Here in the United States, COVID-19 cases continue to rise. CDC Guidelines recommend that you to stop the spread of COVID-19. Basically, a cloth face mask is a simple way to be a good human in 2020. This isn’t up for debate.
Hong Kong has a dense population of 7.5 million and yet as of May 2020, they had reported . Experts say this is due to an immediate public adoption of wearing masks. In Hong Kong, if you don’t wear a mask, you might as well not being wearing pants.
I like to think of cloth masks as a mandatory accessory much like hoop earrings. There’s always a style to match your outfit and you should always have an extra pair in your purse. When you wear a mask, you do not have to sacrifice your personal style. In fact, a mask can enhance your look.
While N-95 masks are the most effective, they are limited in supply and need to be reserved for medical professionals. Cloth face coverings can be an important preventative measure for everyday folks. Wearing a cloth mask in a public setting helps to ensure you are not actively contributing to someone else getting COVID-19.
Many of the first places you could buy cloth masks were home crafters, sewists and independent designers. When you wear a mask, you are often able to help support a small business grow and thrive. This list gives you fashionable masks to wear to keep you safe and stylish. I’ve indicted which masks are from Black-owned businesses as well as LGBTQ+ owned retailers.
*This post contains some affiliate links and Iâll earn a small commission when you shop through them. This is one of the ways I continue to bring you great content! Prices are subject to change based on availability. The masks in this list are not medical grade.
You know how Facebook ads read your mind. I found this pink fringe mask while scrolling Facebook and I just knew I had to plan an entire look around it. The brand, Dollys Dlite, offers a variety of double layered face mask styles and multiple fringe color and length options. Grab these earrings from Sleepy Mountain. This rainbow mask aligns very much with my all-the time bright style. It's reversible and you can also get a bandana for your dog to wear and match you! If you are out doing anything outside, including protesting, you need to be wearing a mask. This "No Justice No Peace" style is from LGBTQ-owned brand Uncommon Closet. d.bleu.dazzled is Black-owned business. This is the brand responsible for dressing your faves (Beyoncé and Lady Gaga to name a few) in crystal encrusted fashions. Now you can use your mask to look glamorous and to also let people know you need six feet of distance. My friend Sabrina Servance found the perfect solution to wearing a mask and enjoying an adult beverage - a Kira Nacole straw mask. This Black owned business sells out quick so make sure you set a reminder to check their Friday restocks at 5 PM EST. If Watermelon Sugar is your song of the summer, this mask is a budget-friendly way to match your outfit to your playlist. Christian Omeshun was also recently featured on our list of Black Owned Businesses to support. Her masks were the first ones I saw that really felt fashionable and functional. This QUEENIN style is just one I'm coveting. If you want to match your mask to your little one, Immushae Custom Clothing's red polka dot masks allow you to do just that! This is a Black-Owned Business. If you want a mask with a vintage inspired feel, look no further than plus size vintage boutique, Copperhive Vintage. This geometric pattern gives me 80s Miami vibes in the best possible way. Speaking of Miami in the '80s, a mask is a perfect way to thank the Golden Girls for being a friend to you all these years. This style from LGBTQ+ owned brand, Huntees is just one of the many illustrative styles of gay icons. If you want your mask with a touch of whimsy, this black butterfly mask will help you do just that. This style elevates your average black mask that goes with everything and gives a touch of whimsy. Ashley Nell Tipton is known for being the first plus size winner of Project Runway but she's been in the game for a long time. Her stylish masks feature cute patterns in quality fabrics. Copper Union is another plus size designer making fashionable handmade masks. The Beautiful Womxn design is a fundraiser for the Black Resilience Fund and $10 from each mask will be donated. If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you might as well wear it on your face, too with this affordable style from Boohoo. If you want to show love for your country of heritage right now more than ever, I don't blame you! You already know that I got my Italian flag mask. Around here, we are QUEER ALL YEAR so show your Pride in this rainbow striped mask from Gay Pride Apparel. This is technically a neck gaiter but can serve a similar purpose to a mask. As someone who has the "Better Things Are Coming" design as a tee, I support this message of positivity. This Black-owned business is making a design that is truly over-the-top in the best way. You can get this mask with resin stones, glass stones or if you're really fancy, Swarovski.
Do you have a favorite designer or brand making masks? Let me know in the comments below!