Where to Buy Stylish Fabric Face Masks
Originally Published in June 2020 with Edits Made in July & August.
After the initial mad scramble for toilet roll, hand sanitiser and masks online, the world for the most part has settled into a new(ISH) normal. A lull in panic-buying everything in sight and the quiet acceptance that this really is our life now (...forever..ever…ever..ever?..)
Few topics surrounding the Coronavirus have been as widely discussed as the “to mask or not to mask” debate. From an incendiary topic split down bipartisan political lines in the US (in LA simply being seen to sell them is enough to earn you a swift drive-by-egging), to being a long-established part of pre-COVID urban life in much of East Asia. Each country is setting and updating their own guidelines (thankfully for the most-part minus eggings).
The Uk government have advised people wear face coverings in “enclosed public spaces", and face masks are now required to enter all shops here in Scotland (from 10th July). Update August ‘20: Face coverings are now obligatory in almost all indoor / public transport settings Uk wide (see latest Gov Information). In much of France and Spain, masks are now even required in busy outdoor spaces.
I worry about the environmental impact of most of the planet wearing disposable, synthetic masks on a daily basis. Especially whether we will undo all of the glorious news of bebe turtles being born hither and thither and majestic whales reclaiming the pristine Mediterranean, which at this time of year is usually packed with bobbing humans, floating stray tampons and a sunblock oil slick. Update August ‘20: It’s Happening 😞
There are some amazing businesses out there making the humble mask more ethical and stylish, using vintage fabrics, off-cuts and often donating part of profits to a good cause (as opposed to feeding Amazon’s bottomless money-well, as omnipresent as a modern-day Rumplestiltskin). Numerous fashion brands who had placed big, gorgeous fabric orders for their SS 2020 collections have pivoted to avoid seeing them go to waste while most of us aren’t even thinking about new clothes unless they have an elasticated waistband.
Of course major fast-fashion brands are getting in on the act - Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo, ASOS.. the lot. However tempting the free delivery and easy, detached logistics with a quick turnaround - please think twice before supporting these companies, each of which (along with many other high street brands) have refused to pay for their supply chain orders placed pre-pandemic, leaving factory owners unable to pay their staff and thus many, many people in a really dire situation. They don’t deserve your money - these cool cats (and kittens) below do! I really recommend ethical fashion blogger Ruth MacGilp’s insightful blog post on the impacts of coronavirus on ethical fashion and on why fast fashion and the Coronavirus are a feminist issue. While you’re at it, you might want to support the #PayUp campaign holding these brands to account (Grr).
It has been fascinating also to see companies coming up with solutions to problems most won’t even have contemplated. Like Edinburgh based start-up Breathe Easy, who have created masks with a see-through panel to enable the deaf and hard of hearing community to lip-read at what will have been a doubly alienating time. Amazing disability advocate Victoria Jenkins, founder and creative director of @unhidden_clothing has also engineered masks with a transparent panel (see below).
Unable to unlock your phone with facial recognition while wearing a mask? No problemo! Start-up Resting Risk Face have created masks that look like realistic faces (ideally your own..). This also solves the problem of bumping into people you know in the street and having them stare at you agog for an uncomfortably long time before recognising you. Two birds.
Pretty cool? or “It puts the lotion on its skin”? You decide (hint: it’s both).
I hasten to add there are disclaimers all over the shop. Every single designer below stresses that their masks cannot be used as a substitute for personal protective equipment, good hygiene practises or social distancing. It has been reiterated across the board that wearing a mask alone will not protect you from Coronavirus but will prevent you from spreading germs of your own (ya germy beasts!)…For more in-depth reading, see this excellent and popular urine analogy.
NB: Wearing a mask should never give you a false sense of complacency or substitute social distancing. I notice that when I wear a mask in public people tend to get much closer to me than if I am not (Grr, be gone). Always follow the advice of your local government and for goodness sake wash yo’ hands.
So whether your vibe is soft neutrals, vibrant prints, utilitarian monochrome (to make your eyes pop), or mad max chic with a whirring motor soldered to your goggles, here are some of my favourite masks currently on the market…
Update 20th August 2020: I’ve added more beautiful brands than ever xoxo
Rosana Exposito
Rosana is a Scottish/Spanish Fashion designer based in Glasgow, making ethical clothing and teaching people how to knit and sew. Her Linen masks are currently available in Mustard, Burnt Orange and Cream. Rosana is also selling a downloadable sewing pattern to raise money for Glasgow Night Shelter.
Website / £15
Law Design Studio
Either linen or a cotton-sating mix, Law Design Studio masks come in a range of soft neutrals and my favourite, this blue and cream stripe.
Website / £13
Francis + Louise
I am a big fan of accessories brand Francis + Rose. Handmade in small quantities in East London Studio from original prints and artwork. £1 from every sale will be donated to NHS charities together and Stephen Lawrence charitable trust
Website / £25
Anna Hepburn Studio
Anna Hepburn Studio’s beautiful masks are in collaboration with artist Alice Dansey-Wright who hand paints each design.
Website / £25
Rock n Rose
These Rock n Rose masks have a cotton lining and an in-built filter pocket. £5 from the sale of each set of face masks will be donated to The Trussell Trust and Black Minds Matter.
Website / £24 for a set of three
Tal Drori
I first came across this gorgeous brand via the amazing PR Dispatch. Tal Drori specialises in scarves with bold designs and geometric patterns, and are creating these visually stunning masks using silk from larger pieces of fabric (meaning each one is different). Profits will go to support Women’s Aid urgent Covid 19 appeal to end domestic abuse against women & children. I wear mine all the time (in the blue Ciao print) and it is extremely comfortable, especially in warm weather when other fabrics feel particularly heavy on le visage.
ROOP
Recently stocked in Selfridges, ROOP is the most amazing Manchester-based accessories brand selling Japanese-inspired Furoshiki bags and matching scrunchies. Founded by Natasha “Roop” Fernandes Anjo, in their own words: “Coro-no she better don't! We all know what's happening right now and it's changing the way we live drastically. We've got to wear a mask, so let's wear a cute one.” Made from 100% cotton with an internal nose clip (hooray for we glasses wearers) and a choice of gingham or plain satin ribbon. 10% of profits from each mask will be donated to Southall black sisters charity.
Website / £23
ReJean Denim
Rejean is a zero waste, Glasgow-based brand at the forefront of a new wave of sustainable fashion designers, reclaiming denim to make the most beautiful jackets and accessories. Founder Siobhan has just launched these Reclaimed Denim face coverings in a range of colours with a cotton bound trim. Denim has been hailed as one of the most effective fabrics to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
Lacklustre Embroidery
Lacklustre Embroidery makes these handmade sustainably embroidered masks with playful designs like The Fry Up & The Salad on gingham cotton with scrunchie ear loops. Available in denim blue or baby pink. I love them!
Website / £15
Twisted Twee
Suzi Warren is a brilliant artist and founder of Twisted Twee. In her words: “If we're going to wear these damn things let's do it with a little mirth and style and take it as an opportunity to give someone else a giggle.” I couldn’t agree more, and love her tongue in cheek statement masks made from an array of bright gorgeous material from her house (= no two are the same). Suzi can customise the masks to say pretty much anything, just enter your chosen phrase when placing your order. The masks will come in a random print so be sure to let Suzi know if there’s a particular colour way you like best (or would prefer not to receive). They are quite large sizing and give you really good coverage.
Alice Cox Creative
Alice Cox is a 27-year-old theatre set designer and prop-maker, creating these vibrant bespoke masks from vintage designer fabrics out of her spare room in London. They have a pocket for a filter (not included) and the thoughtful design limits ear irritation (truly a 2020 problem no-one saw coming)! Order by email letting Alice know your choice of colour and material.
Website / £10 each (or £15 for the liberty-print, fancy!)
MuMu
MuMu is a Uk-based family business founded by two siblings working in the medical profession. After spending most of their days in dreary scrubs, they decided to create fun, practical masks to help make their uniform less uniform. Each of their lovely 100% cotton print masks comes in a matching doggy bandana, so you can match your furry bff while keeping yourself and others safe! A percentage of each bandana sold will be donated to dog rescue non-profit Sidewalk Specials in South Africa. I wear my orange-print mask all the time and find it extremely comfortable (the size is fairly small).
Emily Millichip
Edinburgh-based Emily Millichip is the queen of print. An award-winning fashion and accessories designer, she is making bright, bold zero waste masks from her fabric offcuts (in the most beautiful tropical and animal print designs). With a shaped nose and face for added comfort and style, each of her masks are made-to-order by hand. Emily is now offering small-sized children’s masks in an array of gorgeous colours.
Pearl Lowe
Pearl’s pretty, double-lined masks are handmade by local seamstresses in Somerset using luxurious liberty print fabrics. The Clara mask pictured is made to be worn on its own or with the Clara Dress. £5 from every sale will go towards NHS Charities Together to support NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19 across the country.
Isabel Manns
Isabel Manns is a British womenswear label known for high-end reversible clothing at an accessible price point. Their new and exclusive printed masks are made from lovely soft 100% cotton, perfect for the summer months, with prints that compliment their garments. With profits going to the NHS, the mask is lined with a pocket for a filter (not supplied). Pictured here is the beautiful Mandevilla Vine mask.
Victoria Ann Studio
Victoria Jenkins is a disability advocate and founder of inclusive fashion brand Victoria Ann Studio, making stylish, adaptive clothing for the disabled community. She creates a wide range of masks by hand in an array of prints (including some with hand painted glow in the dark sections). Victoria recently launched these face masks with a clear window (each comes with a Mini Eco Soap to help aid with de-fogging). Every purchase also includes a nose clip to stop glasses fogging!
Paisie
British womenswear brand Paisie are selling these beautiful structured masks at cost price to make sure they reach as many people as possible. They're structured with wiring to ensure a comfortable and sung fit around the nose and the double layers mean that you can also insert a filter. I love these nautically striped beauties, très Brigitte Bardot in St Tropez.
Mille Saisons
British silk accessories brand Mille Saisons have created these luxurious shaped silk face masks, available with with elastic ties or matching satin ribbon ties. The masks are shaped to fit your face and use two layers of silk and a middle layer of interlining. 10% of all mask sales will be donated to NHS Charities Together.
Swee Mei
Swee Mei is a beautiful brand selling handmade and bespoke lampshades. Founder Miranda loves bold pattern and colour, gravitating towards exotic and unusual prints in her work. These recently launched handmade face masks come in a variety of Japanese prints including this lovely crane print cotton. The mask comes with a choice of elastic colours, is fully washable and has a filter slot and nose wire.
by ELN
ELN is a NI based streetwear brand by Ellen Mooney. These lovely soft masks are made from remnant double gauze cotton and finished with scrunchie ear loops for extra comfort. Each mask matches one of the brand’s popular scrunchies too.
Website / £10
TWOTHIRDS Barcelona
Designed in Barcelona and handcrafted in Portugal, 8 weeks of research went into ethical brand TwoThirds’ protective masks. Made from a special interlocked cotton fabric which is fully breathable and machine washable, the masks come in a range of colours with adjustable ties for maximum comfort.
Website / FB / Insta / €11.20 (on sale for pre-orders, usually €14)
Mischke Lingerie
Mischke Lingerie is a Scottish brand known for beautiful, handmade lingerie and accessories created in Edinburgh, with worldwide shipping. Their cloth face masks have a pocket for a filter and come in a range of prints (the gingham is perfect for a socially distanced picnic).
Website / FB / Insta / £8.50 (Use code STAYSAFE for 2 for £15)
Wires
Super cool zero-waste glasses brand Wires have designed something a little different - a universal mask which hangs from your glasses rather than your ears (comfier & less likely to fog up - hallelujah). Their masks fit any glasses with arms up to 1.5cm wide and are handmade in the Uk using ethical fabrics. Proceeds support the brand’s charity partners.
The Vampire’s Wife
Founded by former model Susie Cave, The Vampire's Wife is known for exclusive, romantic dresses that evoke prairie chic with a gothic feel. Given the brand’s international popularity among a-list clients, it is unsurprising that these dreamy silk masks with scallop cut ruffles and a matching silk bag, have become one the most coveted face coverings around. If you can catch a re-stock they are a relative steal at £30 (considering her dresses sell at a much higher price point, though granted they do cover more than your chin). The Vampire’s Wife are donating 100% of proceeds to The World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-Solidarity Response Fund to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brora
Luxury Scottish cashmere and clothing brand Brora launched these pretty cotton face masks using Liberty print fabrics. £10 from every mask is donated to charities supporting those affected by COVID-19 and so far they have donated over £150,000! They have recently adjusted their fabrics to tie in with their AW Collection.
Aeibe
AEIBE is a womenswear brand founded by husband-and-wife duo Tim Biddulph and Ara Youn, combining their interests in the historical heritage of Britain and South Korea, art and nature through silks, prints and epic tailoring. The launch of their liberty-print masks follows sadly doomed pre-coronavirus plans for a new collection. Repurposing the material, they have created these 100 percent cotton masks, which come with a soft nose clip, 2 Korean filters for inside and a matching cotton bag for when you are not using it. .
Leigh Elizabeth Studio
These pretty pastel coloured face masks are made to order with breathable (yet tightly woven) fabrics & hand embroidered with beautiful sequins and beads reclaimed from Leigh’s previous collections. Leigh makes the most intricate headbands and other accessories that match perfectly Choose between elastic ear loops or matching ear ties. 20% of each sale will be donated to Black Lives Matter.
MASQ by Amber
I love these pretty gingham cotton and coloured denim masks - beautiful with a Summer dress or to match your favourite picnic accoutrements. The fabric elastic ear loops were designed to be as comfortable as possible (through a lengthy product testing and feedback process to find the best option). Each MASQ is handmade to order, with a 100% pure cotton lining and pocket to add a filter if you would like.
Florence Bridge
London-based fashion designer Florence Bridge has launched a super feminine range of masks with a satin front and a 100% cotton lining for maximum comfort. Florence’s eponymous womenswear label is known for contemporary pieces with a focus on sustainability. A portion of profits from the sale of this mask will be going to @fuelourfrontline charity who are delivering essential groceries to hospital workers around the UK.
Plumo
Luxury womenswear label, Plumo, has created a range of beautiful organic linen masks in 19 different colours and prints. Due to Linen’s naturally antibacterial properties, it makes an ideal material for protective masks. Each one is sewn with four individual layers and can be washed at 90 degrees (germies be gone)! For every mask sold, Plumo will donate to NHS Charities Together and they also sell huge bundles of masks for kitting out your whole family or even office.
Website / Insta / £10 (Mention my full name at checkout for 15% off)
Monochrome Realness
Armed Angels
Super cool Berlin-based brand Armed Angels produces sustainable fashion with a mission to showcase that the textile industry can produce beautiful garments without exploitation or environmental damage. With slogans like “I warmly smile under this mask” and “Protect Each Other”, their range of masks aims to do good and promote human connection. For each mask sold, they will donate €2 to Medecins Sans Frontières
Maison
Hēroïne
Maison Hēroïne is a relatively new handbags and accessories brand by Milanese designer Marta Vitali. Known for beautiful details and Italian craftsmanship, the brand have launched their own series of reusable face masks to support their textile producers during the Coronavirus crisis.
Made from double layered Organic Cotton, the masks may hide your smile but the design means you can still project positivity. In their own words: True Hēroïnes wear masks
Minus Cloud 9
Charlotte Robinson founded the Minus Cloud 9 Brand after suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety, with the goal of creating a movement around mental health awareness. Charlotte’s aim is to have people wearing her clothing (and now jewellery) with its’ recognisable figures and designs be recognised and recognise one another to generate meaningful conversations around mental health.
All of her eco-friendly garments are designed and printed by hand, including this neoprene facemask (lined with satin). 10% of all mask sales will continue to go to mind charity (10% of all her profits already go to Mind) and a further 10% to @londonscrubshub to keep funding their materials to provide PPE for the NHS! Designs come in Black, White and Grey.
SABINNA
SABINNA is a conscious lifestyle brand for women founded by Central St Martins graduate Sabinna Rachimova. Her mindful, sustainable brand aims to create ethical fashion without compromising on the aesthetic. Her masks are made from natural fibre materials (tencel, linen, organic cotton) and are available in assorted prints in packs of 5, 10 or a “power couple” pack of 2.
Masks for Wee People
What Mother Made
Hackney-based children’s clothing brand What Mother Made have launched their beautiful fabric masks in kids sizes from 2-12 years old. In range of bold prints, masks come in grown-up sizes too. 10% of the profits will go to Choose Love - a fantastic charity helping refugees and their families.
Dress Up Masks by Wild Things
Creative, colourful children’s brand Wild Things have launched a beautiful range of face masks for kids aged 3 to 10. These fun masks come in six different character designs: Rainbow Lion, shark, cat, bunny , dog, tiger and superhero. A really fun way to make mask-wearing feel like fancy dress, many of the styles have a matching headband with bunny / tiger or dog ears.
Pango Productions!
Pango face masks are designed to fit girls and boys aged 4-10, with lots of different original prints to choose from.
Website / £8.50
Jenny Wren Clothing
Liberty print face masks by Jenny Wren Clothing to keep special Bear Friends safe too. Matching childen’s masks are available too.
Website / £5
Rachel Riley
Face Masks available in 3y-6y, 7y-12y and adult sizing. 10% of profits from the sale of these face masks goes to Best Beginnings.
Or Make Your Own
For some DIY action using materials you have at home, here are 3 helpful tutorials furnished by Le BBC. Points for the Friends reference.
Harrow & Green are selling these useful sets of face mask hankerchiefs with everything you need to assemble your own face covering on the go.
Victoria Jenkins also sells downloadable patterns for DIY mask making at home.
Whatever You Do Friends, Don’t Forget..
P.S. I recognise what a privilege it is to be able to peruse masks and choose one that suits you the best, when many are unable to access any masks at all (be that from a lack of availability or financial constraints). I have been following the absolutely amazing activities of charities such as Refuweegee and Social Bite and urge you to support their vital work or to do whatever you are able in your local area to support food banks and other organisations helping people in real, real difficulty. ❤️
Read my Life-in-Lockdown Series for more inspiration and ideas including The Best Things to Do in Lockdown This Week, Ways to Celebrate a Birthday in Lockdown & A Guide to Indy Food & Drink Delivery Services in Scotland.
My blog will always stay free and accessible, but if my words, ideas & tips have been useful and you would like to, you can buy me a cup of coffee via Ko-Fi (a fantastic, secure platform to help you support writers and artists online). Thankyou in advance lovely human. xx