Governor Jared Polis issued a directive clarifying that all Coloradans should now wear cloth masks for every trip outside the house. The CDC also issued similar recommendations for all Americans who plan to venture out in public. The change in recommendation comes after studies have shown that 25% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Studies have shown cloth masks — while likely not effective in keeping wearers safe from catching the virus — they help prevent people with COVID-19 from spreading it, especially for those that don’t know they have it.
While the masks should not be medical masks like the N95 version needed for medical healthcare professionals, they can be as simple as an old shirt or bandana tied with a hair rubber band, although even rubber bands are now in short supply. Enter a team of local fashion designers and artists who have shifted focus and are now hard at work to supply people with the masks they need to stay safe during this pandemic. Below, 303 Magazine put together a list of local creatives who are currently making masks for purchase. Each can be contacted for more information through the link provided.
Winter Session
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: These well-known Denver accessories designers are offering reusable, cotton face masks with flexible wire nose pieces and sleeves for removable filters. Each mask will ship with two disposable filters and additional filters can be purchased after April 10. For every mask purchased, one mask will be donated to a health care provider through Winter Session’s new non-profit, the Cover Up Colorado initiative. Masks start at $14.
Project BODOmask
How to buy it: To order, send a direct message to the organization’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: In partnership, local designer, Sarah Choi, and artist, DINKC, are taking their love for art and fashion and directing it toward relief with hand-sewn protective masks made from heat-pressed vinyl scraps from previous clothing designs. Each custom mask is double-layered, reusable and comes with a filtered pouch and filter. For every sale, Project BODOmask will donate a mask to someone in need. Prices vary.
Mona Lucero
How to buy it: To order, send a direct message to the designer’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: As a veteran fashion designer in Denver, Lucero has made herself an indispensable piece of the local fabric. She has now turned her creative direction toward making cloth masks for both adults and children. Orders will start going out this Thursday. Masks start at $22.
Phunkshun Wear
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: This local winter facemask manufacturer has shifted its operation to make personal hygiene masks to keep the public safe. Masks are made from a polyester/spandex blend of fabric, with the inner lining of moisture-wicking antimicrobial mesh that inhibits the growth bacteria. For every mask sold to the public, Phunkshun will donate one to the State of Colorado to be dispersed to individuals in need.
Cha Cha Romero
How to buy it: To order, email vanity_dollz@yahoo.com
The Lowdown: As a registered emergency room nurse, makeup artist and designer, Cha Cha Romero has intimate knowledge of the exact needs the community has to stay safe for necessary trips out of the house. Two months ago, she created The Mask Making Mafia to help the healthcare workers affected by the lack of supplies available, the effects of which have led to a small army of local designers and other creatives who are now producing masks for hospitals and the public.
Jasmine Lewis
How to buy it: To order, send a direct message to the designer’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: Lewis is offering 100% cotton masks in black and white, although she is accepting custom orders as well. A portion of all of the sales goes to making masks for Denver’s medical professionals.
DarkDenim
How to buy it: To order, send a direct message to the designer’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: This period in history may be local designer Aldo Olivarez’s darkest yet, as he has been cranking out protective coverings for the community for much of the quarantine period. Masks feature a variety of styles using repurposed fabric from brands like Supreme and Louis Vuitton, all with a signature spin Olivarez is known for. Prices vary.
Equillibrium
How to buy it: To order, visit the designer’s website here.
The Lowdown: Designer, Deb Henriksen, created washable and reuseable face masks made from 100% hemp and bamboo, both of which are celebrated for their natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Henriksen will donate 10% of all sales to sustainable initiatives throughout the community. Masks are $38 each.
Denver Fashion Truck
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s Facebook page here.
The Lowdown: Co-owner, Desiree Gallegos-Barragan, is sewing masks with double-layered cotton complete in a variety of patterns. The straps are jersey material for comfort and the mask has a pocket insert to add a filter layer. Masks start at $14.
Vander Jacket
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: This Aurora-based running apparel company is offering water-resistant masks made from Supplex with a mesh interior. Each mask bears the company’s signature reflective material styled after the Red Cross logo. Masks are $15 and are shipped for free.
Ola Cre Skin Care
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s Facebook page here.
The Lowdown: This local, organic skincare company is making custom, washable masks with a hepa filter on the inside that can be removed. It is taking orders for adults and toddlers. Masks are $14.
Mama Llama
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Mama Llama is making 100% cotton masks with flannel or fleece lining in a variety of patterns. Orders usually ship within three days. Masks are $10.
Heritage & Bloom
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: As a way to thank healthcare providers, grocery store workers, delivery drivers and other essential workers, this small-batch accessory company is offering free masks to those in need. The program is built on the honor system and donations are welcomed to help cover the costs of supplies.
Rose & Royce
How to buy it: To order, email ??????@????????????.???.
The Lowdown: This local, bohemian accessories brand is offering washable, 100% cotton masks in a variety of fabric patterns in limited quantities. Prices vary.
Colorado Creative Co
How to buy it: To order, visit the company’s Etsy page here.
The Lowdown: Colorado Creative Co specializes in a variety of handmade products crafted in Denver using largely repurposed materials. It is currently offering face masks made out of high thread count, right weave cotton hand-dyed so each mask is unique. The masks are made in classic style, meaning they tie rather than use elastic to offer more flexibility. Masks are $13, which includes shipping.
Foxlilie Studio
How to buy it: To order, visit the company’s website here.
The Lowdown: Made from sustainable and organic double-layer cotton fabrics, Foxlilie Studio’s cloth masks are designed to keep noses and mouths covered for any journey outside the house. For each mask sold, the company will donate one to someone in need. Masks come in three sizes and are $18 each.
Moore Collection
How to buy it: To order, visit the company’s website here.
The Lowdown: Created by high school sweethearts, Taylor and Tanner Barkin, this screenprinting business has transformed its workspace into a mask-making site. The reusable masks are made with two layers of heavyweight cotton and have an insert for a filter. Each mask is cut and sewn from repurposed t-shirt fabric. A portion of sales will be donated to Feed the Frontline Denver. Masks are $13.
Prairie West
How to buy it: To order, visit the company’s site here.
The Lowdown: The Denver-based company is selling 100% woven cotton, repurposed fabric masks that have an insert pocket for a filter, removable flexible nose piece and string tie. Masks are $25 for two.
Lady Jane Clothing
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s Facebook page here.
The Lowdown: This Denver designer has created 100% cotton masks in a variety of fabric designs. For each mask sold, donations will be made to those in need. Masks are $20 with shipping and go directly to covering the cost for supplies for donated masks.
B Fresh Gear
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Known for their ‘90s-inspired gear and lighthearted approach to life, the B Fresh Gear team has set their sights on stocking the community with hip masks that have as much personality as they do functionality. Masks are upcycled from upcycled bandanas from B Fresh’s partners, Rockmount Ranch Wear. All proceeds go to support Denver small businesses. Masks are $21.99 with free shipping.
Angela R Garcia
How to buy it: To order, email the designer directly at Angrose74@gmail.com.
The Lowdown: This local designer is making masks in three sizes to fit children as well as adults. Colors are gray, white, brown and purple, although you can supply your own fabric for a custom option. Prices vary and include delivery.
Electric Dream Boutique
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s Instagram page here.
The Lowdown: Boutique owner, Adrienne Scott-Trask, is cranking out two-layered, 100% cotton flannel masks in one size. Masks are $15 and include shipping. Each additional mask purchased is $12.
Sara Gabriel
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Sara Gabriel has created The Mask Project as a way to not only provide the public with necessary protection but to support the healthcare community as well. Personal masks are layered Egyptian cotton with a fully-encased nose wire and interior pocket for filters. Personal masks are $15. You can also purchase a sponsored medical mask for a healthcare professional in need for $16. Sponsored masks are made to the specifications required by hospitals and medical agencies and are delivered to local hospitals.
Hadden & Ev
How to buy it: To order, visit the designer’s Etsy shop here.
The Lowdown: Known for her artful illustrations on designer accessories, Hadden Bennett has also started making masks. Her goal is to make people happy and make things feel more normal by adding a touch of personal style to something that typically makes people feel uneasy. “I am all about mask fashion and believe they will play a huge part of everyday fashion for the foreseeable future. It’s just one small way people can take back control and feel empowered against COVID-19,” she said. The cotton, reusable face masks come in a variety of shapes and styles. Each mask has three layers, including a middle filter layer, and comes in sizes ranging from infant to men’s. Pricing depends on the style and size of the mask. Adult masks range from $10.60 to $17. Children’s masks range from $7.40 to $14.20.
Luckyleo Dancewear
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Luckyleo is a female-founded company created by sisters, Chelsea Early and Heather Walker, who are retired professional ballerinas and now make dancewear. Due to the pandemic, the duo has switched to making masks and has already donated hundreds of masks. The washable, reusable masks feature two layers, the outer is stretchy fabric that allows for a closer fit and the inner is a soft cotton blend. All of the proceeds go toward production and supply of protective healthcare gear, and for every mask created, one will be donated to someone in need. Masks are $9.50.
Amy Lisojo
How to buy it: To order, message the designer through her Instagram account here.
The Lowdown: Local streetwear designer, Amy Lisojo, is now creating cotton masks for adults and children. Her masks are made from the suggested cotton blend fabric with a liner that allows for a filter to be inserted. Her team will regularly have new masks available for drop off, pick up or next day shipping. Prices vary.
Visual Impact by Design
How to buy it: To order, email the designer directly at tcowden6@comcast.net.
The Lowdown: Visual Impact by Design is a small Colorado business that makes uniforms/costuming for high school and independent color guards in Colorado and nationally. Owner, Lisa Cowden, is now offering masks in a variety of sizes from children to adults. Each mask is made of three layers, two outside layers of 100% cotton with a third interior layer of 100% toweling material. The masks have ties and a pocket on the top of the mask with a wire piece in it to help shape the mask to your face. Masks are $10 each.
Ink Monstr
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Local graphic design company, Ink Monstr, is creating moisture-wicking, double-layered masks in a breathable spandex blend. Masks start at $18 for two and can be ordered in bulk with custom print and logos as well.
Culture Street
How to buy it: To order, visit the brand’s website here.
The Lowdown: Protective masks are now available from celebrated streetwear boutique, Culture Street. The reversible and washable masks are two layers of fabric and have a nose piece to form around your nose and provide a snug fit to your face. Masks are $15.
su/q Street Art
How to buy it: To order, email the designer directly at su.q.streetart@gmail.com.
The Lowdown: Known for creating wearable art, local fiber and mixed media artist, Susan Dillon, has created contoured-style masks with stretch knit ties made from two layers of 100% cotton. Dillon is requesting a $15 donation to help cover the cost of the masks she donates to the Denver community and has donated more than 350 masks so far.
Matilda Marginal
How to buy it: To order, message the designer through her Instagram account here.
The Lowdown: For those looking for something more avant-garde, local designer, Matilda Marginal, has created a limited run of masks using repurposed materials from new women’s lingerie and quilted cotton. Although the designer describes these more like wearable art, the masks are fully functional and offer the necessary, protective barrier needed for excursions outside the home. Masks are $50.
REALLY?! WHY ARE THEY CHARGING? IT’S A PANDEMIC! HELP EACH OTHER! FKING PRICKS.
In case you didnt know this, artists and designers have to make a living too. Since they are self employed there is no unemployment check for them. They still have rent due or businesses that have been shuttered that may not repoen. Also this group started with a call to make masks for medical professionals, fyi.
So cooool. When is the fashion show for designer masks, designer gowns, and designer ventilators? Can’t wait!
We are hand-sewing masks for people that need them, for free, with our own and donated materials. They be “artists”?
Grow up, capitalist scum.
So salty. I know for a fact that a few of the people/businesses named in this article have been out of work due to the pandemic — so what’s wrong with them supporting themselves while also providing masks to our greater CO community?? You need to direct that energy to big corporations and not our local businesses. SMH.
I agree, wrong to profit off this. I am making masks for nurses and people who work in the grocery store with me. Some of my co-workers have wanted to pay to contribute for my time or supplies but I will only take donations to put towards a charity that will buy more PPE for medical professionals. I think it’s shameful folks are selling them.
They should donate thei ill-gotten gains to #GetusPPE , raising money to get PPE for medical professionals.
You may want to read the article then, as many of them are donating masks and proceeds.
Also one of them is an ER nurse.
Gross y’all. This shit ain’t hard. Teach.
just curious, how many masks have you made & donated? how much money have you donated to covid relief? you must be donating loads to be sitting on such a high horse
All of these people should be ashamed. Wack AF. People made these designs free and entitled white bitches tryin to profit grfo here
In case you didnt know this, artists and designers have to make a living too. Since they are self employed there is no unemployment check for them. They still have rent due or businesses that have been shuttered that may not repoen. Also this group started with a call to make masks for medical professionals, fyi.
Please include @ellenbronsondedigns. Up and coming designer who is walking up and down the streets of Denver handing out FREE one of a kind masks to the most vulnerable. She won’t self promote… So I’m giving the shout!
Go @artistsofinstagram!!
Please have her contact me! justinsurfs@gmail.com Residents here are leaving the building, panhandling for money, buying booze, then coming back into the building and the Colorado Department of Health will not let us restrict these activities…
Please have the designer email us details at jennifer.tom@303magazine.com.
WHAT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO BUY ARE MAGA MASKS….ANYONE?
You didn’t mention Lowkey Industries face mask.. they sold out and look good!
You forgot LOWKEY INDUSTRIES!!! They make the sickest face mask on the net. Also everybody know them. Support local.
Please have them email us details when they start producing masks again at jennifer.tom@303magazine.com.
I’m a nursing home administrator in Aurora and we have zero N95 masks as well as our first covid patient….if anyone wants to help please call or text 3609229627.
We’ll pass along the info
Hello! I can get you some fabric face masks. I’m making them for vet clinics around Denver and a couple nursing homes so I’m a little backed up but i’ll text you
Those who are criticizing these makers need to redirect their anger elsewhere. These are artists, artisans and designers whose shops, if they have them, have been closed, the restaurants where they also work have laid them off, and they are local, very small businesses. I just ordered a few for me and my family, and I’m very excited to receive them in May. I don’t have a sewing machine, and my makeshift folded fabric with rubber bands is getting me by, but is super uncomfortable and I have to wash it every day. It will be nice to have a second! We are probably going to have to wear masks for a long time, so I appreciate a resource to buy one professionally crafted for a reasonable price. Most of these vendors are donating a mask for every one I buy. Yes, there are other options, and some people are making and giving them away to friends. I am happy to support local artists who need it. Artists are not the problem, folks!
Helpful post,thank you share with us.
My mother has been working hard at making mask to give to our health care providers. She has given away around 200-300 mask. Now that the stay in place order is extended, she will be needing to earn income to support a huge family. She will continue to make mask for donation to hospitals but would appreciate support to earn income for essential and monthly payments . If it’s possible please add her as an artist.
Thanks for letting us know. But we need her information in order to add her. You can email me at Brittany@303magazine.com.
Just going to email you now! We would love to be added! @electricdreamboutique
Please email us the details at jennifer.tom@303magazine.com. Thank you!
No one wants to work for absolutely nothing! Give us a break!
These folks are creating and these days in America, that’s a real gift!
I ordered masks from Mama Llama Masks and haven’t received a response. Can you provide contact info for Mama Llama please?
We do not have direct email contact information but you can also find her on Instagram at @mamallamamasks.
Hi Karen. I noticed your post was on the 16th but you ordered masks on the 15th. You should have gotten them by now but let me know if you haven’t. Our contact email is at the bottom of our web page.
Get the latest information from the CDC about COVID-19 – Under House Arrest as a Result of a Crime Committed by the CDC – Please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2CsNqHFx68
http://www.agildedfoxstudio.com is your source for quality and comfortable face masks handmade in Golden, CO. A portion of sales goes directly to donating masks to essential and front line workers in need, with over $2000 in donated masks AND GROWING. Please consider adding us to this list, you can also find us on Instagram and Facebook @agildedfoxstudio. We are a small business in Colorado’s Front Range with over 20 years experience in sewing and fashion design, and a passion for social entrepreneurship.
At denvermask.net we make really comfortable and affordable masks with adjustable straps and form fitting design that covers your face really well without pulling your ears or directly laying on your mouth for an exceptionally comfortable no slip fit even when worn for extended periods. Our mask donations have been focused on retail workers who have really been there for us keeping us fed and stocked with needed supplies. As with a lot of makers on this site we thank you very much for all your support in helping us help them!