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
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Monochrome Realness
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.
Peonies by Amelia
These pretty linen face masks are hand embroidered and come in a range of styles and colours including “Rainbow Sprinkles” and “Blue Daisy”. Handmade in the Uk.
Masks for Wee People
Lily & Giraffe
I love these Rainbow Flamingo and Nautical Whale themed print masks by childrenswear brand Lily & Giraffe.
Website / £14 for a set of 2
High street brand Gap are also selling affordable packs of masks for the whole family.
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