Elyse Hauser
Don’t have sewing skills, but want a face mask that’s more durable and stylish than a bandana with rubber bands? Luckily, there are an increasing number of places online where you can buy ready-made, fabric masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone wear a face mask in public when social distancing isn’t an option, such as at the grocery store. A cloth face mask isn’t a perfect virus barrier, but it’s an added layer of protection. It can partially prevent people from spreading viruses.
Since you also have to switch out your face masks often and wash the used ones, it’s wise to stock up. Here are some online mask retailers to check out:
- MaskClub: Yes, there’s already a subscription club! These U.S.-made masks ship in three weeks, and subscribers get one per month. A subscription is $10 per mask, or you can purchase them individually for $14 each. Designs include logos, and characters from pop culture, so this is a good way to convince your kids that wearing a mask is fun. Plus, MaskClub donates a mask for each one you buy.
- Avocado: This trendy organic mattress and bedding brand has added organic cotton face masks to its lineup. You can get a four-pack of simple, off-white masks for $30. They’re available in both adult and child sizes.
- Naturepedic: Like Avocado, this organic mattress brand has also ventured into mask-making. The company’s organic cotton masks are $49 for a six-pack and feature adjustable straps.
- Rendall Co.: This workwear brand now offers two mask styles: one with elastic ear loops, or a tie-back design. The masks include a flexible copper noseband to help them fit properly. The company also donates a mask for every one they sell. Each mask costs $19 and comes in a few different patterns and colors. You can also buy a four-pack for $65.
- Paige: Best known for its trendy jeans, this Los Angeles fashion brand has started selling four-packs of chic, denim masks for $20. The company also donates a pack for every pack sold.
- Citizens of Humanity: Another chic denim brand now offering masks. You can get a five-pack of cotton masks for $25, or bulk-order of 50 for $250.
- Steele Canvas: This manufacturer of cute, rustic canvas baskets and accessories, is now selling The Keep America Moving Mask for $20 each in adult or child size. Like many other brands, this is also a buy-one-give-one program. The masks also include a flannel lining as an added protective layer.
- Coalatree: This retailer of eco-friendly goods for the outdoorsy set now sells tie-back cotton masks. The company donates one mask for each one sold, and you can get one for $10.
- Averill’s Sharper Uniforms: This company typically supplies uniforms for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Now, it’s also a great resource if you need to buy lots of masks for a low price. A 12-pack of cotton masks starts at $60. If you need to really buy in bulk, you can pick up 500 for $2,000 ($4 per mask).
- Tilit: Specializing in chef and restaurant uniforms, Tilit now sells face masks for $18 each, with a buy-one-give-one policy. Masks are made of recycled hemp and organic cotton, and they also have stretchy, latex-free ear loops.
- J.Crew: If you can’t imagine wearing a denim mask with your favorite summer suit, take heart! You can get a stylish one, too. This preppy-fashion bastion is now selling fabric masks in packs of three in the brand’s classic patterns and colors. Orders are limited to two packs per customer, but they still sell out often. You might have to wait a while to get your fashion fix.
- VIDA: If you want something fancier, these are for you! VIDA’s masks feature adjustable straps and a metal nosepiece for a great (safe) fit. They also have a removable filter, which should be replaced every week. These masks come in a variety of colors for $10 each, $18 for a pair, or $36 for four.
- Tanya Taylor: This brand is known for its colorful (and pricey) women’s fashion. However, Tanya Taylor masks are a little more affordable. You can get a three-pack of brightly printed masks for $35. If you’d like, you can also donate a mask for $3.
- Ministry of Supply: Founded by MIT students, this brand made a name for itself selling business wear designed with a scientific approach. Now, the company also sells $50 mask kits that include a reusable mask and 10 disposable filters. A mask is donated for each one purchased, and if you buy two kits, you get a third one free. You can also buy replacement filter packs of 10 for $20.
- Jaanuu: This company mainly sells scrubs, but now also offers masks made with an antimicrobial-finished scrub fabric. It donates one mask for each one you order. Masks come in adult and kid sizes, a number of colors and patterns, and have adjustable ear loops. Pick up a five-pack for $25, or there are also packs of 10, 25, 50, or 100.
- Maskd: This is a great choice if you need a super-affordable option. These antimicrobial masks start at $15 for a pack of 10, or you can buy in bulk and get 600 for $799. The company also promises quick shipping. The site claims delivery takes just two to five business days, and even offers live tracking. One mask is donated per order, as well as 10 percent of proceeds.
- House of X: This high-end suit brand has launched into masks that will make a statement. Basic designs start at $17, but it’s fun to at least look at the fancier styles. Those can cost over $100, but feature extra-creative designs.
- Araks: Even lingerie brands are getting into masks. A trendy Araks mask will cost you $40, so it’s certainly not a budget-friendly choice. But who knows? Special-occasion masks might soon be a thing. These masks are also handwash-only, so they’re not very durable or practical. However, the brand donates a medical-grade mask to a healthcare worker for every fabric one it sells.
- Hanky Panky: Yet another lingerie brand that’s now making masks, and the cute, lace-trimmed design won’t let you forget it. Even the stretchy ear loops are lacy. One mask costs $22, and a handful of colors are available. Sales are limited to six masks per order.
- Madewell: Popular for its breezy simplicity, this clothing “it” brand also now sells masks for $20 in a three-pack. Each one comes with an antimicrobial, water-repellant finish. However, they’re also handwash only and routinely sell out.
Since masks often sell out and can take a while to restock, you might need to hunt around to get a supply of them fast. Always check the shipping dates and times to know when to expect your masks, but be prepared for unexpected delays.
Also, keep in mind that fabric masks will not fully shield you from the virus. They shouldn’t be used as a replacement for other responsible practices, like handwashing and social distancing. However, with a mask, you and the people around you will be safer from COVID-19 than you would be without one.
Just like any other piece of clothing, the more often you wash fabric masks, the quicker they’ll wear out. This is why it’s wise to order a lot of masks from many sources, if you can.
Although they’re utilitarian safety items, picking out face masks in colors and designs you like might make wearing them whenever you venture out a little less scary.
