I think you all will agree with me on this, reusable face masks are an essential good nowadays, giving the current circumstances there’s nothing else that brings up a conversation than the use of face masks, some people might say no, others yes but while the world is giving us a rapped on the knuckles wearing face masks when outside our homes seems to be that one simple way we can protect ourselves and others amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The use of face masks helps limit the spread of droplets emitted into the air and is most effective when everyone is wearing one, especially if you are frequenting public transport.
Luckily for us, brands worldwide are shifting production efforts to craft affordable face masks out of cotton, Tencel, hemp, and other sustainable materials. These are the 7 sustainable brands selling in Australia for social distancing chosen by the CF team. With travel restrictions easing locally and lockdowns possibly starting to lift soon, now is the perfect time to invest in a reusable face mask – a staple for post COVID wardrobes.
Just one last thought, stay safe and keep your social distancing at all times, mate! Here’s a list with the best reusable face mask to buy now:
1. UNIQLO
UNIQLO has just announced that they will be launching the AIRism Mask online and in all stores in Australia (except for Perth) on September 15, with the product launching in Perth stores on September 16.
Following widespread customer requests to develop a mask that would optimize protection and comfort in daily use, UNIQLO developed the AIRism Mask (not for medical use) which reflects UNIQLO’s commitment to making everyone’s life better through LifeWear.
These face masks will be available in three sizes, what it’s great about their design is that they will employ a triple-layer structure that enhances its performance. The center layer of the mask employs a filter that delivers a bacterial filtration efficiency of 99% (initial value), blocking droplets, and protecting the skin from bacteria, virus-contaminated particles, and pollen. Encasing the filter is the AIRism mesh fabric equal to a silky smooth sensation on the skin.
The inner AIRism layer is free of the stiffness or thickness typical of non-woven and cotton masks, maximizing comfort. Functionality was paramount in the development of the AIRism mask. UNIQLO noted that customers increasingly prefer reusable masks as daily wear, to minimize their environmental impact and we cannot agree more on this. The AIRism mask is machine washable, with regular household detergent (try to wash them inside a wash bag for best results), a testing institution proved that the filter inside the triple-layer structure retains its efficacy after 20 washes at 40 degrees downgrading efficacy just by 5%.
The AIRism Masks will be retailed in a pack of three at $19.90 at all UNIQLO Australia stores and on Uniqlo.
2. Gary Bigeni
This is the first time Maltese-Australian creative Gary Bigeni will produce face masks, another great mind supporting the COVID-19 pandemic. Each design has been individually hand-made to order in Gary’s Sydney studio using leftover polka dot fabric from past collections, as a unique range, these styles are pre-order and only made by order so the team advises everyone to allow 10 days until delivered.
The masks are available in three colorways (pink with yellow dots, purple/lilac, and pink/yellow) and are a blend of 95% fabric with 5% Elastine for stretch. With 100% Cotton poplin lining with elastic that can be adjusted to fit around the ears. As a reusable face mask, they are washing machine-friendly just be mindful when mixing colors/white we don’t want to ruin our fave clothing for a little mistake.
3. Clear Collective
Clear Collective is a revolutionary, innovative, effective, and fashionable brand making masking easy and accessible for Australians. Their aim is to strip away the stigma attached to face masks by offering reusable cotton masks in a range of print, pastels & classic colors so there’s a mask for every taste from the little ones to our beloved elders.
Clear Collective was launched in early 2019 in order to fill the need for pollution filtering masks and has become a no-brainer during COVID times. The team wanted to create an eco-friendly option that did the job but didn’t look like a surgical mask.
Perfect during and post COVID – all masks are created to stop unhealthy air/pollution/ pollen and bacteria from filtering in or out. Stylish, safe, and sustainable we love that all masks are handmade and sewed locally in Sydney and that their 3 layer formula comes with 2 filters changeable after 7 days of use as advised by the Clear Collective team.
They also recommend hand washed every 5 days during heavy use. Hand washes your mask gently with hot soapy water taking care around any valves or trims. Allow to fully air dry prior to use. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or use harsh soaps. If you are choosing a face mask with valves, these can be taken apart and put back together once cleaned separately.
4. One P Design
One P Design’s new range of reusable and sustainable face masks is a serious must-have right now!
These sustainable masks are made from soft Tencel linen fabric with a luxurious silk lining and adjustable ear loops. Available in either black or navy, these 3 layered masks where the first and third layers are Tencel linen friendly blending in perfectly with the second layer of 100% silk will ensure you’re staying protected and putting only the best quality material on your face, to avoid any breakouts or skin irritations (commonly known as maskne).
Not only will you be supporting an Australian Made local business, but you’ll be investing in a high-quality mask that can be reused time again – all you have to do is pop it into your washing machine after use or hand wash it for best results with mild detergent.
5. TDE
Australian’s fave personalized accessories brand has joined forces to keep everyone safe with style during COVID times, offering a 3 pack on a soft pink shade that as all of the TDE products you can make them unique by personalizing them with your initials or the text of choice. Made in Sydney, this is another great 3 layer mask featuring one outer layer in Polyester and two inner layers in 100% cotton.
As reusable face masks, the TDE advises to hand wash in warm water after each use followed by an air-drying process, make the most out of this beautiful design, and paired it with a unique hand sanitizer holder perfect to attach to your keys or bag for the easiest access.
6. The Fashion Advocate
Featuring chin darts for a comfortable, no-gape, and full-face fit, their face masks offer ultimate protection and are washable, reusable, and a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic face masks. They’re also 100% plastic-free and synthetic-free for a healthy, breathable, comfortable, and sensitive skin-friendly experience every day.
With a great offering between 2 and 3-layer masks, the former are handmade with two layers of durable cotton for a protective layer outward and inward. And the latter is handmade with three layers of durable cotton for a protective layer outward and inward, incorporating an additional filter layer of cotton for extra filtration in the middle.
The Fashion Advocate uses the only cotton that is high quality and tightly woven, providing protective filtration whilst allowing easy breathability. Ear-loops also made with super soft organic cotton to prevent irritation from daily wear. As with all face masks previously mentioned the Fashion Advocate team suggests a daily washing. Just make sure your beads are secure with a knot, then pop your mask into a wash bag, and into the washing machine.
7. Acala Stem
A mask made from the lotus flower stem may sound like a fairytale, but it’s a sustainable reality for Australian label Acala Stem. Since the 5th century, lotus fabric has only been worn by Buddhist monks and the highest royalty, until now. This fabric is a natural botanical, harvested in its wild natural setting, and is 100% organic. One of the best parts of the fabrication is that it requires no water, electricity, oil, or gas, making it one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet.
The outer layer of the Acala Stem mask is super-soft organic cotton and the middle layer panel contains lotus microfibre. The fibres are light-weight, ultra-breathable, and hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. Did you know that the lotus microfibres are 20 times thinner than human hair and they absorb 7 times their weight in water, and dry 3 times faster than cotton?
All Acala Stem masks are plastic-free with no synthetic fibres and as a great reusable option, they are 100% washable, with most styles suitable for a machine wash in hot or cold water. Each mask arrives in its own organic cotton pouch for safe storage.
Acala Stem’s masks are part of a not-for-profit project, and so far they’ve donated back over 250 of their own masks to The Salvation Army Australia.
How to Style Your Fave Mask?
Award-Winning Melbourne Hairdresser, Yoshi Su, has spent his last few weeks in lockdown creating easy but stunning hairstyles that suit different styles of face masks.
We love the different use of bandanas turned face mask as Yoshi named the Lived in Low Pony.
- Prep the hair like a ponytail
- Create a low ponytail on the bottom section with a hair tie and leave the top section loose
- Let down the top section and spray dry shampoo to create texture and then create two sections of the top section
- Bobby pin the desired side of the section on top of the ponytail
- Twist in another side and secure with bobby pins
- Pinch the hair to create the desired texture and shape
How to wear and use a mask properly?
1. Wash your hands before putting it on or taking it off
2. Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth
3. Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing or removing it
4. do not reuse single use masks
Why should people wear masks during the pandemic?
Masks are an important measure to suppress transmission.
What kind of mask is recommended to prevent COVID transmission?
Fabric masks are recommended to prevent corona virus transmission in public areas, particularly where distancing is not possible, and in areas of community transmission.
