Stop the spread of Covid-19 by wearing a reusable mask when you’re out of the house.
Coronavirus update: You gotta wear a mask anytime you’re out. As of 15 April 2020, those caught without a mask outside will face a fine of $300 for the first offence, and $1000, for the second time. Why the sudden mask-wearing requirement? There’s been evidence that infected people 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 so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Now that we’ve entered phase one of the circuit breaker exit, it’s time to mask up!
Unless you’re ill, you’d want to save the surgical masks and N95 respirators for frontline staff and healthcare workers. The government has already issued reusable masks for everyone but if you need more, these local labels are churning out reusable masks in different sizes and with pockets to slot in filter inserts. Alternatively, you can DIY your own mask if you’re bored at home.
The right way to wear a mask
- Before wearing your mask, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose, 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 and 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.
Where else to purchase reusable masks
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’s face masks, $19 each, purchase online.
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. 20% of the sales will be donated to various charities such as Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) and a charity that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs.
Binary Style, $15 each, purchase online.
Naina Nisa
Hit up homebred label, Naina Nisa, for 3D face masks clad in fun prints and patterns. The 100% cotton two-layer masks have pockets to insert your own filter for extra protection. Also available in kid and adult sizes.
Naina Nisa, $12 each, $10 each for 2 masks or more, drop a DM on the Instagram page to make a purchase.
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, purchase online.
Sea Apple
Using upcycled fabric from previous seasons, Sea Apple’s series of masks is far from drab. Aside from adorable designs, the masks are also made with 100% comfy cotton fabric, two protective layers and a pocket for your mask filter. It’s great to know that 20% of the proceeds from sales will go to The Courage Fund in support of families and individuals affected by Covid. Also available in adult and kid sizes for the whole fam!
Sea Apple, from $10, purchase online.
1929 Mask
There’s more to 1929 Mask’s collection than the classic, no-frills design. Touted as the first of its kind that’s made with anti-microbial and water-repellent properties, it’s 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. We’re also loving its new adjustable mask extender if you’re looking for a better fit or wearing it over headdresses such as a hijab. Available in adult, petite and kid sizes.
1929 Mask, $25 each, purchase 2 masks at $22.50/piece and 5 masks at $20/piece.
Ans Ein
Be a part of Ans.Ein’s amazing project to distribute 1000 reusable masks to our everyday heroes in Singapore. The masks come in various colours and sizes for adults and kids. Also, all 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’s reusable masks, $7 for adults; $5 for kids, purchase online.
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, fabric face masks set, $32 for set of four, purchase online.
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 reusable cotton fabric face mask sleeve insert, from $10, purchase online.
Pomelo
Fashion brand Pomelo has expanded its range of antibacterial face masks 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 plaid, florals and more. All profits from the sale of masks will go to various organisations across Southeast Asia, including the Singapore Red Cross Society.
Pomelo reusable face mask sets, from $9, purchase online.
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 fabric masks, from $12, purchase online.
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 will donate one mask to Masks Sewn with Love or the Migrant Workers’ Centre for every mask purchased.
Love SG face masks, $9.90, purchase online.
Elnadyah
Love batik? Elnadyah uses its signature designs to create reusable masks. The reversible three-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. Small sizes for kids from 7 – 12 years old are also available.
Elnadyah reusable masks, from $10, purchase online.
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 are also sold separately.
CYC Made to Measure reusable face mask with filter insert, from $20, available online.
DIY tutorials for crafty peeps
Did you know you could create a face mask at home with a bandana or handkerchief and a couple of scrunchies? The government has also shared a cool DIY method using reusable shopping bags. If you’ve got a sewing machine at home, get to work with these easy steps from Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Want the scoop on all things quarantine and chill? Check out our Stay In column for more!
