23 Denver Designers and Artists Selling Cloth Masks Right Now
Governor Jared Polis issued a directive clarifying that all Coloradans should now wear cloth masks for every trip outside the house. The CDC also issued similar recommendations for all Americans who plan to venture out in public. The change in recommendation comes after studies have shown that 25% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Studies have shown cloth masks — while likely not effective in keeping wearers safe from catching the virus — they help prevent people with COVID-19 from spreading it, especially for those that don’t know they have it.
While the masks should not be medical masks like the N95 version needed for medical healthcare professionals, they can be as simple as an old shirt or bandana tied with a hair rubber band, although even rubber bands are now in short supply. Enter a team of local fashion designers and artists who have shifted focus and are now hard at work to supply people with the masks they need to stay safe during this pandemic. Below, 303 Magazine put together a list of local creatives who are currently making masks for purchase. Each can be contacted for more information through the link provided.
Winter Session
Photo courtesy of Winter Session
The Lowdown: These well-known Denver accessories designers are offering reusable, cotton face masks with flexible wire nose pieces and sleeves for removable filters. Each mask will ship with two disposable filters and additional filters can be purchased after April 10. For every mask purchased, one mask will be donated to a health care provider through Winter Session’s new non-profit, the Cover Up Colorado initiative. Masks start at $14.
Project BODOmask
Photo courtesy of Project BODOmask.
The Lowdown: In partnership, local designer, Sarah Choi, and artist, DINKC, are taking their love for art and fashion and directing it toward relief with hand-sewn protective masks made from heat-pressed vinyl scraps from previous clothing designs. Each custom mask is double-layered, reusable and comes with a filtered pouch and filter. For every sale, Project BODOmask will donate a mask to someone in need. Prices vary.
Mona Lucero
Photo courtesy of Mona Lucero on Facebook.
The Lowdown: As a veteran fashion designer in Denver, Lucero has made herself an indispensable piece of the local fabric. She has now turned her creative direction toward making cloth masks for both adults and children. Orders will start going out this Thursday. Masks start at $22.
Phunkshun Wear
Governor Jared Polis wearing a Phunkshun. Photo courtesy of Phunkshun.
The Lowdown: This local winter facemask manufacturer has shifted its operation to make personal hygiene masks to keep the public safe. Masks are made from a polyester/spandex blend of fabric, with the inner lining of moisture-wicking antimicrobial mesh that inhibits the growth bacteria. For every mask sold to the public, Phunkshun will donate one to the State of Colorado to be dispersed to individuals in need.
Cha Cha Romero
Photo courtesy of Cha Cha Romero.
The Lowdown: As a registered emergency room nurse, makeup artist and designer, Cha Cha Romero has intimate knowledge of the exact needs the community has to stay safe for necessary trips out of the house. Two months ago, she created The Mask Making Mafia to help the healthcare workers affected by the lack of supplies available, the effects of which have led to a small army of local designers and other creatives who are now producing masks for hospitals and the public.
Jasmine Lewis
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Lewis on Facebook.
The Lowdown: Lewis is offering 100% cotton masks in black and white, although she is accepting custom orders as well. A portion of all of the sales goes to making masks for Denver’s medical professionals.
DarkDenim
Photo courtesy of DarkDenim.
The Lowdown: This period in history may be local designer Aldo Olivarez’s darkest yet, as he has been cranking out protective coverings for the community for much of the quarantine period. Masks feature a variety of styles using repurposed fabric from brands like Supreme and Louis Vuitton, all with a signature spin Olivarez is known for. Prices vary.
Equillibrium
Photo courtesy of Equillibrium.
The Lowdown: Designer, Deb Henriksen, created washable and reuseable face masks made from 100% hemp and bamboo, both of which are celebrated for their natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Henriksen will donate 10% of all sales to sustainable initiatives throughout the community. Masks are $38 each.
Denver Fashion Truck
Photo courtesy of Denver Fashion Truck on Facebook.
The Lowdown: Co-owner, Desiree Gallegos-Barragan, is sewing masks with double-layered cotton complete in a variety of patterns. The straps are jersey material for comfort and the mask has a pocket insert to add a filter layer. Masks start at $14.
Vander Jacket
Photo courtesy of Vander Jacket.
The Lowdown: This Aurora-based running apparel company is offering water-resistant masks made from Supplex with a mesh interior. Each mask bears the company’s signature reflective material styled after the Red Cross logo. Masks are $15 and are shipped for free.
Ola Cre Skin Care
Photo courtesy of Ola Cre Skin Care on Facebook.
The Lowdown: This local, organic skincare company is making custom, washable masks with a hepa filter on the inside that can be removed. It is taking orders for adults and toddlers. Masks are $14.
Mama Llama
Photo courtesy of Mama Llama on Instagram.
The Lowdown: Mama Llama is making 100% cotton masks with flannel or fleece lining in a variety of patterns. Orders usually ship within three days. Masks are $10.
Heritage & Bloom
Photo courtesy of Heritage & Bloom on Instagram.
The Lowdown: As a way to thank healthcare providers, grocery store workers, delivery drivers and other essential workers, this small-batch accessory company is offering free masks to those in need. The program is built on the honor system and donations are welcomed to help cover the costs of supplies.
Rose & Royce
Photo courtesy of Rose & Royce on Instagram.
The Lowdown: This local, bohemian accessories brand is offering washable, 100% cotton masks in a variety of fabric patterns in limited quantities. Prices vary.
Colorado Creative Co
Photo courtesy of Colorado Creative Co.
The Lowdown: Colorado Creative Co specializes in a variety of handmade products crafted in Denver using largely repurposed materials. It is currently offering face masks made out of high thread count, right weave cotton hand-dyed so each mask is unique. The masks are made in classic style, meaning they tie rather than use elastic to offer more flexibility. Masks are $13, which includes shipping.
Foxlilie Studio
Photo courtesy of Foxlilie Studio on Instagram.
The Lowdown: Made from sustainable and organic double-layer cotton fabrics, Foxlilie Studio’s cloth masks are designed to keep noses and mouths covered for any journey outside the house. For each mask sold, the company will donate one to someone in need. Masks come in three sizes and are $18 each.
Moore Collection
Photo courtesy of Moore Collection.
The Lowdown: Created by high school sweethearts, Taylor and Tanner Barkin, this screenprinting business has transformed its workspace into a mask-making site. The reusable masks are made with two layers of heavyweight cotton and have an insert for a filter. Each mask is cut and sewn from repurposed t-shirt fabric. A portion of sales will be donated to Feed the Frontline Denver. Masks are $13.
Prairie West
Photo courtesy of Prairie West on Instagram.
The Lowdown: The Denver-based company is selling 100% woven cotton, repurposed fabric masks that have an insert pocket for a filter, removable flexible nose piece and string tie. Masks are $25 for two.
Lady Jane Clothing
Photo courtesy of Lady Jane Clothing.
The Lowdown: This Denver designer has created 100% cotton masks in a variety of fabric designs. For each mask sold, donations will be made to those in need. Masks are $20 with shipping and go directly to covering the cost for supplies for donated masks.
B Fresh Gear
Photo courtesy of B Fresh Gear.
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Known for their ‘90s-inspired gear and lighthearted approach to life, the B Fresh Gear team has set their sights on stocking the community with hip masks that have as much personality as they do functionality. Masks are upcycled from upcycled bandanas from B Fresh’s partners, Rockmount Ranch Wear. All proceeds go to support Denver small businesses. Masks are $21.99 with free shipping.
Angela R Garcia
Photo courtesy of Angela R Garcia.
The Lowdown: This local designer is making masks in three sizes to fit children as well as adults. Colors are gray, white, brown and purple, although you can supply your own fabric for a custom option. Prices vary and include delivery.
Electric Dream Boutique
Photo courtesy of Electric Dream Boutique on Instagram.
The Lowdown: Boutique owner, Adrienne Scott-Trask, is cranking out two-layered, 100% cotton flannel masks in one size. Masks are $15 and include shipping. Each additional mask purchased is $12.
Sara Gabriel
Photo courtesy of Sara Gabriel on Facebook.
The Lowdown: Sara Gabriel has created The Mask Project as a way to not only provide the public with necessary protection but to support the healthcare community as well. Personal masks are layered Egyptian cotton with a fully-encased nose wire and interior pocket for filters. Personal masks are $15. You can also purchase a sponsored medical mask for a healthcare professional in need for $16. Sponsored masks are made to the specifications required by hospitals and medical agencies and are delivered to local hospitals.
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