Mandatory or not, masks are a good idea to protect yourself and others so long as COVID is active in the community—but they shouldn't, however, be used as a substitute for physical distancing and good hygiene. And, of course, if you are feeling unwell—stay home and get tested.
With the Brisbane lockdown in full swing and masks being mandatory across Queensland, you'll want to develop your stash of face masks for when you are out and about. Lots of Australian brands, retailers, and charity-based organisations are now producing fashion-friendly reusable masks—and we've listed a few of our favourites below.
Here's where you can buy face masks online on the Sunshine Coast. Keep in mind that stock levels will fluctuate a lot due to high demand.
- The Iconic | The Iconic has stacks upon stacks of face masks listed online, and are adding more every week. If you’re looking for a massive choice of fabrics, styles, breathability and even colour, this is where to start. Find the whole range here.
- Footlocker | If you're looking for something breathable for your runs and walks, Footlocker is stocking an Under Armour face mask designed for that very thing. You can check out their range right here.
- Revolve | If you’re looking to match a mask to a specific outfit, Revolve has your back. They’ve got protective face masks in everything from lace to sequins to chain mail (no, really), you’ll find a match for every item of clothing you own. Check them all out here.
- Lirika Matoshi | These dainty, embroidered masks were first seen on Zoe Foster Blake when she posted a photo of herself wearing one, and we can see why they were her first choice. Choose from a strawberry, daisy, heart or star adorned mask, all with an adorable tulle covering.
- Bonds | Bonds is creating 100 percent cotton masks with adaptive cooling technologies, sold in packs of three, and you can bet they’re as comfy as your favourite Bonds undies are. Get them out here.
- Cotton On | Cotton On has a cute range of face masks in patterns like red tartan, tie-dye and leopard (if it's a Joe Exotic vibe you're going for). We also love the cat mask. Fun fact, 100 percent of proceeds from masks sold go to the Cotton On Foundation’s global education projects and healthcare initiatives. Check it out here.
- Clear Collective | If you're worried about mass condensation and are after a valved mask, Clear Collective has a range of triple-layered masks with replaceable filters. This Australian crew have been making masks since pollution levels skyrocketed last year during the bushfires, so they know what they're doing when it comes to filtering out nasties.
- The Social Outfit | From down in Sydney, The Social Outfit is a social enterprise dishing out some colourful masks. We also love their buy one, give one policy, which means for every mask you buy, one is donated to a person in need. Demand is high, but they re-stock their online reserves every Sunday at 10am. Check them out here.
- Gorman | Available in cute gingham as well as plain black and white, Gorman’s cotton face masks feature a single-use nano meltblown fabric filter to be replaced after each wear (you can buy multi-packs on the site). Check them all out here.
- Catch.com | If you're looking to bulk buy, Catch.com has pages of face masks, in all different styles, materials, colours and thicknesses. Check them all out here.
- Clothing The Gap | If you haven’t heard of Clothing The Gap, this Victorian Aboriginal owned and led social enterprise creates merch that funds health and education programs. Their three-ply masks feature artwork by Gunditjmara woman, Laura Thompson and are proudly made in Melbourne, helping the local economy.
- HoMie | Our favourite Melbourne-based streetwear label slash social enterprise HoMie is bringing the goods with their own super cool face masks. As with any HoMie purchase, 100% of the profits go to homelessness and people in need. Shop here.
- SisterWorks | Melbourne-based social enterprise Sister Works exists to help empower migrant women through work, and sales from their awesome face masks helps them to continue to provide support to vulnerable communities. Shop here.
- Second Stitch | This Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation employs women from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds, with profits going to help those in need. Buy their masks here.
If you prefer to put a bit of distance between you and everyone else, here are the best places to go hiking around the Sunshine Coast .
Image credit: Kevin Turcios
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