A running list of fabric face masks from local Australian designers

Mask on.

If COVID-19 has left us with anything positive, it’s the addition of a new fashion item. In some parts of Australia, fitted face masks (like the selection below) have been made compulsory when indoors – that means no bandanas, scarves or face shields. 

• In Victoria, fitted face masks are mandatory when indoors, when riding in taxis, rideshares and public transport and when outside
• For a full rundown of mask requirements and coronavirus restrictions in each Australian state, head here

Either way, a face mask is a great way to protect yourself, and it looks like we’re going to be wearing them for a while, so why not get one you don’t mind wearing?

There is also the environmental impact to consider – disposable masks are wasteful, but reusable ones can be washed and, as the name implies, reused as many times as you’d like (just remember to wash them after each use).

These reusable fabric masks are in no way a replacement for medical-grade masks (and have not been tested or proven to protect against COVID-19), but they do prevent you from unintentionally spreading germs. 

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To help you out when making this important decision for your health (and future outfits), we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite Aussie brands making face masks fun. Or you can try making one for yourself, with step-by-step instructions from Melbourne label Par Moi here. 

Arnsdorf

Made by hand in Arnsdorf’s Collingwood HQ, these masks utilise surplus and offcut fabric. They’re triple-layer, made from sustainable cotton jersey with rib trim and ear loops. 

Available here for $25.00.

Dyspnea

Made and hand-beaded in Indonesia, dreamy label Dyspnea has created purely decorative sequinned masks to up your at-home photoshoot game. While they won’t protect you from smoke or any sort of virus, you cannot deny they’re freakin’ cute.

Available in multiple spangly styles here from $49.00.

Otto and Spike

We’ve been wearing masks for a while now – why not have some seasonal options? Brunswick-based family business Otto and Spike are hand-knitting 100% cotton, single-layer face masks. Soft, cosy and breathable, this cream-coloured option will keep you protected in the cooler months.

Available here for $9.

Perple

Melbourne-based label Perple’s masks are peak Melbourne. They’re monochrome black, with a wired nose bridge and pearl-accented, self-tie fastenings around the head and neck. Perple’s mask is 100 per cent cotton poplin and made from excess fabric. Safe and sustainable. 

Available here for $29.00.

Par Moi

Flowers, cherries and Dorothy blue gingham, these cotton masks embody all things Danish vintage. Instead of moping about the travel bans (especially that non-existent summer getaway) reminisce or dream of your next European adventure whilst wearing this mask. 

Available here for $25.00.

Nobody Denim

This just in – no COVID-safe double denim lewk is complete without a matching face mask. And who better to provide than the Melbourne-based denim experts at Nobody? Available in two different washes and a plain black, these reversible masks are the ideal versatile accessory.

Available here for $25.

Honest Studios

The mother-daughter duo behind Honest Studios has got you covered with these very cool scrap fabric masks. The assortment of fabrics and prints makes it impossible to choose – the green check is my personal fave but who could go past an embroidered mask.

Available here for $25.00.

Al Ele

Melbourne label Al Ele is making custom masks in your choice of size, straps, layers in cotton, denim, linen and silk. The embroidery is made using a 100-year-old Vintage Singer Chainstitch machine; there are no computers involved every stitch is made by hand.

Available here for $30.00.

Second Stitch

Not-for-profit organisation Second Stitch have masks available in a fun gingham print and two-tone bold colours. The studio employs women from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds and each mask sold is helping to provide work for these women. 

Available here for $15.

E Nolan

These masks by Melbourne label E Nolan are made from Liberty London fabrics and embody everything we love about British heritage – paisley prints and pinstripes, like your grandma’s curtains but chic (and they’re oh so chic).  

Available here for $25.00.

Kuwaii

Melbourne label Kuwaii’s masks have three layers and are available in three colourways – scarlet red, a navy boho stripe and a scenic earthy print. Also, $5 from every purchase goes to a rotating COVID-19 charity (yay! we love a double investment). 

Available here for $25.00.

The Social Studio

The Social Studio is a Melbourne-based three-part not for profit organisation that redirected its manufacturing efforts towards producing masks for the community at cost price. They’re available in four different bright and bold colours. Are you getting Powerpuff girl vibes too?

Available here for $11.00.

Lois Hazel

Feel good about purchasing a Lois Hazel face mask, sustainably crafted from offcuts of their high-quality studio fabrics. With classic colours like navy, red and mustard available, these double-layer size adjustable masks will upgrade your outfit regardless of the occasion.

Available here for $25.00.

The Fashion Advocate

These masks by Melbourne brand The Fashion Advocate come in a range of colourways, including peach leopard and urban jungle. There are two-layer and three-layer masks available, as well as organic ones. They’re 100 per cent plastic-free, polyester-free, and synthetic-free, plus they’re reversible, reusable and locally made. 

Available here from $39.95.

A.BCH

For a more minimal design, A.BCH are bringing the goods with this simple and effective dust mask. The über-soft organic coffee comes in sage, black and grey marle.

Available here for $33.00.

Remuse Designs

These shibori face masks by Remuse Designs allow you to take 2020’s obsession with tie-dye to your face. The tie-up cotton straps are great for anyone who finds that elastic loops hurt their ears.

Available here for $25.

SisterWorks

SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Melbourne, set up to support women who are refugees, asylum seekers or migrants to improve their confidence, mental wellbeing and sense of belonging. These masks have elastic ear loops and have three layers; one external layer of water repellent fabric, one middle layer of poly-cotton and one inner layer of 100% cotton fabric.

Available here for $24.00.

The Ark

From a value perspective, the multipack masks are a pretty sweet deal. To save the frequent wash and wear of one reusable fabric mask, these will buy you a bunch of time. And for each pack purchased, The Ark will donate one mask to Impact for Women, an organisation that helps women experiencing domestic violence. 

Available here from $40.

Ownsit!

These remind me of Lip Smackers chapsticks in the best way possible. Despite there being tons of cute colourways, you can’t request a certain fabric design so it is a bit of lucky dip. Fortunately, they’re all adorable so you can’t really go wrong.

Available here for $16.95.

Next State Print

Working in collaboration with Melbourne artists and manufacturers, Next State Print has released a collection of ‘art masks’. Each mask features an original, colourful design from a local creative. The best part? Next State Print is proudly Ethical Clothing Australia Accredited.

Available here for $22.

Kitx

Sustainable and ethical fashion label Kitx is crafting its masks from remnant luxe Belgium hemp, silk and linen materials. Each mask features pleats and organic cotton elastics for an effortless fit. And they showcase current designs, including the bold, restoration floral print.  

Available here for $25.00.

The Woolmark Company

The Woolmark Company’s technical team has supported KnitWarm in the development of an innovative wool face mask. Made from Australian wool, the masks are highly breathable, provide natural water resistance, offer a protective covering and are a good natural alternative to synthetic face masks. Who would have thought?

You can find out more here.

Hew

Melbourne designer Hew has teamed up with local artists to provide you with masks in exclusive, eye-catching prints, from colour-blocked geometrics to flora and fauna, each one is stylish, triple-layered and breathable – just the way PPE should be, no?

Available here for $20.00.

The Silk Société

Meet the ultimate silk face coverings from The Silk Société, all made from 100 per cent pure silk with adjustable elasticated ear loops, keeping your skin soft and supple. Available in blush, champagne, midnight and noir, they also come with complimentary silk pouches.

Available here for $39.

UNIQLO

UNIQLO has finally launched its AIRism masks in Australia. The mask uses state-of-the-art technology featuring a triple-layer structure that promises both protection and comfort. The centre layer employs a filter that blocks 99 per cent of bacterial infiltration, while the front and back AIRism mesh fabric allows breathability and everyday comfort. They come in three sizes (S, M, L), perfect for children and adults.

Available here and in all Australian stores for $19.90.

Castle Grade

Castle Grade has released its new reusable G-Series respirators. They feature a comfortable seal around the face made from medical-grade silicone that can be easily sanitised. With a replaceable filter tested at over 95 per cent efficacy, the air breathed by the wearer can be filtered both on the way in and out for the ultimate protection.

Available here for $59.95.

Saving Face Co.

Sydney label Saving Face. Co was founded by two friends, Isa Crossland Stone and Sophie Alais. The mission? To address the humanitarian impacts of the pandemic by creating a face mask with a purpose. As well as making their masks locally and supporting Australian artists like Prawn Cocktail through collaborations, $3 of each mask sold is donated to the Asylum Seekers Centre.

Available here from $24.

Fella Hamilton

Fella Hamilton has been producing face masks locally in Melbourne since April last year. They are available in a range of colours, styles and sizes, featuring design collaborations with local artists.

Available here from $9.95.

Mosov Organic

Mosov Organic masks are the perfect protection for the ethically conscious. Crafted from three layers of organic cotton, it’s reusable, adjustable and sustainably made.

Available here for $22.00.

For more information on how to protect yourself from coronavirus, head here.