In the midst of the pandemic and cultural awakening, fashion brands are continuing to produce masks for citizens, essential workers, and healthcare workers on the front lines. And many are donating them to hospitals where the demand is high, and the supply is still low.
While it’s extremely important to continue social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid a second wave, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all Americans wear some kind of cloth face covering in public. And many businesses that are slowly reopening this summer require it.
The CDC has also shared that many of the people who get the virus can be asymptomatic. We don’t know everything but it is suspected that these carriers can unknowingly pass on the virus in public places. If you are struggling to make your own DIY mask from a handkerchief or t-shirt, now is the time to get in line to purchase one.
While many of the masks that we describe are not medical grade, they can help by blocking saliva and particle transmission or act as a cover for the one-time use masks being used by healthcare workers. These brands are continuing to keep up with the production of face masks as the demand for them continues.
Day Owl
Day Owl is a new eco-conscious brand that probably makes the most thoughtful backpacks ever created. The brand put that same level of thoughtfulness into its face masks. These face coverings are made for comfort and protection with adjustable ear loops, nose strips, and two custom sizes. You get to choose three color masks in the set with a matching case to better protect the spread of germs. Even better, when you purchase the set, Day Owl donates a mask to a waste collector from their sister nonprofit, WORK.
Caraa
NYC-based sport bag and accessory brand Caraa recently launched in initiative called Caraa Cares. This initiative minimizes waste by using leftover fabrics to create reusable, washable (not to mention super chic) non-medical-grade face masks. The brand will be matching all mask purchases with a donation of their own.
Mother
Even premium denim brands, like Mother, are using their heritage fabrics to create well-made face masks that resemble their famed jeans. The outer styles are a mix of denim and sturdy fabrics, but the insides are all lined with cotton for maximum comfort.
Greylin
LA-based brand Greylin designed contoured face masks in a multitude of fabrics and styles. Each mask is extremely structured with three layers and a middle pocket for a disposable filter insert. Be sure to read the sizing of each style, as they can vary. Some masks even come with hand sanitizer!
Collina Strada
This New York Fashion Week favorite brand recently launched face masks with “Black Lives Matter” embroidered on its signature tie-dye cotton twill style. It’s one of the pricier masks on this list, but also money well spent, as 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Homeless Black Trans Women’s Fund.
For Days
For only $25, you’ll receive a pack of five double-layered cotton masks while also donating five to an essential worker on the front lines in LA. Each mask has space for a filter insert for extra protection.
Blackstrap
Made from upcycled fabric, and milled in the United States, outdoor brand Blackstrap is offering a range of Public Health Face Masks in response to COVID-19. The brand already specializes in face coverings for snow sports, UV protection and more, so these might just be the most comfortable on the list. The masks are one size fits all with moisture-wicking properties, making it easier to breath for longer periods of time. With over 80 different styles and prints, this product comes highly reviewed by its wearers. For every Civil Mask purchased, Blackstrap donates one to an individual in need.
Emilia George
Women’s maternity brand Emilia George is selling beautifully made masks for only $10. Not only are they made for comfort with adjustable sizing, they are also created from sustainable materials so you can feel good wearing clean fabrics so close to your face.
Ética
Ethical small denim brand, Ética launched stylish masks in a get four, give four variety pack. For every pack sold, the company will donate a set to hospitals, health care workers and first responders across the country. Each mask is considered unisex and made using upcycled cotton fabrics with openings for a disposable filter. For an additional $8, the brand sells mask filter refills (a pack of 20).
Every Masks Counts
Every Mask Counts created this mask as a symbol to support the Black Lives Matter movement against the backdrop of the pandemic. The goal is to promote safety at the protests as we continue to fight for social justice. With a two-in-one feature, this style is reversible and 100% will be donated to the George Floyd Memorial Fund and other BLM related charities. In addition, for every mask purchased, the company donates one to someone in need in the fight against COVID-19. Each mask is double lined with cotton jersey, for a breathable stretch and added comfort.
Good Mask
This Portland-based company lives up to its name thanks to its face coverings, which are made using durable scuba knit, and come with an N99 filter that can remove airborne particles bigger than 0.3 microns (droplets from coughing and sneezing are about 5 microns). The masks’ exhale valves let hot air out so your glasses won’t fog up. Part of the proceeds will go to the Oregon Food Bank.
Ball and Buck
True to its roots, sporting brand Ball and Buck designed a camouflage print face mask to provide some level of protection against the transmission of the coronavirus. For every mask you purchase, the brand will donate one to a hospital in need.
Los Angeles Apparel
This pack-of three-cotton face covers features an adjustable nose and DIY straps to best fit your face.
Goldsheep Clothing
Women’s activewear label Goldsheep is spreading love, light and positivity through these difficult times. It continues to work night and day producing a lively variety of masks for adults and children.
Buck Mason
Buck Mason, a cult-favorite California brand, is selling a pack of five anti-microbial reusable face masks to last up to 30 wash cycles.
Hedley & Bennett
With every purchase, LA-based chef gear label, Hedley & Bennett, is donating one to the front-line workers — the doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store employees, restaurant workers, and others who are putting their lives on the line for us. The company recommends inserting a disposable filter into the inner pocket of the mask. After using it, the filter should be disposed of, and the mask should be machine washed.
Alabama Chanin
Made from double layered, 100% organic cotton with a special pocket for a filter for further protection, these Alabama Chanin masks are designed to meet the medical standards for COVID-19 medical providers.
Classic Sofa
New York-based furniture brand Classic Sofa is widely known for its quality, style, and design, and its bespoke masks attain those standards. Each mask has an inner layer of durable cotton with a textured weave for a stylish appeal. They also come in three different sizes.
Sanctuary
This LA-based women’s fashion boutique stands by their long-living hashtag, #SanctuaryGivesBack, to provide masks to organizations in need. The company created a 5-pack unisex assortment for $28 in its signature cool casual prints.
Christy Dawn
Sustainable brand Christy Dawn is selling double deadstock and organic cotton masks in a “get five, give five” structure. You will support those in need of a mask while also supporting a brand that aims to save the planet.
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