Following the latest update from the government, we are now being encouraged to wear face masks or coverings in order to protect others and prevent further spread of the coronavirus - particularly when in enclosed spaces, where social distancing is harder. It is now compulsory to wear a mask on public transport and it will soon be mandatory to wear one at all times in shops in England from 24 July. Anyone who fails to do so could face a fine of up to £100. While medical-grade masks should be reserved for NHS and frontline workers, it's believed that wearing a simple cloth face mask can reduce spread from person-to-person by 50 to 100 per cent dependent on design.
The World Health Organisation emphasises that, when wearing a face mask, you should not let this change your current behaviour with regards to social distancing and hand hygiene; there is some concern that wearing a mask instils a false sense of security in the wearer, so it's vital to maintain the same level of safety precautions. Additionally, masks must be properly used, cared for and washed, in order to be effective and not become a focus for infection themselves.
While many are choosing to make their own face masks at home (advice on ways to do that here), others are opting to buy theirs - so why not use this as an opportunity to support an independent fashion label in the process?
Here, we round up stylish face masks that are available to shop right now:
For more advice on how to apply, remove and take care of your fabric face mask safely, click here.
1
Linda Farrow
Just in time for the festive season comes Linda Farrow's gold star-sprinkled mask. Created from a silk-feel pleated fabric with a cotton lining, the mask features adjustable straps and a nose wire for a tailored fit. It also comes complete with three removable PM2.5 filters, which help filter out bacteria and harmful pollutants, and a silk-feel drawstring bag. The mask comes free with any purchase of Linda Farrow frames or is also available to buy separately.
Face mask, £20, Linda Farrow
2
Bella Freud
Fashion's favourite brand Bella Freud has launched its very own range of silk face masks using offcuts of surplus fabrics from previous seasons - perfect for keeping safe and stylish at the same time. Each mask, which comes in four different styles including a star and snakeskin print, is stored in a matching drawstring bag.
£35, Bella Freud
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3
Oceanus
Swimwear brand Oceanus are here to add an extra touch to your day-today. The masks come in neutral tones or brighter hues and are each embroidered Swarovski crystals.
£55, Oceanus
4
Hill & Friends
This reusable mask features three layers of soft, breathable fabric that feels super soft on the skin, with elasticated straps to ensure a secure fit.
£19.95, Hill & Friends
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5
Erdem
Erdem has produced some of the prettiest, most luxurious face masks available, made using overstock fabric and featuring prints from the autumn/winter 20 collection including a the Eastbury Blue Floral cotton poplin, the pale pink Etty Floral and the Frida Toile De Jouy in white and navy.
£140 for a set of three, Erdem
6
Mulberry
Mulberry's organic cotton breathable masks feature one of the brand's floral prints and come with a canvas pouch for safe storage.
£45, Mulberry
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7
Everlane
Each Everlane reusable non-medical mask is made from a double-layer woven fabric and features elastic ear loops for a little stretch and a lot of comfort. For optimal use, Everlane suggest washing the masking before using and after each wear. Once it’s on, do your best to avoid adjusting.
£12, Everlane
8
Sir Peter Blake x Comic Relief
Illustrator and pop artist Sir Peter Blake has launched a range of limited-edition face coverings for Comic Relief, with proceeds being raised for people affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. The masks are also available in store at TK Maxx or online.
£9.99, Comic Relief
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9
Whistles
Whistles are selling a sustainable, reusable mask with all profits going to the Trussell Trust. Funds raised will support food banks nationwide, to provide supplies to those who need it most.
£16, Whistles
10
Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread will donate half of all proceeds from its floral face coverings to mothers2mothers (m2m), an organisation that prevents mother-to-child transmission of HIV by providing education and support for pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV.
£15, Needle & Thread
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12
Harem London
Made using organic cotton, Harem London's simple face coverings come with blue, pink, black, purple and green stitching.
£35, Harem London
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13
La DoubleJ
Italian label La DoubleJ embraces mood-boosting print and colour with its pack of three masks, created with stretch-cotton.
£25 for three, La DoubleJ
14
So Just Shop
So Just Shop is a sustainable lifestyle brand that curates ethically-made, environmentally-friendly accessories and homeware. Its face masks are each handmade from up-cycled fabric in either cotton or silk, with African prints or Indian sari fabric. No two are the same, so expect truly unique designs.
£14.99, So Just Shop
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16
Maje
Fans of French label Maje will be pleased to hear that the brand has created three different masks using its pre-existing and classic prints. Through a partnership with Lainière Santé, a French leader in innovative textiles dedicated to health and personal protection, Maje has made 30,000 face coverings for consumers. All profits will be donated to the non-for-profit charity, Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors without Borders.
£19, Maje
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17
Isko Vital
Isko Vital's masks are made using technology called SANITIZED™ which makes them extremely breathable and flexible to grant a high comfort level for the wearer. They can also be washed up to 30 times and are available in three sizes and various different colours (we like the khaki and navy blue).
£14 for three, Isko Vital
18
British Fashion Council
The British Fashion Council and Bags of Ethics have collaborated to manufacture sustainable and reusable masks by six British designers, including Mulberry, Halpern and Rixo. All proceeds from each sale will be donated to three charities – the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal, the BFC Foundation Fashion Fund and Wings of Hope Children’s Charity.
3x pack, £15, British Fashion Council
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19
Profound
With each Profound mask sale, a portion of proceeds will be donated to the International Rescue Organisation, which works to assist Refugee families in overpopulated areas. Further donations to funds that assist healthcare workers in local areas of New York and New Jersey will be donated, as well as a portion of proceeds being donated towards factory facilities that opened its doors for the production of these masks, as sewers, pattern makers and workers that continue to put themselves at risk every day.
£22, Profound
20
Isabel Manns
Isabel Manns' printed masks are made out of soft cotton, which is perfectly breathable for the summer months. Each piece is made in the brand's London-based ateliers, to support the staff during this difficult time. All profits will be donated to Maggie’s Charity, a cancer charity.
£12, Isabel Manns
