The face mask is the accessory of the year, whether we like it or not. While this is our new reality and best defense mechanism for now, we might as well look pandemic-chic (yes, that’s a thing!) while wearing them. Even the most difficult of times can do with a dose of light-heartedness. Here are five local businesses making masks we love.

Chalo

Chalo is all about celebrating Seattle with its unique travel and lifestyle products that are inspired by… no prizes for guessing, Seattle! Bellevue-based designer Danialle An-Shukla loves fun patterns that express the soul of the emerald city. The designs are screen printed by hand on 100% cotton. Chalo scores for its kitschy, Andy Warhol-esque prints and comfy, breathable masks. Bright and happy, these masks are sure to brighten up grey fall and winter days. A bonafide Seattleite? The ‘Icons’ mask is for you. These locally-inspired masks are also washable and reversible. Pretty neat, huh?

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Chickadee Baby Co.

About four years ago, Andrea Croft launched Chickadee Baby Company with her mom, Shelley, to preserve the art of sewing through designer nursery suites and modern baby products. Enter the Covid-19 era, and they branched out to make masks as well— first to help out the medical community and then, to create fashionable and comfortable designer face masks for the general public. Their designs are eclectic—not just functional, but super cute as well. With Halloween just around the corner, try their ‘Hocus pocus ghosts’ glow-in-the-dark mask. Talk about innovative! We love their pretty floral-prints too. Each mask has a built in flat aluminum nosepiece, and a pocket for added filtration. Buy online at www.chickadeebabyco.com. You can also find them at any of the Western Washington Woods Coffee locations or in Arlington at Flowers by George. 

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Grey + Mae Co.

Natalie Neagle and her husband make high-quality, beautiful baby products at Grey + Mae Co. in Auburn, Washington. Their face masks are made with high quality, dense cotton. They are triple layered for increased protection. It comes with elastic ear bands on each side. The designs are retro-inspired and super cool. Think gingham, poppies and strawberries. Buy them here. You’ll also be doing a good deed—20% of profits will go towards providing local hospitals and clinics with masks and other PPE.

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Purple Rose Bows

As the name suggests, Purple Rose Bows makes gorgeous bows that your little ones can flaunt. This is another local company that streamlined its business to handstitch beautiful masks. They have a wide variety of chic prints, from dandelions to leopard spots for adults. They make masks for kids too. Having trouble getting your 3-year-old to wear a mask? Maybe this fun alphabet-printed one could change their mind. Each mask is made of high quality cotton and comes with a heavy duty nose piece for better fit, with option for a filter pocket. They have Washington print masks that all proud Washingtonians will love. It’s also pretty apt for the current situation, as Washington is doing a great job flattening the curve. What better way to celebrate (and maintain!) than with a Washington print mask? 

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Hierophant Meadery

Yes, one of Seattle’s favorite meaderies makes masks too. Hierophant Meadery is a local mead business that pivoted their operations to make masks and bandanas for their customers. And not just any masks, but adorable ones with honeybee prints. So ‘bee’ responsible and wear your mask, won’t you?

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Stay safe and mask up, Washington!