Fifty-eight stylish face masks from Toronto designers

Fifty-eight stylish face masks from Toronto designers

We’re coming up on a year in our masked, not-so-new normal. For those who can’t get their hands on medical-grade masks, multi-layered natural-fibre face coverings have proved adequate for grocery store missions and neighbourhood walks. And for the past year, local designers have turned their attention toward crafting facial protection in funky prints and in comfortable and luxurious materials. Here, a few virtual destinations for this spring’s must-have accessory.

Toronto-based Tarangear sells fair-trade masks handmade with recycled African fabrics for $15. The brand was founded to support Tanzanian communities affected by the pandemic, and 10 per cent of each sale is donated to wildlife conservation. You can also donate a pack of five masks to impoverished children in Africa and the U.S. via their website:

 

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Designed and hand-sewn in Ontario, EnGuard is founded by Toronto-based teacher Nicholas Makos and entrepreneur Kevin Awde. Their environmentally friendly, two-layer antimicrobial masks are resistant against fogging, mildew and odours. Cop one for $30 or three for $80:

 

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Gotcha Covered is Toronto designer Brodie Peteran’s response to the rise in single-use waste via PPE last year. To deter locals from using disposable masks, Peteran sells trendy, reusable options starting at $25. Matching scrunchie or hat sets start at $35:

 

Envy is a Toronto-based pillow company that specializes in anti-wrinkle, pro-neck support pillows, and they’ve now branched out into producing three-layer face masks. Made from antimicrobial copper fibres, this mask offers loads of comfort and protection for your skin, too. Buy a two-pack for $60:

 

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Dianna DiNoble, Toronto corset-maker and owner of Starkers Corsetry, has taken to sewing face masks as a way to support local front-line workers. Funds go toward scrub caps for nurses and masks for organizations like Covenant House and YWCA. They’re available in a variety of sizes and colours at $23 a pop:

 

Zimmer Masks is a collective formed by Toronto-based artist Quinto Z., working with the disabled community to sew adaptive masks in joyful prints. All masks are handmade, and they’re also taking custom orders. Email or DM to buy:

 

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North York beauty salon JL Beauty World has pivoted into mask-making. Grab yourself one of their two-layer masks in camo, leopard and olive tones. Sizes range from a children’s small to an adult extra-large, and filters are included:

 

Toronto designer Eva Parrell’s signature scrunchie design looks just as great on as it does off, and it comes with a pocket for an added filter. Get one for $25:

 

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Toronto Mask Shop was founded in 2020 as a way to support hospitality workers affected by job losses, with masks that are good for everyday wear, commuting and exercise. For every mask sold, Toronto Mask Shop donates $4 to a hospitality worker relief fund. Their masks start at $16:

 

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Yorkville’s Unika Swim now offers face coverings made from a spandex fabric most often found in your favourite swimsuits, a great option for runners or those with sensitive skin. Get one for $15:

 

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Toronto-based sustainable kidswear label Pehr just came out with a cute, totally organic line of masks that are sure to be popular in classrooms. They’re printed with the brand’s signature striped aesthetic, and come in both adult and kid sizing (because they know how badly you want to match your little one). They are sold in packs of five for $25, and for every set sold, one is donated to someone in need in India, where Pehr ethically produces their wares:

 

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Hello Couture was founded by two uber-stylish local women, Iris Simpson and Mary Jo Appugliesi. They usually design beautifully bedazzled denim jackets, but since the onset of the pandemic, they have turned their attention to equally intricate, occasionally sassy masks beloved by local influencers. A few of their latest include masks embellished in dazzling sequins, tie-dyed bows and a puckered-up kiss print. To show your support for the current global movement, you can also pick up one of their popular #BLM masks, as worn by CityLine host Tracy Moore (DM the brand over Instagram to order):

 

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Toronto-based designer Alfred Sung, purveyor of impeccably tailored suiting, is making masks designed to perfectly complement everything from a tuxedo to a relaxed linen button-down. They’re sold in sets of three for $25, and made from multiple layers of cotton twill. Shoppers can choose from seersucker, striped shirting and tuxedo patterns—so you can appropriately match any level of suiting for the day:

 

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Toronto leather sandal company Tkees has just launched a trio of lightweight cotton masks for no-fuss fashion lovers. They’re cinched along the sides, with adjustable elastic straps and come in black, a pale blush and burnt orange—all of which will complement any breezy late summer attire:

 

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Toronto- and NYC-based designer Kiki Pedro-Hall has come out with a lineup of influencer-approved masks that are made from upcycled designer dust bags—featuring authentic labels from Supreme, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more. She also makes pretty floral designs and popular bandana prints, and creates custom branded masks for companies (like these ones for Toronto’s Philosophy Salon). The designer versions start at $55 each:

 

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Local basics brand Noble Authority’s masks are made from organic cotton and bamboo. Patterns include cute daisies, patriotic maple leaves, tropical plants and funky leopard prints. We especially like their social distancing Drake reference. Each purchase supports frontline workers through Feed The Frontlines TO. Prices start at $15 each:

 

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For swanky al fresco events coming up, local milliner David Dunkley makes custom fascinator and mask combinations. He trained in England under the Royal Milliner to Queen Elizabeth, and is currently sewing hand-embellished masks in two layers of cotton. There are pink lace, colourful polka-dots and outlandish abstract designs. They’re available to ship for $55 each, and you can email him to order:

 

Spencer Badu is creating minimalist, multi-use cotton black masks in his Toronto studio, with a discreet logo, that can be worn up to six ways, including as a hairband, infinity scarf and head covering. They’re $45 each:

 

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Designer Amanda Lew Kee recently launched a brand called No Mask No Service. She’s donated some 4,500 masks to long-term care communities in the GTA and is now crafting stylish versions for sale. They’re lightweight and stretchy, with an inside filter pocket and new patterns released every few weeks. She describes them as “yoga pants for your face.” Packs of three are $30, and you can DM the brand’s Instagram to order:

 

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Bridalwear designer Christopher Paunil has been cutting and sewing a variety of mask collections in his Toronto studio. For each mask sold, he’s donating $2 to local charity UForChange. His latest batch is full of neon hues, cannabis motifs and Raptors championship emblems—but we also love this over-the-top sequinned number. Prices start at $18 each:

 

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Underwear brand Mayana Geneviere is devoting part of its Junction facilities to making high-quality facial coverings in light gray and black. They’re handmade from two layers of tightly woven cotton, with a filter pocket and adjustable elastic straps. Prices start at $20 each:

 

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Threads is Toronto-based tights company that is working with their factory partners to produce simple, non-medical masks for the public. They’re made of a nylon and elastane blend—meaning the super-soft material can stretch comfortably over any-sized face. The masks are double-layered, and have undergone antibacterial and water-repellant treatments. They’re $16.50 for a pack of two:

 

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Local womenswear brand Helene Clarkson has a Mount Pleasant flagship selling chic, travel-appropriate apparel (think: wrinkle-free fabrics, multipurpose designs). She’s also selling playful cotton masks from Italy, printed with peace signs and poppy slogans, and has made her own happy hour mask, which comes with a concealed opening for slurping up sangria with a straw ($20):

 

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TakeCare Supply was founded by a trio of Toronto entrepreneurs, including kids’ mitten designer Anna-Maria Mountfort. They repurposed her facility and hired 200 local factory workers to manufacture masks in Toronto—and sold half a million so far. There’s a range of basic masks for adults and kids and you can cop one for $15:

 

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Etobicoke bespoke suiting brand Sören Custom has started making a variety of stylish masks in polka-dot, gingham, marbleized and paisley patterns. They sell for $15 each, and are made with a cotton outer shell and a bamboo fibre inner layer. They’re a favourite of local influencer Sasha Exeter:

 

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Local startup Giftgowns was founded with the purpose of making cheerful, slogan-packed hospital gowns to brighten patient stays. They’re currently selling a bunch of similarly spunky masks, emblazoned with messages like “XO,” “Good vibes” and “I’d rather be golfing.” Recently, they collaborated with Food Network chef Bob Blumer to create a line of food-focused masks targeted at restaurant workers, which feature a collection of cute culinary designs. Our favourites include a banana smile, an orange and a piece of fusilli. They’re made of two layers of cotton and can be purchased for $12 (U.S.) each:

 

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Local artist and designer Nadia Lloyd’s rainbow masks are a favourite of Mayor John Tory, who’s been sporting them around the city since the beginning of June. They’re made of two layers of a cotton-polyester blend, which come from new cushion covers that she uses for her abstract art collections. For each mask sold, Nadia donates another to a front-line worker—an initiative that amounts to nearly 60 donations every week. In addition to the Pride-themed rainbow mask, there’s one featuring the Toronto skyline and another with Canada’s maple leaf. They start at $25 each:

 

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Sustainable Toronto womenswear brand Encircled was founded by a business exec who wanted to help women pack lighter on flights (their first design was one item that could be worn as a dress, a sweater and a scarf). They are also now making face masks from organic cotton and recycled polyester, which come in packs of give for $76. On their site, there’s the option to buy a pack for yourself, or donate one instead. All donations go to the St. James Town Service Providers’ Network:

 

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Organic Mask was created by Shanté Renee, a Toronto designer behind the luxury swimwear brand Vanity Couture. Once Covid-19 hit, her studio pivoted from swimsuits to mask production. Her basic masks sell for $20 each and are made with three layers of organic cotton. They’ve also donated masks and filters to the Women’s Habit Center and Project Northern Lights, which supplies PPE to isolated communities:


 

Bohemian Dundas West boutique the Wanderly has teamed up with the Wild Woven Collection, a local brand that makes botanically dyed textile goods. Their new collection of 100-per-cent cotton masks all handmade locally and dyed using the Wild Woven’s natural techniques. For instance, the grey and green masks use marigold, butterfly pea flowers and onion skins. Each mask is $25, and 10 per cent of profits go to Sistering:

 

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Horses Atelier, a local label founded by novelists Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, specializes in elevated utilitarian looks and has outfitted many Toronto creatives in their structured jumpsuits. All of their pieces are sewn in Toronto using natural fabric from family-owned mills in Italy and Japan, including their new masks. Each is made from repurposed Horses fabric, consisting of two layers of linen-cotton-polyester blends in metallic blue, copper or zebra prints. They are $25 each, a portion of which is donated to Clean Clothes, an international organization supporting garment workers:

 

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Queen West menswear boutique 18 Waits makes their masks with two layers of the same tightly-woven cotton they use to craft their patterned button-downs. Right now, you can snag pretty paisley prints, neutral stripes or colourful cacti. They’re $28 each, and you purchase a matching shirt to go with.

 

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Hoi Bo, a local clothing and accessories brand, handcrafts their masks in their Toronto studio out of 100 per cent pure linen for a lightweight summery look. They sell for $40 each:

 

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This brand, called Jonny Mask, was started by a local image stylist and wardrobe consultant once the pandemic hit. When he couldn’t find any online, he started sewing masks for himself and his six-year-old daughter, and demand grew after that. Printed masks start at $15 and include black swans, camo, palm leaves and red stripes:

 

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Streetwear brand Noir X Apparel has been making snakeskin-printed masks in a variety of colourways. They’re made from vegan leather, and use a special heat treatment to create realistic-looking scales. They’re currently on sale for $38:

 

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Mode Masks is a new branch of bespoke costume and events brand Medusa Entertainment. At the beginning of the pandemic, their sewers donated over $8,000 worth of masks to frontline workers, and they are now selling a variety of made-to-measure masks in vegan leather and chintz. Buyers can select their desired sizing at check-out, and prices start at $27:

 

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Local athleisure label Olive and Splash makes their clothing—and now, masks—out of breathable bamboo. They’re great for sensitive skin, and come in pretty shades like lilac and heather. Their latest is also reversible, and sells for $29:

 

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Local evening wear label Narces recently swooped into the mask game, making facial coverings in funky prints and luxe materials like silk, lace, organza and lamé. There’s even a $100 version decked out in gold sequins. For every mask sold on their website, Narces will donate five to local health care institutions:

 

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Toronto designer Ellie Mae, who has outfitted the Hadid sisters and Shay Mitchell, recently restocked beautifully patterned masks made from deadstock silk and cotton fabrics. All masks are hand-sewn locally, with prices starting at $20 each and a portion of each sale going toward Feed The Front Lines TO:

 

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Rosedale boutique Clementine’s is selling pre-washed, triple-layered cotton and linen masks repurposed from materials used in their own collection. They’re $45 each, and come in a range of soft neutral hues. A portion of sales will go to the YWCA Toronto, to help those affected by domestic violence:

 

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Greta Constantine, local makers of gala-worthy gowns and red carpet–ready cocktail dresses, have made a collection of masks from an Italian microfibre knit. The masks come in children’s and adult sizes, with prices starting at $45 each, and can be purchased from retailers like Lac and Co., Andrews, By Tocca, Willabee’s and Maxi Boutique:

 

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Burlington outerwear label Joseph Tassoni has been producing masks since mid-March. They’re from a nylon-spandex blend in stylish shades like metallic rose, slate and forest green. They’re $40 for a pack of three, with $5 from every purchase going to the Joseph Brant hospital. Curbside pickup is available from their Burlington showroom every Sunday:

 

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Tanya Theberge uses repurposed denim to make her couture collections. Her new line of masks stays true to her signature style, made from vintage denim with hand-embroidered details. Prices start at $65, but you can score a matching pink tiger-themed denim jacket and mask combo for a cool $1,580:

 

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Toronto-bred designer Tanya Taylor—a favourite of Michelle Obama and Mindy Kaling—has been making masks for both customers and front-line workers. The brand sells delightfully colourful packs of three on their website for $50. The flamingo pack is particularly fun for spring:

 

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Downtown vintage store Tribal Rhythm is making triple-layer masks using vintage cotton fabric, and selling them at cost ($15): We love this ’70s floral print:

 

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Sustainable clothing label Caitlin Power has a collection of futuristic-looking tie-dyed masks made from organic cotton and double-layer bonded Italian fabric for kids. They’re $30 for a pack of two:

 

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Outdoorsy hat maker Tilley crafts their mask from a flexible and durable cotton in neutral palettes. They’re $18 for a pair:

 

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Rustic Rosedale boutique Tuck Shop Trading Co. has come out with $36 masks made from their vintage map–printed swimwear fabric:

 

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Moji Mask Canada has hired out-of-work sewers to produce colourful masks in a range of pretty springtime patterns. They’re made from locally sourced materials and hand-crafted in Toronto. They’re currently on sale for $8:

 

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For an edgier take, local tattoo shop Chronic Ink has created neoprene masks printed with designs from their artists; this one is by Joanna Roman. They’re $20 each:

 

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Bold fashion label Hayley Elsaesser has plastered their signature prints onto quilted jersey fabric. They’re $25 each:

 

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Peace Collective is producing multi-layered cotton face masks in kids’ sizes. They’re $30 each, and come in red or black. For every purchase, they’ll donate a mask to a front line worker:

 

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Dani Simmen, designer behind home goods brand Pepper B, has seen an overwhelming response to her $22 printed cotton masks ($5 from which will be donated to support the community). They move fast, so we recommend you act quickly when the masks are re-stocked:

 

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Sustainable accessories brand Handsome and Lace has also turned their attention towards protective gear. With demand for custom wedding pieces slowing down, designer Kiera Morgan decided to transfer her signature quirky style to masks. The three-layer masks are $36, and buyers can request a custom symbol, image or monogram:

 

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Men’s accessories label Pomp and Ceremony crafted a selection of masks in pretty floral and paisley prints for $28. They’re made with Liberty of London cotton lawn (a smooth tight-weave fabric that’s perfect for both protection and breathability), lined with cotton gauze and have elasticized ear hoops:

 

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Roncesvalles swimwear store Bathing Belle is making $15 masks out of two layers of lycra. She started off donating them to essential workers but had so many clients requesting their own that she’s now selling them on her website. They come in all kinds of funky patterns, and for every purchase the shop will donate another to someone in need:

 

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Sydney’s, a Queen West menswear boutique known for sleek suiting options, is making masks out of a Japanese indigo-dyed chambray cotton. They’re lined in another layer of cotton, with elastic ear loops and an inside pocket to insert a filter. They’re available on their website for $30:

 

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Peach Berserk, a local upcycling and silkscreening studio, has been making tons of bold, hand-painted face masks out of recycled vintage pillowcases. Shoppers can choose their print online (or request a custom design), and each piece is made to order and shipped for free. They’re $29, and the design won’t fade in the wash:

 

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