With the Pandemic looking like it’s not going anywhere in a hurry, there’s no better time to ditch those single-use masks (did you know we’re about to end up with more of them in the ocean than jellyfish?) and invest in a reusable and sustainable face mask. Here are our favourites; not only are they fashionable, they’re sustainable to boot and help those in the community who need it most. 

By Johnny 

John Schembri of By Johnny might be best known for his beautiful dresses but now he’s adding masks to his designer roster. The brand is using off-cuts from its past swimwear collections to create pretty chic reusable masks that range from plain dyes to bright print. 

Clothing the gap

Clothing the Gap is an Aboriginal owned and led social enterprise uniting fashion and Aboriginal culture. It aims to draw awareness and close the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal people and non-Indigenous Australians, and it donates 100 percent of its profits into Aboriginal health and education programs in Victoria. Made in Melbourne, these facemarks are four-ply, reversible, reusable and come in two different sizes, and feature artwork by Gunditjmara woman, Laura Thompson.

A.BCH 

A.BCH is one of our favourite ethical designers so we were thrilled when we found out designer Courtney Holmes was making reusable face masks. Their offering is a 2-ply organic cotton face mask based on Cambridge university research. Courtney has also uploaded the pattern to DIY with a Youtube tutorial.  

The Social Outfit 

Known for using off-cuts from some of Australia’s leading design houses as well as providing employment and training opportunities to migrants and refugees, The Social Outfit is now turning its attention to the community once more with its B1-G1 – or buy one, give one – masks. Purchase one of their reusable masks and they will donate one to a charity partner, assisting those most vulnerable in the community. They also donate to staff to distribute to their local communities. They’re washable and have wire to shape around the nose for a snug fit. 

The Common Good Co.

Available in two sizes, these masks are made from 100 per cent GOTS certified organic cotton. They’re breathable, washable and double layered, and for every two masks sold they will donate to vulnerable members of the community such as BANH inc., a community group that works with public housing in Collingwood and North Richmond. 

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