Graf Lantz Review: Stylish, Functional Face Masks and More

In the era of COVID-19, face masks have become an essential everyday accessory. But finding ones that look good, feel comfortable, stay put, and actually offer protection is no easy feat. Over the past year, seemingly every brand has started producing masks, making it hard to sort through the bevy of options.

If you‘re seeking masks that check all the boxes – stylish, well-constructed, adjustable, breathable, and protective – look no further than Graf Lantz. The Los Angeles-based modern lifestyle brand has earned rave reviews for their face masks, in addition to their lineup of architectural merino wool felt and leather bags, home goods, and accessories.

To help you decide if Graf Lantz masks are right for you, I‘ve tested them out extensively and pored over hundreds of customer reviews. I‘ll give you my honest take on how they look, fit, feel, and function, plus an overview of the brand‘s story and other top products. By the end of this in-depth Graf Lantz review, you‘ll have all the info you need to make a confident buying decision.

About Graf Lantz

Founded in 2009 by German structural engineer Holger Graf and Japanese design aficionado Daniel Lantz, Graf Lantz has gained a cult following for their unique merging of German precision and Japanese aesthetics. All of their products are meticulously handcrafted in the brand‘s own studio and factory in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Graf Lantz has become known for their innovative use of merino wool felt, a super-soft yet durable fabric made from the fleece of merino sheep. The brand‘s totes, backpacks, laptop sleeves, coasters, and other goods pair this sustainable textile with vegetable-tanned leather accents for a distinctly modern, minimalist look. Their products have been featured in the likes of Vogue, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Monocle, and have amassed a loyal fan base, with nearly 27,000 followers on Instagram.

Review of Graf Lantz Face Masks

Now, onto the product you‘re likely here for: Graf Lantz‘s much-buzzed-about face masks. Priced at $22, the masks are made from soft, 100% organic cotton, with a thicker cotton twill exterior and a lighter cotton voile interior lining. The pleated design allows the mask to stretch horizontally to fit your face, with a flexible nose wire and adjustable ear loops to achieve a snug, gap-free fit. Inside the masks, there‘s a pocket to insert an optional filter for added protection.

Material & Design

The first thing I noticed when I received my Graf Lantz mask was how premium it felt. The certified organic cotton has a sturdy, substantial feel to it, yet is still breathable and soft enough to comfortably wear for hours. The double-layer construction and tight weave of the fabric make them effective at filtering out particles, while still allowing air to pass through so you don‘t feel suffocated.

Compared to the flimsier, single-layer fashion masks I‘ve tried from other brands, Graf Lantz‘s masks feel far higher quality and more protective. The pleated design also allows for more flexibility and less gapping than cone-shaped or non-pleated masks I‘ve worn. I appreciate the thoughtful details like the adjustable ear loops, flexible nose wire, and interior filter pocket, all of which help create a more secure and customizable fit.

Looks-wise, I love the sleek, modern aesthetic of these masks. The solid colors and minimal design make them easy to pair with any outfit, from casual to business casual. I have the classic black, but the masks also come in an assortment of stylish shades like navy, olive, and terra cotta. While simple, the pleated structure and contrast stitching give them a subtle architectural flair that feels very on-brand for Graf Lantz.

Fit & Comfort

Before ordering my mask, I used the helpful fit guide on Graf Lantz‘s website to determine which of the two sizes, regular or large, would work best for me based on my measurements. I went with the regular and it fits perfectly – no gaps, bunching, or slipping down my face. The adjustable ear loops and nose wire let me tighten or loosen the mask to my liking, so I can achieve a snug fit without it feeling constricting.

Breathability is excellent thanks to the cotton material and the bit of space the pleats create between the mask and my mouth/nose. Even after wearing this mask for a full day, I don‘t get that suffocated feeling I‘ve experienced with certain other masks. The interior is soft and doesn‘t irritate my skin, and my sensitive acne-prone complexion hasn‘t had any issues with breakouts from this mask.

One small gripe is that the ear loops, while adjustable, are slightly thicker than some other masks I own and can feel a bit snug after many hours of wear. But I don‘t find them uncomfortable by any means, and I appreciate the security of the thicker bands. Overall, I‘m very impressed with the fit and comfort of this mask and have been reaching for it far more often than my others.

Filtration

For an added layer of protection, Graf Lantz offers packs of 10 disposable PM2.5 filters designed to be inserted into the interior pocket of their masks. Made of five layers of non-woven polypropylene and activated carbon, these filters can block out at least 95% of airborne particles larger than 2.5 microns in diameter, including dust, pollen, smoke, bacteria and viruses.

While you can wear the masks on their own, Graf Lantz recommends using their filters if you‘re looking for maximum protection, especially in high-risk settings. The filters are easy to pop in and out, and can be worn continuously for 1-4 days before needing to be replaced, depending on frequency of use. A 10-pack costs $20, so they‘re a relatively inexpensive way to boost the efficacy of the masks.

In my experience, the filters make the masks feel slightly warmer and a bit less breathable, but not uncomfortably so. I like knowing I have the added protection, especially in crowded public places like grocery stores or on public transit. With a filter in, the Graf Lantz masks feel just as protective as my heavy-duty N95s and KN95s, but much more comfortable and stylish.

Customer Reviews

I‘m clearly a fan of the Graf Lantz masks, but I wanted to see what other customers had to say. On the brand‘s website, the masks have an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Here are some key takeaways:

• Nearly all reviewers raved about the high-quality construction, comfortable fit, adjustability, and breathability of the masks
• Many said they were the best masks they‘d tried and planned to order more
• Lots of frontline workers said they love these masks for long shifts
• Some reviewers noted the masks ran slightly small and recommended sizing up
• A few mentioned the masks can feel warm, but agreed the breathability was still very good
• Several praised the customer service and fast shipping from Graf Lantz

Overall, the customer reviews echo my own positive experience with Graf Lantz masks. While pricier than some other options at $22 each, reviewers (myself included) felt the quality, comfort, and protection were well worth the premium.

Other Top Graf Lantz Products

While their face masks are a standout, Graf Lantz offers a range of other equally well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing products. A few other favorites of mine and best-sellers from the brand:

Felt Totes & Backpacks

Graf Lantz‘s signature merino wool felt and leather bags are the perfect marriage of style and functionality. The Frankie Felt Tote ($365) is a personal favorite – the slouchy yet structured wool body is lightweight but sturdy, with a roomy interior and handy pockets to keep me organized. For a hands-free option, I love the Bedford Felt Backpack ($345) with its convertible straps and dual leather top handles.

Coasters

For home decor, you can‘t go wrong with a set of Graf Lantz‘s bestselling merino wool felt coasters. The Bierfilzl Square Felt Coasters (4 for $24) come in an array of chic colors and are naturally water-resistant and anti-microbial. I have them in black and use them daily – they add a subtle, sophisticated touch to my coffee table setup.

Desk Pads

As someone who spends long hours working from home these days, I‘ve found Graf Lantz‘s merino wool felt desk pads to be a game-changer for both comfort and productivity. The Mosen Felt Desk Pad ($80), available in two neutral shades, provides a soft landing spot for my wrists, protects my desktop, and keeps my workspace looking tidy. Plus, the naturally moisture-wicking wool means my sweaty computer hands are a thing of the past.

Bottom Line

So, are Graf Lantz products worth the investment? Based on my experience with their face masks and other goods, I‘m a resolute yes. In a time when we‘re wearing masks daily, it‘s worth upgrading to ones that are comfortable, breathable, super protective, and yes, stylish. Graf Lantz ticks all those boxes and then some, and I feel good about supporting a small, independent brand producing quality goods responsibly in the USA.

Knowing first-hand the caliber and craftsmanship Graf Lantz brings to their masks, I can confidently say their other products are equally well-considered and made to last. From their luxe felt totes to their desktop essentials, everything this brand makes is designed to elevate your everyday, while keeping functionality top of mind. The timeless, minimalist designs and premium sustainable materials mean these are pieces you‘ll reach for again and again.

Couple their standout products with their reasonable prices, free shipping, and stellar customer service, and you‘ve got a brand that‘s very easy to get behind. If you‘re looking to treat yourself or a loved one to some functional, gorgeous lifestyle upgrades, I can‘t recommend Graf Lantz enough. Trust me, your face/shoulders/wrists/coffee table will thank you.