With lockdown ending, and new restrictions on the cards for South Australia, masks are now more important than ever before.
While there is still plenty of surgical masks available in SA, we haven’t ever really needed to think longer-term about our mask choices before. We’ve all been happy to pop on the medical masks for a quick visit to the Apple Store in Rundle Mall, to watch a play at the Festival Centre, or during the small periods of restrictions in the state.
However now with strong recommendations to wear masks not only in the office, but at secondary schools and other locations, it’s looking like South Australia will follow suit with other states and countries in regards to masks. Now, people might be looking to step up their mask game whether it be for environmental, cost or fashion choices.
With cloth masks make sure you are washing them and replacing the filters regularly. Try and make sure they are not scrunched in the bottom of your handbag or pocket so you can keep them nice and hygienic. Perhaps try and popping a mask basket at your front door, so your household can collect the used masks and wash them all together at the end of the day!
Please remember the below fabric masks are for precautionary use only and are non-medical grade. They DO NOT replace surgical masks and the importance of social distancing.
For those wanting to purchase a locally made mask, we’ve compiled a list of South Aussie manufacturers, so you can support local.
Fancy That On The Beach
This costume shop began to specialise in face masks when COVID-19 came into the country. They offer stylish designs made right in Christies Beach with quality 100% cotton material. They also have plain ones too, which are perfect for school.
Keep up to date with Fancy That On The Beach Road on Facebook.
Rosella Road
We all know how colours can affect our mood, so why not wear bright, fun colours? Adelaide label Rosella Road make a great range of face masks, with styles for men, women, and kids from 4 years of age. They also supply those fantastic ear saver headbands that you can hook your masks on to!
Purchase your masks from Rosella Road here.
thelittlecarrotco
Affordable masks, handmade with love in Adelaide. The triple layer fabric face mask are washable, have a filter pocket & nose wire, and are reusable.
Find thelittlecarrotco on Etsy here.
BTCFaceMasks
Another Adelaide label is BTCFaceMasks who offer handmade, washable fitted face masks with filter pocket, removable nose wire and adjustable soft elastic straps for $16. They have 3 sizes available and are made to order.
Find BTCFacemasks on Etsy or Facebook
Tailors of Distinction
Tailors of Distinction are utilising their high-end suit and tailoring production facilities to make washable face masks for the general public. Their 3 layer masks comprise of 2 outer layers of poly-cotton (POPLIN) while the 3rd inner layer is a thicker felt pad. They are fully washable, reusable masks. Prices start at $35 for a 2-pack. Purchase online Monday-Friday for same day dispatch.
Purchase your mask here.
MT Creations
The team at MT Creations has created shimmer bling masks, trendy customisable masks, solid colour masks and printed fabric masks in different sizes, ranging from kids (12-13cm), to small, medium, large and extra large (19-20cm). The sizes measure from the bridge of your nose, to under chin measurement.
MT Creations 3-layered face masks are handmade with a protective, waterproof membrane and natural 100% unbleached cotton. The masks are durable, lightweight, comfortable and, importantly, provide a secure barrier against particulates and fluids. Prices start at $11 for plain masks, with the option of extra bling for $4. Shimmer masks start at $23.
Purchase yours here or visit their Facebook for the latest updates.
Jem Designs
Jem Designs traditionally makes swim and dancewear, but they’re now creating something we haven’t seen a lot of – mask-friendly headbands and head coverings! If you don’t love the elastics tucked behind your ears this is a great option. The handbands come in an array of funky colours and can be made gathered or curved for $12. The headbands also retail for $12 each.
Buy your face mask here, or visit their Facebook to keep up with Jem Designs latest updates.
Hey Reflect’o
From reflective gear to face masks, Hey Reflect’o will ensure you’re not missed when you’re out and about. Their double layer cotton masks have a soft lining and a Reflect’o piece on each cheek. If you want the mask to fit a child or a really small head, simply tie a knot in the elastic to resize it. Handy to help remind you not to touch your face and helps to keep your germs to yourself. Keeps your face warm cycling on a bike too! Washable, reusable product. Masks are $29 each with free shipping on orders over $100.
Shop Reflect’o masks here.
Groovy Gaitors
Another SA business that has pivoted is Groovy Gaitors. They’ve gone from making ankle and neck gaitors, to also producing fun face masks. Their 3 layered masks are made in-house using Aussie fabric which moulds nicely to your face. Masks are $15.00 each and come in a range of funky colours and prints.
To order, visit their website here.
Fancy That On Beach Road
The folks over at Fancy That on Beach Road offers both basic and deluxe masks. The $15 deluxe masks are curved to fit your face with a centre seam and elastic that goes around your head. $10 Basic masks are rectangle shared and pleated for fit with ear elastics. Once you’ve chosen a mask type, you select your colour, with both plain fabrics and prints available. Then decide if you want a logo or words added for an additional $5. Finally, choose a size. They have kids, teen, regular adult or large adult available.
Email Fancy That on Beach Road to place an order: [email protected] or find out more on their website.
Kitty Came Home
Kitty Came Home are making regular batches of face masks featuring four layers of cotton fabric with a space to insert an additional filter if you like. They also have a removable, bendable aluminium strip that you can form around your nose. The masks are washable/reusable and have a soft round elastic for comfort around your ears. One size fits most. Large masks are $29, with smaller sizes $25. Express post on 2 or more masks!
Buy them online here
Dirty Artist
In addition to other apparel, cloth face masks are available on the Dirty Artist website. Masks are made of two layers with a 100% cotton interior lining, which make them soft on the skin and easy to breathe. The stretchy cotton material allows adult men to fit nicely. The mask can be washed and reused again and again. Throw it into the wash with your clothes and it will wash up nicely. Facemasks are $21 each plus postage and are hand-made by South Australian Acrylic Artist – Dirty Artist. The Adelaide -based artist is known for creating unique acrylic paintings on canvas and has a following of over 100k subscribers following her art on Youtube.
Buy Dirty Artist masks online here.
Ned’s Head
Ned’s Head, makes face shields that are both designed and manufactured in SA. They are an approved supplier for HealthSA with TGA approval. A pack of five starts at $77, with larger packs of 18 and 36 also available. They also recently won a Good design award for their shields.
To find more information visit their website.
Bizarre
21-year-old Adelaide-based lingerie designer and owner of the independent label, Bizarre, Jana Fuss has expanded her repertoire outside of just racy lingerie, to also produce lace masks. The beige and red masks are both double-layered with stretch lace on the outside and 100% cotton jersey on the inside. There’s also a black mesh mask on offer. Ms Fuss says all her masks must be washed after each use for them to be fully effective. The masks start at $10 each.
Purchase Bizarre masks online here.
Plant Me Creations
Plant me creations is the latest SA brand to venture out and make face masks. Get your favourite Disney movie, cute cartoons or stylish prints splashed across the front of your mask. Even better, the masks are also reversible, so really you’re getting two masks for the price of one! Masks are $10 and come with one layer of 100% cotton and two layers of polycotton to trap nasty particles when you’re out and about. While these masks don’t replace medical-grade masks, Plant Me Creations will help you to put your best fashion foot forward.
To order your mask, head to Plant Me Creations Facebook.
She Sews
McLaren Vale-based seamstress company, She Sews has branched out from their made-to-measure bridal and evening gowns and delved into mask making. The triple-layered masks are made with 100% breathable cotton and come in small, medium and large so there is a size for everyone in the family.
Masks start at $20, with the more premium and complex designs marketed in the $40 range. With every mask purchased, She Sews is also donating $1 to the Hutt Street Centre. Orders will be dispatched every few days, so you won’t have to wait long for a new trendy mask! The company is also hand-delivering to local elderly and vulnerable people worried about venturing out of their homes.
Place your order online at She Sews or check out their Facebook for more.
Who Said Sew?
The Largs Bay company, Who Said Sew? creates special and unique hand-crafted pieces, including face masks! The triple-layered non-medical face masks are available in both kids and adult sizing at $12 and $15 respectively.
With each mask purchased, the crafty company donates $3 to the children cancer charity Camp Quality. Over the last 12 months, Who Said Sew? has raised an amazing $3000 for Camp Quality through sending masks all over Australia.
To order, simply send Who Said Sew? a message on Facebook with your fabric choice and size and receive your mask in the next few days. Pick between colourful and artistic swatches or your favourite AFL team to star on the front of your mask. Contactless collection from Largs Bay, otherwise postage ranges between $2 and $9.
Place your order on Who Said Sew? Facebook.
Pinkerbell Handmade
The small crafts company Pinkerbell Handmade designs are creating custom-made face masks for $8, available in sizes small, medium and large. Pick whatever fabric you like, whether this is your favourite cartoon or a funky print. The masks are the standard protective three-layers and will be contactless dropped to your letterbox. The masks are made to order, with a fast turnaround.
Contact Pinkerbell Handmade on Facebook to place an order.
Know of any other South Australian mask designers/brands? Let us know at [email protected]. Support Local. #IChooseSA