The best fabric face masks you can buy here
Just when we thought we were on top of the dreaded COVID-19 virus in Australia, comes news it’s still circling, with Victoria reintroducing the requirement for face masks in some areas.
Unlike other countries, it wasn’t mandatory to wear a mask here for some time, though now it’s certainly the RIGHT course of action – especially with infection rates on the up.
But what to wear and where to get them? Don’t stress. We’ve sourced some of the cutest options ready to ship right now in Aus.
These aren’t medical-grade masks, but they’ll certainly help stop the spread, allowing you to do the right thing, look after others AND look cute all at the same time!
Yarli Creative, $35
These Protective Triple Layer Washable Masks, $35, are made by Yarli Creative, an Indigenous-owned buisness, and are printed with artwork hand-painted by Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi artist Maddy Connors.
By Indeko, $19
By Indeko’s 100 per cent cotton Mint Reusable Face Mask, $19, also comes in blush, light blue, sand, charcoal and black, and are handmade in Australia by people living with a disability.
Gorman, $15 (on sale for $12)
If gingham print is your thing, look no further than Aussie brand Gorman’s cloth face masks. They come in five colours — black, blue, green, yellow and red — so you can tailor them to your outfit.
Just Georgie, $21.95
Need something to lift your spirits and brighten your day? Might we suggest these gorgeous masks from Just Georgie? These 'Kool Kats' PK 2 Face Masks are fashioned from super-soft comfy, cotton jersey, making them snug and easy to wear. They come in a three-pack.
Sisterworks Reusable Cotton Face Masks, $18
If you’re looking for stylish, comfortable mask that actually directly benefits the people who make them (many of whom are currently in lockdown in Melbourne), look no further than these hand-crafted numbers from SisterWorks.
This organisation is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Melbourne, designed to support female refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to “improve their confidence, mental wellbeing, sense of belonging and economic outlook.” The organisation gets them involved in manufacturing SisterWorks products – they’re paid to produce items under the company’s label – and if they’ve got a product idea, they can benefit through business mentoring to establish a micro-business. These masks are fashioned from two layers of 100% cotton fabric, with a muslin lining for comfort. Our mask of choice!
Clear Collective masks for kids, $49.95
Well these are just a little bit cute! We absolutely love these cheery little kids masks from Australian mask retailer, Clear Collective. These have been designed specifically for children, with adjustable ear straps and an adjustable nose bridge. And that little bear on the front – too cute!
Cibi Tenugui face mask material, $30
Tenugui is a rectangular piece of hand-dyed fabric from Japan, commonly used for everything from a scarf, to table runner, tea towel...or a facemask! Over on the Cibi website, they’ve got a great link to one of their manufacturers, Tenugui Kamawanu, who are sharing a Youtube video all about how to create your own Tenugui facemask. Give it a go!
Little Wool Creations, $15
Melbourne-based Etsy seller Little Wool makes adorable, reusable, washable and breathable cotton face masks. They have a flexible nose wire for added comfort and are double-stitched for durability, with two layers of 100% cotton. The best bit? The fabrics! We absolutely LOVE their native flora range. Too cute!
Hey Reflect’o! $29
Like to stand out in the crowd? Of course you do! Why not wrap your laughing gear up in one of these stylish little numbers from Adelaide-based Hey Reflect’o? This great company usually makes reflective cycling vests, but in recent times their matching, brightly-coloured face masks have been in hot demand. Fashioned from soft hemp/organic cotton lining with a Reflect’o fabric outer, they’re a stylish alternative to your run-of-the-mill masks. If you’re cycling, match one with a reflector jacket and REALLY make a statement.
Monsterthreads, $12.95
Current stock and the first lot of pre-orders for these 3-Layered reusable Cloth Face Masks are already all sold out. The website is now taking orders for the ‘best collection yet’ due to arrive in Australia on the 6th of August. Monsterthreads Artist masks are useful to help slow spread of airborne pathogens, including those commonly associated with colds, flus and COVID-19. The website has cute designs for adults and kids.
For Chloe And Me, $20.90
It can be particularly hard to get kids to wear a mask – especially young boys – but this Australian Esty seller’s got you covered. They make face masks in all different sizes, in a range of fun fabrics designed to appeal to little people – they even make matching bowties! They’ve got a spot for added filters, and as they say, “filters can be purchased separately at medical supply stores. Alternatively, disposable paper towel/dried baby wipes can also be used.” Good to know.
Rainbow face coverings, $36.04
We are absolutely OBSESSED with how gorgeous this two-pack of masks is. The designs are done by kids, so they’re bright, cute and guaranteed to put you in a good mood. Uncommon Goods ships to Aus, but all proceeds of these reusable rainbow masks go to NYC Health + Hospitals, who are certainly doing it tough right now.
Cotton On/Typo, $9.99
We are loving the selection of fabrics and cool prints available through Cotton On/Typo’s Face Masks. Check out this gorgeous, retro 70s-inspired piece – too cute! These are being sold through the Cotton On Foundation, so 100 percent of proceeds raised from the sale goes to their in-house charity, which does great things globally.
Mask Made Australia, $25
Another great Etsy retailer is Mask Made Australia, who have designed this rage of face masks in various blue hues. We particularly love the Liberty-print inspired number! Washable and reusable, they’re made from 100% Cotton and have a nose wire and filter pocket.They come in a range of sizes.
Choupette Studio, $12
This one’s for all the cat lovers! What’s not to love about this delightfully whimsical, double layered – one layer cotton, the other flannel for comfort – facemask with elastic ear ties? Choupette Studio on Etsy are hand-making these using bespoke fabric. Adorable!
Aussie Bub, $9
This Etsy shop are shipping adorable Winnie The Pooh fabric face masks. Cuuuuute! They’re double-layered with a cotton outer and cotton lining, with elastic ear loops. Little ones will absolutely love these. While you’re browsing their shop, also check out their sweet selection of bibs and baby accessories. A great gift.
Asos, $24
This one’s for the blokes out there – online retailer ASOS are selling bandana-style face coverings in a range of colours and patterns. Look like a bandit AND protect those around you all at the same time!
Jean Paul Gaultier, 12 Euros
OK, so these masks aren’t technically shipping to Australia, but we couldn’t help including these gorgeous striped face accessories from French designer, Jean Pau Gaultier. An ambassador for the French AIDS charity Sidaction, he designed these to be available to purchase through the organisation’s website, with all proceeds going to the charity. Find out more (in French!) here.
Bitter Sports, $20
We are LOVING these brightly coloured numbers from Melbourne retailer, Bitter Sports. They’re super bright, super comfy...and super cute! Lined with two layers of 100% cotton jersey, they sport a Ripstop Nylon outer – the perfect accessory for when you’re out pounding the pavement for your allotted daily exercise. The nose bridge is moldable for added comfort...and they even make matching bum bags! How great’s that?
Ford Millinery, $29.95
Melbourne milliner, Chantelle Ford (who also appeared on – and won! – The Block back in 2014), has pivoted in recent times to make gorgeous, stylish face masks and PPE. Her creations come in a range of designs and colours. And the best bit? Through her ‘Masks 4 Mates’ initiative, for every face mask purchased, Ford Millinery will donate a mask to an organisation in need! She also sells protective full face shields.
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