Nearly everyone is now wearing a face mask, in the hopes of better protecting themselves against the COVID-19 virus.
Some stores have increased the prices of their face masks, due to the high demand. Meanwhile some retailers have decided to make the most of the situation by creating fashion face masks, and some brands are even selling designer face masks, which they can charge even more for, such as the Collina Strada face mask which costs $100.
However, face masks are limited in how they can protect people from getting the virus, as they are more effective in stopping people who already have the virus spread it further. Although social distancing and hand washing are still more effective.
Hundreds of different fashion face masks are available online, with different patterns and themes, and they are proving really popular.
Some masks feature the cast of Friends or The Office, or even Joe Exotic from Tiger King. Etsy probably has the biggest range of fashion face masks, at the most affordable prices. As you can get two Friends face masks for £13.32.
However Boohoo has recently been criticised for selling fashion face masks with inappropriate captions, such as “Eat, Sleep, Isolate, Repeat” and “If you can read this, you’re too close”. As many have accused the retailer of not taking the situation seriously, in their attempt of ‘combining fashion with fear’.
Brandon Boyd, a third year Media with pathways student, 22, is one of many students choosing to wear a face mask when he leaves his home. He said: “It’s slightly awkward walking around Tesco’s or something with it on, but I know that I’m protecting myself.”
Although Brandon wears a 3M VFlex face mask rather than a fashion one, he says “I think it’s a good idea! Although we are in a difficult situation, it allows creative people to showcase their talent and being able to adapt to the situation.”
Frankie Galton, a first year Psychology with Sociology student, 20, said: “I work in a shop, but we haven’t been provided with proper face masks, so I don’t wear one when I’m working.
“If I’m honest I’m not sure how beneficial they really are, but a lot of customers are wearing them, so I think it’s worth doing if it makes them feel safer.”
Stuart McComb, a second year Theatre Design student, 20, said: “I haven’t bought or used a facemask. I can understand why they would want to wear them, and the fashion style may encourage more people to buy them.
“They do offer a degree of protection, even though it has its limits. Although some people will say using a scarf or buff to cover your mouth could be just as effective.”
By Laycie Beck
Feature photo credit: Pixabay.