Face Masks As a Fashion Statement
By Samantha Krevolin
In today’s world, we’re all superheroes; we can’t leave the house without our masks! Face masks have become the trend of the summer for people of all ages. All around the world and within most of the United States, masks are required when entering public places. Due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend is just beginning and will be here to stay. Masks are not only a necessity but a cute way to style up an outfit and make a unique personality statement.
At first, people were very hesitant to constantly wear a mask. The CDC recommends the use of any mask, whether it be surgical or N95. These masks were the only types available when the pandemic began. However, when people are walking around with the classic blue or white masks wherever they may go, everyone looks the same! It’s understandable that people want to stand out and be themselves, and they have the opportunity to do so when given the choice of the design on their masks. This new trend has also allowed many fashion designers and companies to increase their sales during a time when retail and consumer spending is lacking. Companies use fabrics from the clothes they normally make or incorporate their signature designs to make the masks they sell unique to their own store.
Masks have extreme benefits in preventing the spread and contraction of COVID-19 among people in public places. Regardless of that, there has been controversy when it comes to masks being considered a fashion statement or a trend. Some customers find it unfair that people are making profits off selling masks when they are a necessity, especially for essential workers. Others also cannot afford to buy them, even more so when they have designs on them. However, some customers like that people can individualize themselves and show their style through the masks they purchase. It has also been found by many parents that it is easier to get children to wear masks if their mask is their favorite color, has their favorite animal, or the design makes them laugh.
The best way to think of fashionable masks is to compare them to glasses. Glasses are a necessity by those who need them, as are face masks. Glasses come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and frames giving those who wear them the ability to make their glasses their own. Someone who wears round shaped glasses with pink frames has the same improved eyesight as someone who wears square-framed clear glasses. This same idea goes for face masks. Whether someone is wearing a blue generic surgical face mask or a tie-dye face mask, the important thing is both of these people are wearing a mask and protecting themselves and those around them from coming in contact with COVID-19.
Although some may believe it is a bad thing that masks are becoming a trend, it is in fact beneficial in that people are actually more willing to purchases masks and wear them in public, even if it means companies are making a few dollars off their designs. Everyone should get themselves a trendy mask since they last longer than surgical and N95 masks, and from the progression of the pandemic so far, they’re going to be worn and trending for a long time.
