Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
While it is important to leave N95 and other medical grade face masks to the medical practitioners fighting on the front-lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recommends that us ordinary folks wear face makes when in public. As such, we’ve put together a list of some of the ones made by small manufacturers in our community.
Many of these makers offer package deals where a mask is donated to medical works with purchase, so please consider taking advantage of such deals if you are in a place to do so.
Also, if you don’t have the means to buy a mask, check out our guides on how to make one easily with a t-shirt and for those more skilled with a sewing machine.
1) Winter Session: Face Mask
If you are most interested in a tied face mask, then Winter Session’s Face Mask is the obvious choice. They feature two layers of cotton fabric plus replaceable 80%/20% polyester/nylon blend filters. Each mask features a metal insert for a close fit against the nose, and best of all each purchase will be met with a mask donation to our partnered Cover Up Colorado initiative.
Available for $14 from Winter Session.
2) Good Art HLYWD: Covid Relief Mask
You might have the same question we do, “What’s a jewelry company doing sewing masks??” Well if you know Good Art, they’re far more than just shiny trinkets and have stepped up to have their workforce produce masks from home. It’s also the most affordable of any of Good Art’s offerings, with a single mask coming in at $10 plus a no questions asked one-penny mask for those who may be in need.
Available for $0.01-$20 at Good Art.
Like this? Read these:
3) Capra Leather: Linen Face Mask
Capra Leather’s thought of everything when designing this mask. With three layers of fabric, an exterior colored linen, a non-woven center fabric-, and a interior white linen, you get a great looking mask with a soft linen interior. Each mask features dual elastic head bands, and comes with a matching bag for hygienic storage.
Available for $19 from Capra Leather.
4) siizu: Mask
Siizu is known for their sustainable line of clothing, so it’s great to see them embracing increased need for face masks. Their basic Mask is the perfect option for a basic mask. Made from cotton with a “superfine” filter, these masks can be easily washed and come in both black and grey colorways.
Available for $18 from siizu.
5) Railcar Fine Goods: Type I Masks
Railcar Fine Goods‘ Type I Masks feature two layers a fabric: an outer shell and an inner jersey cloth. They feature jersey tape for additional comfort and reinforcement, and elasticated ear cords for a secure fit. These made in California may be simple, but they’re just what people need in these troubling times.
Available for $20 from Railcar Fine Goods.
Plus One – Runabout Goods: Face Mask
Where would we be without a denim face mask? Nowhere good, that’s for sure. Luckily for us Runabout Goods has resolved that potentially disastrous situation with their Face Masks. Made from a 9oz. denim, 100% polyester lining, metal wire for close nose fit, and elastic ear securing straps, these are masks that you’ll be happy to reuse (just make sure to keep them clean).
Available for $45 from Runabout Goods.
