In 2020 we in America started wearing masks for the first time since the Spanish Influenza (besides medical care physicians who have been wearing them for years). In this time since masks started being worn. We have seen many misadventures by celebrities in the effectiveness department. A very popular example that most people will think of would be Lana Del Rey’s mesh see-through mask, she wore to meet with fans… in a pandemic. Something that completely misses the mark on what masks are supposed to do by being completely aesthetic rather than effective. So I wanted to get into the most effective to least effective fashion masks on the market. Starting with the completely useless to “that’s ok I guess” to the truly effective ones.
The requirements for a mask to be truly effective can be found on the Center for Disease Control‘s website as well as the World Health Organization‘s Frequently Asked Questions section on their own website. WHO’s rules for an effective mask are as follows: “Fabric masks should be secured with elastic loops or ties, include multiple layers, be washable and reusable.”, “They should ideally be made of three layers of fabric. Inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton. Middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene. Outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend.” The CDC’s guidelines go in detail of what exact your masks should be like. Masks should fit properly (snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face), Masks should be breathable but also made of at least two or more layers of tightly woven fabric.
A side tangent I want to mention that on multiple occasions health resources such as the CDC and WHO have stated that they do not recommend masks with respirators because they do not do anything to reduce the airborne particle the wearer breaths out or breathes in. the purpose of these masks are to deal with fine dust and such not for airborne viruses. I know it might seem like they would work but please trust the scientists when they tell you “you shouldn’t be doing that” rather than make up your own reasoning for why its fine. Better to be safe than sorry.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing it can be difficult for them to read lips with the usual mask design some manufacturers have started making see-through masks as an alternative. While it is a good idea to have some see-through elements so those who are deaf and hard of hearing can read your lips. The options for how to do this have to be limited so people don’t accidently ruin the integrity of their masks. The main two options of masks for lip-reading reasons are either a clear mask or a mask with a clear panel. My only issue with the ones directly below is that they are lowkey terrifying. Another option is the face shield paired with a clear mask that reaches until in front of the nose. In food service jobs in South Korea as well as other countries a mask closer in similarity to the second image below is what they wear. This makes it so that the food service employees can stay safe and customers with hearing issues can easily read their lips.
These specific masks aren’t fashion masks since they are more for utility purpose. Examples of some effective fashion masks don’t really have any with an effective screen. The most potential a fashion mask has to remain effective is simply adding a fashionable pattern to a regular structured mask. This is a very simple and effective mask idea but sadly big designers will get the benefit to use their insignia or their brand pattern to make masks that cost an outrageous amount of money in comparison to the cost of creating the product. So this specific fashion mask category boils my blood a bit. Like yeah its an attractive mask but there are no qualities about it that stand out as unique in any way. In my opinion fashion should be unique because dressing like everyone else or having the brand name of your clothing being the fashionable part is just blah to me. The Burberry mask below is $120 which I personally find insane and makes me hate rich people because they seem to want to make fashion exclusive to just the upper class. 😡
Some masks are a bit more experimental in design while still being effective the only drawback might be figuring out how to wash them. A good example of a fashionable mask that maintains integrity along with its style would be the Red Ruffle Face Mask by Tia Adeola a designer who is known for her ruffle designs and has a cult following for her “ruffled confections” as stated by Elle. The structure is super nice and the way it would be put on and taken off is truly unique. The only issue I find with this is that it is $45 which in my opinion is a bit expensive for the average person but not as insane as $120 for a fairly simple mask. The thing that makes it even better than any other well known designers is the fact that it has so much more unique personality in the design than any other mask I’ve seen those other brands do.
Another interesting mask that costs about $12 less than the previous is Savage X’s Xtra Ruched Face Mask. This mask is $32.95 and is a nice sexy lingerie inspired silky mask. This mask has the Savage X aesthetic and can easily make a very sexy statement for whoever wears it. However, it is a light pastel which can create a very cute statement if that was what you preferred. Its design is meant to be effective and it is “made with antimicrobial technology, our face masks are odor-resistant and help prevent the growth of bacteria after each use”. Overall this mask is one of my favorites with its fashionable look and general utility. Just a very sexy cute pretty color that has a duality to it that I find very appealing and It is a mask that I would like but I wouldn’t have a lot of things to wear with it.
Another actually exciting fashion mask is the Never Say Never V Face Mask by Cosabella. It is actually a good mask with enough layers to do what its meant to. It is a nice lavender lace mask with a shape reminiscent of a bra cup which seems odd but from what I’ve heard from a fashion professor is that these types of mask are very comfortable while still effective. A benefit of a more structured mask is that it can fit your face in a way that isn’t suffocating but still keeps your potential sick away from others and vice-versa. Another great benefit of this specific mask is that it is only $18 which for a fashionable mask that would not be worn while doing physical labor is a good price.
For those out there who like to DIY there is always the option to make your own mask that can protect you while being unique to your own style or interests. I will link another article here that can teach you how to make your own masks and you can use those mask making basics and then add your own twists. Another easy option is to purchase a pack of plain masks and then add some embroidery or appliques to add some personality to your masks and then you can have the option to make a variety of masks that you can wear each day of the week.
Overall I sincerely hope everyone is wearing their masks and continues to wear effective masks that actually do what they are supposed to. If you find a cute mask online make sure you look at the details to see if it is actually a good mask or if it is something made with only the aesthetic in mind rather than its technical purpose. I also think its important to use some common sense when purchasing a mask and making sure that its not as absolutely idiotic as Lana Del Rey’s mesh monstrosity. I should mention this is no hate to those who make the mistake of wearing ineffective masks but I think it is increasingly important to put time into making sure your decisions are not going to make you responsible for the spreading of a deadly disease. Overall just stay home if you can or make sure you take precautions to protect yourself and so many others. So just because you think a mask is cute does not always mean it is best choice for the situation we are all in. So, hey everyone, make an effort.
Fashion During A Pandemic 