ICYMI, we’re now advised to wear face masks with good filtration efficiency. Read on as we list the face masks and surgical masks that get the green light.
No doubt, wearing a face mask in Singapore is the norm right now (using hand sanitisers come close behind). But as we enter a new phase where new Covid-19 variants have emerged (with increased transmissibility, yikes!), it’s crucial that we stay updated with new safe management measures to reduce the risk of infection.
As of 18 May 2021, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has advised us to wear reusable masks with at least two layers of fabric or surgical masks. If you’re looking for surgical masks, HSA has a thorough list of local licensed manufacturers that meet the 95% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE). As for reusable ones, the keyword here is to use one with good filtration capacity to offer effective protection against new strains.
In a nutshell, your reusable face masks should:
- Have two to three layers of fabric with at least 95% filtration efficiency
- Layers should be made with different fabrics including a water-repellent outer layer, a filter to prevent infected droplets from reaching you, and an inner layer to absorb droplets
And no translucent materials please! You shouldn’t be able to see through your mask when held against light. Don’t use face masks in Singapore with exhalation valves, single-layered masks or reuse your masks without washing them (duh!).
Take note of the new rules
You can remove your masks to eat or drink or for strenuous outdoor exercises. But you’ll have to wear it in indoor exercise facilities and for lower intensity exercises (like yoga, pilates, stretching exercises and tai chi).
Now that we’ve shared the basics, it’s on to mask choices! We’ve listed a great range of reusable face masks with two or three layers, including sports ones for your exercise sesh.
Where to buy reusable face masks in Singapore
1. Enro
Looking for comfort, style and practicality? The world’s first reusable tech 3D mask is available in over 70 designs, thanks to Enro. These masks boast day-long comfort, while providing the highest grade PM0.1 filtration level for optimal protection from airborne pathogens – we’re all about staying safe! Expect a comfortable 3D fit with adjustable ear loops and nose strips, feather-light tech fabric and anti-microbial technology. Enro masks can be washed up to 100 times while retaining their filtration efficacy. And to match your style, choose from myriad designs including muted tones, bright statements and fun patterns. Psst: enjoy free shipping to Singapore when you order four masks and above!
Enro, available online
2. Naina Nisa
Wondering where to find face masks in Singapore? Hit up homebred label, Naina Nisa, for 3D masks clad in fun prints and patterns. The 100% cotton two-layer masks have pockets to insert your own filter for extra protection. The label has been gifting us with gorgeous designs one after another – think tropical, mermaid and animal prints, as well as Disney and superhero designs for kids and kids at heart. Available in child and adult sizes.
Naina Nisa, from $12 each, purchase online
3. Olive Ankara
Olive Ankara’s putting their amazing cut off fabrics into great use by creating face masks that are reusable, washable and reversible with elastic bands. These fashionable pieces can be worn alone or with a surgical mask (slide it into the mask pocket!) for higher protection. What’s more, 10% of its revenue will be donated to local charities helping migrant workers and people in need in these dire times. Don’t fret if the masks are sold out as they are regularly stocked with new batches.
Olive Ankara, from $19 each, purchase online
4. Binary Style
Jazz up your Covid look with cheery floral prints, tropical fruit motifs and locally-inspired prints of the Tiong Bahru estate and old school children games. The masks (kid and adult sizes available) are made of two layers of 100% cotton fabric and come with a pocket to insert filters. Each also comes with an elastic band cord and adjustable buckle.
Binary Style, $15 each, purchase online
5. 1929 Mask
Touted as the first of its kind that’s made with anti-microbial and water-repellent properties, 1929 Masks are a great shield against germs and water droplets. The masks are designed with three layers – the first formulated with water-repellent properties as we mentioned, the second has benzalkonium chloride, the chemical used in hand sanitisers to kill germs, and lastly, a cotton outer layer for comfort. Psst… the masks can last for a whopping 100 washes! We’re also loving its adjustable mask extender if you’re looking for a better fit or wearing it over headdresses such as a hijab. They’ve recently injected some colour into the collection by launching masks with myriad colours and fun prints. Available in adult, petite and kid sizes.
1929 Mask, from $25 each, purhase online
6. Nineteen80
Hold your bottled cocktails, A Phat Cat Collective is producing face masks! Nineteen80’s reusable face masks come in timeless and fun designs. The masks come in three sizes, with three layers of 100% cotton and adjustable ear loops. Take your pick of tropical and comic strip-inspired prints and patterns.
Nineteen80, $15 each, purchase online
7. Will & Well
An inclusive fashion label that combines style with function? Count us as fans. True to its ethos, Will & Well has produced a clear mask for people with hearing impairment and/or those who use visual cues to converse. The mask is made to order so you can customise it with a colour or pattern of your choice. All clear masks come with an anti-rust wire, adjustable ear loops and a clear PVC screen. Looking for other masks? There’s a fair range of those too!
Will & Well, from $15 each, purchase online
8. The Form
The handmade masks by local label The Form look just as classy as its clothing. Yup, expect a silky polyester outer layer that screams chic. It’s functional, too – the 100% cotton lining absorbs sweat and is thin enough so you can breathe easily throughout the day. There’s also an opening for you to add in a filter, and adjustable elastic straps to keep the mask in place. The masks come in five colours including blue-grey, black, rose and army green.
The Form, $22 each, purchase online
9. June Silk
June Silk’s masks are the perfect example of comfort meets style. And for added protection, the chic two-layer silk mask has an internal pocket to insert a filter, adjustable elastic ear loops and a nose clip. Pick from 12 glorious colours. Oh, and all masks come with a free PM2.5 filter that blocks up to 95% airborne particles.
June Silk, from $18 each, purchase online
10. LittleOddForest
One mask is definitely not enough if you’re browsing through LittleOddForest’s adorable designs for kiddos and adults. There are rainbow, corgi, raccoon dog, daruma doll, cheetah and vintage kawaii motifs, just to name a few. The masks come with three layers of fabric: durable soft cotton, cotton fabric layer and a breathable cotton lining with filter pockets, plus open-ended flat elastic ties for the perfect fit.
LittleOddForest, from $22.90 each, purchase online
11. Marvelous Works
Marvelous Work’s fabric masks come in various prints and patterns made from 100% cotton. There are up to four sizes for you to choose from so no one at home will be left out. The mask sleeves also come with a slit for you to insert the right filter for more protection.
Marvelous Works, from $10 each, purchase online
12. Sea Apple
Using upcycled fabric from previous seasons, Sea Apple’s face masks for kids is far from drab. Aside from adorable designs, the face masks are also made with 100% comfy cotton fabric, two protective layers, a nose wire (for added comfort) and a pocket for a mask filter.
Sea Apple, from $10 each, purchase online
13. Ans Ein
Be a part of Ans.Ein’s amazing project to distribute 2500 reusable face masks to our everyday heroes in Singapore. The masks come in various colours and sizes for adults and kids. Proceeds from the sale of masks will go to those who work in essential services. The super handy masks come in three ply – breathable cotton twill that absorbs moisture, a waterproof fabric that’s used for medical protective gears and blocks out water droplets, and a durable cotton drill that blocks small particles from outside.
Ans Ein, $7 for adults; $5 for kids, purchase online
14. Independent Market
These 100% cotton fabric masks are totally breathable and hypoallergenic – great for those with sensitive skin. They’re lined with an inner gauze layer for comfort, a pocket for inserting a filter and have elastic ear binds for the ultimate comfort. Plus, they’re sold in packs of four for kids, adults or a mix, so you don’t have to double up in masks.
Independent Market, from $12.90 each, purchase online
15. Pomelo
Fashion brand Pomelo has expanded its range of antibacterial face masks in Singapore to include more designs for you to choose from. The masks are reusable up to 10 washes and are made with quick-dry fabric for convenience. The new designs come in florals, tie dye, pastels and more.
Pomelo, from $9 each, purchase online
16. The Cotton Shoppe
The Cotton Shoppe has a variety of masks for you to pick from. Think Japanese double gauze, tana lawn and cotton fabrics in kids and adult sizes. You can also select from 3D or pleated masks (they all come with slots to insert filters).
The Cotton Shoppe, from $12 each, purchase online
17. Elnadyah
Love batik? Elnadyah uses its signature designs to create reusable masks. The reversible two-layer masks are made with cotton (for the outer layer), fleece (inner layer and used for filtration of bigger droplets), and a pocket to insert your own filter. Options for earloop (with earstopper) and headloop are also available for extra comfort.
Elnadyah, from $10, purchase online
18. CYC Made to Measure
Made with Egyptian cotton fabric, these ultra-comfy masks come in all sizes, with a washable and removable air filter for the ultimate protection. It also has a smart ‘V-fit’ so your mask falls into place nicely. Masks filter inserts, mask pouches and anti-microbial solutions are also sold separately.
CYC Made to Measure, from $20, available online
19. My Sweet Scarlett
Clad in a mix of alluring prints, and soft linen and cotton fabrics, My Sweet Scarlett’s face masks are wearable art. The designs are conceptualised by designer Marina Setiawan herself, but the masks are hand sewn by Dita of @adoptmycrafts. Like the embroidered pieces? That’s the work of Sam from @shepha. All masks come in three-ply and with a compartment for you to slip in a filter. Looking for embroidered face masks in Singapore? This is your best bet. Select from up to three sizes (kids from 1 to 3 years old; 4 to 8 years old and adults).
My Sweet Scarlett, from $18, purchase online
20. Love SG
Like to keep things minimal? Feast your eyes on Love SG’s 3D contour reusable masks, printed with simple yet sleek #SGPride logos to show your fighting spirit. They’re made with 100% cotton and an antibacterial fabric coating that lasts up to 50 washes. Slot your surgical masks into the filter pockets for extra protection, strap on the elastic ear bands and you’re good to go.
Love SG face masks, $9.90 each, purchase online
Comfy, breathable sports masks for a rockin’ and safe workout
21. Dermacool
Your low-intensity workouts will be a breeze thanks to Dermacool’s sports masks. Made from a nano technology polyester material, the three-ply masks score points for breathability and cooling factor. It’s also embedded with anti-bacterial properties (great for sensitive skin), quick dry technology and can last up to 100 washes. Sizes are available from XS to XL. Dermacool Sports Reusable Mask, from $16.90 each, purchase online
22. Under Armour
This one is for fitness enthusiasts. To ease your nerves and to protect yourself while you’re sweating it out, Under Armour’s (UA) Sportsmask’s got your back. The three-layered mask ensures you get the most out of your workout while keeping you comfortable. The first layer has air pockets to enable better airflow and the second layer, which is made up of open-cell foam, allows air to pass through but makes it tough for respiratory droplets and moisture to enter. Last but not least, the third layer is made with UA’s Iso-Chill technology to prevent overheating and is treated with antimicrobial resistance to ensure cleanliness.
Under Armour, $35 each, locations at Orchard Central, Vivocity and Funan or purchase online
23. Uniqlo
Uniqlo sent everyone into a frenzy when it first announced its Airism Mask. Can you blame us? Made from a similar silky smooth material from the Airism series, this triple-layer mask is light, thin and totally breathable. Great for some brisk walking action at your nearest park. The middle and outer layers have a nano-filter with a bacterial filtration efficiency of 99% and sun protection UV Cut UPF50+ respectively. The masks come in S to XL sizes that’ll fit both children and adults.
Airism Mask, $14.90 for a pack of 3, available at all Uniqlo outlets or purchase online
24. Asics Runners Face Cover
This mask is specially structured and designed to ease your step count. The air vents on the chin area don’t restrict your airflow and also prevent the spread of droplets. Plus, the water repellent exterior is made with quick-drying fabric. And for the ultimate convenience, the mask comes with an adjustable cord so you don’t have to worry about it slipping down during your workout.
Asics Runners Face Cover, $55 each, purchase online
A refresher: The right way to wear a mask
- Before wearing your mask, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make sure the mask covers your mouth, nose and chin, and there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- For surgical masks, ensure the coloured side is faced outwards and press the metal wire over your nose to keep the mask in place.
- Avoid touching the mask. Remove the mask from behind your ears or head.
- Dispose the mask immediately after use into a closed bin and wash your hands after.
- For reusable cloth masks, wash them after every use with clean warm water and soap, or pop them into the washing machine. Use the hottest setting in the machine or dry it in the sun. Remember to throw ‘em away after it’s passed its recommended number of washes.
Why you should wear a mask, no questions asked
There’s evidence that infected individuals are showing no symptoms of the virus and may spread it to others without their knowledge. There’s also a possibility of undetected cases in the community and with so many variants popping up, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Now that you’ve got some of the best face masks in Singapore, continue to practice social distancing and adhere to the rules. Let’s do our part to stop the spread and kick Covid-19 in the butt!
