Last updated on November 22, 2022
Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Brooks Brothers announced earlier in April 2020 that they would be repurposing parts of their factories to make masks and hospital gowns. The masks coming from luxury labels were unbranded and intended for front-line workers; they were not available for the general public to buy. Almost every day, Vogue brings an announcement (or two or three) about more companies introducing masks to their inventory such as New Balance.
More than ever, masks are now encouraged and sometimes mandatory for all — teetering between medical necessity and fashion statement, whether conscious or not. Designers, entrepreneurs, and influencers see this as an opportunity. But if we all have to wear them, we should start thinking about what materials they are used to make them. There are now tie-dye masks. Masks are made of silk, denim, and the polyester and elastane used for bathing suits. Some masks now come with reversible sequins. Many people are taking these new masks as an opportunity for fashion trends and statements.
However, not all of the materials used now for new masks are efficient in protecting yourself and others from Covid-19. Research from Ph.D. student Amanda Wilson showed that N99 masks, which are even more efficient at filtering airborne particles than N95 masks, are one of the best options for blocking the virus, as they can reduce average risk by 94-99%. According to the research, the next best options are N95 and surgical masks and, perhaps surprisingly, vacuum cleaner filters, inserted into filter pockets in cloth masks. However, many of the new materials used for masks, such as denim that do not have filters are not efficient in protection for Covid-19. Without the filters, you are increasing the chance of the virus spreading into the atmosphere. If you put less virus out into the air, you’re creating a less contaminated environment around you. So please take into account the use of different materials for masks. Fashion is essential to many people, but the safety of others comes first.
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