Here’s Where To Buy Stylish, Reusable Face Masks Now That We’re Wearing Them All The Time

They're now as essential as your keys and phone.

fashion face mask

by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Updated on

Wearing a face mask is now second nature to most of us since becoming mandatory on public transport, as well as all shops and any space where social distancing isn't possible. What might not be second nature is the idea of a fashion face mask, a search term that is currently sky-rocketing on Google.

fashion face mask
Jodie Turner-Smith ©Getty

Of course, the idea of a fashion face mask has been steadily gaining speed since celebrities, snapped going about their daily lives wearing all manner of face coverings, became unwitting ambassadors for staying safe and looking stylish while doing so. As far back as April 2019, the demand for masks meant the searches surged by 496%, according to global fashion search platform Lyst. ‘Fashion lovers are seeking masks that express their personal style, in some cases looking to the world's most powerful fashion brands for this highly personal item. With demand skyrocketing as face masks become a necessity around the world, the most-wanted styles are now listed for many times their original price on resale platforms,’ said Katy Lubin, Lyst’s VP of communications, at the time.

fashion face mask
Jennifer Lopez ©Getty

While some were quick to suggest that the fashion world was capitalising on the coronavirus, in actual fact there were many brands making face masks as part of charitable initiatives. Many also offered tutorialson how to make your own mask as an alternative to spending money on one, while others just struggled to keep masks in stock. The Vampire's Wife, for example, found its masks had sold out within minutes of landing online.

fashion face mask
Victoria Beckham ©Getty

Concerned about fogging up when wearing a mask with your glasses? At the end of last year, searches for wearing specs with face coverings increased by 242%. Giles Edmonds, Specsaver's clinical services director, shares his tips for tackling steaming and slipping:

How Do You Wear A Face Covering With Glasses?

  1. Stop slipping by wrapping the string of the facemask around the sides of your glasses, rather than your ears – just make sure you’re careful when taking off your glasses as your mask will be attached
  1. If you can (and it’s comfortable), pull your mask further up your nose and place glasses on top. This will help seal the mask around your nose, stopping the warm air from your breath escaping and steaming up your lenses
  1. Try using a piece of surgical tape to hold your mask in place on the bridge of your nose and give your specs additional grip

As masks become our new normal, more high street brands have started to sell their own reusable masks, from Mango to ASOS. It makes sense that people are seeking out styles that they feel comfortable wearing. Just like the shoes on our feet or the gloves on our hands during winter, practical, protective clothing can also be a signifier of personal style.

Gallery

SHOP: Stylish, Reusable Face Masks

Pattern Face Mask, Brown Leopard print, from 13.001 of 22

Pattern Face Mask, Brown Leopard print, from 13.00

Baggu, Fabric Masks Set Fig, £322 of 22

Baggu, Fabric Masks Set Fig, £32

Toast, Face Covering Kit, £9.503 of 22

Toast, Face Covering Kit, £9.50

The Avantguard, The St. Tropez Aerosilver Luxe Mask and Aerosilver Carry Pouch, £384 of 22

The Avantguard, The St. Tropez Aerosilver Luxe Mask and Aerosilver Carry Pouch, £38

Oceanus, Joan Face Mask, £555 of 22

Oceanus, Joan Face Mask, £55

Waring Brooke, Personalised Monogram Face Mask, £12.506 of 22

Waring Brooke, Personalised Monogram Face Mask, £12.50

Collina Strada, Fashion Face Mask With Bows, £527 of 22

Collina Strada, Fashion Face Mask With Bows, £52

Lirika Matoshi, Daisy Face Mask, £37.908 of 22

Lirika Matoshi, Daisy Face Mask, £37.90

LoveShackFancy, Stoney Clover Face Mask Set, £269 of 22

LoveShackFancy, Stoney Clover Face Mask Set, £26

Hush, Leopard Face Mask, £1010 of 22

Hush, Leopard Face Mask, £10

Anthropologie, Reversible Cotton Reusable Face Mask, £611 of 22

Anthropologie, Reversible Cotton Reusable Face Mask, £6

RIXO, Hope floral-print recycled silk-blend face covering, £2612 of 22

RIXO, Hope floral-print recycled silk-blend face covering, £26

SLIP, Reusable silk face covering, £3913 of 22

SLIP, Reusable silk face covering, £39

KURT GEIGER LONDON, Rainbow stretch-jersey face covering, £1514 of 22

KURT GEIGER LONDON, Rainbow stretch-jersey face covering, £15

Lialtu00f3, Midnight Garden Silk Face Covering, £2315 of 22

Lialtó, Midnight Garden Silk Face Covering, £23

Valle&Vik, Ville Blomst Silk Mask, £3516 of 22

Valle&Vik, Ville Blomst Silk Mask, £35

The Masks x Chikashi, Suzuki Face Mask, £2517 of 22

The Masks x Chikashi, Suzuki Face Mask, £25

Emilia Wickstead, Wallpaper Flowers Face Mask, £2018 of 22

Emilia Wickstead, Wallpaper Flowers Face Mask, £20

Wolford, Unisex Classic Mask Set Of 3, £5519 of 22

Wolford, Unisex Classic Mask Set Of 3, £55

O Pioneers, Face Mask With Ruffle, £2520 of 22

O Pioneers, Face Mask With Ruffle, £25

Baukjen, Premium Organic Cotton Face Mask, £1021 of 22

Baukjen, Premium Organic Cotton Face Mask, £10

M&S, 5 Pack Reusable & Adjustable Adult Face Coverings, £9.5022 of 22

M&S, 5 Pack Reusable & Adjustable Adult Face Coverings, £9.50

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us