I thought about getting a mask back in February, before I left for the Bay Area, and by the time I came back to NYC not even a week later, it was too late. There weren’t any available anywhere.

Now that our new reality includes having to wear a mask in public, independent designers have started making non-medical grade masks to fulfill the need. It makes sense, designers and makers likely have extra cotton fabric and maybe even some elastic, unlike most of us who may have some sewing skills but no materials (If you are looking for mask patterns, I added some at the bottom of this post!).

It feels weird and selfish to order things online right now, but ordering a masks from an independent designer or maker (and a few other things from them if you can afford it) will give them some money in an otherwise dire situation. Also, be patient — these designers are not sending orders out to a factory, but likely doing them in their kitchen dealing with the same issues you are dealing with.

While I have not tested these all, below are a few masks I recommend. Please share any other recommendations in the comments below! I’m currently waiting on a mask that my nana is making me out of sample fabric that my mom found in my old bedroom from when I worked at Betabrand. This one will probably be my favorite.

Isolated Chaos Mask by Stephanie Eche | $18

In March 2020 I started working and making art from home instead of going into my studio like I normally do. This mask design was made by me during one of my home art studio sessions. I used watercolor, Posca pens, and ink to create abstract imagery that was inspired by my walks in Brooklyn during the height of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mask is a digital print of mask original artwork.

7115 Reusable Mask by Szeki | $25

7115 by Szeki has been making masks for hospital workers and now you can buy one and donate one! I’m so excited about these! Made with cotton in their production studio in Guangzhou, China.

*Update* This is my favorite mask for winter and cold weather. It can get a little sweaty during summer.

Cotton Face Mask with Filter Pocket
by Abacaxi | $30

Made with leftover Indian handloom cotton and custom printed fabrics from Abacaxi's collection, these masks are available in adult and kid sizes. The prints vary, but you won’t be disappointed as they are all beautiful.

She’s currently taking preorders for May. Sewn in Abacaxi’s home studio in Brooklyn, NY.

Non Medical Grade Mask by
Printed Wild | $20

Get Printed Wild’s delightful prints on your new essential accessory—a mask. She’s using cotton canvas with one side printed in her signature designs. One size. 10% of sales will be donated to Martha's Table. Sewn in Printed Wild’s home studio in DC.

*Update* This is my favorite mask for fall.

The Sustainable Mask
by Christy Dawn | $30 for 5-pack

If you’re missing springtime adventures, check out these floral prints by Christy Dawn. Made from 100% deadstock fabric, these are like double sustainable (though, deadstock is a questionably better than available stock).
Sewn in Los Angeles. Why, you ask, are these so much cheaper than the others? Christy Dawn has a team working on this, I’m assuming remotely/from their own homes.

*Update* This is hands down my favorite mask for summer and warm weather. It is very lightweight and doesn’t give me a sweaty muzzle!

Cotton Face Masks by Faune Yerby | $15

I love all the patterns of face masks by Faune Yerby, which are cotton with a cotton gauze /voile backing. She’s donating a portion of proceeds to a local food bank in Brooklyn. DM her to order.

Sewn on a Brooklyn rooftop.

My favorite designer Szeki is making masks, but only donating them to local hospitals. She shares a pattern here and a video here on how to make your own. You can also check out Joann’s mask resource page for patterns and this video that shows you how to make a mask out of a tshirt. And if all else fails, consider using a tea towel or cotton scarf. That’s what we did with my shibori-indigo dyed tea towels until we got our masks!

Need more options? Check out this roundup of masks in NY Mag’s The Strategist.

Where are you getting your mask? Or are you making one? Please share recommendations below!