with them. Choose from different colours and patterns to suit your personal style, and don't forget to wash it regularly if you decide to wear your lanyard for work.
If pressure or pain on your ears caused by wearing a mask all day is an issue for you, ear savers or a mask extender strap might be a good idea. Ear savers are usually made from silicone, so they will be comfy, flexible, can easily be washed and are very cheap too. They aren't the most fashionable accessory in the world, but they get the job done.
Mask extender straps can be made from elastic or leather with velcro on one side, making it easy and efficient to adjust, put on or take off your mask. You may choose a mask extender strap if you don't like to wear plastic ear savers and want something a little more durable and sturdy.
The perfect solution for women, or in fact anyone, with longer hair are hairbands with buttons. These are affordable, easy to wear and can be rather stylish too. Their design is simply a hairband with a button sewn on either side, which your mask hooks onto instead of your ears.
If you work in a clinical environment, a hairband with buttons is an excellent choice as it can be thrown into the wash after each use and keeps your hair out of the way as well. Hairbands made from 100% cotton are breathable and will also help absorb sweat, keeping you cooler during the working day, with many available in multipacks to help get you through the week.
Just like with other kinds of accessories, you'll want to think about who will be wearing the mask accessory and what they'll be using it for. Mask or eyeglass chains are designed for fashion purposes and are best for everyday wear or for event.
However, chains are generally not suitable for children due to small parts and the risk of them getting caught around the neck. A lanyard can be worn for many different purposes such as work or playing sports, and are a much safer option to be worn by kids.
Ear savers and protectors are suitable for everyone, including children, and can be a good option in clinical work environments due to their ability to be easily washed again and again. On the other hand, those in manual professions may want to choose a mask extender strap as it will be more durable and sturdier than a plastic or silicone ear saver.
If you're choosing a mask chain it's likely to come as a one-off fashion item rather than being part of a multipack. In fact, chains are often non-refundable for hygiene reasons, so you may want to do as much research about the product as you can before buying.
Lanyards, ear savers and mask extender straps generally come in packs of 3, 4 or more and buying one of these accessories (such as a lanyard) may even include others too, like additional ear savers. This can be the most economical option, and will also make sure you always have a mask accessory clean to wear when you need it.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DesignB London Face Covering Chain | £6.00 Low Mid | A Chunky Chain With an Urban Feel | ||
2 | ATLanyards Gold Clip Beaded Eyeglass Chain | £19.78 High Mid | Functional and Beautifully Designed | ||
3 | EOTW Mask Lanyard Extenders|Pack of 2 | £4.96 Low Mid | Simple Lanyards That Are Perfect For Work | ||
4 | Sister Jane Face Covering Masks With Pearl Chain|2 Pack | £25.00 High | Face Covering Multipack With a Detachable Faux-Pearl Chain | ||
5 | Liars & Lovers Diamante Face Covering Chain | £8.50 Mid | An Elegant and Opulent Way to Hold Your Mask in Place | ||
6 | DRESHOW Boho Headbands With Buttons|Pack of 4 | £10.99 Mid | Breathable, Comfortable and Stylish | ||
7 | HaiBiDe Beaded Lanyards With Clips|Pack of 6 | £11.99 High Mid | A Fun Option for Kids and Adults Alike | ||
8 | YSense Headbands With Buttons|4 Pack | £7.99 Mid | A Cotton Sweatband That Protects Your Ears | ||
9 | VELCRO Face Mask Extender Straps|Pack of 4 | £7.99 Mid | Versatile, Adjustable and Easy to Wash | ||
10 | Qiuyan Flexible Extender Silicone Ear Savers|Pack of 3 | £3.29 Low | An Invaluable Accessory if You Wear a Mask All Day |
For a hint of urban style, the London Face Covering Chain by DesignB looks incredible and offers a sturdy solution to keeping track of your face mask. Highly rated, and very affordable, this mask chain is our number one for day to day wear!
Chunky gold links with a lobster-clasp fastening, it can double up as both a necklace and a mask chain for maximum wearability. It's a simple design, but is sure to make a real style statement regardless of what you wear it with.
Probably the prettiest option on our list, this beaded eyeglass chain can be used for glasses and sunglasses, as well as with your face mask. Designed and made in the USA using glass seed beads, its colourful beauty is a delightful perk, as well as being a functional choice.
Although not specifically made to be used with a mask, stylists and writers have been adopting eyeglass chains such as this one to make their mask-wearing days more convenient. Simply affix to you mask with alligator clips, and it'll be super easy to get on and off if need be.
Suitable to be worn by most people, including kids, these Mask lanyard extenders won't get in your way during your day. Coming as a pack of 2 lanyards in black and white, there are various other options available when it comes to quantities and colours too.
Made using a high-quality elasticated band with a toggle, and durable metal clasps, these lanyards allow your ears to rest while you breathe easy! Great for both work and play, they're even secure enough to be worn during outdoor sports!
Not only looking for a mask accessory, but a mask or two as well? Then you might be interested in Sister Jane's face covering masks with pearl chain. Feminine, with a vintage twist, these masks and chain would look great with an embroidered Peter Pan collar or tailored separates.
Non-medical grade, this pack is designed for personal use only. A reusable option to cut down on disposables, the masks are 100% cotton with elasticated straps, and are safe to be washed and worn again and again.
This diamante face covering chain by Liars & Lovers proves mask accessories don't need to be basic to be useful, and we're absolutely loving it! The embellished chain features lobster-clasp fastenings that attach to your mask's earloops for that perfect combo of convenience and chic.
Made from resin and brass, it's sparkly yet subtle enough to wear every day. It may be worth bearing in mind that this product is non-refundable for hygiene reasons, but we doubt you'd want to part with it anyway.
Headbands are a great option for anyone with long hair, and these Boho headbands with buttons will add a bit of feminine style to your outfit or uniform.
This multipack includes 4 floral designs in navy, beige, black and yellow, each with a stretchy and comfortable fit. Purpose made for healthcare workers, these headbands will make your working day more tolerable even when wearing multiple masks or a face shield.
For those who are able to wear bright and decorative accessories for work, these beaded lanyards with clips are a fun way to wear your mask. Featuring six different colour schemes, these beaded chains are sure to brighten up your day.
Made of high-quality Japanese beads, these chains feel smooth against the skin, making them a perfect choice for encouraging older children to wear their masks too. They also come with a pack of six mask ear savers in matching colours. Bonus!
This 4 pack of headbands with buttons is another simple yet ingenious option for those wearing masks during the working day (or night). Made from high-quality cotton, these sweatbands have a button sewn onto either side, to keep your hair out of your face while taking pressure off your ears.
Coming in four colours, including black, grey, lilac and pink, they're sure to go with any outfit or uniform. Comfy, breathable and sweat-absorbing, you'll wonder what you did without them?
For those who like their accessories to be completely functional with no frills, these face mask extender straps are a great shout. Specifically designed for use with face masks, they hold your mask behind your head, releasing pressure and strain from your ears.
The extender strap can be adjusted to fit your face, and rest comfortably at the back of your head. Easy to get on and off, the utilitarian design is actually rather appealing. Our only gripe is that the strap still brings your ear in contact with the mask loop, which can still rub a little bit.
If you wear a mask for long periods of time, and are looking for something basic, affordable and, most importantly, comfortable, check out these ear savers! Made of flexible silicone, they will feel gentle against your skin and can be adjusted between three positions for maximum comfort and security.
Best used as a cheap solution for those working long hours, this multipack has an appealing choice of colours, but ear savers aren't going to be the most stylish option.
If you need a few more functional, stylish accessories in your life, take a peek at some more of our brilliant buying guides! From sunglasses, to iPhone cases, why not make your life more convenient, whilst keeping your accessories looking sharp at the same time?
Now we've reached the conclusion to our guide on the best mask accessories out there, we hope you have found our hints and tips useful. From mask chains and lanyards to hairbands, ear savers and mask extender straps — there really is something for everyone!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: DesignB |London Face Covering Chain
No. 2: ATLanyards|Gold Clip Beaded Eyeglass Chain
No. 3: EOTW|Mask Lanyard Extenders|Pack of 2
No. 4: Sister Jane|Face Covering Masks With Pearl Chain|2 Pack
No. 5: Liars & Lovers|Diamante Face Covering Chain
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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