Fashion-friendly face masks? I didn't think I cared as long as I had a mask that met the CDC's guidelines [1] and kept me — and those around me — safe. But, as we adjust to the new normal, a mask that also looks cute and one that's reliable — because I selected it from a brand I already know makes beautiful, quality apparel — became something important to me too.
My team and I combed through the many fashion brands making cloth masks [2], and together, we found the ones we really do rely on daily. These are the picks we've incorporated seamlessly into our wardrobes, the ones that are most comfortable, and the selects that feel just a bit more stylish than the rest.
Reiss Navy Reusable Face Mask
The Reiss Navy Reusable Face Mask [3] (£20) features not only an flexible nose wire, but adjustable ear straps, too.
The Vampire's Wife Silk Face Mask
Susie Cave launched two versions of The Vampire's Wife Silk Face Mask [4] (£35) that sold out within a day — but are restocking very soon. The floral masks are made of 100 percent silk with a ruffled edge and come with a matching silk drawstring bag. Although the masks are not medically certified, 100 percent of proceeds are being donated to The World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-Solidarity Response Fund.
Scotch & Soda Reusable Face Mask
The Scotch & Soda Reusable Face Mask [5] (£10) comes with not only a nose strip, but filter pockets and a convenient matching bag to store it in. Available in three sizes: small, medium , and large.
Burberry Face Masks
In addition to looking incredibly chic, if you purchase one of the Burberry Face Masks [6], 20% of each mask sale goes to the Burberry Foundation COVID-19 Community Fund (established this April by The Burberry Foundation), which continues to provide PPE as well as assistance to food banks and healthcare charities around the world to help during the pandemic.
The reusable cotton face masks come in two prints — the brand's iconic vintage check in beige and pale blue — and are made from pieces of revalued fabric and coated with an antimicrobial layer. While not available to purchase quite yet, you can currently sign up for a notification on Burberry's website to let you know when you can order one.
Best Upcycled Mask
"These Helmstedt masks are actually made from leftover fabric from its Spring 2020 collection. Plus, profits from these bright coloured upcycled masks go to WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund [7]." — NR
Shop: Helmstedt Safety Masks [8] ($36)
Erdem Face Mask Meadow Teal
Erdem Face Mask Meadow Teal [9] (£45)
Best Neutral Mask
"Jonathan Simkhai's thoughtful masks come in a pack of four neutral colours that would pretty much go with anything in your closet for daily wear. They're also designed with an optional pouch for removable filter use, and for every product sold, they'll donate one to an essential worker. I feel good adding this one to my lineup — you will too." — Hannah Weil McKinley, director, Fashion + Shop
Shop: Jonathan Simkhai Fabric Mask Pack [10] ($48 for 4)
Most Comfortable Mask
"I've been focusing on the masks that come as part of a wider initiative — for example, you buy one, the brand donates one to the medical community. This 1:1 idea is practiced at Eberjey and the material used to make the masks is recycled fabric. Not only that, these have a pocket so you can add a filter." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Shop: Rosi Protective Face Mask [11] ($20)
Best Sustainable Mask
"I love that these floral Christy Dawn non-medical masks are not only sustainable, but they are also machine washable and reusable. Another great thing? They come in a 10-pack, but five of the masks are shipped to those in need." — Nikita Ramsinghani", associate editor, Fashion
Shop: Christy Dawn Sustainable Mask [12] ($30)
Cutest Selection of Fabrics
"These are all handmade, affordable, come in tons of great prints, and are machine washable. They also make children's so I ordered them for my kids as well." — Dana Avidan Cohn, executive fashion director
Shop: Kit Reusable Adult Cloth Face Covering [13] ($10)
Sweetest Print Mask
"I'm a big fan of Stevie Howell's beautiful organic cotton PJs, so when I found out she was making masks, I ordered a bunch. They're comfortable and come in an array of sweet prints, just like her lovable loungewear." — HWM
Shop: Stevie Howell Brazil Tree Blue Organic Cotton Face Mask [14] ($16)
Best Everyday Mask
"I plan on wearing masks in crowded places, like the train, even after COVID is over. I think masks will be as common going forward as your headphones. It will be something that's always in your bag. These are so nicely made and a portion of the proceeds go to City Harvest." — DAC
Shop: Rag & Bone Stealth Mask [15] ($30)
Most Playful Mask
"On days I want to feel good and dress up, I long for something a bit more eccentric, and these fun masks with contrast patterns are right up my alley. The four-pack situation is ideal if you're sharing with others or you live with your roommates or family. Again, all the fabric used here is deadstock and reused, and the brand is also consistently donating them to those on the frontlines." — SW
Shop: Clare V. Bisous Mask [16] ($35)
The Perfect-For-Summer Mask
"I love the sweet print, soft cotton, and that 20 percent of the proceeds are donated to GetUsPPE a non-profit organisation addressing the PPE shortage worldwide." — DAC
Shop: Araks Protective Face Mask Chiara Navy [17] ($40)
Most Vibrant Mask
"I bought these masks because I was instantly taken by the fun patterns, but I also appreciate that they have elastic ear loops for easy wearing. Plus, for each pack purchased, the brand will be donating the funds to create one nonmedical grade mask to be donated to a healthcare worker in conjunction with its fundraising effort, which to date has put nearly 30,000 masks into production for the US and Canada." — Macy Cate Williams, editor, Shop and Must Have
Shop: Tanya Taylor Protective Face Masks [18] ($35 for three)
Reformation Masks
"The silky-soft fabric that I'm used to on my favourite dresses feel so comfortable on my face. Plus, the Reformation Masks [19] ($25 for five) come in assorted prints, and I got a cute cherry print, making it a great choice." — Krista Jones, associate editor, Shop