6 Fashion Brands Pivoting To Create Masks For The Public

 
Photo credit: Katie May

Photo credit: Katie May

A version of this story first appeared on Forbes.com

Each day more cities and states are asking the public to wear protective face masks when out to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, which naturally has left a lot of people to ask: where can I find protective masks?

With essential N95 and medical masks in short supply for medical workers, you should not be purchasing these types of masks (and if you have any that are unused, consider donating to a local hospital). Instead, the CDC recommends that the general public wears cloth face masks when out in public.

In response to these changing recommendations, many fashion companies have added cloth masks to their offerings, many of which have a charitable component as well. As a reminder, these masks are not for medical use and are not a replacement for personal protective equipment. In addition, you should still try to maintain social distancing whenever possible, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face.

If you are in need of a face mask to wear, here are a few brands to look at:

Katie May

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Bridal brand Katie May is known to bring upscale glamour to their dress designs, so naturally their mask designs are equally stylish. The “Protective AF” mask is unisex and great for everyday wear, and the brand also unveiled a few sequin and lace-embellished designs for ultra-chic options.

In addition to receiving a glamorous mask to wear out in public, for each mask purchased, Katie May will donate 3 utility masks to those on the front lines keeping communities safe and healthy. Their goal is to donate 20,000 masks and also provide a donation to charities like No Kid Hungry.

Learn more about Katie Mays masks initiative here.

RESA

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RESA is one of my go-to brands for California-cool party dresses and the best prints around town, so I was ecstatic to see them release an assortment of cloth masks for personal use. Featuring the same colorful prints as their clothes, these masks are great for wearing to the grocery store or pharmacy, and the bright colors are sure to liven your mood. They are also made right here in Los Angeles!

In addition to making masks available to the public, RESA has also donated masks to nurses and other medical workers.

Learn more about RESA’s masks here.

8 Other Reasons

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Accessories brand 8 Other Reasons makes beautiful hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags. Just like their fashionable designs, they introduced masks that are sleek and cool. Made with a mix of viscose and nylon, these masks are stretchable and comfortable, as well as machine-washable.

All proceeds from mask sales will be donated directly to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

Learn more about 8 Other Reasons’ masks here.

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet

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Alice + Olivia makes adorable clothes for the fun fashion lover, so of course the contemporary brand is offering a stylish face mask, too. Their mask features the brand’s iconic “Staceface” pattern.

Not only is the mask super cute, but for each mask sold, Alice + Olivia is donating a mask to communities in need.

Learn more about Alice + Olivia’s mask here.

Buck Mason

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Don’t forget masks for the men, too! Menswear brand Buck Mason has created these anti-microbial coated masks for everyday use. The coating is incredibly durable and will last up to 30 wash cycles.

Not only is Buck Mason developing masks for consumers to wear, but they have also made it their goal to donate one million non-medical masks to their California community. For each mask sold, they will donate one mask. So far, they have 373,510 masks set to donate.

Learn more about Buck Mason’s initiative here.

Bleusalt

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Bleusalt makes great everyday staples, and this versatile neck scarf is another must-have piece! Tie it around your neck for a chic French look, or wear as a face mask if you’re in a pinch. The material of the scarf is both breathable and anti-microbial so it will make a great mask stand-in.