Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for retaining a health protecting face mask against a wearer's face including left and right gromets each having an opening mechanism for releasably receiving a strap of a face mask, the gromets each being connected to a band of material for placing against a back of the wearer's head. The band of material may include an upper connecting means and a lower complementary connecting means for wrapping the band of material around an adjustment strap of a baseball style cap and retaining the band of material in place. The gromets may be carabiners with latching mechanisms.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for releasably securing a face mask to a fabric hat, including a number of pin and socket cleats, each including a fastener surface for releasably retaining a strap of a face mask. Two or more cleats may be positioned to releasably engage the face mask to a surface of the hat when not being worn. Two or more cleats may be used to releasably retain the strap of the face mask to a face of a wearer during use. The face mask, cleats, and/or hat may each include a coordinating aesthetic design such as a logo or team emblem.