Editor's note: The coronavirus news cycle is ever-changing and the response efforts continue to evolve. While we are striving to keep up with the latest on COVID-19, we strongly suggest referring to the CDC, World Health Organization, the state of California and the City of L.A. for the most updated information.
This article was originally published April 7. It was last updated May 19.
Coronavirus prevention efforts continue to ramp up in Los Angeles and across California. L.A. County health officials are urging everyone to stay home as much as possible, and Mayor Eric Garcetti announced April 7 that wearing face masks — whether in the form of a homemade one, a bandana, or other type covering — will be mandatory effective Friday at midnight.
Across the style sphere, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has set up a COVID-19 relief fundraiser, luxury conglomerate LVMH has secured much-needed supplies from abroad, and inclusive labels and designers like Pyer Moss and Christian Siriano (to name just a few) are manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) for those on the frontlines.
In the City of Angels, there's no shortage of locally-based talents supporting the cause. Reformation has joined fashionable forces with Mayor Garcetti to produce 5 million non-medical face masks as part of L.A. Protects, while AG Jeans is donating $1 million to the COVID-19 L.A. County Response Fund.
While the best way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by sheltering in place, there are some situations where leaving the house may be unavoidable. You can easily make your own face mask (allow L.A. DJ Ana Calderon to demonstrate) — but if you don't trust your DIY skills or if you prefer to support local companies who are donating their time and labor to making supplies for essential workers, then we've got you (and your face) covered.
Here, we've rounded up non-medical face masks to buy from L.A. brands, as well as other local fashion companies and designers to support as they repurpose their factories to make safety supplies. We'll be updating this list as we hear from more businesses, so stay tuned.
Reformation: The sustainable local label has teamed with the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti on L.A. Protects, an initiative to manufacture five-million non-medical face masks for essential workers. The brand is also selling masks ($25 for five) as well as five- to 250-pack mask donations ($25 to $1000).
Dom Vetro: After "a series of rapid prototypes," Culver City-based eyewear brand has risen to the occasion to produce face shield kits ($22 to $25) designed for essential workers and consumers. The protective device is glasses-friendly and all profits will be donated to the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund; shoppers can also buy a shield kit donation and include a personalized message, too.
Hedley & Bennett: The stylish apron brand teamed with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Cho to develop the Wake Up & Fight Mask ($22), which are made of 100% washable cotton and designed to be used with a filter. Each buy-one-give-one purchase supports the production of another mask for a front line worker.
Michael Costello: The star-beloved luxury fashion designer is collecting donations ($10 and up) to help fund production of non-medical face masks.
Katie May: Yes, you have full reign to show a little bit of style (and sparkles!) if it brings you some relief, and L.A. bridal designer is here to do just that. May's sequinned and lace face masks ($25 to $45) come in white, black, pink, navy, and even Bordeaux. For every order, she's donating three utility masks to Orange County police officers.
HFS Collective: The sustainable and vegan accessories brand has released washable face masks ($12) made from upcycled denim or black cotton canvas and 100% organic cotton lining. They're available in sizes small, medium, and large. The L.A. label is also offering 35% off sitewide (excluding masks) with code SPREADLOVE.
Buck Mason: As part of its one-for-one Masks for America program, the L.A. menswear label aims to donate one million face masks. The brand's anti-microbial jersey face masks ($20) come in a set of five and will ship the week of May 5. The first round of production will go to essential workers first, and you can also make a donation ($20) or buy in bulk (250 masks for $1,000).
Citizens of Humanity: The L.A. denim brand "have re-purposed our sewing facility and have begun producing masks for front line responders, including hospitals, healthcare workers and children's advocacy groups." Citizens of Humanity is "offering the masks to the broader public at a minimum price" of $25 for five, and while the items are now sold out as the company is supplying them to frontline workers first, you can sign up for the waitlist in the meantime.
Sanctuary: The L.A. brand is offering a package of five disposable (and fashionable) face masks ($28 for five) as part of its #SanctuaryGivesBack initiative. The masks will ship the week of April 19 and sales will support the production of N95 masks for essential workers.
Skatie: The sustainable L.A. swimwear label has converted its factory to produce face masks, gowns, and N95 mask covers, according to its recent Instagram post. Instead of offering masks for sale, "for every purchase you make with our small business, you are in turn supporting [PPE] production. It also means that we have a reduced capacity to make our production, which results in slower lead times… Instead of asking for donations or raising money, we have decided to use our profits to continue supporting our factory in the production of PPE indefinitely."
Los Angeles Apparel: Following founder Dov Charney's offer to manufacture masks for essential workers, the L.A. basics brand (look familiar?) is offering its adjustable French terry cotton face masks ($30 for three) in an array of colorways. Every purchase will "help fund our ability to donate masks to other essential services while providing living wages and supporting vertically integrated U.S. manufacturing," according to the brand.
Groceries Apparel: The local basics label is donating either three or 10 masks (depending on which option you purchase) when you buy a three-pack of its GMO-free, organic cotton non-medical face masks ($15 to $30), which are available in adults and kids sizes.
69: The "non-demographical" L.A. brand is repurposing its denim scraps and offering single masks ($5), three-pack mask grab bags ($22), and anti-viral, water-resistant gloves ($18). All are available for pre-order and will ship between April 10 to 20.
Nation: The L.A.-based label has refashioned its sateen fabric scraps into non-medical, reusable masks in white and jaguar print ($25 to $35 for five). They're lined with 100% recycled cotton, and you can also purchase mask donations.
Cloud Hunter: The local sustainable label (which recently opened its first shop on Melrose Avenue) is donating a portion of proceeds from purchases of its face masks to COVID-19 relief efforts. They're available in washable silk, cotton, and canvas options ($18 to $22), and the brand also offers charming R&R bundles to keep you calm at home.
Daniel Patrick: The NBA-obsessed streetwear designer's non-medical face masks ($25) are made from washable, water-resistant nylon. Also available in kids sizes, you can pick them up in solid hues as well as patterns like White Acid, Cloud Denim, and Camo. You can also score one for free with orders of $50 or more when you use the code MASK.
Mate: Don't need a mask, but want to donate one to someone who does? Eco-friendly L.A. basics line Mate is offering shoppers the opportunity to buy a three-layer mask that will go to doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, and homeless shelters. Add a donation ($3.50) to your cart while you're stocking up on the brand's cozy and sustainable staples, such as organic cotton crew neck tees and thermals in chic desert-inspired hues.
Matteo: The L.A. sustainable home textiles brand spun its eco-friendly cotton bedding into non-medical face masks ($25 for five). You can also purchase a donation for the same amount and quantity. While you're shopping, don't forget to stock up on the locally-manufactured label's cozy linen and cotton sheets and clothing — everything's 30% off when you use code TAKECOMFORT.
Johnny Was: The local bohemian-luxe brand has already donated over 10,000 non-medical face masks to local hospitals and charities in L.A. Starting Friday, the label is offering sets of five ($25) or 50 ($250) of its print-happy repurposed fabric masks. The coverings also include an interior pocket for a filter, and the brand is donating a pack for every set purchased.
Rustic Dime: The L.A. selvedge denim and basics brand's non-medical masks are only $5 and are made of 100% cotton. "These are not for profit and we calculated the cost to pay a fair wage to the person sewing the masks together," explains the label on its site.
Heather Taylor Home: The L.A. designer is turning her stylish tablescape-ready textiles into non-medical face masks ($50 for 10) in a variety of patterns. Another 10 masks will be donated to first responders wth every purchase.
House of Bijan: The iconic men's retailer has teamed with AcuShield to produce 10,000 protective face shields ($40), which will also be distributed throughout Beverly Hills (where its flagship home) as well as to the rest of L.A. and first responders.
Parachute: As of press time, the Venice-based company's buy-five-give-five masks ($30) are currently sold out — but you can still sign up for the waitlist to shop its face masks made from its comfy bedding.
Apolis: For every non-medical face mask ($19 to $48) that you purchase from the L.A.-based company, you'll help provide a day's worth of diapers and basic necessities for families in need through Baby2Baby. You can even personalize your mask with a monogram or message in calligraphy.
Christy Dawn: The sustainable L.A. designer is repurposing her deadstock fabric into washable non-medical face masks ($30 for five), which are available in a range of prints and solid colors. Every purchase also donates five masks to those in need. Plus, score 20% off sitewide (excluding masks) with code TOGETHER20.
Aquarius Cocktail: In addition to offering 20% off sitewide and free three-day shipping with code STAYSAFE, the L.A. label has crafted reusable non-medical face masks ($42) from vintage scarves. Plus, 100% of mask sales will benefit Feeding America, while 25% of sitewide sales will also go to the nonprofit for the entire month of April.
Mien Studios: The minimalist-chic L.A. brand's washable non-medical face masks are made of cotton jersey fabric available in singles or packs of two ($15 to $28), and the brand is also donating 25% of mask sales to nonprofit organizations and food banks that are supporting critical public service members. Plus, take 20% off your order (excludes masks) with code TOGETHER20.
Onzie: The L.A. activewear label has joined the city's L.A. Protects efforts as an official manufacturer of non-medical face masks ($24), which you can also purchase on the brand's website. The upcycled coverings are made from Onzie's yoga apparel in assorted colors and prints; the brand is donating masks to healthcare workers as well.
Jen's Pirate Booty: In addition to offering 20% off sitewide on regular-priced items (use code LOVE20), the breezy L.A. label is making non-medical face masks for kids and adults ($7 and up) from its scrap fabric. Masks will begin shipping 4/27.
Janessa Leoné: The minimalist-cool L.A. milliner has designed non-medical, multi-use face coverings including masks and suede bandanas ($35 to $50) that can also hold filters. All proceeds from sales are donated to nonprofit organization Direct Relief, which is providing PPE to healthcare workers.
Current Label: The monochrome-chic L.A. children's label is offering reusable non-medical face masks and bandanas for kids and adults ($10 to $20).
Paigelauren: Stock up on non-medical face masks ($15 to $20) for yourself and your bébé in a range of striped and solid shades. The organic cloth coverings are made from ribbed and jersey fabric, and all proceeds benefit the Figs Frontline Responders Fund.
Re/done: The reworked denim brand is offering upcycled non-medical face masks for adults and kids ($20) made from leftover fabrics, bandanas, and Levi's jeans. For every purchase, the brand is donating five masks to frontline workers.
CVRD: In partnership with the United Farm Workers Union, the coalition of L.A. companies is manufacturing non-medical face masks ($20 to $25 for two adult masks and $22.50 for three kids masks).
Dra: The L.A.-based label which temporarily closed its Row DTLA boutique) is joining other local companies in supporting United Farm Workers Union by offering non-medical face masks ($20) in floral-printed silk and cotton options.
Rendall Co.: Jones of Boerum Hills co-founder Dierdra Jones launched the L.A.-made workwear brand as a way to manufacture protective face masks while giving back. The label offers double-layered Ace and Sentry masks ($19 each or $65 for four) in indigo chambray, denim, and patterned styles.
One Love Malibu: The brand's reversible non-medical face masks (one for $15 to $20, $35 for two, $50 for four) for adults and kids are available in an array of patterns and feature a recycled elastic back. A portion of proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry, too.
Jonathan Simkhai: The celeb-loved designer is offering neutral-hued and chic floral non-medical face masks ($48 for a set of four) with filter pockets. For each pack purchased, Simkhai is donating masks to frontline essential workers; they're available for pre-order and will ship May 30.
