Here’s how to protect yourself (and others!) and support a local business at the same time.
With social distancing orders still very much in effect across Canada, fashion brands are increasingly coming up with ways to help support the community at this time, including pivoting manufacturing to produce PPE for hospitals and frontline workers. Now, a handful of brands have also committed to producing face masks for consumers to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. You can, of course, make your own mask using materials you probably already have at home, or you can purchase a ready-made mask from one of the following brands:
UNTTLD
Montreal brand UNTTLD has released a collection of 12 face masks for consumers in a variety of patterns and textures. Lined with 100 per cent cotton, the masks feature a filter as well as an adjustable nose wire for a more personalized fit. Each of the masks feature satin strings that sit around the ears and tie around the neck for secure fastening. 10 per cent of all sales from the masks will be donated to The Patricia Mackenzie Pavillion, a Montreal-based organization that provides safe shelter for women escaping abuse.
The UNTTLD masks are $50 each. Get yours here.
Mackage
Montreal-based outerwear brand Mackage has just announced the launch of a limited run of face masks made using upcycled materials from the brand’s atelier. The washable, non-medical mask is available in two sizes (small and medium) and nine colours. The water resistant offering also features triple-layer protection, adjustable earloops and headstrap, a malleable nose strip and extendable nose and chin covers. The mask also featured a laser perforated Mackage logo for engineered breathability and includes an inner sleeve for a filter sheet if desired. 100 per cent of the profits from the sale of each mask will be donated to United Way Centraide.
The Mask by Mackage is $38. Get yours here.
*Note: The initial run of masks has already sold out however the brand tells us that more stock is coming as soon as Thursday.
Ellie Mae
Toronto-based fashion brand Ellie Mae announced the launch of a limited-edition series of non-medical grade face masks today. The masks are available in 13 different styles – 10 made from printed cotton, including the Liberty of London florals, and three with sequins in either pink, teal or navy. All masks have been made in Canada using repurposed fabrics, and feature a slip pocket that can hold a filter sheet and extra ties for maximum comfort and security. $5 from every mask purchased will be donated to Feed The Frontlines TO, a local organization working to keep local restaurants in business by providing meals to healthcare and social services workers on the front line.
Masks start from $20. Get yours here.
Joseph Tassoni
Ontario-based designer Joseph Tassoni began designing masks for frontline workers and his community since March. The masks are made using a “specially sourced material that resists the build up of moisture and bacteria” according to a release. Available in several colours, $5 from every mask sale will be donated to the Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington.
Masks are $39.99 for a pack of three. Get yours here.
Théberge
Toronto-based designer Tanya Théberge is using upcycled denim to create a range of face masks for consumers. The non-medical grade masks are available in different sizes and different washes, feature a nose wire to adjust the fit and ties to secure the mask behind your head. For every mask purchased, one will be donated to a healthcare worker in Canada.
The masks are $95. Get yours here.
House of Jimbo
Multi-disciplinary performance artist Jimbo has launched a series of eye-catching masks through his online platform, House of Jimbo. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, Jimbo and his partner, master wig-maker Brady Taylor, transformed their B.C. studio to make masks for the homeless population living in Victoria’s Pandora Ave, as well as street-level frontline workers. To continue to allow Jimbo and his team to produce masks for the vulnerable, the House of Jimbo has released seventeen masks that are now available for purchase. Featuring bold prints, including paisley, flames, kittens and the classic Canadian check (among others), the masks are made in a high quality cotton and come with a liner to add a filter sheet if you wish. For every mask purchased, Jimbo is donating one mask to someone living on the streets in BC. The aim is to expand this one-for-one offering to Toronto, too, with handouts having already begun.
The masks are $25 each. Get yours here.
Roots
Canadian retailer Roots has made a collection of masks for consumer use, which are now available for purchase. The reusable non-medical grade masks are made in Toronto (the brand repurposed its leather factory to make the face masks by hand) and have a slip pocket that can be fitted with a filter sheet for added protection. Available in solid colours and a salt & pepper finish, for every mask purchased, the brand will donate one medical grade face mask to a healthcare worker.
The masks begin at $18. Right now, they are sold out but the brand is working on producing more. Stay up-to-date here.
Tanya Taylor
After producing almost 30,000 masks for hospitals in New York and Canada, Canadian designer Tanya Taylor’s eponymous label is now making masks for consumer use. Available for pre-order (with orders starting to ship from May 18), the printed masks are available in packs of three and have been made using upcycled fabric. The reusable masks are double-lined and have elastic ear loops and a nose clip to help secure it close to your face. For every pack of masks sold, the brand will create and donate one non-medical grade mask to a healthcare worker.
The three-pack of masks cost $54.35. Get yours here.
NARCES
Canadian eveningwear brand Narces is offering up a wide selection of masks to consumers. There are currently five adult masks available (in black, gold, silver, houndstooth and floral), as well as two kids options. All masks are washable, include a pocket for filters and are made with three layers of woven polyester. For every mask purchase, the brand will donate two to local healthcare organizations in need.
The face masks begin at $30. Get yours here.
NONIE
Meghan Markle-approved Canadian fashion brand NONIE is creating masks for its customers. For every mask purchased on its site, the brand will donate another to an organization in need, such as shelters and hospitals. The washable and reusable masks are made using cotton “which is tightly woven to create a strong barrier against particles” according to its website, and can be used with a filter. They are available in black, white and a floral print. In a statement, designer Nina Kharey said, “By choosing one of our masks, your money will go towards supporting our contractors, our team, and also our commitment to donate personal protective equipment to key organizations in need.”
The masks are available as singles or in a pack of two. Get yours here.
Olive + Splash
Designer Melanie Wong has adopted a very clever approach for distributing the masks she is making for consumers as part of her fashion brand Olive + Splash. Wong has created face masks from bamboo cotton, which is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and customers can pick up their purchases via a ‘drive-through experience’ at the brand’s warehouse in Ontario to ensure safety. The masks are available in seven colours and two sizes for adults and children with adjustable loop ends.
The masks are available as singles or in a pack of three, with prices starting at $20. Get yours here.
Izzy Camilleri
Teaming up with Montreal-born jewellery Maison Birks, Canadian designer Izzy Camilleri has designed a collection of masks made from an eco-friendly, washable material. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the masks (made from a cotton, polyester and spandex blend) have two different types of elastic positioning – behind the ears, as well as behind the head for those with limited dexterity.
The masks are available for single purchase or in a pack of three with prices starting at $15. For every mask purchased, the brands will donate one to a hospital worker across Canada. Get yours here.
SHAN
Quebec-based brand SHAN has made medical-grade protection equipment available for consumers. The brand has made waterproof protective gowns, as well as face masks. The pieces are all machine washable and the masks have been made with an eco-friendly fabric. The unisex masks are available in S/M and M/L and the gowns are made in one universal size.
The masks are priced at $15 each, and the gowns are $49. Get yours here.
Peace Collective
Toronto-based clothing retailer Peace Collective has designed a series of masks for consumers that are now available for purchase. The machine-washable, reusable masks are made using 100% cotton and include a filter sheet, which the brand says “adds an extra layer of support to facilitate safe breathing and to ensure that harmful particles are removed.” Additionally, the mask has been made with nose wire to help shape the mask to each individual face. The masks are available in a variety of colours, with various slogans: Stay Home Toronto, Stay Home, Home is Toronto, Home is Canada and Peace Collective.
The masks are available in packs of 2, 3, 6 and 12, with prices starting at $30. For every mask purchased, the brand will donate one to someone working on the front line. Get yours here.
commUNITY
Though not technically a fashion brand, Toronto-based organization commUNITY was formed to give as many Canadians as possible access to low-cost, non-medical face masks to help protect themselves and others. Since its launch in early April, the brand has received over 1,000 orders. The masks are sold individually and are available in a variety of colours (with iron-on decals available for personalization, too). They’re made from a breathable cotton, and are washable and dryer-friendly. To help give back to the community at this time, $1 from every mask sold will be donated to Food Banks Canada.
The masks are $13.50. Get yours here.