While wearing a non-medical mask or face covering has not been proven to protect the person wearing it from coronavirus, when worn properly, it can help reduce the spread of infectious respiratory droplets. Note: Wearing a mask is not a substitute for good hygiene, such as washing your hands, and public health measures, including physical distancing. It’s not one or the other! The Government of Canada has provided two no-sew tutorials (we’ve also compiled a few here) and guidelines for wearing a mask. If you’re looking to purchase one, or a few, here’s a list of Canadian fashion brands that are now selling masks – there’s never been a better time to support local businesses. And if you’re in Quebec, here are 30 locally made options in the province.
Olive + Splash
As the coronavirus pandemic progressed, Olive + Splash founder Melanie Wong looked for a way to ensure that customers could pick up their packages safely. Her solution? A contactless “drive-thru” at the company’s Burlington, Ont. warehouse – all you have to do is pull up to the window. In addition to their line of unisex athleisure, the brand is making masks with the same bamboo cotton fabric. “I was going to the grocery store with a bandana tied around my face and it didn’t feel safe,” says Wong. Along with safety, the masks were designed with comfort and style in mind. “There’s a little arch for your nose to fit in and then it slips down so if you wear glasses, it’s not pushing up on them.” Shop: $22.99-$49.99, oliveandsplash.com
Hayley Elsaesser
Toronto-based designer Hayley Elsaesser has transformed her signature colourful prints into masks. Made from a quilted jersey fabric, the masks are offered in a variety of cheeky patterns – choose from hot pink scorpions, blue bananas or the “Eyegina” print – that are guaranteed to boost spirits. As well, 20 percent of each purchase will be donated to the Food Banks Canada COVID-19 Response Fund to support the work of food banks across the country. Shop: $25, hayleyelsaesser.com
Freed & Freed
Now in its 100th year of operation, Winnipeg-based outerwear maker Freed & Freed are producing cotton masks in response to the pandemic. The masks – which also come in a children’s size – are embroidered with different phrases and symbols like “All for one” and a maple leaf. For every mask sold, the company is donating 5 percent towards PPE for shelters. Shop: $12-$15, freedandfreed.com
Nonie
Vancouver-based womenswear label Nonie has shifted their manufacturing to produce cotton masks from deadstock fabric, which will be given free of charge with online orders, or can purchased individually. For each mask sold, founder and creative director Nina Kharey has committed to donating PPE to essential workers. Shop: $33-$55, houseofnonie.com
Narces
Designer and creative director Nikki Yassemi of luxury evening wear label Narces has brought her brand of glamour to a line of masks. They come in two styles: a pleated design with adjustable ear ties and a form-fitting design with elastic bands. For every mask purchased, two will be donated to local healthcare institutions. Choose from a houndstooth pattern, gold and silver fabric or a lace design. Shop: $30-$50, narces.com
Revol Girl
Revol Girl’s masks are made from the same durable and breathable fabrics as their period-proof underwear. For every mask sold, the company will donate $2 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Shop: $12-$17, revolgirl.com
Hoax Couture
Toronto-based tailoring company Hoax Couture has pivoted to making masks for local long-term care homes and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario through Finding Our Power Together. The masks include a filter pocket and can be purchased for $20, all of which goes back towards creating more masks for donation. Shop: Price upon request, hoaxcouture.com
Mettamade
This Hamilton, Ont. company is making masks from the same bamboo jersey fabric used in their line of size-inclusive basics. The design features four adjustable ties and is made of two layers, with space to insert a filter or another layer of fabric. Shop: $25-$48, mettamadeinhamilton.ca
Jordan de Ruiter
With 24 different prints to choose from, designer Jordan de Ruiter’s masks are as playful as her line of vintage-inspired dresses. The masks feature a filter pocket, nose wire and adjustable elastic straps. Shop: $18, jordanderuiter.com
Bathing Belle
The Toronto-based custom swimwear maker is manufacturing masks using lycra in a variety of bold prints. For every mask purchased, they’re also donating to local long-term care homes and essential workers in the community. Shop: $15, bathingbelle.com
Jennifer Glasgow Design
The Montreal-based studio is manufacturing masks with organic cotton and adjustable knotted ties. Shop: $20, jenniferglasgowdesign.com
Dotty Clothing
Designer Heather Bolt is manufacturing masks with the help of her factory, which has donated fabric and elastic for the pieces. Local customers can also opt for a contactless pick-up from Bolt’s Toronto studio. Shop: $36-$88, dotty.ca
Carry Maternity
All proceeds from the masks made by this Toronto-based maternity shop will go towards the Women’s College Hospital’s mental health program. All orders over $50 will also receive a complimentary mask. Shop: $9, carrymaternity.ca
Pure Balanxed
Pure Balanxed is making fabric masks from leftover scraps in support of the Association of Ontario Midwives. For each mask bought, one will be donated. Shop: $18, purebalanxed.com
Grandi
These lip-adorned masks from Vancouver boutique Grandi is playful twist on the accessory. Shop: $25.50, etsy.com
ai Toronto Seoul
You can now pre-order masks from this sustainable accessories label. They’re available in adult and children’s size, and expected to be shipped mid-May. Shop: $20, aitorontoseoul.ca
Peace Collective
For every mask purchase, Peace Collective is donating one to frontline workers. Like their signature apparel, the masks feature names of different Canadian cities so you can still rep your hometown. Shop: $30, peace-collective.com
Femme Faire
Toronto boutique Femme Faire is donating one mask for every purchased to frontline workers in need. Shop: $20, femmefaire.ca
Kwesiya
Kwesiya’s masks have reversible patterns and are made with cotton African wax print fabric. Shop: $13-$15, kwesiya.com
Pamplemousse
Toronto hat and jewellery label Pamplemousse is making masks using secondhand fabrics (currently available in denim and a cheetah print). Part of the proceeds from sales will go to community food centre The Stop. Shop: $20, pamplemousseshop.com
Caitlin Power
Toronto designer Caitlin Power’s neoprene masks includes a filter pocket and come in a variety of cool tie-dyes. Shop: $30, caitlinpower.com
Tanya Taylor
Canadian designer Tanya Taylor has turned her vibrant, joyful prints into masks made from upcycled fabric. The brand has also been fundraising to produce masks for distribution to hospitals in New York City, Toronto and Montreal. For every order received on the website, the brand will donate an additional five masks. Shop: $54.14 (pack of three), tanyataylor.com
Joseph Tassoni
Designer Joseph Tassoni has been making protective equipment for the local hospital since March. Now, his reusable masks—which are made using a quick drying nylon and spandex fabric—are available to buy in a pack of three. As well, $5 from each purchase will be donated to Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. Shop: $39.99 (pack of three), josephtassoni.com
Ellie Mae
Toronto-based label Ellie Mae’s collection of hand-sewn masks include 13 different prints and colour ways to choose from, including three sequinned versions. For each sale, $5 will go to Feed the Frontlines TO to provide meals to healthcare workers. Shop: $20, elliemaestudios.com
Hannah Insolde
Montreal designer Hannah Insolde’s pleated masks feature stretchy, adjustable ties that can be worn around the ears or neck. Shop: $20, hannahinsolde.com
Roots
Roots has repurposed its leather factory to produce masks in solid colours and in its signature salt and pepper blend. For every mask purchased, the brand will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Frontline Fund. The masks are currently sold out but you can sign up to be notified when more become available. Shop: $22, roots.com
Fit 2 Fly Apparel
This Toront0-based maker of circus, dance, pole and yoga apparel has turned to producing masks in a variety of fabrics. Shop: $15, fit2fly.ca
Unbelts
Edmonton-based accessories brand Unbelts is making masks that feature a water-resistant polyester outer layer and interchangeable straps which can be purchased separately for multiple colour combinations. As well, 20 percent of the masks will be donated to non-profits in Alberta to support families. Shop: $49 (pack of three), unbelts.ca
Londre
The masks from Vancouver-based swimsuit label Londre are made using moisture-wicking polyester from recycled plastic bottles and lined with organic cotton. For every mask purchased, a meal is donated to a single mother-led family via the Cause We Care Foundation. Shop: $39 (pack of tw0), londrebodywear.ca
e3 Koncept
These masks are available in three different sizes and feature an adjustable nose bridge that’s designed to minimize lens fogging. Shop: $18, e3koncept.com
Mackage
The M1 mask from Montreal-based outerwear brand Mackage is made using water-resistant upcycled materials, and features adjustable ear loops and head strap, a shapeable nosestrip and extendable nose and chin covers. All of the profits from the masks will go to the United Way Centraide. Shop: $38, mackage.com
Herschel Supply Co.
As part of its We’ve Got Your Back initiative supporting essential and frontline healthcare workers, the Vancouver-based brand is producing masks featuring three layers and an adjustable nose bridge. All of the proceeds will go towards community programs. They’re currently sold out but plan to restock. Shop: $19.99, herschel.ca
Greta Constantine
Greta Constantine has designed masks for adults and children in their signature Italian microfiber knit. Each of the five styles is named for a Toronto-area postal code and inspired by the label’s ultra-feminine aesthetic with ruffle and spiral-trim detailings. They’ll be available to purchase online and at select retail locations. Shop: $40-$75, gretaconstantine.com
Mercy House
The masks from this Montreal ready-to-wear and accessories brand come in a variety of styles, including python print and iridescent. Shop: $15, mercyhousestudio.com
Nesy Nou
The masks from designer Nesrine El Hassan’s Ottawa-based label are made using upcycled fabrics from her collection. Shop: $25, nesynou.com
Mayana Genevière
This Toronto-based undergarments brand has repurposed part of its production to produce masks in adult and children’s sizes. A portion of each purchase will go towards donating gowns for midwives. Shop: $55.50 (pack of three), mayanageneviere.com
JC Masks
This Vancouver-based brand is donating masks and 10 percent of profits to local charities and organizations including Mission Impossible, Hogan’s Alley Society and the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser. Shop: $16-$17, jcmasks.com
JonnyMask
Toronto-based image stylist and wardrobe consultant Jonny Daring is making reversible cotton masks in a variety of prints including comic-themed. Shop: $15, jonnymask.com
Noir X
These bold masks are made using vegan leather to create realistic snake skin. Shop: $19.99-$37.95, noir-x.com
Lovelee Designs
If you’re looking for a more colourful mask, LoveLee Designs’ masks are made using cotton African prints. Shop: $20, shoploveleedesigns.myshopify.com
Cilque
These luxe masks from Toronto-based silk brand Cilque are made from 100 percent Mulberry silk and include a filter pocket. Shop: $29, cilque.com
Noize
The masks from this vegan outerwear brand are designed and handcrafted in Canada. Shop: $20, noize.ca
Kombi Sports
The Montreal-based winter accessories brand has introduced a range of masks made of double-layer polyester. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross. Shop: $14.95, kombicanada.com
Plus Guardian
This one-size-fits-all mask features valves with foam filters that allows for easier breathing. Shop: $9.99, plusguardiancanada.ca
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What Does the Future Hold Post-COVID-19?
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