Stop the spread of Covid-19 by wearing a reusable mask when you’re out of the house.
No doubt, wearing a face mask in Singapore is the norm right now (applying hand sanitiser comes in second). Now that we’re in the midst of Phase 2, we’ve more or less adapted to wearing a mask. Even brands have gone above and beyond in creating unique designs and special features. But let’s not forget what these treasured masks are for.
Why you should wear a mask, no questions asked
There’s been 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 so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Unless you’re ill, you’d want to save the surgical masks and N95 respirators for frontline staff and healthcare workers. The government has issued reusable masks for everyone but if you need more, these local labels and sought-after brands are churning out reusable masks in gorgeous designs, breathable fabrics and even pockets to slot in filter inserts. Alternatively, you can DIY your own mask too. Scroll to the end for some DIY tutorials!
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 to buy reusable face masks in Singapore
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, available online.
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, $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.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo sent everyone into a frenzy when it 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 L sizes that’ll fit both children and adults. Safe to say, they have been selling like hotcakes. In fact, there’s a daily purchase limit of one pack per person.
Airism Mask, $14.90 for a pack of 3, available at all Uniqlo outlets and online.
Hanky Buddies
The coolest handkerchief brand in town is producing face masks. Hell yeah! In its continued efforts to reduce paper waste, Hanky Buddies has launched a collection of reusable face masks in its signature adorable prints. The masks are made with super soft and comfy 100% combed cotton, with adjustable straps. They also come with a filter pocket and a PM2.5 filter. Select from four fun prints – bananas, robots, kueh and pineapples.
Hanky Buddies, $14.95 each, purchase online.
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.
Nineteen80
Hold your cocktails, A Phat Cat Collective is producing face masks! In an effort to diversify its business due to the closure of clubs like Nineteen80 and Pinball Wizard, the team is producing Nineteen80’s I-MISS-YOU face masks 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. We hear that Space Invaders-inspired, tie-dye, and Tropicana designs are underway.
Nineteen80, $15 each, purchase online.
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, $20 each, available online.
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 that you can breathe easily throughout the day. The masks come in five colours including steel blue, dark navy, spiced apple and olive. You’ll also receive a PM2.5 mask filter with every purchase.
The Form, $22 each, locations at Tangs at Tang Plaza and Tang VivoCity; also available online.
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.
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.
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 each, purchase online.
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.
Ans Ein
Be a part of Ans.Ein’s amazing project to distribute 1000 reusable face 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, $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, from $17 each, purchase online.
Under Armour
This one is for fitness enthusiasts who are finally hitting the pavements or gyms. To ease your nerves and to protect yourself while you’re sweating it out, Under Armour’s (UA) Sportsmask has 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 treated with antimicrobial resistance to ensure cleanliness.
Under Armour, $35 each, locations at Orchard Central, Vivocity and Funan or purchase online
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 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, from $9 each, 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, from $12 each, 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 each, 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, 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, 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.
Now that you’ve got some of the best face masks in Singapore, remember to practice social distancing and adhere to the rules. Let’s kick Covid-19 in the butt!
