Face Masks in Austin: Shop Local and Stay Safe During Coronavirus Pandemic

Alright, everyone. It’s time to cover up.

Usually those words are saved for the end of a visit to Hippie Hollow, but following a recent announcement by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, face coverings are now required in businesses and public spaces of Texas counties with more than 20 confirmed coronavirus cases. Here in Travis County, that number has reached over 13 thousand and continues to rise daily.

The thing about masks – aside from adding a layer of inconvenience to Central Texas’ sweltering summer temperatures – is they truly do help. When used correctly alongside social distancing measures, masks work to block the virus’ main method of travel: respiratory droplets. These tiny bits of moisture release into the air whenever someone coughs, sneezes and even while talking.

But what if you’re feeling just fine? According to the CDC, a large portion of COVID-19 carriers are asymptomatic and unaware of their potential to pass on the virus, making their mask use even more vital. It’s an act of generosity and respect, not done for personal gain, but for the love of neighbors near and far.

A lot of amazing Austin shops and designers have turned to producing and selling face covers that are as fashionable as they are functional. Amid shortages earlier in the year, these non-medical grade masks directly support our community and add some peace of mind when navigating our ever-changing social situations. We’re in this together, Austin, so let’s do our part to stop the spread, support the local economy – and look good while doing it.

Fine Southern Gentlemen 

The screen-printing shop is helping to keep Austin safe while highlighting cool designs and favorite establishments like Hotel Vegas and Kinda Tropical. While you’re there, you can find the perfect shirt to match.

Austin City Limits

Despite the recent news that ACL Fest is canceled this year, there’s still a way to offer support with their branded black face mask. Washable and reusable, maker Kinsted will also donate one to those in need with every purchase.

League of Rebels

Always perfect for a special occasion, League of Rebels has filtered face masks made with French luxury evening fabrics and pocket square-like elegance. They also have a selection of 100 percent cotton PE-41 masks available with adjustable straps for a comfy fit. 

Esby

Esby teamed up with nonprofit Open Arms Studio to create a no-waste face mask. Made from all-natural fabrics, each sale will result in the donation of another mask, generating a ripple effect of good.

Savilino

Normally used to dressing restaurant and hotel staff, the team at Savilino shifted their production lines to mask-making after the COVID-19 outbreak. Along with adult and child sizes, you’ll find accessories like protective carrying pouches and adjustable straps for ear bands. Looking to donate? They can help with that too.

Kendra Scott 

Buy one set of the jewelers newly released, limited-edition masks and an additional one will be given to an essential worker on the frontlines. Soft and reusable, the cover-ups are easy to match in pretty yellow print or all-white. 

Texas Humor

If the state has a fan club, Texas Humor makes the merch. Run by avid photographer and entrepreneur Jay B. Sauceda, the retail brand is helping Texans add a little southern charm to keeping neighbors healthy with face masks featuring messages like “Darlin’” and “Howdy”. 

Adelante 

The local boutique offers a beautiful assortment of Otomi face coverings with vibrantly embroidered animals and elastic straps. Make sure to snag one before they’re gone.

Kingsted

This family-owned manufacturing company turned to its fabric inventory after the outbreak to fill the need for face masks, regularly donating to Austin communities in need. The comfy coverings can be found in a variety of color combos, including Pride-themed rainbow hearts. 

Estilo

At the Tarrytown boutique, grab an elegant Lavender Brown silk face mask or bold graphic print mask by Chaser. You can call the store at 512 236 0488 to select a specific print or wait for the surprise to arrive at your door.

Slow North

Handmade in their Austin studio, Slow North’s cotton fabric face coverings come in colorful patterns and sizes, with multiple child and adult sizes. Better yet, the Central Texas Food Bank will receive five percent of total mask sales.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

While we’re usually used to Mozart’s crafting the perfect cup of coffee, they’re also focused on supporting the community by making masks. Connecting with local seamstresses, their vast selection includes designer collaborations, SportsFlex, nurse-approved 4-pleat, single-day disposables and more.

Hearth & Soul

Hearth & Soul is ensuring effectiveness without sacrificing high-quality style. Borrowing assorted fabric leftover from Christy Lynn’s collection, the reversible patterns highlight sweet florals, popular gingham and more.

Miranda Bennett Studio

Leave it to Miranda Bennett to add chic design to functionality. Composed of Yucatán Silk, organic cotton and multi-ply bubble gauze, each pre-order of her latex-free masks will result in the donation of 20 meals to Feeding America. 

Ubuntu Life

Ubuntu Life is helping shoppers make contributions of their own with fun Kuba Masks. Not only do they employ Maker Mums in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, to hand craft the styles, but for each purchase the brand will donate a mask to its Kenyan community.

Mayan Expressions

Brighten up your excursions with these intricately designed face masks by artisans from Chiapas, Mexico. Uniquely made, the coverings represent the beautiful artistry and tradition of the indigenous Mayan People.

SPIbelt

Female-owned SPIbelt is a one-stop shop for public grade face masks. The fitness-focused brand is offering contoured, disposable and cotton-silk blend options that are well-made and breathable. 

Austin School of Fashion Design

The Austin School of Fashion Design is creating masks for every need while raising funds to support its students. Available for both pick up and quick delivery, choose from filtered or unfiltered designs that are washable, reusable and reversible. Know a friend in need? Send a gift set with hand sanitizer.

Brittany Allen

Former Project Runway contestant and Austin-based designer Brittany Allen is keeping grocery aisles fierce while making it easier to avoid touching your face. These double-layered mask coverings also have double-sided options for a fresh look. 

Parts & Labour 

South Congress shop Parts & Labour has joined with seamstresses Gigi and Denise to provide 56 different mask style options. Pleated and reversible, proceeds from each sale will benefit P&L and Austinites who are struggling with security after the outbreak. 

Industry Print Shop

This three-pack has a built-in filter layer. The masks are machine washable and honestly just look super cool. The artist-run print shop has customized each black and white design, which also features a nose bridge and open cell foam.

Action Screen Graphics

Family owned in Austin for over 30 years, Action Screen Graphics is offering an array of blank face masks that can be completely customized for a personal touch. Perfect for businesses looking to spread the word, turn-around for customization is only one to five days, with the option to rush your order.