Luxury face masks to buy now

Types of mask

It remains vital that medical-grade masks are kept for the use of healthcare professionals, especially as lockdown has lifted, and the return of pupils to schools and workers to offices means that a second wave is a growing concern.

Reusable masks need to be handled and worn in a particular way in order to provide adequate protection: they should snugly cover your nose and mouth and be handled from the back, not the front. Hand-washing remains important, and hands should be washed with soap and water or cleaned with hand-sanitising gel before and after putting on and removing the mask (from the back).

Look for masks made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk. These are preferable to polyester, which will cause you to sweat more and make wearing the mask less comfortable thus increasing the risk that you will fiddle with it, or even remove it early, both risky behaviours.

Reusable masks are designed to be washed before being reworn. Each brand recommends different processes and temperatures for this so ensure that you take note in order to best care for your purchase.

For children's face masks, follow expert guidance on how to approach the conversation with your child and helpful ways to encourage safe wear, plus fun designs that can help take away any fear of such an alien accessory.

Anya Hindmarch recycled-nylon canvas PPE kit

Trust Anya Hindmarch, one of the most impressively organised women in fashion, to come out with a luxurious take on mask storage: forget fretting over where to put your mask as soon as you leave a store or the hot and stuffy Underground. No longer will you fumble in the bottom of your bag for your hand sanitiser.

This simple pouch is designed with separate pockets for mask and gloves and a refillable hand sanitiser in a leather holder that can be clipped to the pouch or your keyring or some bag straps. The kit also contains one washable mask with filter.

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Batsheva face covering

You might have missed out on the Batsheva x H&M collection, but there's still a chance to get an affordable piece from the it brand thanks to the new face-covering collection.

Available as a set of two, the concertina-design masks are made from cotton lawn in the brand's celebrated 'cottagecore' prints and feature tie straps and a ruffle trim.

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Liberty face coverings

Sold in assorted packs of five, these face coverings are made in Italy from upcycled Tana Lawn™ cotton printed with classic Liberty designs. The covering itself is made of three layers, which have been treated to ensure safety and comfort of the wearer.

The coverings are machine-washable up to 20 times and for each pack sold one covering will be donated to a charity.

Further details on the composition of the coverings:

External layer: 100% Tana Lawn™ cotton which has been treated to be water-repellent and breathable.
Intermediate layer: An internal filter which provides a physical, water-repellent barrier that inhibits droplet transfer when the wearer exhales. 100% Hydrophobic TNT in polypropylene. Internal layer: 100% cotton next to the mouth to which an anti-bacterial treatment has been applied so that the face covering remains virtually odourless after hours of use.

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Bernadette face covering

This concertina-folded cotton-blend mask is printed with an uplifting floral design. Self-tie straps mean that you can adjust it to fit each and every time you wear it. Machine-washable, with a hint of stretch.

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Burberry face masks

The way Burberry has responded to the coronavirus has been inspiring. The British designer brand converted its Castleford factory to make PPE, sourced surgical masks and financially supported food banks and vaccine research.

The brand has just launched its own reusable face masks which are sustainably produced from revalued fabric. The masks provide 'particle filtration efficiency' and have been enhanced with antimicrobial technology. The mask comes in the house vintage check in two colours with a matching pouch. Burberry will donate 20% of the selling price of each mask to support global communities affected by the pandemic via the Burberry Foundation Covid-19 Community Fund operated by The Burberry Foundation.

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Marni face masks

Italian fashion brand Marni is known for its vibrant use of colour and print, and its new line in reusable face masks is no exception.

There are multiple styles in machine-washable 100% cotton to choose from, priced at £70 each. Marni masks incorporate a pleated design, elasticated straps and logo patch.

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Off-White face masks

Off-White gained a surprising celebrity fan recently, when Angelina Jolie was spotted sporting a black and white mask emblazoned with the brand's crossed-arrow logo.

There are several versions of Off-White masks currently available at the time of publishing, but they do tend to sell out fast. There are two types of 100% cotton Off-White mask, and each is decorated with different logos and designs.

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Wedel Art Collective face masks

The arts have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and art advisory firm Wedel Art has worked with six artists to create printed face masks that raise funds for Solidarity Response Fund, the Artist Relief coalition and art advocate group Common Practice. The collection of lightweight triple-layered cotton machine-washable masks, with elastic ear loops, features works by Jenny Holzer, Raymond Pettibon, Rosemarie Trockel, Lorna Simpson, Rashid Johnson and Barbara Kruger.

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Natasha Zinko

Colour and energy abound in the collections of London-based designer Natasha Zinko, and her foray into face masks appears no different.

Made from upcycled fabric pieces in a print clash patchwork design, the masks are 100% cotton, fully lined and with branded elasticated ear loops.

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