The fashion world is stepping up in a time of need: Countless companies are now making, selling and donating non-medical grade face masks for daily protection from COVID-19.
Demand for the best face mask options — and the best breathable face mask options — has soared in recent months, in part because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) masks in public settings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. PPE masks are usually made from breathable a fabric like cotton and differ from a surgical mask and N95 respirators that experts say should be reserved for health care workers who are caring for the sick.
In times of crisis, it’s heartwarming to see companies we love and support giving back using the tools and skills they know best. Nordstrom, the largest employer of tailors in the country, has trained its alterations teams to make face masks to distribute to health care workers, while designer Christian Siriano’s small team of couture sewers is making 2,000 cloth face coverings per day. Dior has similarly pivoted to making face masks for those on the front lines in France. Burberry is using its global supply chain network to fast-track the delivery of 100,000 surgical face masks to the U.K. National Health Service’s medical staff, and Prada began the production of face masks and medical overalls at its factory in Italy.
And lots of brands are selling directly to consumers — including some that donate face masks to health care workers and others in need with every purchase — or offering a free mask with every purchase. New to wearing face masks? The CDC guidelines recommends washing your face mask regularly (with detergent, in the washing machine); not touching your eyes, nose or mouth when removing them; and washing your hands or using hand sanitizer immediately after taking your face mask off.
Below are just a few of the companies that are producing and selling adult-size non-medical face masks to help fight the global pandemic (see face masks made specifically for kids here). Due to high demand, product supply may be low or sold out and shipping might be delayed.
Old Navy’s masks are made with three layers of 100% cotton poplin and come in a convenient five-pack and a variety of prints. The company is donating 50,000 of them to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Available in packs of 10 and two different sizes, these dual-layer face masks are made with a cotton-polyester blend that is enhanced with silver-infused fibers to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Save 20% on 10-packs with promo code SMILE20.
Olivia Culpo teamed up with Express to design a line of face masks in solid colors and prints like polka dots, tie-dye and marble. For every #ExpressTogether face cover sold through Aug. 29, the brand donated $10 to Feeding America.
For every fabric mask you buy, Casetify donates one to health workers via Direct Relief. (The company also donated 10,000 masks up front.) Each mask comes with two carbon filters, and you can buy 10-packs of replacement filters here.
In addition to these designer face masks from Ulla Johnson featuring floral fabrics from past seasons, Intermix now offers stylish adult and children’s masks from brands like Mother, Lele Sedoughi, A.L.C., LoveShackFancy, RE/DONE and more.
Just like their bags, Herschel’s face masks are both durable and stylish. Features include an adjustable nose bridge, elastic ear loops with silicon side adjustment tabs and a filter pocket. There are five colors to choose from (pictured is Ash Rose), and you’ll get free shipping on U.S. orders over $30.
This face mask is made from 100% cotton, making it both comfortable and breathable. This mask also has an adjustable nose wire and comes with one removable filter.
Looking for cute ecofriendly masks — and a deal? Take 50% off masks from Christy Dawn with promo code MASKLOVE. Available in packs of three and five, these masks are reusable, made with deadstock fabric and sewn in the sustainable fashion brand’s Los Angeles factory. Pictured above is the Sage Florals 3-Pack; see, shop and save on all Christy Dawn masks here.
Available in eight colors and made with two layers of 100% cotton, these masks have a hidden metal nosepiece to ensure the perfect fit. Plus, each mask comes with a filter.
In addition to sewing white face masks for healthcare workers and clinics, the LA-based brand is churning out colorful and printed versions for customers — like this Gloria Steinem style, which supports grassroots organizations to help register voters and get people to the polls. See other Michael Stars face mask options, including men’s styles and masks with tie straps, here.
Brave New Looks’ printed masks, available in adult and kids’ sizes, are made from 100% cotton and have a high-definition sublimation printed design. Filters made from 100% polyester are also available on the site.
Shop several styles of mask three-packs on the Levi’s site: tie straps, elastic ear loops, paisley print, solid colors. These masks come in small and large sizes; the large fits most adults best. Levi’s is donating $75,000 to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, an international medical humanitarian organization.
Each fitted mask comes with three disposable, replacement mask liners. Sonix is donating a significant portion of these masks and liners to local restaurants and businesses.
After seeing a huge spike in its sellers making and selling non-medical face masks, Etsy has rounded up shops with quality options and fast shipping. This mask is reversible and ships in three days; see others and Etsy’s guide to finding the right mask for you here.
These lightweight masks from Hedley & Bennett’s Wake Up & Fight Mask collection have a metal nose insert, reinforced stitching and an adjustable tie in the back.
Kendra Scott, a jewelry and home accessories designer, is now making face masks. For every face mask purchased, the company will donate one to a frontline worker in need.
These reusable masks are designed with a replaceable filter system (filters not included with your purchase). Choose from a variety of prints, and check out the kids’ sizes, too.
Choose from a range of mask styles at Zazzle. The double layer mask style pictured above allows you to insert a disposable mask inside (sold separately) for extra protection.
Each collection in designer Prabal Gurung’s new lifestyle brand gives back via a philanthropic component. iMPOWER’s first collection includes four face masks, and donations will go to the CDC Foundation. Future collections will raise funds to address global crises, give back to local communities and more.
Just like the rest of this online marketplace’s offerings, Society6’s face masks feature designs from a large community of independent artists. A portion of all face mask proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen to aid in COVID-19 recovery efforts.
These 100% cotton masks manufactured in downtown Los Angeles are available in several colors and styles — these have a filter pocket, and you can see the full cotton mask collection here and purchase filters here. You can also donate masks to a local business or the University of Arizona; for every mask donated, SewCalMasks will donate one as well.
Like Rothy’s shoes and handbags, these machine-washable masks are knit from repurposed water bottles. They feature comfortable elastic straps and have microfiber swatches on the inside for added comfort.
Each mask in this four-pack has an adjustable hook and loop strap, an adjustable nose clip and a dual filter valve for added breathability. Shipping is free. These masks are sold out, but sign up to be notified when they are back in stock.
Redbubble has donated more than 300,000 masks to Heart to Heart International through its one-for-one donation program, plus these masks are designed by independent artists.
At Subzero’s online store, you can buy basic face masks or ones with a filter for extra protection. According to the company, for every reusable face mask purchased, one is donated to an at-risk individual in need. All orders ship within two to 10 business days.
Some pretty inspiring kids designed these adult-size cotton masks, and 100% of the profits go to NYC Health + Hospitals—the largest public healthcare system in the country. See the masks for children here.
For every stylish face mask you buy from Kenny Flowers, they’ll donate one to individuals, families and communities in need in Bali — that’s where their factory is located — and the remaining proceeds will be donated to Direct Relief. Kenny Flowers has already donated over $10,000 and more than 11,000 masks. Order now and they’ll ship in two weeks.
Choose from several colors, all made with a cotton/polyester/elastane blend. For every mask purchased, Good American will donate one mask to local businesses in need.
Food52 has partnered with the Steele Canvas, which manufactures industrial-size canvas products, to produce these cotton denim face masks with a flannel interior. Buy one mask and the companies will donate a second mask to medical facilities across the U.S. You can also buy two masks and they’ll donate both.
To show their appreciation, Sock Fancy is donating one mask to frontline medical staff, care providers and patients for every mask purchased. You can also recommend an organization to receive donated masks by submitting a request here.
These one-piece masks are made from a soft, breathable cotton blend, which Custom Ink describes as similar to a stretchy T-shirt. They have a no-sew design, meaning they’re produced with minimal human touch and feature ear holes rather than elastic bands or ties.
Choose from hundreds of designs at Teepublic, all with elastic ear loops and a filter pocket. Allow 10 to 20 days for printing, processing and shipping. For every non-medical mask sold, TeePublic will donate one medical grade mask to Direct Relief.
With a transparent BPA-free plastic panel, these reusable masks were designed with the needs of members of the hard of hearing and deaf community in mind. Flexible adjustable straps accommodate hearing aids or cochlear implants.
LA-based yogawear brand Onzie is making cloth masks from upcycled fabrics. Proceeds will be donated to health care workers across America through a donation to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Per Onzie’s website, your order will ship within five business days.
These unisex masks come in an assortment of stylish prints, including camo and leopard print, as well as kids’ sizes. With every mask purchase, the company will provide masks to hospitals and organizations in need (learn more via their Instagram Live). Per Sanctuary’s site, expect up to 14 days for fulfillment and shipping due to high demand.
The luxury activewear brand’s masks are made with antimicrobial performance fabrics, which offer fast-drying technology and UV protection with breathability and some stretch.
Sock It to Me’s masks are made with antimicrobial copper fibers rather than cotton, and for every mask purchased, they will donate one to Meals on Wheels People volunteers!
