Fashion trends have always been applauded or criticized in some way. No matter what it is, one person will always have a different taste and say “Mm, that’s not for me” and that is just how fashion goes. But then all of a sudden 2020 decides to throw a curveball and say “You don’t have a choice. Wear it.” Of course there is in fact no real choice when it comes down to protecting the life of those around you which is why the fashion industry is making the most out of this new and changing world. And these are the new daily accessory…masks. 

Back in the middle of March when Covid-19 really struck the United States, we all stayed inside and if we went out to buy food or other necessities we wore disposable medical face masks. These were the ones that were a light blue/white sheet of Polypropylene that hung over your mouth by two white stretchy straps that for some reason always snapped in half. Come May when many states were beginning to loosen regulations and allow people to return to work and the public, just about everywhere required you wear a mask when within six feet of another person. The fashion industry looked at this and knew they could turn a medical requirement into a new “trend” of sorts. 

Medical Grade Masks

I own almost all types of face masks produced on the market right now minus the large face shields (these kind of scare me as they look less human and more like something out of an apocalypse movie). First is my favorite, the cloth face masks. I bought mine from all different types of stores. On the more expensive end of the spectrum I own ones from Anthropology, Athleta, and Kitsch ranging between $12-$15 each. In the middle I have some from Amazon and Target both being about $8 a piece. Lastly I have a few cloth ones from Shein that were $1 each. The colors are unique and diverse in patterns and can be matched with different outfits which I have been doing lately to look more put together even in the middle of a pandemic. Not only are cloth masks proven to be one of the more effective face coverings in preventing the spread of Covid-19, but they’re also much better for the environment than disposables because they can be washed for future use. 

Cloth Anthropologie           Masks

My second favorite would have to be the neck gaiters and bandanas. Although convenient, they’re not very effective in protection and lack in the feminist appeal of the cloth masks. Many males wear these and favor them as they come in different sports colors, school logos, and so forth and many already owned them because they were on the market far before Covid struck. I personally had two in my possession before the pandemic because I’m a skier and these are often used to protect your nose and mouth from the cold on the mountain. For the most part these sit in the bottom of my desk in my dorm room but I’m hoping to one day wear them when the weather gets colder to cover both my mouth and neck.

Masks can help you match with friends, rep your university, or add a little something to your outfit for the day. Whether you decide to purchase the cloth masks, the gaiters, or stick to those disposables, remember to look on the brighter side of this year by partaking in this new “trend” while also protecting friends and family.

Pennsylvania State Cloth Masks