Oct
26 Canadian Fashion Brands Making Face Masks for Consumers
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:
Winnipeg-based fashion brand Freed and Freed has donated thousands of masks since the pandemic began, and they’re also offering the masks for purchase via their website. Made in Canada with 92 per cent recycled materials, the two-ply modal cotton masks are adjustable and washable and come in a variety of sizes and styles – including kids masks, transparent masks for those who rely on lip-reading, and a bridal collection. The masks are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures, too.
Earlier in the pandemic, designer Melanie Wong released a range of face masks made from cotton bamboo which were (and still are!) available in seven colours and two sizes for adults and children with adjustable loop ends. Now, the brand has released the Infinity Mask which is perfect for exercise. The mask is made with an ultra-lightweight and breathable double layer of micro mesh that is ultra lightweight and comfortable to wear during your next sweat session.
Leave it to Canadian intimates brand Knix to serve up one of the most impressive reusable masks on the market. Launched earlier this week, the FreshFix Air Face Mask leverages the brand’s history of creating impermeable pieces and has 99.9% Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFE). In fact, the mask’s BFE rating is higher than an N95 mask and it passed ASTM level three testing which is the highest level in North America. The mask is made up of three technical layers – a water-repellent external layer, a middle layer that serves as a barrier and an internal layer made from microfibre for fit and comfort – and can be sanitized and reused more than 50 times.
MUJI Canada has launched its own reusable face masks today. Available in double pack, the white masks are made with three breathable layers of lightweight cotton for breathability and protection. The brand recommends avoiding machine washing your mask and instead is encouraging users to hand wash their face covering following the brand’s simple Instagram tutorial.
Montreal-based brand SILK LAUNDRY has created a line of silk face masks with a sustainable edge – each of the pieces is crafted using leftover fabric from the brand’s Collection 3 range. The masks – which are available in two prints and three solid colours – feature pleats for increased comfort, as well as elasticated ear hooks, and are easy to care for with a simple hand wash after every use. Plus, silk is breathable which means it is gentle on skin (a great choice for anyone suffering from a bout of maskne as a result of wearing masks more frequently).
Canadian shoe brands ALDO and Call It Spring are both releasing a series of masks to help raise money for Canadian BIPOC organizations. The Love People Face Mask Collection – various styles from which will be available at each retailer – includes a variety of masks to suit every style, including neutrals, prints and sequins. All ALDO masks are available for $15 (except for the Mirilibeth style which is $18), and all Call It Spring masks are priced at $9.99. 100 per cent of the net proceeds will be donated to The Black Business and Professional Association’s National Scholarship Fund which helps Black youth secure post-secondary education, and True North Aid to assist in providing children in Canada’s northern Indigenous communities with school supplies.
Black-owned personal care brand Classic Juice Co. and Toronto-based eco-friendly clothing label Preloved have teamed up on an important new initiative. Preloved is making masks for consumers and from July 6-12, $3 from every purchase of Summer Face Mask pack (which includes three designs) will be donated to the Africville Museum in Nova Scotia. The 100 per cent cotton masks have been crafted in Canada and the outer lining of the mask is knit locally. They also feature adjustable ear loops and nose bridge. In a release, the brands say that “the goal of the allyship partnership is to amplify Black voices and support Black-owned businesses.”
Montreal-based outerwear brand Noize has designed its own range of masks that feature its signature prints. All of the masks have been designed and handcrafted in Canada. The masks are available to buy singularly, or in packs of two or four.
These reusable face masks come with a filter and are made of tightly woven cotton and polyester with a filter pocket. Manufactured in Toronto, the masks also come in a limited edition ‘Glam’ option, embellished with Swarovski crystals. For every mask purchased, the company is donating a mask to a medical worker in need.
Horses Atelier, a Toronto label known for its chic jumpsuits, is manufacturing face masks made from repurposed fabric from their atelier. The masks consist of two layers of a linen-cotton-polyester-silk blend, and come in electric blue or copper (with previous polka dot, zebra print and plain options already sold out).
The masks are sold individually for $18 each or in packs of three for $50, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank. Get yours here.
Designed in Toronto, these masks from CILQUE are made using 100 per cent mulberry silk. They have an adjustable ear loop and nose clip to secure the mask to your face, as well as an inner pocket for a filter. Available in four colours (grey, black, cream and blush), the hypoallergenic masks are super gentle on the skin. Plus, with every online purchase, the brand will make a donation to the Children’s Aid Foundation to help protect vulnerable youth.
Toronto-based dressmaker CMP Couture has started creating face masks for consumers which are currently available through the brand’s Etsy shop. Designer Christine M.Peter is offering a range of cotton and linen non-medical grade masks, as well as lace masks designed specifically with brides in mind.
