Fitted, Pleated, Origami - Handmade Face Mask Comparison

With all the different styles of masks available online, how do you choose which one is right for you? According to the CDC website, these 6 factors are important when considering home/handmade fabric masks:

Make sure your cloth face covering:

fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
completely covers the nose and mouth
is secured with ties or ear loops
includes multiple layers of fabric
allows for breathing without restriction
can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

All fabric masks made here at PlatterCats are sewn with premium, tightly woven cotton, linen, and canvas fabrics that include all 6 factors + filter pockets to add an additional layer. You just have to decide which style is right for you!

Fitted Face Masks

Pleated Face Masks

Origami Face Masks

The Look

Fitted face masks are one of the more stylish options with a curve that extends down from the nose to create a more natural look.

The Look

Pleated face masks cover more of your face and provide more coverage than fitted masks.

The Look

Origami (or boat or 3d style) masks are just as stylish, if not more stylish than the fitted masks.

The top curve extends up from middle area, the middle area is slightly protruded (thus the 3D name) and the bottom area curves down from the middle to create a seamless look.

The Fit

Fitted masks curve to the shape of your face and are the least customizable, but easiest on/off.

The top of the mask curves towards the nose to create just enough closure to stay, but not completely seal.

The bottom of the mask sits right at the base of the chin. Some will cover more than others depending on your face shape.

Minimal to medium chin coverage.

Overall Coverage Level - Medium/High

The Fit

Pleated masks have a nose wire to better mold the top of the mask to your face. Highly customizable to fits a wide variety of faces.

The bottom of the mask can be extended as far below your chin as the pleats will allow.

Full chin coverage.

Overall Coverage Level - High/Very High

The Fit

Origami style masks have both a top and bottom curve to seal in both areas.

Each area can be extended and shaped to better mold to your face. Highly customizable to fit a wide variety of faces.

Medium to full chin coverage.

Overall Coverage Level - Very High

The Seal

Snuggly

The Seal

More Snuggly

The Seal

Very Snuggly

Opinion

Stylish, but least amount of chin coverage compared to pleated and origami.

Can fall often if you're speaking a lot.

Easily stays out of your eyes.

1st Favorite

Opinion

Max coverage, lightweight, great as covers.

Even with a nose wire, it can sit a little too close to the eyes if you're sensitive.

Stays in place with lots of talking.

3rd Favorite

Opinion

Max coverage, stylish shape, most snug seal. Ideal for those looking for both style and seal.

Can also sit a little too close to the eyes like pleated.

Stays in place with lots of talking.

2nd Favorite

I've chosen the fitted style as my favorite due to how quickly I can put it on and take it off. The pleated and origami styles take a tad bit of adjustment to get into place (but once they're in place, they're good).

I also like how the fabric is as far away from my eyes as possible while still leaving my nose covered. I can run into a bit of eye area sensitivity with the other two styles, but my partner doesn't have any issues at all and prefers the origami style. Everyone is different!

PlatterCats is always trying to keep up with the latest cloth face mask requirements to keep everyone safe and cute. Please feel free to add any suggestions or comments below or message @plattercats on social media about how to improve these! I'm all ears! 😸

Stay Safe,
Amanda with PlatterCats Creative

Click Here to Read More About Current CDC Face Mask Recommendations >