Walking down the street with a face mask used to be an odd thing – before the pandemic. Now face masks are conquering the streets. They are mandatory in public transport from June 1st. And everyone has to deal with it. How do you use face masks and how do you maintain them, where can you buy them and which materials are most suitable? Below I have listed 4 tips for you.
Fabric masks
Cloth masks are non-medical and not certified face coverings. The professional face masks are scarce and go to the medical and care staff. Therefore, you see more and more people with a homemade fabric face mask. These washable fashion masks offer little protection against viruses, but they do prevent someone who is infected from passing on the virus to others. These durable masks also prevent you from touching your face with your hands – provided they fit well against your face.
In addition, a face mask can make us feel safe. But good hygiene remains important. Be careful not to touch your face when applying or removing your mask.
How do you wash your face masks?
Wash a fabric face mask at a high temperature once a day. If you use it intensively, for example because you talk a lot, you wash it after four hours. You can do this in the washing machine (thirty minutes at a temperature of sixty degrees in a laundry net). If you wash it colder, you can iron the mask at a high temperature afterwards. You can also boil the mask for five minutes. Remove the filter from your mask before washing it and discard it. You apply a new filter the next time you use your mask.
Which material is suitable?
Face masks must stop small drops that spread when sneezing and coughing. Just use a strong material that is suitable for high temperatures. A fabric that meets this requirement is cotton. In any case, choose a fabric that feels comfortable and soft and is not too warm, so you can breathe easily.
What can you use as a filter? You have various options such as a filter used for the vacuum cleaner works just fine. Also a coffee filter or kitchen tissue are on the list of recommended materials.
Dutch designers
Now that it’s becoming a habit to wear a face mask, everyone is making them. You can find them at supermarkets and drugstores. The fashion industry is also responding to this need. Such as large companies like Zalando, Wolford, G-Star and De Bijenkorf. Many Dutch designers also do their best to make durable fabric masks such as By Brown, Monique Collignon and Emily Hermans. Have a look at color specialist like Color Circus (can only be ordered through us). Or you can support local entrepreneurs such as Loenatix and The Fashion Filter. Want to use a sewing machine? You can find various digital patterns in MIY (make it yourself) fashion magazine Knip.
It’s a good idea to have a few fabric masks that you can wash every day. And match them to your outfit!
Carina van der Kloet is founder and personal stylist. She has twenty years experience. She has given numerous master classes and personal styling advice to thousands of people including management, executives, entrepreneurs, expatriates, diplomats working at various (international) organizations.
Carina van der Kloet grew up in French speaking countries in Africa and in the United States. She speaks English, French and Dutch.
"Carina van der Kloet is an inspiring speaker! With striking examples of how clothing works for you, she knows how to create a pleasant and intimate atmosphere. Great to see how you can create impact with few words."Miranda van Mondfrans, director Pro Assistance BV
CARINA
Personal Styling
Wilhelminastraat 39
1054 VV Amsterdam
T 020 – 685 34 15
info@carinapersonalstyling.nl