In a matter of months, masks and face coverings have become the norm, as we continue to battle COVID-19 and protect others and ourselves from the potential beast of a virus.
By this point, everyone should probably consider owning one – not only is doing so recommended by Chief Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, but a growing number of businesses now require a mask for entry.
While there are, of course, the varieties that have a distinctively medical look, we’ve seen the emergence of face coverings that fuse fashion with function.
Here are some of our Canadian-made favourites.
Mackage
Beloved Canadian outerwear brand Mackage has pivoted some of its operations to produce upcycled masks in a variety of colours, compete with the company’s logo. Made with leftover materials from past collections, the brand’s M1 masks are water resistant and feature adjustable ear loops and head strap, and nose and chin covers. All profits of mask sales will support United Way Centraide. Buy one here.
Roots
Show your shameless love for sweats loud and proud with a mask from cozy
Canadian brand Roots. The Toronto-made masks feature a slip pocket for the
option of a filter sheet and are available in both solid colours as well as the
brand’s signature salt & pepper aesthetic. Roots will donate a medical grade
mask for every mask purchased. Price: masks begin at $18.00 CAD. Buy one here.
Caitlin Power
Homegrown designer Caitlin Power has released a small assortment of eye-catching
masks. The neoprene masks – which are available in solid colours or a tie-dye
design – feature a nose wire and filter pocket. The masks are made to order and
retail for $30 for a pack of four, or come free with clothing orders. Buy one here.
IZ Adaptive
If you have a soft spot for denim,you
may want to grab one of theversatile
denim masks from IZ Adaptive. For each eco-friendly mask purchased, Birks will
donate another to a hospital, and 20 per cent of each sale will support the
Christopher & Rana Reeve Foundation. Buy one here.
Peace Collective
Toronto-based loungewear brand Peace Collective has expanded its offerings to include face masks. Keeping it consistent with their Canada pride-filled apparel, the masks are black, white, or Navy and read “Home is Toronto,” Home is Canada,” “Stay Home,” “Stay Home, Toronto,” and “Stay Home, Canada” (along with their Calgary and Vancouver counterparts). For every mask purchased, the company will donate on to someone on the front line.Buy one here.
Outclass
Toronto-based men’s lifestyle brand Outclass has released a variety of
patterned and reversible masks that are made from the brand’s tightly woven
shirt material. Wearing one is like wearing your favourite Hawaiian or
checkered shirt – but on your face. For each mask sold, a mask will be donated
to an essential worker in the community. Buy one here.
