You’re sick of the pandemic; we’re sick of the pandemic. But that’s preferable to getting sick (or getting a friend, neighbor, or loved one sick) with COVID. So we keep wearing our masks and washing our hands, and we don’t expect to alter those habits any time soon.
One thing we can alter, though, is our facewear fashion. In just a few months we’ve accumulated a pretty good grab-bag of garb for the mouth and nose. When this whole mess started, we (like a lot of people) went with plain old bandanas. Within a couple of weeks we’d switched to pale-blue surgical masks, which do a better job of arresting the aerosols both coming and going. Over the ensuing months, as our state’s infection curve has darted and dipped all over the place, our wardrobe has deepened and diversified to the point that it offers nearly as broad a selection as our coffee-mug shelf. We never explicitly went shopping for any of this stuff; most of it is homemade. But we’ve ended up with options in cotton, flannel, nylon, silicone, and fancy-pants cashmere, plus one HEPA-equipped model for high-hazard occasions. There are pretty patterns, snappy slogans, team logos, and assorted other designs.
Just about the only thing we lack is a mask with a limb-loss motif. After surveying the online inventory of such garments, we’re pleasantly surprised at the variety of available merchandise. Here’s the cream of the crop (our opinion), but if you don’t like our choices, click on over to RedBubble, TeePublic, Zazzle, Etsy, or your own favorite online boutique or bazaar and type “amputee mask” into the search bar.
Here we go:
Part Man Part Machine
Vendor: FunUniqueGifts4U
Price: $16.95
Description: Lightweight, ultra-breathable two-layer protective face mask with black soft stretch ear straps. Soft, moisture-wicking nylon spandex inner layer; outer layer is made with micro-knit polyester treated with an anti-microbial agent. Reusable and machine washable.
Order at: Etsy
Patriotic Prosthetic
Vendor: Wizardmode
Price: $12
Description: Sublimated polyester exterior with soft microfiber lining for added comfort and improved fit. Pleats allow the mask to expand for increased coverage, and adjustable sliders on the elastic ear loops keep everything securely in place. Lining allows for optional insertion of additional mask or filter (not included) between layers. Machine washable.
Order at: TeePublic
Five Toes Down Henry
Vendor: Five Toes Down
Price: $10
Description: 100 percent polyester exterior, 100 percent cotton interior. Dimensions: 7 inches wide by 4.5 inches high. Not medical-grade, and not meant for medical use, but great for everyday use and overall protection.
Order at: Five Toes Down
You Don’t Scare Me
Vendor: boubker93
Price: $12.49
Description: Two layers of soft 95% polyester / 5% spandex fabric with sublimation print on the outside layer. Dimensions: 7.25 inches wide by 4.6 inches high. Non-medical grade. Machine washable.
Order at: RedBubble
Always Motivated
Vendor: Best Masks
Price: $12
Description: Sublimated polyester exterior with soft microfiber lining. Dimensions: 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall, with adjustable pleats that allow mask to expand for increased coverage. Adjustable sliders on the elastic ear loops ensure secure fit. Lining allows for optional insertion of additional mask or filter (not included) between layers. Machine washable.
Order at: TeePublic
Amputee Awareness Ribbon
Vendor: Zazzle
Price: $12.95
Description: Comfortable 100% polyester. Decorated front material is poly sheeting, back is poly microfiber. Reusable and machine washable. Insert slot allows you to insert disposable mask inside (sold separately) for extra layers of filter protection. Adjustable nose bridge ear loops allow for snug, comfortable fit. Dimensions: 7 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall.
Order at: Zazzle
Some Assembly Required
Vendor: AndreasMei
Price: $14.05
Description: Two layers of soft 95% polyester / 5% spandex fabric with sublimation print on the outside layer. Reusable and machine washable; should be washed after each use. Available in black with multiple colors for slogan, or white background with black lettering.
Order at: RedBubble
Awesome Amputee
Vendor: Terrible Ampu-Tees
Price: $12
Description: Sublimated polyester exterior with soft microfiber lining. Dimensions: 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall, with adjustable pleats that allow mask to expand for increased coverage. Adjustable sliders on the elastic ear loops ensure secure fit. Lining allows for optional insertion of additional mask or filter (not included) between layers. Machine washable.
Order at: TeePublic
Dancing Amputee
Vendor: Cloudsong Art
Price: $10 (set of 2)
Description: Create your own fabric face mask through simple-to-sew mask templates, custom-printed with the design of your choice. DIY kit makes two double-layer cotton masks with perennial sateen grand fabric. Cut-and-sew templates include the same design for each mask facing. Unprinted fabric is included for mask lining. Finished face masks are washable and reusable. Finished size: 9 inches wide by 3 inches tall.
Order at: Spoonflower