PPB July 2020

Fashion Face Masks— e Latest ‘Trend’ Well, it was only a matter of time before fashion picked up on consumers’ need for face masks, wasn’t it? Not only are they the latest “essential” item—literally—but with fashion brands hurting from store closures and drops in sales due to coronavirus, many decided to start manufacturing face masks as a way to generate sales and help provide members of the local community in need with protective gear and generate sales. With so much buzz around face masks in general, it’s also a good product to offer because it’s the subject of many social media searches. For example, the Pandemic Action Network, which aggregates for policy changes and increased support and resources concerning pandemics, started the #MaskingForAFriend campaign, which was quickly picked up by celebrities and social media influencers to encourage fans to protect themselves by wearing face masks. Among those who posted using the hash tag on social media was politician and former first lady Hillary Clinton. So far, it also looks like face masks are here to stay, and both brands and entrepreneurs are finding ways to meet the rising demand. MaskClub, launched by distributor Trevco in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is the first company to offer a monthly subscription service for face masks. For a monthly fee of $9.99, subscribers receive non-medical face masks decorated with licensed characters, like Care Bears, Hello Kitty, Powerpuff Girls, Batman and Scooby Doo. Brands selling fashion masks range from Gap and American Eagle to Nordstrom, Alice + Olivia and Lucky Brand. For employees or end users who could benefit from a non- medical mask that suits their day-to-day need, companies can imprint their logo or brand message directly onto a face mask for front-and-center focus. But for those looking to stand out a little bit more, supplier Foxyware offers Custom Logo Rhinestone- Emblazoned Face Masks . With only a 50-piece minimum and no additional charge for a multi-color logo, the two-ply face masks are also reusable and machine-washable. Co rpo r a t e Appa r e l It’s important to take precautions when reintroducing employees into the workplace, with employee safety post- coronavirus being a top concern. Some companies may consider providing face masks or adding branded face masks to a company store, pledging to donate a portion of the proceeds to a relief organization. The Reusable Cotton Face Mask is a non-medical, multi-layer face cover that meets the requirements for personal safety set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Sold in packs of five, the masks are made using 100-percent ring-spun cotton fabric and feature two-ply construction with double ear slots on each side for an adjustable fit. The machine-washable masks are available in one-size-fits-most in black, charcoal, red, royal and navy (shown). Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, S10 / www.vantageapparel.com Vegas Golf/Foxyware PPAI 368029, S1 www.foxyware.com Another option for companies looking to provide employees with face masks is the Allmask Tri- Blend Protective Face Mask . Distributed in packs of three, the reusable mask is made using a fabric blend of 50-percent Repreve polyester made from recycled plastic; 25-percent organic cotton from USA- grown, chemical-free plants and 25-percent TENCEL Modal. The masks are made in the U.S. in one-size-fits- most in 10 colors, and feature an adjustable nose, elastic straps and a tearaway label. And even better, each mask is made using approximately one recycled water bottle, and for every 10 packs sold through the supplier’s website, Allmade will donate one pack to a health-care facility in need. Allmade / PPAI 743984, S1 / www.allmade.com 30 | JULY 2020 | INNOVATE