Since face masks became mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from July 24th, it just makes sense to find some that you like. If something more stylish appeals to you, and it does to me, thankfully there are a whole host of designs now available. This way, you can stay safe and feel a little better about wearing one, too. So, I’ve been on the hunt for designer face masks in an effort to find some which may be more aesthetically pleasing. Which ones would you choose?
Fashionable and healthy?
I know these face coverings are not a fashion accessory per se. But I do believe anything which can help you and I feel better about this situation is going to help. I also want to enable all the retail assistants out there to feel safer any way I can, in light of the latest news reports. It looks like we’re going to be wearing these face masks for quite some time…
Make your own
Although I love this idea, when will I get round to making one myself? I don’t even own a sewing machine, although I do have a sewing kit stashed away somewhere in my home. So if, like me, you haven’t got the inclination to make your own, maybe it’s time for a rethink. So, I’ve come up with a far easier option – simply shop for one online. The good news is there are all sorts of patterns, colours and styles, so you’re bound to find something to suit.
The fit
The fit of your face mask is crucial. This is because you need to eliminate gaps between your skin and the mask. It’s so important to wear your mask properly as this will contribute to how effective your mask will be. The best way to achieve this is to cover your nose with a mask which goes below your chin. And for glasses wearers, like me, look for models with nose clips or wires. In fact, these will help to eliminate steam from covering your glasses every time you walk into a shop. Don’t forget you’ll still need to abide by social distancing measures and wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial gel too. After all, it’s this combination which will help to slow down this pandemic.
Materials to choose
There are a whole host of face covering materials to choose from and I’m not talking about surgical or medical masks. These should be left for those most in need -the healthcare professionals and key workers. One issue for me has been to find fabrics which will be breathable. This is all the more important for those of you who may want to wear them for sport, too. And remember, you’ll probably want to throw them in with your other laundry after use. So, I think machine washable models will be ideal.
Silk
Silk makes a great choice for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin. I’m unlucky in that I suffer with both, so this could make a silk face mask a win-win for me. They are breathable and cool, making these another great choice especially as the weather’s turning warmer. The 100% Mulberry silk face masks from The Big Silk are single layer so you may want to buy replaceable filters to place inside before you wear them. With adjustable elastic ear loops, silk is hypoallergenic making it perfect for prolonged wear! They are hand or machine washable and reusable; they even come with a nose clip – a must for those who wear glasses. After all, you won’t want your glasses steaming up every time you walk into a shop. There are three colours to choose from – I chose pink and grey.
Cotton
I hear tightly-woven cotton is one of the most popular materials for fabric face masks right now. Apparently, the tighter the weave, the better the protection will be. However, you’ll need to make sure you can breathe! And if your mask isn’t too comfortable when the weather’s warmer, you could end up touching your face more. In fact, you could try a combination of materials – cotton and chiffon or cotton and natural silk – some research suggests these could work particularly well together.
How to wear and clean your face mask
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before you put on your mask or take it off. Also, don’t forget you’ll need a snug fit so there aren’t any gaps between the material and your face. When you’re wearing it, don’t pull it away from your face to speak or touch the front of your mask. Don’t forget to wash your face mask after every use so you may want to buy two or three to keep you going. When you dry them try to do so on a washing line in direct sunlight. Then, hey presto, you’ll be prepared for every shopping trip!
