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These local fashion brands are pivoting to address the need for more face masks
The government last week has ordered residents covered by the enhanced community quarantine to wear face mask in public spaces.
In a virtual press conference, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, “For areas placed under ECQ, the IATF hereby adopts the policy of mandatory wearing by all residents of face masks, earloop masks, indigenous, reusable or do-it-yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other protective equipment that can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19, whenever allowed to go out of their residences.”
While we had been told that cloth masks offer little protection against the virus, it's perhaps better than buying N95s or surgical masks; those are better left for medical frontliners who need them more. Besides, the Centre for Disease Control has said wearing cloth masks can help slow the spread of the virus.
Dr. Sally Jane Velasco-Aro, a paediatric infectious disease specialist at the UP-PGH reminds everyone that while the best way to flatten the curve is still to stay home, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing, “limited studies show that mask use by the greater public could help stop the spread of the disease."
She adds, "We must remember that, more than the wearing of mask (which is highly encouraged especially for people with respiratory symptoms), social distancing, staying at home, hand washing/hand hygiene, and avoiding touching the face are still the primary ways to help fight the spread of the disease.”
Thankfully, several clothing companies have started producing cloth masks. This will not only help address the short supply of surgical and N95 masks we should now reserve for medical practitioners, but also address our own needs. Below are just a few of them.
Apartment 8 Clothing
Apartment 8 is making cloth masks with pockets so you can insert a filter or tissue — or you can take the CDC's lead and use a coffee filter, if you have some lying around the house?
The masks are washable, eco-friendly, and proceeds of their sales will go to frontliners. The masks are sanitized before they are packed for delivery, but Apartment 8 strongly recommends you wash the masks with laundry soap as an added precaution before wearing them. Order yours at the website or through Viber +639988550708
Anthill Fabric Gallery
The zero-waste reusable masks are made from commercial and weave scraps and come with two washable, non-woven filters that you can insert in the filter pockets. They are also washed and disinfected prior to shipping.
The production of the masks has been able to help their production partners provide for their families while they continue to work from home. Meanwhile sales of the masks have enabled Anthill to donate 100 reusable masks to the Cebu Crisis Assistance Team. They will continue to donate masks for every 500 that they sell. Order yours at their website or message them on Facebook or Instagram.
Wear Cari
From jewelry, this brand has pivoted to producing to different types of masks: reusable, washable fabric masks and water-repellent masks made from polypropylene filter.
Like most of the masks on this list, the fabric masks have a pocket where you can insert a filter or tissue. Part of the sales will be donated to feed the underprivileged and stray animals who have nobody to take care of them during this time. Order yours by sending them a DM on their official Instagram account.
Style Ana
These three-ply handwoven, washable, and reusable masks are made from weave scraps and come with a pocket where you can insert tissue or filter. Kid-sized masks are also available. The first 200 pieces they produced were sent to frontliners. According to their IG page, “Each mask made and sold supports the production of more masks for frontliners and the less fortunate.” Order yours by sending them a DM on their official Instagram account.
Ava
These reusable and washable face masks are made of fabric, so they recommend adding a filter or tissue as an additional layer of protection before putting them on. The masks are for donation and not for sale. Ava has already managed to produce 17,000 pieces, most of which they donated to frontliners.
The production of the face masks has also helped provide work and income for Ava’s workforce. They are currently on break right now, but are hoping to be back in production after taking some time off to rest and recharge. If you or anyone you know needs a cloth mask, you can send them a direct message on their IG account.
Izia Clothing
Helping address the shortage on masks, Izia Clothing has also started making washable cloth masks. Part of their production goes to frontlines and underprivileged communities, but they are also selling them to anyone who might need masks right now.
The masks are lined, stretchable, and steam-cleaned. They are washable and reusable. They recommend you hand wash and hang dry before use. You may steam or iron them, except for the garter. Order yours by sending them a DM on their official Instagram account.
Threadsmith Philippines
For every mask that you purchase from Threadsmith Philippines, three will be donated to essential workers. In order to not just provide work for their seamstresses but also to address the short supply of face masks in the country, Threadsmith has switched to producing cloth masks as well as PPE suits for frontliners. Order yours by sending them a DM on their official Instagram account, or a message on Viber or WhatsApp: +639171922635, +639171583819
— LA, GMA News
