A host of designers have been working to make face masks as useful as possible, beyond their primary function of keeping us safe. Whether imbued with technology to monitor our breathing, hung from our glasses to prevent foggy lenses or multi-layered to keep us cool when working-out, discover the right one (or two, or three) for you.
The sustainable star
Design firm Pentatonic and entrepreneur and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova's Masuku – an innovative and sustainable face mask concept – features a design with a ‘spacer mesh’ fabric cover, made from 100 per cent recycled performance polymer and optimised for airflow. The material is heat-pressed into a shell-like shape and equipped with soft guard fabric on the side in contact with the skin. The ear-loops are also made from recycled materials, and feature four 360-degree joints for a personalised fit.
The recycled masks made from plastic bottles
The Msk from Petit Pli is carefully considered to ensure optimum sustainability. Created from fabric left over from its childrenswear's collections, the material itself is derived from recycled fabric sourced from plastic bottles. Thoughtfully designed, the mask encompasses a band worn around the head, giving extra support at the neck and making it easy to slip down and wear as a collar.
The face mask for workouts
While necessary in some situations, wearing a face mask while working out can get uncomfortable. Luckily, Equinox has come to the rescue with its Performance Athletic face mask, one which promises to keep you cool as the temperature rises. Made from three layers – the inner two which will keep the air circulating – it also comes with a removable silicone mask frame, if you seek out structure.
The face mask to stop your glasses fogging
Glasses brand Wires has collaborated with Vivienne Westwood on a collection of face masks which hang from your glasses. More comfortable to wear, the designs also decreases the chance of your glasses fogging up. These are crafted from colourful off-cut fabric from Vivienne Westwood and have a reversible design for when you fancy a changing up his everyday essential.
The face mask recommended by the World Health Organisation
The Silver Life Face Covering knits together silver-based threads for an environmentally-friendly face mask which also meets the World Health Organisation’s recommendations. Silver has antibacterial properties, making it a natural partner for the recycled materials which make up this design, which has a small mesh size, giving it greater filter abilities. Good for up to 100 washes, this is one which will last as well as keep you safe.
The face mask for fashion aficionados
For something with a sartorial spin, look no further than French designer Marine Serre. From half crescent moons to abstract florals, Serre brings signature prints and patterns into her face mask designs, which are crafted from technical jersey and have adjustable straps.
The face mask monitoring your breathing
AirPop’s Active+ face mask works with a sensor to monitor both your breathing and air quality, and then presents the results for you to peruse on the companion app. Tracking breathing patterns – including breaths per minute and breaths per pace – and interesting information such as how many pollutants it has blocked, it lets you tweak your workout and form to achieve full potential. Softly knit and comfortable to wear, its generous pores also encourage air flow and keep you cool.
The face masks for minimalists
For comfortable and simple face masks, there’s no beating Sunspel who crafts its face coverings from cotton lined with an anti-bacterial fabric. Available in grey, white and navy, Sunspel donate one face mask to community projects for every one purchased on the website.
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