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Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Where to buy face masks in Australia – and how to make your own.
Main image:
Face masks are becoming a fashion statement during the coronavirus
crisis, with Australians making their own as well as searching out masks
from The Social Studio, Culture Kings, Cotton On and more.
Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
On 22 July, wearing face masks or face coverings will become mandatory in public spaces across metropolitan Melbourne. But as retailers struggle to keep up with the surging demand, finding a reusable face mask can be a challenge.
Aleksandra Nedeljkovic, chief operating officer of The Social Studio,
a Melbourne-based social enterprise and fashion training program, says
that, in the last week, the organisation has sold between 4,000 and
5,000 masks.
Every day at 9am, they make a new allotment of masks available
online, and within half an hour, they’ve sold out. People have even
showed up at The Social Studio’s physical store looking for masks –
which Nedeljkovic strongly discourages, as the shop is closed to keep
staff and the public safe.
Protective face masks.
“It’s been kind of crazy. We’re quite a small team and we’re making as many masks as we can as quickly as we can.”
They’re not alone – face masks were sold out or on back order at many
retailers reviewed by Guardian Australia. Fortunately, it is relatively
simple to make your own mask.
The Social Studio connected with the Victorian government and
reviewed their guidelines on masks, to ensure the masks they were making
would be up to standard – then they partnered with the Victorian
government to make an instructional video and pattern for creating your own mask.
“Essentially there are three different types of fabric that need to
be included,” Nedeljkovic explains. “One is an outer layer which needs
to be water repellant, then there’s an … interfacing layer that helps
keep nasty particales out, then the inner layer is a breathable fabric,
like 100% cotton. It’s those three combined that make a mask effective.”
Nedeljkovic says that, provided you can get the right fabric – “which
shouldn’t be too tricky” – anyone can make their own mask. If finding
cloth to do so is difficult, you can even take a leaf out of The Social
Studio’s manufacturing playbook, and repurpose fabric from existing
garments you no longer use, or even a reusable shopping bag (for the
outer layer of the mask).
Although
the pace has been frantic for Nedeljkovic and her “troops” – a group of
“really talented and dedicated people” from refugee and new migrant
backgrounds – she sees the spiking demand as a positive. “People are
clearly trying to do the right thing.”
For those who would prefer to buy, rather than make their own mask, stylist Emma Read has compiled a list of reusable face masks to suit a range of tastes and budgets.
If you purchased a face mask during the bushfire crisis, it may be
suitable to wear now, however, the Victorian guidelines advise against
wearing masks that feature holes or a valve, as “this can result in
breathing out the virus if you have coronavirus”.
Please note that while stocks of most were available at the time of
writing, some may have sold out or gone on back order subsequently.
Comfortable,
cotton, adjustable and tested to a KN90 standard – tick. Bonus points
for 100% of proceeds being directed to empowering youth through quality
education and access to healthcare via the Cotton On Foundation. The Social Studio reusable mask, $12
The multi-hyphenate that is The Social Studio (part fashion
school in partnership with RMIT, part design studio, part retail and
more) quickly diverted current manufacturing to supply medical scrubs
and reusable face masks at cost price. Due to product sell-throughs, the current wait time is 7-21 days from purchase. Hey Reflect’o black reusable face mask, $29 Australian made and eco-friendly, Adelaide-based Lisa Penney has added face masks to her hi-vis cycler-friendly arsenal.
Australian not-for-profit retailer and manufacturer The Social
Outfit are no stranger to employing fashion as a cause for change. Their
day-to-day operations provide work and training in the fashion industry
to refugees and new migrant communities.
Each mask sold contributes to a buy-one-give-one model, supplying a mask to a person in need. Due
to product sell-throughs, mask purchases have been capped at a daily
limit, and orders will take a minimum seven-day turnaround. Alperstein Designs reusable face mask, $12.95
A
longstanding champion of Indigenous art, the team at Alperstein Designs
created range of face masks featuring artworks reproduced under license
from Warlukurlangu artists – a not-for-profit that is 100%
Aboriginal-owned. Royalties from this product directly benefit the
artists from the remote desert communities of Yuendumu and Nyirripi in
Central Australia. Due to product sell-throughs, this item is currently on waitlist and will be dispatched in 10-14 days upon ordering. Papinelle silk mask, $39.95
For the sensitive-skinned among us, silk is a much gentler option
– this Papinelle number comes with a filter insert for extra protection
(filters sold separately). Due to product sell-throughs, this item is currently on pre-order and will ship on 24 July.
Two layer cloth masks
Ford Millinery reusable face mask (varied prints), $24.95 Generally
known for her millinery expertise on the racecourse, designer Chantelle
Ford has helmed a “mask for mates” scheme, donating a mask for every
purchase to the Salvation Army.
Ethically accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, and Supply Nation
registered, these simple pleated masks from The Ark come in five packs
of assorted colours, with a buy-one-give-one program benefitting women
experiencing domestic violence. Goat Crew bandanna mask (available at Culture Kings), $19.95
For
the streetwear-conscious, Culture Kings have a ange of cotton masks in
covetable prints – plus a matching hoodie if you’re looking to step up
your quarantine loungewear game.
Printed face masks, $15
Made by a group of Indigenous women in Taree in northern New South
Wales (Biripi country), these printed masks are currently being
distributed by Darkies Design and Supply Aus.
While they’re not presently available to buy direct from the websites,
you can register your interest in purchasing one by emailing
sales@darkiesdesigns.com.au. Everlane ‘100% Human’ reusable mask, 5 pack, $37
A one-of-a-kind tie-dye set in comfortable knit and lycra, with
an added feel-good: for every mask pack sold, Everlane donates 10% of
sales to the American Civil Liberties Union.
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