Personalisation Is The Latest Face Mask Trend - Here’s How You Can Do It At Home
Wearing a face mask in now mandatory in shops, on public transport and wherever else you may struggle to socially distance. But just because it's practical doesn't mean it has to be boring! Here's how printed.com's personalised masks are making face coverings the latest It accessory...
As I'm now slowly but surely venturing out into London again, there’s something that is sitting higher on my wish list than any other piece I’ve saved to my basket this entire season. Yes, more lusted after than a new pair of Tevas or yet another excessively large puff sleeve dress, is the humble face mask.
Masks have been the must-have accessory for every man, woman and child over 6 years old since the government made them mandatory in June this year, and even earlier for those who took extra precautions at the beginning of lockdown. Compulsory in shops and on public transport, face coverings are first and foremost there to protect our health and that of others - but with masks now forming such a staple part of our wardrobe, it makes sense that many of us are curious about how they can better suit our personal style. Now, I’m certainly not suggesting face coverings as purely a fashion statement like the others currently sat in my saved items, but nevertheless I'm finding myself craving an array of face coverings that are as versatile and in tune with the rest of my wardrobe as possible.
High street and luxury brands have now started to sell all manner of plain, patterned and printed masks, but there’s a new trend underway that’s kicking these ten-a-penny designs to the curb - personalisation. Just like the clothes we wear on a daily basis, there’s no reason why practical and protective clothing can’t also be a major signifier of personal style. And nothing says personal style like an accessory designed by your own fair hand.
So how does one go about designing their own unique, can’t-buy-on-the-high-street masks, you may ask? The answer: printed.com. The digital printing experts have long been a go-to for anyone looking to create their very own business cards, event invitations and packaging (amongst other things!) and now they’re leading the way with completely customisable face masks that you won’t find anywhere else.
Before you even move onto the design stage, printed.com offer two styles of face masks to choose from. Keep it simple with the super-affordable Standard mask, with prices starting from £4.50 a unit, or opt for something a little more flexible with their Enhanced option - crafted from 100% cotton complete with adjustable straps and nose ridge - starting from £6 per unit. Both have the option of adding additional activated carbon filters for extra breathability. Regardless of which style you go for, you can rest assured you’re getting something built to last. Every printed.com mask is produced in the UK and is machine-washable (and therefore completely reusable) making it a great option for those looking to be more environmentally-conscious.
Once you select your mask type, quantity and any add ons, it's time to design. If you’re new to customisation, printed.com do offer a selection of templates to choose from, including animal patterns, abstract prints and even a few quirky Bride and Groom options for anyone who’s managed to rearrange stag and hen dos for later in year.
But the real star of the show has to be the easy-to-use customisation feature which allows customers to upload their own designs, logos, or any image that they could possibly want as a jpeg in just a few seconds. It could be prints to match those items in your wardrobe that you love to wear on repeat, a photo from your last holiday (to make up for lack of one now) or literally a photo of your own beard to make you feel more like yourself when covered up. Whether as a fashion statement or purely for fun, it’s your face mask, your rules! So what are you waiting for? Your new mask wardrobe awaits...
One of the best things about printed.com's face masks - personalised or otherwise - is that they’re durable and totally reusable. But in order to get the most out of every wear, here’s a few tips to keep them - and your health - in tip top condition.
1. Always wash your hands or use sanitiser when putting on or removing, and after each use.
2. Machine wash your mask regularly at 60 degrees. It can go in with other laundry using your normal detergent.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used masks in a plastic bag until you can wash.
4. If you opt to include carbon filters with your personalised design, remember to change once a week.
5. Do not touch the front of the mask, or the part of the mask that has been in contact with your mouth and nose.
August 22 2020 by Camilla Hunt
