By María Teresa Bazdekis
Two years ago, I published an article in the IHS Paw Print about the Nike Air Force 1 trend that “landed” at Irvington High School. If you had told me then that two years later I would be writing an article about mask fashion, I would have thought that you were crazy!
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives — school, work, sports, national elections. And the visible symbol of that impact is the mask. The CDC strongly recommends that people should wear masks while in public, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered New Yorkers to wear masks in public spaces where social distancing is not possible. It makes sense. Wearing a face mask is proven to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in public settings.
And there are different types of face masks that you can wear to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Surgical masks and N95 masks are examples of medical grade face masks, which offer the best proven protection. However, these masks are often reserved for first responders and medical professionals who work in healthcare settings.
Although cloth masks are not medical grade, they are still a good option. Cloth face masks are reusable and can be washed after each use. Additionally, cloth face masks can be personalized. People can make cloth masks at home with the materials and patterns of their choice. Handmade, personalized cloth masks can also be purchased from small business owners on websites such as Etsy.
A recent article published in Vogue magazine titled “Cloth Masks to Shop Now” lists a number of resources where fashionistas can purchase face masks that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The article includes descriptions of designer brands such as Tory Burch and Rag & Bone that produce face masks. Additionally, the popular athletic brand Adidas has created face masks that are fit for athletic wear. Athletes can sport the famous Adidas logo on their mask while protecting themselves.
Similarly, Uniqlo developed the AIRism mask, a mask with cool conditioning technology, perfect for everyday movement. American Eagle, Urban Outfitters, Gap, and Old Navy are also large clothing companies that manufacture cloth face masks.
Face masks are not a fashion accessory. Wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing is proven to be an effective method of preventing the spread of coronavirus. However, we do spend a considerable amount of time in our daily lives wearing a face mask. Who says you can’t wear a mask and still look good?
