We Love These Brands Who Have Masks You Won’t Mind Wearing
I’ll be the first to say that the CDC suggestions about mask-wearing, as of late, have put me on edge. It feels like a whole new world when you’re walking around at a flower shop, going to get gas, or simply enjoying some downtime outdoors and get smacked with the realization that everyone is just living their lives now - behind masks. My three-year-old has absorbed ‘coronavirus’ and ‘social distancing’ into his vocabulary, and, as surreal as it is, I guess I just feel relieved knowing that he isn’t afraid to go outside. He isn’t [too] confused or overwhelmed by the uncertainty that awaits us all in the morning. He’s just a kid, and he’s living his best life.
For me, though, the mask thing feels strange and uncharted. As grateful as I am that I don’t have to wear masks to do my job every day (I literally have the most insane respect for my soon-to-be-nurse-practitioner sister and all the nurses, doctors, and front-line heroes crushing this COVID nightmare on the daily), I really haven’t enjoyed going out into public while wearing one. I absolutely want to protect my babies and my husband, I absolutely want to protect myself (as someone with Type 1 diabetes), and I absolutely want to protect my loved ones, friends, and neighbors, so I heed the CDC recommendations whole-heartedly. It’s just scary, and tbh, it doesn’t feel comfortable. I don’t blame my toddler whatsoever for crying and ripping his off when we went to his three-year well visit last month. I wanted to do the same with my own blue rippled surgical mask, but kept a brave face (well, who would know?) #becausegrownupsgottaberolemodels.
Well, last week, I saw Plum Pretty Sugar post about their own printed masks on Instagram, and I immediately told my husband, “babe, I’m ordering a few,” which I did. The fear, the phobia I’ve developed for this sterile-looking fashion ‘of the moment,’ needs to go away, especially because none of us have a clue about when this’ll all be over.
So, for anyone who’s feeling sames with me, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite brands with masks available for purchase rn.
Just a few caveats to keep in mind
Before thinking these will veil the virus completely, because that’s just not true.
😷 the masks are non-medical; surgical and N95 respirators continue to be prioritized for healthcare workers only
😷 the masks do not prevent coronavirus; rather, they help to slow the spread of the illness (especially with regard to people who may be carrying the virus or may be infected but asymptomatic)
😷 the masks are not endorsed by the FDA.
You can absolutely make your own cloth masks (in fact, maybe we’ll write about that next week!); I’m just not blessed with the fashion design gene, I trust the experts on this one! 👇