Masks for the Office — and for Court
San Francisco, California, is slowly, but surely, re-opening. While Immigration Court (where I represent non-detained clients at their Master Calendar Hearings) has pushed non-detained hearings through June 12, 2020, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California is holding hearings via Zoom.
In the very near future, Counsel throughout San Francisco (and across the United States) will have to dust off our suit jackets, tuck our sweatpants away, and don some new apparel: face masks.
Contra Costa County Court issued a press release on May 13, 2020, requiring everyone who enters the Courthouse to wear a mask. And sure, you could show up to Court wearing a basic black mask or a simple blueish mask. And that’s all fine and dandy.
But since I advocate for clients while sporting Radiant Orchid-colored hair, I plan to bring my A-game when it comes to masks at work. My amazing mom has been making masks throughout Shelter-in-Place. She even made me a sparkly blue mask which I fully intend to wear to Court.
But you may not have easy access to an accomplished engineer-turned-maker like my mom. For you, I have compiled various options that a combination of Capitalism, Altruism, and the Internet have made possible. These options were made possible by 1) Allyson Payor at Who What Wear, who was kind enough to publish this list: 49 Face Masks to Buy From Brands That Are Giving Back, and 2) some additional Googling on my part.
I have separated the choices into two main categories ($$$ and $$). These are my favorites for wearing to a law firm, Court, or anywhere else that still unofficially requires a suit jacket and maybe even a tie.
I wear a $1,000 Suit to Court — I Want to a Buy a Mask to Match
Lucky for you, Capitalism is alive and well in the U.S.A.
1. Discover Night’s 100% Silk Mask + 7 Disposable Filters
If you want a mask that looks fantastic but also protects you (mind you this is not a medical grade mask), Discover Night has you covered:
“The non-absorbent, hypoallergenic nature of the silk helps to prevent breakouts and keep skin hydrated.” — Discover Night
For $55, Discover Night will sell you a 100% Mulberry Silk face mask with 7 disposable filters. Per their website:
“The 3 layers of fabric, including silk and a disposable filter, block out dust, moisture, bacteria allergens and other dangerous, unwanted particles from entering your airways. Unlike other face masks that can irritate your skin, the smooth, soft, and natural silk material hugs your face for a secure seal and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. In addition, the non-absorbent, hypoallergenic nature of the silk helps to prevent breakouts and keep skin hydrated. Look great, feel great, breathe easy.” Plus, for every mask you purchase, Discover Night will donate 5 surgical masks to a local hospital in NYC to support those on the front lines.
2. araks’ Protective Face Mask in Begonia
“Made from high-quality, dense, 100% cotton deadstock fabric with adjustable ties” — araks
This mask by araks may be pricey ($40 USD!), but for every face mask purchased, araks will donate a medical-grade mask to a healthcare professional. Araks says “made from high-quality, dense, 100% cotton deadstock fabric with adjustable ties, our masks are reusable, washable and non-medical. Hand wash only.” I personally like this blush color, but araks also makes the same mask in black and a few other patterns.
3. KES’s Sustainable Washable Face Mask in Berry Silk
“Adjustable drawstrings to tie, features interior pocket for filter inserts, offered in double-layered, soft breathable materials that provide protection and breathability [including 100% silk]” — KES
This KES Sustainable Washable Face Mask in Berry Silk (that’s 100% Silk Charmeuse) will cost you $17 USD, but “as an initiative to help the crisis, for every face mask purchased, KES will donate one face mask to a healthcare professional.” The masks come in multiple colors and designs, including black for those not interested in being too wild. And if you manage to spend $200 on KES’s website (not difficult to do), KES will throw in one free mask.
4. Tokyo Organic Cotton Mask by Maison Modulare
“Embroidered grosgrain with 100% organic cotton lining” — Maison Modulare
For $36, you can buy this mask from Maison Modulare that is embroidered grosgrain with 100% organic cotton lining. Maison Modulre’s Tokyo Organic Cotton Mask is classy, fashionable, and perhaps even a hint masculine. This mask reminds me the pocket-square-like mask that Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) wore last week on Capitol Hill. (See Tim Kaine’s tie-dyed bandanna was one of the Senate’s many mask style statements, by Robin Givhan, Fashion critic at The Washington Post).
With each purchase, Maison Modulare will donate proceeds to fund and procure PPE for people who need them. Their masks come in several styles and colors.
5. Katie May’s Make It Fashion (Final Sale) Lace Mask
“Fitted lace multi-layer face mask featuring a corded lace, sparkle tulle underlay and delicate lace trim. Two adjustable head straps ensure comfort and security while wearing. Now that’s an #aMAYzingmask” — Katie May
Katie May will sell you this lace beauty for a mere $35 USD. And with each purchase, Katie May is proudly donating a portion of our proceeds to No Kid Hungry. I included this because it’s beautiful, but even I’ll admit that this mask kind of looks like you’re wearing lingerie on your face. That could be awkward in Court. You might be better off with Katie May’s Protected AF (Final Sale) mask, available for a mere $19, and offers the ability to add a filter, if desired.
I Do Not Wear a $1,000 Suit to Court — Alternatives, Please?
1. Sock Fancy’s Adult Face Mask in Midnight Black
“Our masks offer triple-layered protection and are constructed with the highest quality machine-washable combed cotton.” — Sock Fancy
For $12, Sock Fancy will sell you a mask with triple-layered protection which is machine washable and has a protective particle-resistant outer layer, a polyester fiber middle layer for particle filtration, adjustable ear loops for fit and comfort, and more cool features:
Sock Fancy used to just make fancy socks. Along with everyone else with a sewing machine during Shelter-in-Place, Sockfancy said “wait, we can make masks, too!” Plus for every mask purchased, they’ll donate one. The masks are available in multiple colors and patterns.
2. Redbubble’s Masks designed by independent artists
Filtering for “Masks” on Redbubble leaves 19,820 Results. I promise you, you will find a style you love. — Me
Redbubble is a storefront for independent artists. For a mere $13.74, or $10.99 when you buy 4+, you can purchase the above ‘Iridescent Rose Gold Marble Mask’, or one of roughly a bazillion designs that were previously only found protecting your smartphone, like this geometric pattern:
And for those in the back that still want a basic black mask, Redbubble has those, too, for $11.35, or $9.08 when you buy 4+. Plus, for every mask sold, Redbubble will make a donation to Heart to Heart International.
I am not getting any commissions/fees/payments from any these companies/designers if you purchase from them. I simply decided to spend my Saturday afternoon compiling classy, fashionable, respectable-looking face masks currently available for purchase online. Enjoy! And Stay Safe ❤
