Uniqlo’s AIRism face masks will be launching in Singapore on Aug 24, both online and in-stores. For the uninitiated, Uniqlo’s AIRism range is fast-drying and highly-breathable, which is exactly what we need for our everyday wear in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Uniqlo’s AIRism face masks are supposedly lighter and thinner than normal face masks, and also offers UV protection.
That’s not all — for those of you who find it a hassle to hand wash your masks, rejoice. The Uniqlo AIRism masks are machine washable with regular household detergent, and it’s been proven that this method of washing won’t affect the mask’s efficacy.
The Uniqlo AIRism mask is available in black and white, in sizes S (for children), M (for small adult faces), and L (for regular adult dimensions). One pack contains 3 masks of the same size and colour, and retails at $14.90. Do note that there’s a daily purchase limit of one pack per person.
Why use reusable face masks?
Single-use surgical masks sell out quickly and are not the best for the environment, so if you’re looking for an eco-alternative, there are plenty of places selling stylish and reusable ones (don’t forget to collect your free government-issued “Ultra Mask” first, though!).
However, do note that these masks are not medical grade and should not be seen as a replacement, but some of these brands have designed for filters so you still receive suitable protection. Check out 22 more labels that put a fun twist on the everyday mask for you and the kids:
The unique masks from the social enterprise La Tierra are ethically sourced and dyed naturally, making them perfect for your sustainable lifestyle. Each mask is also handmade carefully by talented women from marginalised families. To help improve the situations of migrant workers in Singapore, 10 per cent of the proceeds from each mask will go towards aiding them.
Update your wardrobe and receive a free stylish cotton mask from Runway Bandits when you make your purchase. They are available in four colours – oatmeal, blush, sage and jade – and are given out at random with every purchase of two regular priced items.
Available here.
These beautiful designs are hand drawn and printed, made entirely in Singapore by Soft Landing in collaboration with Yimage Fabrics. Each reusable mask is made with four layers, including a digitally printed waterproof outer layer and a cotton layer on the inside. If you order more than one mask in your purchase, you can enjoy a 10 per cent discount. 20 per cent of the proceeds from the masks will go towards the COVID-19 Migrant Support Coalition, a volunteer initiative to provide relief to the migrant workers in Singapore.
To buy, send a direct message to Soft Landing on Instagram.
Most of you might know Singapore-based, eco-friendly label Olive Ankara for its West African wax print textiles. The vibrant fabric has since found itself on handmade face masks that the label is selling, with 10 per cent of its proceeds being donated to help vulnerable migrant workers and Singaporeans. All masks are washable, reusable and reversible and are available in both adult and kids’ sizes.
Available here.
Being part of a family who has been in the fabric industry for decades, Singaporean Keenon Lee decided to establish 1929 – a brand which prides itself on its reusable masks that have bacterial filtration, and extenders for people who wear headdress such as hijabs.
Available here.
The punchy outerwear label sourced zany fabrics from its 2016 archives to yield an eclectic selection of masks featuring antimicrobial lining. Every mask ordered from the L.A. design house finances the assembly of another mask to be donated to The Midnight Mission, a homeless shelter and service provider in downtown Los Angeles.
Available here.
The eco-conscious brand has helmed a dainty collection of masks that will be sold in packs of five. The ethical manufacturer will match each batch sold by donating an additional five to people in need.
Fashioned from scrap materials in a variety of muted colourways, the range of cotton and linen accessories offer protective aid that is environmentally friendly and versatile.
Available here.
It’s easy to see why Minor Miracles has already completed its third round of pre-orders. Not only are we fans of their cheerful prints, we also love that proceeds are channeled to charities fighting against Covid-19 (for every pre-order, Minor Miracles states the beneficiaries) and that every piece is handmade by recent fashion graduates who are unable to find a job in this climate.
Follow Minor Miracles on Instagram for updates on pre-orders.
Elizabeth Little’s liberty print face masks adopts a “buy one gift one” model – with every purchase, it donates a face mask to a child from a vulnerable family. How adorable are the prints?
Available here.
Singapore-based designer Anseina Eliza’s label Ans.Ein is selling reusable cotton masks to aid local front liners. Available in both adult and childrens’ sizes, the masks reflect her Indonesian heritage with batik as well as abstract tie-dye prints.
Other options include solid-coloured masks that span colourr like baby pink and navy blue. The womenswear label has already donated 1,500 masks to essential-service workers, with all revenue from futures sales of the masks going into the production of overalls and additional protective gear.
Available here.
Minimalist womenswear label Klarra is making face masks of equal measure. Instead of selling them, however, the label will be accompanying every online purchase of its designs with a 60ml hand sanitiser and a handmade, reusable, fabric mask.
Klarra has also donated a number of its masks to The People’s Association Women’s Integrated Network Council’s ‘Project Masks’ which ensures distribution to those most in need.
Learn more here
Made for those looking to spruce up their existing masks, Singapore-based handcraft and design label Cocoonese offers an array of pretty handmade cotton mask covers.
All you have to do is slip your mask into the opening of the cover and then tug the handles to tighten. Cocoonese’s mask covers are also safe for washing (by hand or machine) and will allow you to get at least three more uses out of your surgical mask.
Available here.
Set up to empower women from single-parent households, Singapore-based design label and social enterprise Marvelous Works specialises in handcrafted clothing, bags and lifestyle products.
Similar to Cocoonese, their face mask covers allow for multiple uses per disposable mask. All covers are made from 100 per cent cotton, come in a selection of designs that include pleated and three-dimensional weaved versions and are hand-washable as well. They also come in adult and kids sizes.
Available here.
Rachael Cheong, the fashion designer and founder of Closet Children has created some of the most eye-catching masks around. The Royal Academy of Art in The Hague alumna who is known for her doll-inspired designs and Victoriana-influenced garments, has created a selection of cotton or silk masks in Liberty-style floral prints or gingham.
Customers can also personalise the ear-ties and choose from materials like a pretty ruffled elastic (our personal favourite).
To buy, send the label a direct message on Instagram.
Contemporary tailor studio 3Eighth has raised over $3,000 from their sale of reusable masks for charities such as TWC2, It’s Raining Raincoats!, and Good Food for Community. The brand has also pledged 100 masks to migrant workers. The masks can be sent to you free of charge and you can choose the amount you wish to donate upon ordering.
Pre-order and donate here.
Aiming to remove the stigma of wearing masks in public places, founder of designer dress rental platform Covetella launched a collection of glam masks called Maskela. The handmade satin and sequin masks retail include filter pockets and a charity element – for every purchase, two medical masks will be donated to help frontliners around the world.
Available here.
The sleek double satin face masks from Bridal label Style Lease are not only sustainably made from pattern off cuts, 100 per cent of proceeds are also channeled to the Migrant Workers Assistance Fund – a charity of the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) that assists migrant workers in areas such as employment rights and social integration.
To buy, send a direct message to Style Lease on Instagram.
A go-to for feminine floral prints, Black Iris is donating floral face masks to American front liners including grocery store employees, delivery workers, and healthcare staff, with every mask purchased. Available individually or in a pack of three, these face masks are all machine washable and come in an array of floral prints.
Available here.
The Brooklyn knitwear hub will pour a percentage of earnings garnered from the durable face covers into the Food Bank for New York City. In lieu of the spike in demand for food-related aid in the city, this fundraising effort directs urgent relief to New Yorkers in need.
Available here.
The zero-waste destination’s diverse community of designers have wielded their talents to create a line of 100 per cent cotton masks with built-in carbon filters. From solid pigments to simple gingham prints, the collection offers something for everyone.
Most importantly, 10 per cent of the profits will support SF Marin Food Bank and Food Bank NYC, contributing to the nourishment of those in need.
Available here.
The New York-based label has adapted its environmentally sound practices to the production of masks in response to the global crisis. The sustainable, washable pieces now come in kids’ sizes as well to ensure all customers are covered. For every face mask purchased, Kes will donate one to a healthcare worker.
Available here.
Adjusting his supply chain infrastructure to help meet the surmounting demands of cotton masks in the Los Angeles area, designer Jonathan Simkhai is paying it forward. The crisp cloth shields, available online, come in beige, olive, nude, brown, and in a multi-colour set of four. For each unit bought, the studio will donate one mask to an essential worker.
Available here.
The outdoor brand known for ’60s inspired T-shirts, polos and more is bringing its signature solid trim to the growing list of American brands equipping their communities with safe facial protection. In addition to supporting the sewers and staff behind “The Brady Bunch” approved T-shirts, shorts and baseball caps, proceeds from each mask sale will fund a mask for an essential worker.
Available here.
Text: Valerie Wong, Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen & Maya Menon/HerWorld, Additional reporting: Tan Gin Yee