Now we’re seeing face coverings worn more widely, what’s your experience been like shopping for them? Have you been tempted to make your own instead?
The government guidance in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England includes wearing face coverings in certain circumstances where social distancing isn’t possible.
Each of the three governments has published its own guidance on the circumstances where there may be some benefit in wearing a facial covering when you leave the house and enter enclosed spaces.
However, in Wales, the guidance has not changed and the wearing of face coverings is not suggested
Read the latest face mask advice and key information on Which? News
It’s not mandatory to wear a mask, but we have seen more and more people wearing them out and about in the UK.
Your shopping experiences
For many, buying a face mask will be an uncommon, if not completely new experience, so where do you start?
Lots of options for cloth face masks have been appearing on online shops and marketplaces, with prices generally between £5 and £30 for one mask or several, plus postage costs.
Read our guide on where to buy face masks and how to make your own
Our health researchers bought some masks from Etsy sellers recently, including pleated and moulded types with prices ranging from £7-£20. They found that while some fit well, others were rather loose – it’s important that the face mask you wear fits snugly.
I’ve also noticed masks appearing on clothing sites that I regularly buy from – even some stationery shops appear to be branching out.
Have you been shopping for face coverings? If so, where did you buy yours?

Making your own face mask
Demand for masks is only likely to go up, so some may find it easier to make their own instead.
It’s easy to do, so you may want to make several so that you have one spare while washing the other.
A step-by-step guide on how to make your own face mask at home.
Once you put your mask on it's important to avoid touching your face or the mask until you're ready to take it off again.
Our guide on where to buy and how to make your own face masks ➡️ https://t.co/NXWGe3UKpA pic.twitter.com/0h6jHGYmXL
— Which? (@WhichUK) May 24, 2020
We’d like to hear your stories – have you decided to make your own masks? Or have you purchased any online?
If you’ve bought online, what was the quality like? Let us know in our polls and the comments below.
