Mask wearing has now become part and parcel of life, and it's good to see Singaporeans getting on the eco train as more opt to wear reusable cloth masks. Masks are also starting to become something of a fashion statement, with related accessories like mask straps getting thrown into the mix. From batik to pastel-coloured masks, here are some of the best homegrown brands churning out high-quality and beautiful face masks worthy of wearing again and again.
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With all the nasties in the air, it's comforting to know that silk masks from June The Six is antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial and serves as an electrostatic barrier against particles. Mulberry silk is also perfect for warm climates and allows the wearer to keep cool at all times. Two versions are available in pretty colours – the two-ply and three-ply with filter inserts.
Cost From $18
How to order Available on the website
Heritage tailors CYC have rolled out Egyptian cotton face masks on its site made from leftover scraps and fabric. It comes in plenty of colours (and even has a Liberty London collection) and has a filter insert. There are also different sizes available for adults and kids. If you're into DIY projects, the brand has also released a step-by-step sewing guide for you to make reusable cloth masks at home.
Cost $20
How to order Available on the website
Fabric manufacturers PEFORE. are rolling out beautifully made double-lined masks that are handsewn. Check out the range of fun masks in glitter, sequins, neon and lace – or stick to classic designs in practical colours. The masks also come in both adults and kids sizes.
Cost From $6
How to order Shop from the PEFORE. website
Since we'll be wearing masks for a while, you can switch up from the standard surgical mask to something more stylish and bold. Shop the playful Singapore Food Series range of reusable masks by local label Reckless Ericka. There's something for your friends and family who are fans of fish head curry, chilli crab and even the glorious durian. The striking prints will make sure you make a statement – about your favourite foods – when you walk into a room.
Cost From $25
How to order Available on the website
Silk masks have gotten more popular recently because of its breathability and how it is cooling on the skin. Local loungewear label Bells and Birds have released a collection of luxurious and comfortable face masks made from mulberry silk that is also affordable. Choose from a range of pastel hues or jewel tones available.
Cost $35
How to order Shop from the Bells and Birds website
Shop simple and breathable cotton masks with playful prints like spaceships, dinosaurs and sharks from Face Wedge. The label is also working in partnership with Seven Clean Seas, a beach clean up community based in Singapore so every five masks sold will help in pulling out one kilogram of trash from our seas.
Cost $12.50
How to order Shop from the Face Wedge website
Lovers of batik can now wear their favourite fabric as face masks. The masks from Baju by Oniatta are made from remnants of former collections and it also comes in kid sizes. Masks are made in small batches and she releases an order form via Instagram for customers. While you will not know which print you will receive (as it is all leftover fabric), you can select your colour preferences on the form.
Cost From $10
How to order Follow the Instagram page to see if a new batch is released and you can place orders via a Google form
For something a little more extra, pick up a copper silk mask with anti-acne and anti-ageing properties from local skincare label, Dr. TWL. The fabric is also anti-bacterial and on top of that, the silk mask has been specifically engineered to attain UPF50 certification which is the gold standard in UV-protective fabrics.
If you're a fan of Liberty fabrics, you'd want to shop the handmade masks from Elizabeth Little. The brand Liberty is created by the prominent British company Liberty of London and its cotton printed textiles are popular around the world – especially the floral prints. Singapore-based brand Elizabeth Little stocks adult-, tween- and kid-sized face masks in the famous flowery prints Liberty is known for.
Cost $22
How to order Shop online from Elizabeth Little
Look demure in one of Closet Children's pretty creations. Designer and founder of the label, Rachel Cheong is known for her whimsical and feminine designs. For the collection of face masks, pretty broderie, satin, silk and floral prints are used. All masks are handmade and come with a choice of ruffle elastic, normal round elastic, satin ribbons or velour ribbons.
Cost From $23 to $28
How to order DM for orders on the Instagram page
1929 Mask was started by experts in textile manufacturing and produces masks that are waterproof and antibacterial. The fabric is made with technology that eliminates bacteria, fungus and unpleasant odours so users never have to worry about hygiene and freshness. It also stocks mask extenders for comfort.
Cost $25
How to order Available on the website
The makers of reusable sanitary pads, Wonder Pads have also branched out to making comfortable cloth face masks during this period. Like its pads, the masks are made from colourful fabric – bonus points if you like Harry Potter, other fictional characters and cute prints. The masks also come in two adult and two child sizes so the whole family can match.
Cost $6 for kids and teen sizes and $8 for adult sizes
How to order Join the Facebook group and look out for when an order form is released
Danovel is a homegrown furniture company that specialises in custom upholstery but have stepped up to make masks for nonprofit causes – using the same quality materials of course. Majority of the three-ply masks made are given to migrant workers.
Cost $8
How to order Place orders on its Carousell page
If you're a fan of Japanese textile and prints, The Sutajio stocks waterproof face masks made with this beautiful fabric. Browse through the Instagram page to select your favourite print – there are ones with fortune cats on it and a patchwork one of the famous The Wave of Kanagawa print.
Cost $22
How to order Drop the team a message via its Instagram page
It's all about floral and vibrant prints at Masketeers. Since wearing masks are necessary, why not put on a one bright and cheery one on. The masks are three-ply and made from quality fabric, with an Egyptian cotton lining
Cost $25
How to order Available on Etsy
The print and textile label by local artist Dawn Bey is known for its whimsical and dreamy designs which you will see on scarves, skirts and kimonos. During the 'circuit breaker', Minor Miracles have also started producing masks from its fabric. Released in batches, it's fastest fingers first whenever a collection is launched. All profits made will be split two ways to different funds to help our migrant workers; Covid Migrant Support Coalition and Migrant Workers' Assistance Fund.
Cost $12
How to order Available on the website
Binary Style is known for its collection of quirky square scarves inspired by local culture, architecture and landscape. Now you can get some of its signature prints as face masks to brighten any outfit – even if it is going to the supermarket. 20 percent of the sales will go towards a charity and it differs for every print you buy.
Cost $15
How to order Available on the website
The mega fashion retailer also stocks pretty cloth masks that would compliment any outfit – even if it is just for a grocery run. Pomelo is retailing a pack of face masks that comes in multi colours. All profits from the sale of masks will go towards purchasing medical equipment to a hospital in your community.
Cost $9 for a pack of three
How to order Available on the website
Known for its vibrant African wax printed fabrics, OliveAnkara released a range of pleat cloth masks made from upcycled material so you might just recognise some of the prints from previous collections. The masks also come in kids sizes. Ten percent of the revenue will be donated to local charities helping migrant workers and people in need.
Cost $19
How to order Available on the website
All the products at the Marvelous Works webstore are made by beneficiaries of a social enterprise that aims to provide employment opportunities to single mums, stay-at-home mums and women from underprivileged families. The cloth masks come in fun colours and prints and have an insert to place a filter.
Cost $13
How to order Available on Shopee
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