21 Stylish, Effective Fabric Face Masks
Remember at the beginning of this pandemic, when the messaging around mask-wearing was a bit confusing? It might feel like eons ago, especially since it’s now clear that masks are a must. The Centers for Disease Control has established that Covid-19 is an airborne virus—and your chances of contracting it by touching a surface “is generally considered to be low,” according to CDC officials. (So much for sanitizing our grocery bags.) Wearing a mask, therefore, is the No. 1 way to protect yourself—and the prevalence of facial coverings isn’t going away anytime soon. Although the end appears to be near, as vaccination appointments open up to more age groups, healthcare professionals still recommend donning a mask—not only as a public health measure, but as a sign of courtesy and respect. While we continue weathering this pandemic, why not amp up your mask collection with some new additions? Ditch the disposable option for something a bit more stylish and environmentally friendly. Here, we’ve rounded up 21 options from designers around the world, many of them made using deadstock or past-season fabrics. Additionally, a portion of these proceeds will go to healthcare workers or nonprofits dedicated to racial justice efforts.
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With summer approaching, you’ll want to swap out the black cotton mask you’ve been rocking all winter for a sunnier print—like this Pucci one, which is instantly recognizable as a piece from the Italian brand.
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We could easily see this gingham mask from Sandy Liang, made from three layers of cotton fabric, at a picnic in the park.
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These masks, made in Kenya from upcycled fabrics, come in packs of two.
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Ditto these cheerful Loveshack Fancy masks, created in collaboration with lingerie brand Morgan Lane. Loveshack’s other masks—some of which are adorned with bows and floral prints galore—are worth checking out, too.
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Go retro with these Baggu face masks, which feature adjustable ear loops.
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The designer Christy Rilling is an expert tailor who has altered some of the most iconic Met Gala looks—including Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s vintage Chanel leather ensembles and Beyoncé’s sheer, beaded Givenchy dress. So we trust her abilities enough to adorn our faces with her goods.
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Consider purchasing Ulla Johnson’s Ora Blouse in the same print to match.
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From the designer who brought you viral prairie dresses not too long ago comes a collection of masks in delightful prints. Twenty-five percent of all proceeds go to Black Lives Matter.
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New York-based designer Romeo Hunte has just created your go-to mask for summertime nights out.
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Designer Prabal Gurung teamed with Walmart to create the Impower collection in fall of 2020—the line features reusable face masks for under $10.
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Healthcare professionals recommend storing used face masks in bags made of breathable material (read: paper or cloth, not plastic) to keep them dry. Tory Burch’s solution is not only functional, but chic—and the designer has also made beaded chains for her masks, sold here in a set of three, as well.
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Treat yourself to this Marni mask in a sumptuous, sunny print.
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Made from rose sylk deadstock fabric, these handmade masks have an internal filter pocket and oversized bow ties for a sort of new-wave bonnet look. With each mask purchase, Collina Strada will be providing three masks to healthcare workers in New York City.
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Made from vintage cotton, silk, and brocade with an interior cotton layer, these masks from this Los Angeles brand have a fun, retro feel.
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With mismatched gingham ties and a playful kiss logo, these are the same masks that the accessories brand has been donating to healthcare workers in Los Angeles. Their website also makes it extraordinarily easy to donate directly to Color of Change, with a donation box right on the page that you can add to the total of your order. A pack of four masks costs $35.
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Consider this cotton mask a safer step up from wearing an actual bandanna.
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Made with two layers of textile mill surplus cotton in pinstripes, ticking stripes, and Liberty-esque florals, these are an easy basic to add to your summer rotation. For each pack of five sold for $50, Rent the Runway gives five masks to the nonprofit Project Renewal, which combats homelessness.
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With an outer layer of denim and a tropical floral print, these are pleasingly sturdy. They’re also comfortable, with a soft cotton lining and straps that tie around your head. Mother Denim’s range of masks in a host of textiles, patterns, and colors is worth perusing, too.
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With big, adjustable ties and a generously sized front panel, these masks are substantial without feeling too heavy for summer months. Additionally, 20% of proceeds from all masks will be donated to GetUsPPE.
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Durham-based home decor designer Katherine Hanes usually uses block print fabrics from Jaipur for elegant tablecloths and napkins. Now, she’s making cheerful masks and donating a portion of proceeds to the Durham Public School Foundation, which is helping to ensure children are getting meals during COVID-related school closures.
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The masks from this chic unisex basics company are made from pleated deadstock Japanese twill in minimalist tones with tie straps.
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