They're just (m)asking to be mocked! Instagram account reveals the most ridiculous face mask alternatives spotted on the subway, from takeout containers to BUCKETS

  • The SubwayCreatures Instagram account has documented some of the funniest and most bizarre mask alternatives to make it onto public transportation 
  • Some interpret the word 'mask' a bit too loosely, wearing Halloween masks, batting helmets, and beekeeper hats on their heads 
  • Others have used upturned shopping bags, women's underwear, shorts, plastic lids, and even plastic buckets
  • The CDC recommends masks that completely cover nose and mouth, fit snugly, and have two or more layers of fabric

Most New York City subway riders — and metro riders in other cities around the world — have been pretty good about complying with face mask mandates, donning properly protective cloth and surgical masks over their mouths and noses.

But a standout few — whether out of necessity or rebellion — have been a bit more creative in their face coverings, resulting in some questionable looks that are not always entirely effective.

The SubwayCreatures Instagram account, which has over two million followers, has documented some of the funniest and most bizarre mask alternatives to make it onto public transportation.

Some interpret the word 'mask' a bit too loosely, wearing Halloween masks, batting helmets, and beekeeper hats on their heads.

Others are forgoing actual face masks (and health precautions) altogether, fitting upturned shopping bags, women's underwear, shorts, plastic lids, and even plastic buckets over their faces.

Raining in here? Most New York City subway riders — and metro riders in other cities around the world — have been pretty good about complying with face mask mandates. But not all

Raining in here? Most New York City subway riders — and metro riders in other cities around the world — have been pretty good about complying with face mask mandates. But not all 

Bottom of the barrel: The SubwayCreatures Instagram account has documented some of the most bizarre mask alternatives, like these shorts-turned-mask

Bottom of the barrel: The SubwayCreatures Instagram account has documented some of the most bizarre mask alternatives, like these shorts-turned-mask

Crazy ideas: This man appears to have put a bucket on his head

Crazy ideas: This man appears to have put a bucket on his head

Knock knock, anyone there? The woman can't possible be comfortable with a wooden crate over her head

Knock knock, anyone there? The woman can't possible be comfortable with a wooden crate over her head

Paper or plastic? Some people have simply plopped shopping bags over their heads
Paper or plastic? Some people have simply plopped shopping bags over their heads

Paper or plastic? Some people have simply plopped shopping bags over their heads

Creative: This mask alternative took quite a bit of DIYing

Creative: This mask alternative took quite a bit of DIYing

On-the-nose: Some people have taken to wearing plague doctor costumes
On-the-nose: Some people have taken to wearing plague doctor costumes

On-the-nose: Some people have taken to wearing plague doctor costumes

Not the point: Unfortunately, this mask likely has a hole in the mouth so the person can talk — which renders it ineffective against viruses

Not the point: Unfortunately, this mask likely has a hole in the mouth so the person can talk — which renders it ineffective against viruses

Beach-ready! One man appears to have cut a hole in one of his wife's old swimsuits and pulled it over his face

Beach-ready! One man appears to have cut a hole in one of his wife's old swimsuits and pulled it over his face

Hosting a dinner party? Another NYC subway rider tossed a tablecloth over her head, but may have some trouble seeing

Hosting a dinner party? Another NYC subway rider tossed a tablecloth over her head, but may have some trouble seeing

Almost there! This mask would actually work, despite the odd design, if it was pulled up over the man's nose

Almost there! This mask would actually work, despite the odd design, if it was pulled up over the man's nose 

Sexy! Some wild and crazy guys are wearing women's underwear over their faces
Sexy! Some wild and crazy guys are wearing women's underwear over their faces

Sexy! Some wild and crazy guys are wearing women's underwear over their faces

Glass case of emotion! This could work, we guess, but we don't see how it's more comfortable than a mask

Glass case of emotion! This could work, we guess, but we don't see how it's more comfortable than a mask

Jokester: This clown is having fun with face coverings while playing fast and loose with others' lives

Jokester: This clown is having fun with face coverings while playing fast and loose with others' lives

Masculinity: Interestingly enough, the only people who appear to be wearing women's underwear on their faces are men
Masculinity: Interestingly enough, the only people who appear to be wearing women's underwear on their faces are men

Masculinity: Interestingly enough, the only people who appear to be wearing women's underwear on their faces are men

Scientifically unsound: The CDC hasn't specifically commented on using paper bags instead of masks, but they certainly don't meant the criteria

Scientifically unsound: The CDC hasn't specifically commented on using paper bags instead of masks, but they certainly don't meant the criteria

Why even bother? A few people have strapped plastic lids to their faces, which does literally nothing for anyone and just makes them look ridiculous
Why even bother? A few people have strapped plastic lids to their faces, which does literally nothing for anyone and just makes them look ridiculous

Why even bother? A few people have strapped plastic lids to their faces, which does literally nothing for anyone and just makes them look ridiculous

Ouch! This bizarre mask would do more harm than good if the person wearing it is bumping into things

Ouch! This bizarre mask would do more harm than good if the person wearing it is bumping into things

According to the CDC, masks should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric
According to the CDC, masks should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric

According to the CDC, masks should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric

Vroom vroom! While this helmet looks cooler than some of the other items here, the gaps mean it's not stopping germs from stpreading

Vroom vroom! While this helmet looks cooler than some of the other items here, the gaps mean it's not stopping germs from stpreading

Pandemic making him stir-crazy? The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be making some people more secure in looking nuts

Pandemic making him stir-crazy? The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be making some people more secure in looking nuts

Word to the wise: Fastening a tissue over your face isn't doing anything
Word to the wise: Fastening a tissue over your face isn't doing anything

Word to the wise: Fastening a tissue over your face isn't doing anything

Bubble girl: A few people are taking no chances and creating even bigger barriers between themselves and others

Bubble girl: A few people are taking no chances and creating even bigger barriers between themselves and others 

Wrap 'em up! Plastic wrap, garbage bags, and other questionable materials have been spotted as mask substitutes
Wrap 'em up! Plastic wrap, garbage bags, and other questionable materials have been spotted as mask substitutes

Wrap 'em up! Plastic wrap, garbage bags, and other questionable materials have been spotted as mask substitutes 

Lookin' good: This man seems to have thought wearing swim goggles and a funnel were better than just wearing a mask

Lookin' good: This man seems to have thought wearing swim goggles and a funnel were better than just wearing a mask

Well, it is October! Now is the perfect time to wear a Halloween mask — as long as tehre aren't mouth holes for air to escape and get in
Well, it is October! Now is the perfect time to wear a Halloween mask — as long as tehre aren't mouth holes for air to escape and get in

Well, it is October! Now is the perfect time to wear a Halloween mask — as long as tehre aren't mouth holes for air to escape and get in

Snap snap! Many of the more bizarre looks have made it to the internet thanks to the stealth photos of social media users

Snap snap! Many of the more bizarre looks have made it to the internet thanks to the stealth photos of social media users

At first glance, this looks like a gas mask — but it's actually Monster Energy drink cans
This person went nuclear

Varying degrees of protection: At first glance, this (on the left) looks like a gas mask — but it's actually Monster Energy drink cans. The right is a real gas mask

Strike! This man's batting helmet is totally unnecessary — but at least he is wearing a mask

Strike! This man's batting helmet is totally unnecessary — but at least he is wearing a mask

Buzz-worthy! Some people have been spotted in beekeeper uniforms
Will his face get stung? No. Will he get COVID-19? Eh... maybe?

 Buzz-worthy! Some people have been spotted in beekeeper uniforms

One question: How does this woman even see in this?

One question: How does this woman even see in this?

Strike a pose! Apparently, women aren't the only ones using masks as a fashion statement
Strike a pose! Apparently, women aren't the only ones using masks as a fashion statement

Strike a pose! Apparently, women aren't the only ones using masks as a fashion statement

What is he proving? Seems like this man would have been more comfortable and looked less silly in a normal mask

What is he proving? Seems like this man would have been more comfortable and looked less silly in a normal mask

Global problems:While many of the account's photos are from New York, some have popped up from other cities around the world

Global problems:While many of the account's photos are from New York, some have popped up from other cities around the world

Where did this woman get this cute outfit? From Macy's, probably

Where did this woman get this cute outfit? From Macy's, probably

It's a look: The garbage bag may be doing some protecting here, but the rainbow tulle is just style, baby

It's a look: The garbage bag may be doing some protecting here, but the rainbow tulle is just style, baby

Creepy! These men both have distinct styles, but appear to have gravitated toward the same type of metallic grille
Creepy! These men both have distinct styles, but appear to have gravitated toward the same type of metallic grille

Creepy! These men both have distinct styles, but appear to have gravitated toward the same type of metallic grille

Creative! This woman didn't just pull a garbage bag over her head — she fashioned it to stay in place and leave her eyes exposed

Creative! This woman didn't just pull a garbage bag over her head — she fashioned it to stay in place and leave her eyes exposed

Busting out: This man's wife may be wondering where one of her bras went

Busting out: This man's wife may be wondering where one of her bras went

This superhero wannabee is super missing the point of wearing a mask
This superhero wannabee is super missing the point of wearing a mask

Forgetting something? These superhero wannabees are super missing the point of wearing a mask

How to select and wear a mask 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone wear masks in public settings with people who don't live in their household.

Masks should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Fabrics that are hard to breathe through, like vinyl, are not recommended.

Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth, and fit snugly against the sides of the face and under the chin, without any gaps.

Exhalation valves or vents, which can allow virus particles to escape, are not recommended.  

Gaiters and face shields may be worn in addition to masks, but their effectiveness as the only form of protection are not known at this time.

People should wash their hands before putting on their masks, and should not touch the mask while wearing it. 

Masks are ineffective when worn under the nose and/or mouth, along the neck, or across the forehead. 

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