A switchable facemask comprises a viewing window through which a user views the outside, the viewing window including a clear member; a film operably disposed across the clear member to cover the user's field of view; a power source operably connected to the film; and a switch for turning ON or OFF the power source. The film is switchable between a clear state such that the user can see through the clear member and a light obscuring state such that the user's field of view is obscured. The film is in one of the clear and light obscuring states when the switch is ON and the film is in another of the clear and light obscuring states when the switch is OFF.