18 Fashion-Forward Face Masks To Express Your Personal Style
Fashion has always had a way of taking our core wardrobe essentials — outerwear, underwear, and everything in between — and turning them into statement pieces. Consider the trusty trench coat, for example, which was originally created to shield soldiers from the elements but, over time, turned into one of the most distinctive utility apparel items a person could own. And don't get us started on how the functional bike short has morphed into a top streetwear trend that will not go away (even after its initial rise and fall in the '90s). It's no surprise, then, that the protective face coverings we've been advised (and in some cases, ordered) to wear outdoors to curb the spread of the coronavirus have quickly been embraced and beautified by the fashion world.
"It just felt like there was a need [for a stylish face mask]," says Hillary Taymour, founder of the sustainable clothing brand Collina Strada. "I was wearing brightly colored masks walking over the bridge daily to the studio and it put a smile on everyone’s face. So why not bring that to the general public?"
Taymour began producing non-medical face masks in mid-March, drawing on the crafty skills of model and friend Sasha Melnychuk to design something protective yet personal. The final product was a remarkable marriage of motifs featuring Collina Strada's signature ribbons — a fixture of the brand's runway shows — and the vibrant patterns of already available deadstock fabric. This kind of creative take on meeting consumer needs during the pandemic allows shoppers to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines without losing touch with the familiarity of their personal style. Masks may still feel like an unusual addition to our daily routines because of the way they conceal the parts of ourselves that are normally exposed, but that doesn't mean our identities have to be hidden too. By opting for the right print to suit your own aesthetic and making a purchase you know will benefit those in need, wearing a face mask can become more than just our collective responsibility — it can be an entirely new form of self-expression.
"With every purchase [of a Collina Strada mask], you are donating five masks to healthcare workers," Taymour says. "The design just brings a little sunshine during one of the most difficult times we have seen in this lifetime."
Taymour was one of many designers to pivot to non-medical face mask production with the goal of giving back as the coronavirus crisis hit its crescendo. Companies like Reformation and Sanctuary also reacted quickly by organizing local manufacturers to do the same using fabrics from their warehouses. New York-based label Alice+Olivia announced that it would donate 5,000 face masks to medical centers around the country while selling consumer-friendly options online. In addition to equipping customers with the coverings they need, founder Stacey Bendet recognizes a greater purpose of this initiative: "Let's show support for our community and the doctors, nurses, delivery workers, and first responders who are combatting this crisis on the front lines,” she said in a press release. Because when more non-medical face masks made available to the public, there is less of a strain on the medical-grade materials our heroes on the front lines require to protect themselves on the job.
Ahead, we've rounded up a list of fashion brands that are enhancing the process of mask manufacturing with their unique brands of sartorial savoir-faire. Face coverings are a crucial way for us to keep one another safe when we're in public, and they aren't going anywhere. So go ahead and get comfortable with one that speaks to your own style, be that in the form of something upcycled, a badass camo print, delicate florals — even toile, if that's your thing. You do you, as long as you're doing it responsibly.
COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic. Go to the CDC website for the latest information on symptoms, prevention, and other resources.
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Collina Strada is a fashionable platform for climate awareness, social awareness, change, and self-expression — all of which come together in the designer's beautifully made face masks. The masks, made from deadstock materials, fasten with delightfully patterned bows and feature an opening to insert your filter inside. With the purchase of one mask for yourself, you will also be providing five more to healthcare workers in New York City.
Collina Strada Fashion Face Mask With Bows, $, available at Collina Strada
Since the beginning of this outbreak, fashion brand Alice + Olivia has been mobilizing its teams to create and distribute protective masks to hospitals and communities in need. Now, they're helping to stop community spread with non-medical protective masks made available to the public. The masks, featuring the brand’s iconic “Stace Face” pattern, are made from jersey material for reuse, wash-ability, and comfort. Plus, for every mask sold, Alice + Olivia will donate one to the medical community and beyond.
Alice + Olivia Staceface Adjustable Face Mask, $, available at Alice + Olivia
Revolve, the retailer known for its trendy clothing labels and glossy Instagram campaigns, is now offering 2-packs of re-usable face masks with elastic straps (with the option of a tie-dye print, of course!) from the brand Onzie — now available on pre-order with an estimated delivery date of May 30.
Onzie 2 Pack Protective Face Masks, $, available at Revolve
Also available for pre-order on Revolve are double-layered face masks with a viscose satin-twill overlay by Karina Grimald. The estimated delivery date for this style is May 18, and the red and green floating leaf motif feels like it's fresh off a tropical island — where you'll find us mentally residing for the remainder of the day.
Karina Grimaldi Amanda Face Mask, $, available at Revolve
While you won't find any medical-grade products available on Etsy, many of its crafty vendors have shifted to selling handmade masks and other fabric gear that serves as a barrier between you and your surroundings. From luxurious satin fabrics to paisley and toile prints, the market place is a treasure trove of unique finds.
KGVCX Satin Nude Straight Cut Face Mask, $, available at Etsy
Reformation has partnered with the City of Los Angeles on LA Protects, an initiative to organize local manufacturers to make five million non-medical masks. You can pick some up for yourself or donate to someone in need directly through the retailer's website.
Reformation 5X Masks - L.A. Protects, $, available at Reformation
American luxury house St. John launched a striking selection of limited edition Care Masks that are sustainably crafted from surplus pique fabric. Plus, when you buy one of these masks, St. John will donate three non-surgical antimicrobial masks to those in need.
St. John Collection Camel Pique Animal Print Care Mask, $, available at St. John
L.A.-based brand Sanctuary has launched its Essential Lifestyle Masks for consumers, designed to create a fashion-forward barrier to protect you from your surroundings. These are currently available on pre-order. At the same time, the company is using its resources and the profits of its lifestyle masks to produce over 5 million N95 masks to support the medical community (N95s are not for sale) as they battle this virus on the frontlines across the nation.
Sanctuary 5 Pack Fashion PPE Masks, $, available at Sanctuary
This quirky L.A. brand launched a selection of face masks adorned with fun prints to represent your kookier side. The designs are flexible, washable, and reusable and have a pocket to insert your replaceable filter. And with motifs like "Pearl Boba Tea" and "Tayto Potato," you're bound to crack a smile while making this purchase.
Smoko Pearl Boba Tea Face Mask, $, available at Smoko
Rent The Runway developed its own protective masks with an eye towards fashion and sustainability, so they’re washable and reusable (and NOT for rent, just to be clear). Made from 100% cotton or cotton blend and lined in cotton/poly, the fabric used has been salvaged as scraps from prior production runs or purchased as unused surplus from textile mills. Plus, for each 5-pack sold, RTR will give a 5-pack to a community in need through its partnership with Project Renewal.
Rent The Runway Reusable Masks Buy 5, Give 5, $, available at Rent The Runway
With the financial support of its community, Tanya Taylor is currently producing nearly 30,000 masks to be donated to hospitals in New York and Canada. In line with CDC’s latest recommendations, the fashion brand has now launched consumer face masks created from excess fabric. They are currently available for pre-order and will ship between May 30 and June 15. With every pack purchase, Tanya Taylor will donate the funds to create one non-medical grade mask for donation.
Tanya Taylor Protective Face Masks, $, available at Tanya Taylor
This NYC-based sporty bag brand has launched an initiative to get non-medical grade masks to as many people as possible. Reusable, machine-washable, and designed for comfort, these masks — available for pre-order for a ship date of June 1 — are constructed from excess fabric cuttings of Caraa bags to reduce waste and make use of these leftover pieces for good.
Mindfully made clothing and accessories brand Abacaxi is producing reusable, double-layer fabric face masks Made with 100% woven cotton. These are made ethically in NYC using deadstock fabrics, and for every mask sold, Abacaxi is working with The Mask Fund to donate the amount needed to purchase one N95 mask for health care workers.
Abacaxi Cotton Face Mask With Filter Pocket, $, available at Abacaxi
Fashion's favorite leggings and intimates brand is taking its signature approach of high-quality comfort to the production of non-medical cloth face masks. Each pack includes one solid black mask and one printed mask of choice, and for each of these sales Commando will donate a mask to its local chapter of United Way. The washable and reusable masks are made from an up-cycled Italian microfiber outer layer and a double-faced European microfiber and cotton blend lining.
Commando Non-Medical Cloth Face Mask 2-Pack, $, available at Commando
Offered in packs of four containing a spectrum of neutral colors that reflect the sleek Jonathan Simkhai design codes, these masks from the designer label feature an optional pouch for removable filter use. For every pack purchased, Jonathan Simkhai will donate a civilian mask to local front-line essential workers in need of non-medical mask protection.
Jonathan Simkhai Fabric Mask Pack, $, available at Jonathan Simkhai
The Sustainable Masks are non-medical grade, 100% doubled deadstock cotton, and feature behind-the-ear elastic. They are reusable and washable. For best practices, hand wash before first use and after each subsequent use, and lay flat to dry. Refrain from touching the mask or your face once you have put it on!
Each order is for 10 total masks (Five will be shipped to you! Five will be donated to those in need!). To ensure we are able to supply as many people as possible with masks, there will be a limit of two packs per order. The shipping and fulfillment of mask only orders will be prioritized. We are working hard to have your masks shipped as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience!
Christy Dawn The Sustainable Mask In Florals 5-Pack, $, available at Christy Dawn
The Windwitch was launched by an artist living aboard who is currently rebuilding a sailboat of the same name. Her reusable Seersucker Face Mask is made with 100% cotton fabric that is great to wear for warmer weather. It also features a pocket for replaceable filters, an adjustable nose bridge, and elastic strap and comes in charming, understated prints like white and blue stripes and vibrant, Caribbean-inspired plaids. There is a free tutorial and pattern on There is also a tutorial on The Windwitch's blog page for how to DIY your own mask.
The Windwitch Light Blue Seersucker Face Mask, $, available at The Windwitch
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