Neck Gaiters are a comfy alternative to face masks | Mum In The Madhouse

Neck Gaiters are a comfy alternative to face masks

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending that people wear face coverings when in public situations, face masks have become necessities for daily life. Many businesses and public events not only recommend you wear face masks, but in fact require them as a condition of entry.

But whether through social stigma, breathing difficulties or purely because they aren’t comfortable, people are continually searching for alternatives. Enter the neck gaiter.

The Best Alternative to Face Masks – Neck Gaiters

If you’re looking for a comfy alternative to the traditional ear loop face mask, then neck gaiters could be the perfect option for you and the family.

A neck gaiter, sometimes referred to as a neck warmer in cities with cooler climates, are traditionally just as effective as protection against the sun.  They’re a scarf-like, tubular item of clothing that is worn around the face and neck for protection against the elements  and depending on where you live, neck gaiters can be made out of a warm fleece, or a synthetic moisture wicking material.

The classic way to wear a neck gaiter is to pull it down over your head and allow the fabric to sit over both your ears and mouth.  But with the COVID-19 virus still running rife within the community, an alternative use has been to wear neck gaiters as face masks.

By wearing them covering your mouth, nose and ears, they offer the same protection as a classic face mask, without having the irritation of elastic loops digging into your ears all day.  If you’ve ever had to wear a face mask with ear loops for a significant amount of time, you’ll no doubt know the irritation they can cause.

While neck gaiters obviously don’t offer medical grade protection against the coronavirus, the general consensus is that some sort of protection is always better than none.  Not only for yourself, but more importantly as protection for those around you during this pandemic.

Choosing the Right Neck Gaiter

But with so many choices both in store and online, choosing the right neck gaiter can be a somewhat tricky task.

Trying to find one that is both comfortable and looks great is tough.  But choosing a custom neck gaiter from an online retailer such as Hoo-Rag, can be a great way to put a tick in both of these boxes.

By going down the custom route, you receive a neck gaiter that not only fits great, but also features a design that stands true to who you are as a person and reflects your personality.

In terms of functionality, ensure you choose a neck gaiter perfect for both hot and cold environments.  Some other features to look out for include: 

  • UPF30+ sun protection 
  • 100% moisture-wicking polyester microfiber that is breathable.
  • Machine washable and reusable

Always keep in mind that it’s better to wear some sort of face covering than nothing at all and neck gaiters are a comfy alternative to classic face masks during the coronavirus pandemic. If you are looking for fcemasks, then I have some great free pattern mask patterns to download and some DIY no sew masks too