Cool Mask Designs: CDC Compliance in Style

They say necessity is the mother of invention and never has that been more true than this year – especially when it comes to face masks and cool mask designs. Whatever parts of the internet you frequent, you have likely come across more than a few quirky, innovative, or out-there mask ideas. The best of these designs can make you forget that, for many of us, masks are a mandate. No, with these cool masks, they are a statement!

In case you missed any of these one-of-a-kind face mask ideas, here is a roundup of 10 very different takes on CDC compliant face coverings. Let them inspire you to design your own face masks or just have a little fun with the masks you buy and add to your wardrobe. 

1. Stylish embellishments

A simple face mask can be the perfect canvas for gorgeous embellishments like beads, studs, sequins, or embroidery. Whether you start with cotton masks or synthetic fabric, just bedazzle your heart out!

2. Cool masks for movie buffs

Cinephiles everywhere have found another avenue (besides trivia night) to showcase their love of movies. Face masks like this skillful and grotesque Alien-inspired felt mask are sure to be a hit.

3. Textile creations

With cotton masks as the inner layer doing the heavy lifting of filtering respiratory droplets, you can add any textile and fiber art covering you can dream of! And what a strange dream it must have been for this Icelandic designer. 

4. Their unique materials

When supply chains were strained and personal protective equipment was in short supply, folks got creative not just with cloth face masks. A protective face mask made from plastic bottles? Check. 3D-printed custom respirator mask? Coming right up.

5. Slogan style

There are many who feel that plain and simple face masks are a missed opportunity. After all, face masks are 20 square inches of prime slogan real estate! Put that catchphrase on your face mask and let it do the talking for you.

6. Extra utility masks

You may have heard of adding a breathing valve to face masks, but what about a valve for the straw of your icy beverage? Some are experimenting with zippers, food flaps, and other amendments to their face masks to give them extra utility (though its sometimes questionable whether these inventive additions adhere to public health recs).

7. Art in their own right

While they may not be the recommended machine washable face masks, artists like Lynx Alexander are devising incredible designs and transforming your standard cloth mask into works of art. The “Tie Guy” turns to face masks as his new muse? We can relate!

8. Mask ideas everyone can get behind

One of the cool mask designs that deserves kudos is the cloth mask with a transparent window over the mouth. These and fully transparent surgical masks are crucial for folks with hearing impairments who rely on lip-reading.

9. A bit on the nose

Of all the incredible face mask designs and cool mask ideas, this one is definitely a bit on the nose. Fashioned after 17th-century plague masks (the O.G. surgical mask), this design offers the added protection of very creepy goggles.

10. Patterns, prints, & graphics, oh my!

Reusable face masks have become a part of our daily attire, so using them as another accessory to style your outfit just makes sense. Fun patterns, pretty prints, or bold graphics make for some cool mask designs and a put-together look. And luckily, if you don’t have a knack for DIY or design, custom apparel companies like Candor Threads have you (and your face) covered.

Candor Threads is a family-owned custom apparel company that has been providing ties, scarves, shirts, and more for over 37 years. If you are looking for individual, ready-to-ship fabric face masks with one-of-a-kind designs, place your order today!