20 Aussie-Made Face Masks That Make Your Health And Safety A Fashion Statement
Kassia is the Editor of AWOL, and a straight-up travel…
Coronavirus is shit. It’s also unpredictable and rules around wearing face masks in public are changing — right now Sydney has just been asked to wear them on public transport again, and Melbourne has been asked to wear their masks outside the home for a while.
So basically, listen to the scientists and just wear them, yeah?
However, not being a dick, keeping everyone safe and following the rules doesn’t have to be a dull thing. No honey, face masks are the biggest accessory since 2020 and there are plenty of places that will help you turn a health and safety measure into your own personal fashion statement.
For obvious reasons, I’ve mostly focused on some local Melbourne and Sydney manufacturers, but they can be ordered from all over Australia.
#1 Labuschewski
Not only are they unique and pretty, but these face masks by freelance fashion industry professional Rita McCulloch are also consciously and sustainably made.
Price: $29.00
#2 Petflair
Nothing shows personal flair more than having your fur baby’s face printed on your face mask. Guaranteed to be 100% unique.
Price: $39.95
#3 KITX
You know the label for its sustainable Australian-made women’s fashion, so it makes sense they’re now branching into masks. Plus they’re making them from remnant fabrics.
Price: $25.00
#4 Scout The Label
Here’s another ethical local designer womenswear label, known for its elegant styles, jumping on board the face mask train to help us all stay trendy in a pandemic.
Price: $25.00
#5 Embellish Atelier
This boutique in Rozelle, Sydney, normally provides you with all your fancy hat needs. Right now, they’re also keeping you elegant and safe in fab face masks. There’s even a pearl one if you’re feeling lush.
Price: From $30.00
#6 MonsterThreads
If you’ve ever been around Sydney you’ve probably seen one of these three cute and quirky stores. Now there are masks, and give me gingham all day.
Price: From $10.95
#7 Spunky Bruiser
This Sydney Oxford Street boutique is known for its eye-catching, one-off, sustainable fashions. They’ve pivoted into funky face masks made from recycled materials.
Price: $40 for a 3-pack
#8 EveryHuman
These guys have released a range of Lip Reader Face Masks, with a clear panel over the mouth to ensure “that all conversations are inclusive” for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Price: $21.95
#9 MyFaceMasks
Yup, there are whole online stores with multitudes of different face mask styles, so you buy several and match them to your wardrobe.
Price: From $24.95
#10 AKA Australia
Make your face mask work harder with these ones handmade by theatre wardrobe creative Elyse Horner. All profits go to support the Arts Wellbeing Collective. They run out fast, so keep an eye out for restocks.
Price: $25.00
#11 St Ali
This South Melbourne cafe might be famous for its coffee, but now you can grab some chic black face masks to keep your Melbourne cool.
Price: From $39.00
#12 Saibatooth
This Etsy store is run by Sydney-based personal trainer Saiba Choy, after she picked up her sewing machine again when the gyms closed.
Price: From $25.00
#13 Clear Collective
Made and sewn in Sydney, this range of anti-odour cotton face masks will have something to suit your style. You also have the option of adding a valve to reduce condensation.
Price: From $29.95
#14 SisterWorks
This Melbourne non-profit organisation helps migrant women make a better living, and now they’re helping you stay safe too. Plus your purchase will help support vulnerable communities.
Price: From $18.00
#15 Mask Planet
Yup, another face mask website with a huge range. They’re all made in Melbourne in compliance with DHHS mask guidelines, plus they donate 20% to rotating charities.
Price: From $18.00
#16 East Coast Face Masks
If you come from the minimalist school of style, get on board with this new Melbourne brand. They keep their styles simple, and all masks come with filters.
Price: $25.00
#17 Todd Masks
Did someone say sequins? Actor Todd McKenney has turned his attentions to masks since the theatres have shut down, creating this online marketplace where you can buy face masks created by unemployed costume designers.
Price: From $15.00
#18 Oski + Lottie
Get obsessed with this Melbourne label and their new soft pastel face mask range. They’re subtle, beautiful and often Aussie flora themed.
Price: From $25.00
#19 Chopsuey Inc
If your style involves a bit of a punk edge, this Footscray custom guitar strap business is now turning their attentions to creating face masks with a bit of attitude.
Price: DM for pricing and ordering.
#20 Fitzroy Stitch
These face masks feature cute patterns, a pocket to insert your own filters and free shipping Australia-wide. Plus they’re made in Fitzroy North, Melbourne.
Price: $25.00
(Lead Image: Pexels / Stephen Francis)
Kassia is the Editor of AWOL, and a straight-up travel addict. She was born without a sense of direction, yet an intense desire to explore the world. As such, she's lost 90% of the time but she's learned to roll with it. You can catch her latest adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.