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The Best Masks to Express Your Back-to-School Style

Pilots Prevent

August 17, 2021

At this point, we all have masks. They’re stuffed in our bags, peeking out of our pockets, dangling from our rear-view mirrors. They’ve become a fact of life. But your early pandemic purchases might be looking a bit tired — and you’re probably tired of looking at them. Why not embrace the low-germ lifestyle and add a new set of masks to the back-to-school shopping list?

Sure, you could grab a box of paper masks from the pharmacy or go with the always-appropriate basic black. But there’s no need to default to the predictable when there’s a vast world of options out there just waiting to dress up your face. Besides, if you’re going to immortalize the first day of school with a selfie in this exceptional era, you ought to do it in style. Here are 9 mask-makers to explore:

New Normal 4 Now

Portland-based Shalonda Menefee’s excellently named online shop sells masks made of African inspired prints, plus matching headbands and headwraps for a fully coordinated ensemble. NN4N donates a mask for every one that’s purchased. 

Like Dat Apparel

Think it’s hard to talk with a mask on? Let your mask do some of the talking. This Southeast Portland custom apparel shop sells Black Lives Matter masks in a range of designs.

Blackstrap

This Bend-based maker of gear and base layers for snow sports enthusiasts now turns out quick-drying, mesh-lined masks made from upcycled fabrics otherwise destined for the landfill. For each Civil Mask purchased, Blackstrap donates one to those in need.

Miracle Eye 

If you love eye-popping vintage fabrics from the ‘60s and ‘70s, check out L.A.-based Miracle Eye’s groovy 100% cotton masks. They even have elastic on the bottom to create a seal under the chin. Latino-owned, the shop donates a mask for each one sold.

Jaanuu

A favorite among medical professionals, these sleek masks are made from the same material used for scrubs, lined with mesh, and treated with Silvadur antimicrobial treatment to resist odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Plus, they’re just $5 each.

Profound

This New York-based streetwear brand sells an array of masks, including a classic bandana print that goes with anything, and most are triple-layered with a filter pocket for PM2.5 filters. A percentage of proceeds from each mask sold goes to the International Rescue Committee COVID-19 fund to assist refugee families.

Gran’s Graffiti on Etsy

Express yourself — and your major—with custom masks made from a huge array of printed cotton fabrics. Think math equations, science lab paraphernalia, nursing gear, soccer balls, camo, piano keys. You can even design your own embroidery for just $15.

Ibex 

This winter, keep your face warm and toasty with three-layer merino wool face masks. Merino wool is super soft, as well as thermo-regulating, moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, making these a great option any time of year.

Evolve Together

A celebrity favorite with a focus on environmental issues and social justice, this brand’s disposable masks have the coordinates for some of the most beloved destinations in the world printed on the front. Choose from 4-layer masks or 6-layer K95 masks in rich neutral colors, perfect for travel or higher risk situations.