The Best Local Labels for High-Filtration Masks in Singapore: Stay Safe in Style
PUBLISHED May 20th, 2021 06:00 am | UPDATED May 30th, 2021 09:57 pm
With more contagious COVID-19 variants springing up round the world, we’re certainly feeling like our facial armour needs an upgrade. In a recent statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Health highlighted the need for masks with high filtration capabilities – that means either surgical masks or reusable ones with at least a double layer. If your current face candy isn’t quite fitting the bill, here’s everything you need to know about high-filtration reusable masks – from fabrics that filter best to the best local labels combining style and safety.
Fabrics That Filter Best
Two layers good, three layers better. According to the World Health Organization, your fabric mask should ideally come in triple layers: an absorbent inner layer to wick away moisture, a filter, and a water-repellent outer layer. To ensure a close fit to your face, a flexible nose bridge is handy too.
So what kinds of fabrics are up to the challenge? A much-cited study on the filter efficiency of various cloth masks, recently published by the American Chemical Society, offers some helpful clues. The study found that double-layered cotton with a high thread count – at least 600 threads-per-inch – achieved over 82% filter efficiency, while four-layered natural silk had an impressive 86% filter efficiency. The most effective masks, however, were those which blended different fabric types. A one-two punch of cotton and chiffon layers reached 97% filter efficiency, while cotton and silk together achieved up to 94%.
For that extra mile of protection, look to mask filter inserts. These typically feature adhesives and activated carbon to trap smaller viruses that can sneak their way through fabric weaves. Look out for a PM2.5 rating – this indicates that the insert can filter out particles up to 2.5μm in size.
Where to Shop High-Filtration Masks in Singapore
White Trousseau
As if COVID-related stress weren’t bad enough, some of us are plagued by a further indignity: mask acne. If you’re trying to beat the breakouts, White Trousseau’s mulberry silk masks are your holy grail. Hypoallergenic and soothing on skin, their Pure Mulberry Silk Face Mask with Filter (S$32) is ultra-breathable despite its triple layer of protection. There’s an inner pocket to insert an Activated Carbon PM2.5 Filter (S$5 for 10-pack), plus a nose wire that moulds nicely to the face. Tinted with non-toxic dyes in hues like lavender, champagne, and silver, these glossy masks will have you stepping out in style.
Shop White Trousseau’s collections here.
PEFORE
PEFORE’s masks are pretty but pack a protective punch, with a poly-rayon layer treated with ionic silver from Swiss antimicrobial experts Sanitized – studies have shown the anti-viral effects of silver nanoparticles. Topped off with a water-repellent coating, each double- or triple-layer mask is good for a hundred washes. You’ll find fabrics for all folks in their sprawling collections – let your fab self shine through with their Shimmer Series (from S$8.90), glam it up with Velvet (from S$10.90), or get groovy with Tie-Dye (from S$7.90).
Shop PEFORE’s collections here.
The Sutajio
Started by emcee Juliana Yeow during last year’s circuit breaker, The Sutajio turns traditional Japanese prints into striking facial armour. Her Tencel collection features a double layer of Japanese cotton on the outside and a silky Tencel lining inside, complete with pocket for PM2.5 Activated Carbon Filter Sheets (S$4 for four). The Kanagawa (Great Wave) (S$29) is inspired by the iconic ukiyo-e print, while the Mystic Geisha (S$23.20) is vibrant with courtesans and demon masks. We have our eye on their sakura and origami crane options too.
Shop The Sutajio’s collections here.
1929 Mask
The brainchild of a family of textile manufacturers, 1929 Mask’s dream is to perfect a reusable mask with 99.99% filter efficiency. And we’d say they’re getting close with their three-ply masks, boasting a water-repellent microfiber outer layer, a cotton-polyester center layer treated with anti-microbial benzalkonium chloride, and a comfy inner layer of pure cotton. Each mask’s anti-microbial powers last for a hundred washes, and comes in fun prints like Cat Face (S$28), Black Batik (S$30), and Christmas Lights (S$30).
Shop 1929 Mask’s collections here.
Dermacool
Want to mask up while working out? Dermacool’s breathable, quick-dry masks will keep you safe during your sweat sesh. These UPF50+ sports masks are made of three-poly nanopolyester, and embedded with small amounts of titanium and zinc oxide for anti-bacterial and anti-viral protection. Most importantly, they’re crafted to be lightweight and dry twice as quickly as nylon, so you can breathe easy during your jog. Besides your classic Black and Navy Blue (S$16.90), don’t miss out on their limited-edition Batik Red (S$23).
Shop Dermacool here.
Independent Market
A marketplace for Singapore’s makers, Independent Market ups the quirk factor with face masks from indie brands and local illustrators. All masks marked antimicrobial in their collections have undergone testing by assurance advisor Intertek, and boast a 99% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) rating. From the Peranakan Tiles Gallery comes gorgeous motifs like Bali Blue and Victor Green, while The Little Dröm Store offers double-lined cotton masks covered in playful kueh, hawker grub, and durian prints (S$17.90 each). Ah Guo’s illustrations of Dragon Playground and Gardens by the Bay (S$17.90) offer a dreamy dose of nostalgia too.
Shop Independent Market’s collections here.
Dr. TWL
Accredited dermatologist Dr. TWL has crafted a trio of luxe masks employing nanoparticle tech to solve our skin woes. The silk CUIONS™ Anti-Aging + Anti-Maskne Mask (S$70) is worth the splurge given its coating of copper nanoparticles, which studies have shown to possess anti-microbial properties – along with alleged anti-ageing effects by stimulating collagen growth. Meanwhile, the OSMIUM BLUE™ Anti-Aging Fabric Mask (S$74.90) stars the technology, plus a unique blue-black metallic finish.
Shop Dr. TWL’s collections here.
Forever Family
Forever Family is the fruit of a collaboration between Singapore’s A*STAR and textile giant Ramatex, so you can count on cutting-edge tech in their high-filtration masks. Test results show that their masks boast a 95% filtration efficiency for droplets 3μm and above, and the middle layer is made of melt-blown polypropylene – the same material used in N95 masks. Shop their masks in bundles of 3 + 1 (S$20.40), 12 + 4 (S$80), and more – they’ve got everything from lowkey Forest Green to sparkling Galaxy and lively Flamingo Tropical prints.
Shop Forever Family’s collections here.
Maskela
From the founder of designer dress renting pioneer Covetella, Maskela creates glamorous masks upcycled from leftover evening gown fabric. Their three-ply masks each feature a built-in filter plus a filter pocket for disposable inserts, along with a flexible nose wire. Their stunning range of face candy has you covered for every occasion – think Satin (from S$25) numbers, dragon-patterned Brocade (from S$35) masks fit for an empress, and intricate Lace (from S$80) options. They’ve got sleek choices perfect for bridal events too, along with gem-studded mask chains to match.
Shop Maskela’s collections here.
Top Image: The Sutajio, photo courtesy of Chong Ng Photography
