Whether you like it or not, it looks like face masks are here to stay for a while. If you need some help in choosing some new ones, we’ve gathered of the best masks on the market. We’ve got super comfortable and reusable cloth masks for kids and adults, that are pretty stylish too. As well as surgical masks that are soft and easy for breathing.
Peas n Plums 3D Origami masks
This small, homegrown label sure knows how to keep up with the times: once it specialised in women’s and kids’ clothing; now it’s gone into mask-making. Recently, it introduced 3D Origami face masks, which are every bit as cute as they sound. Designed for comfort and to stay put while you’re talking, these masks have more room for your nose and single-handedly solve the main problem that has been plaguing spectacle-wearers since the dawn of COVID, by banishing fog!
Expect plenty of minimalism with these masks; the solid hues and uncomplicated designs are sure to ground a bold look or complement your everyday attire of T-shirt and-jeans. But wait, there’s more! This brand also allows you to have a field day with the design, fabric or trimming of your choice with its DIY masks. What a great way to celebrate freedom of expression – on your face!
1929 Reusable Cloth Masks
Designed to be comfortable and durable, the reusable face masks from this family-run brand are non-toxic and anti-microbial. Made of microfibre with five percent spandex for stretchy comfort, the outer layer of the mask is treated with water-repellent qualities. The centre layer is a blend of cotton and polyester; this is to better absorb the anti-bacterial agents that are injected into the masks. These include benzalkonium chloride (BAC), an essential ingredient used in non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers for killing viruses. For the innermost layer, the mask is made of soft, 100 percent cotton for maximum comfort.
Available in a variety of stylish designs (our favourite is the Mountain!), the three-ply masks have been tested to last for 100 washes; the industry average is only 15 to 20 washes. The breathable masks have also passed stringent tests for chemical safety, including for perfluorochemicals, which is a suspected carcinogen.
Gemtier Medical Masks
Medically known as acne mechanica, ‘maskne’ is a skin condition caused by the prolonged wearing of face masks. Masks that impose heat and friction on the skin, combined with a moist environment from breathing, talking or sweating, can cause breakouts, particularly around the mouth and chin. If your mask is wet, bacteria can multiply quickly.
For high quality surgical masks for kids and adults, try Gemtier Medical Masks. What sets these masks apart from the others in the market is that they bear a unique PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane to repel fluids like saliva and sweat, keeping your masks dry throughout while offering higher breathability (<39 Pa/cm²) than industry standards. The membrane provides an impressive bacterial filtration of over 99 percent and high microbial cleanliness, which helps to prevent skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Unlike other polypropylene surgical masks that contain nasty chemicals, Gemtier is chemical-free with no unpleasant smell.
Gemtier adult masks are available on Myhealthscoop and Shopee at a special price of $50 for a box of 50, or $11 for 10. Individually wrapped kids masks are also be available at $45 for a box of 50, or $11 for 10.
Visomio – Bright and Bold Face Masks
Visomio’s reusable masks are bright and bold – perfect for making a statement! Available in 12 fabulous, eye-catching colours like lime green, the three-layer cotton face masks come with matching scrunchies; it’s a nice touch for those who want to match their accessories. The local brand, which means “my face” in Italian, was founded out of a passion for simplicity, comfort and style. Functional fashion is their aim, and they believe that looking and feeling stylish can make anyone’s day a lot better.
Made with the highest quality cotton fabrics, the washable masks have a built-in slip pocket for your disposable inserts. Filter inserts are also included in each set, but you can stock up on more on the website. The masks are packed in a resealable, bio-degradable zip-lock bag – super handy for bringing on-the-go.
Maskela – Designer Face Masks
For masks that are ultra-luxe and chic, Maskela is our top pick. Launched in April as an offshoot of designer dress rental company Covetella, Maskela creates designer masks that are just as fabulous as their dresses. With over 80 unique styles to choose from, including bridal masks, silk masks and sequin masks, the brand offers the largest selection of fashionable face masks and accessories (stylish mask chains, anyone?) in Singapore.
Each three-ply face mask features a convex, three-dimensional shape for comfort and breathability, adjustable earloops, a flexible nose wire and a built-in filter for increased protection. You can also shop for filters, specially formulated essential oil mask sanitisers, and place an order for a customised mask. How cool is that?
CYC – Adjustable Cloth Face Masks
Breathe easy in CYC’s reusable cloth masks, which are made of Egyptian cotton fabrics from top European fabric mills for better breathability. Each mask has been treated with a coating of A-Shield anti-microbial solution; this scientifically-proven solution is certified to kill 99.9 percent of microbes.
Having trouble finding a comfortable mask that’ll fit you just right? Each CYC mask has adjustable ear loops and comes in three different sizes: kids, small and large. The online store also sells filter inserts and cute fabric mask keepers that are washable and easy to use. Plus, don’t forget to check out the limited-edition Liberty London series, which features gorgeous floral prints!
Reusable Masks by Tiara
Masks by Tiara goes beyond just being a business; the passion project was set up with two social causes in mind. The reusable face masks are made by small-scale manufacturing units in Tiruppur, India, which provides livelihood to families in the nearby villages. With each mask sold, $1 goes towards fostering, feeding and caring for abandoned pets and strays in Bangalore, India.
Sustainably made using quality materials that are biodegradable, the breathable face masks are anti-dust, anti-bacterial, splash-resistant and either double- or triple-layered for maximum protection. If you have sensitive skin, check out the range of hypoallergenic Eri silk masks, naturally dyed with ingredients like onion peels, charcoal and turmeric. Masks by Tiara also does bamboo and cotton masks in gorgeous prints. Kids masks are available, too.
Fancies Ultra Soft Masks
Underwear brand Fancies has rolled out a new mask collection on its site! The unisex masks are made with ultra-soft and micromodal excess fabric, as part of Fancies’ bid to reduce textile waste. While they’re only available in one size, these comfortable masks are priced at an affordable $10 a pop, or $25 for three. Get them in chic colours like sand, tan, tiger and tan tiger.
Fun Masks by FaceWedge
The founders of FaceWedge are avid divers and have always been passionate about the environment – in particular, the oceans. After seeing disposable face masks on the beaches in Singapore, they decided to sell handmade fabric face masks in three kids’ sizes and two adult sizes. The brand uses its sale proceeds to extract plastic and trash from the surrounding waters, working with beach clean-up organisation Seven Clean Seas. The reusable masks feature double-layered protection and soft elastic loops for extra comfort. We love the fun, tropical designs, like this pineapple mask!
Vansewying Face Masks
What started out as a passion soon became a home-based business for founder Vanessa, who was previously a sewing teacher before the pandemic hit. Vansewying is loved for its variety of prints, from the adventure-themed animal designs (like this gorgeous Aussie Wildlife print) to unique floral-inspired patterns. Made to order, each mask features 100 percent cotton and adjustable elastic straps for extra comfort. Two sizes are available; one for kids and another for adults.
TAL Apparel’s Enro Masks
Make no mistake: you’re not looking at any ol’ mask here, but the world’s first reusable Tech 3D mask, manufactured by global garment manufacturer TAL Apparel. What this means is that these babies have the highest-grade PM0.1 filtration, designed to last at least 100 washes. Not only that, the high-tech featherlight fabric is supposed to be 50% lighter than other reusable masks in the market, so you can stop gasping for air, even while you’re exercising.
“Unlike other reusable mask brands, we invested in our own capabilities to provide data on filtration efficiency and breathability,” says TAL Group CEO Roger Lee. “Our research found that a 0.1 or 0.3 micron filter was necessary to block the virus, yet most reusable masks only have a 2.5 micron filter since they’re designed to act only as a barrier to pollution.”
Fashionistas will be thrilled to know that there are a whopping 70 designs for adults and kids to choose from, including ongoing collaborations with street artists and designers. The fabric is also anti-microbial to prevent the dreaded mask-ne. We can’t think of a better – or groovier – accessory to don this year, could you?
enro.com | IG and Facebook: @meetenro
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