Let's get one thing straight. If you're one of those people who still refuses to wear any kind of face covering in public, despite the fact that it's illegal, you're putting other people in danger and it makes you look like an inconsiderate man child, then you're a moron.
If, however, you're like me and you regularly find yourself popping to the shops only to realise you've left your face mask in the pocket of your other jeans and, as a consequence, you need to go home and get it, then a) you have my sympathies and b) I may have a solution to your troubles.
Defined by a cylindrical construction (meaning that once it's over your head it won't come off), snoods were first designed as neck coverings that could also be pulled up and worn as face warmers when the weather got cold.
Originally favoured by skiers and other cold weather active types, the good news is that in this – our brave new age of pandemic and pestilence – finer breeds of snood (the kind more commonly worn when running and playing grass sports in winter) also work excellently as face masks.
Personally speaking, I've been wearing a fine gauge nylon one finished with a print of Van Gogh's “The Starry Night” since the face mask enforcement came into play last week. Not only does it look like I'm wearing a jaunty navy blue neckerchief when I don't have it pulled up around my mouth, but it also stays around my neck at all times, meaning I never forget it when I pop to the post office for penny sweets (true story) on my WFH lunch break.
Even better? Snoods are way more comfortable than face masks – they don't pull on your ears – and, what's more, they make you look a little bit badass… like a medically sound, socially responsible pirate cowboy on the hunt for the last pack of loo paper.
Below, I've picked five of the best snoods, whatever your style.
As ideal for use in the real world (preferably teamed with casual garments rather than tailored ones), this snood has been designed by Nike to be wearable while engaging in sporting pursuits, meaning it's breathable and protective in equal measure.
Ruffnek produces a wide array of affordable snoods in light, breathable (and, importantly, washable) fabrics. This Black Watch tartan style will look great worn with classic navy tailoring and a tonal tee.
You can trust Lululemon to provide high-function pieces with lo-fi appeal. Case in point, this all-black nylon snood that won't be too warm for occasionalwear when you're running the gauntlet in shops, but will also double as a nifty neck scarf come winter.
Acne's logo-coated black snood is just the thing if you want to make an on-neck (and face) style statement while keeping yourself safe. Which you obviously do.
This natty Breton-striped snood from Café Du Cycliste was originally designed for cold weather cyclists, but will double up just as nicely as a face mask on the most elegant shopping trips to, well, delis. And garden centres.
