Masks at the ready! With the country flip flopping in and out of lockdowns and mask mandates for flights, it’s helpful to have a quality face mask on hand. Australia’s ethical fashion labels were quick to innovate when mask regulations came in in 2020, and they’ve continued making these quality, comfortable masks ever since. So whether you’re chasing a no-frills natural fibre face mask or something a little more fancy (sequins anyone?), you’ll find the face mask you’re looking for from these ethical Australian labels. You’ll also be supporting #AustralianMade, so it’s a win-win!
Arnsdorf
In true Arnsdorf style, this brand opts for a basic, ribbed organic cotton for its locally made face masks. Transparency is key to this modern womenswear label and every garment is listed with a breakdown of costs taken to produce it: labour, design, materials, retailing, operations and logistics. Arnsdorf releases trans-seasonal collections to compliment its permanent collection, with each piece designed, cut and sewn in its atelier in Collingwood, Melbourne. The face masks are available in a range of colours in line with the season’s collections.
Mosov Organic
Brisbane-based basics brand Mosov makes organic luxe lifestyle clothes for the ethically conscious. Each piece is designed and made locally in Australia with GOTS-certified organic cotton. Mosov says that its “organic luxe basics are designed with the mindfulness to be timeless and versatile for everyday wear.” The brand’s locally made face masks are made from soft organic cotton and come in a range of basic colours.
Merino Country
The designers behind Merino Country are former sheep farmers, so it’s no surprise that their go-to fabric is high quality Australian merino wool. The brand makes basic pieces for everyday wear and workouts including underwear, bras, tights and tops, and now face masks too. Merino Country’s garments are ethically made at its HQ in Brisbane.
A.BCH
A.BCH garments are ethically made in Melbourne from renewable, organic and recycled materials. From its buttons crafted from the seeds of fallen corozo fruit in Panama, to its family owned manufacturer in Melbourne’s inner north, the brand says it works tirelessly to ensure that every step of the journey is as thoughtful and sustainable as possible. A.BCH opts for GOTS-certified organic cotton in the majority of its garments and its face masks are no exception.
Ilka the Label
Family-owned boutique Ilka is all about Perth-based labels (including their own self-titled, locally made label). Ilka promotes local brands with a focus on fair trade production, sustainability and community. From clothing to homewares and beauty products, you’re sure to find something you’ll love – like this super fancy face mask!
Farn
Melbourne-based label Farn was born out of the designer’s love for colour and print, and is founded upon values of transparency and sustainability in the supply chain. The label’s unique prints and styles are designed, printed and made in Collingwood Melbourne, all within a 1km radius of the Farn studio.
Gliese
Slow fashion label Gliese’s masks feature two layers of tight woven natural fabric and adjustable straps/ earloops. With a sleek, simple design (CDC approved) these masks provide a breathable and comfortable design even for long hours’ wear. Gliese’s garments are all ethically and sustainably made in Melbourne.
Obus Clothing
If statement prints on flattering cuts is your thing, Obus is your brand. The Melbourne institution has been tailoring quality garments out of its Victorian workshop for over 18 years. Obus makes at least 80% of its clothing onshore and is committed to producing small runs of high-quality, well-made clothing. The brand’s face masks match its collections!
HoMie
HoMie is a unisex streetwear label for young people. The brand uses 100 per cent of their profits to support young people facing homelessness in Melbourne. HoMie is also super transparent, up-cycles preloved items, and provides training programs and support to those doing it tough. So your face masks will be doing good in more ways than one!
The Social Studio
The Social Studio empowers women from migrant and refugee backgrounds by providing fashion and industry-based solutions to the main obstacles they face upon arriving in our community. They do this by creating jobs, providing education opportunities, encouraging community engagement and fostering social inclusion.
Iole Lingerie
Melbourne-based label Iole Lingerie brings luxury intimates to this list. The brand’s intimates are all ethically made (and some made to order) in its Collingwood factory in Melbourne. Iole Lingerie’s onshore production is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Shop for feminine intimates and sexy staples such as bodysuits, slips and suspenders (and face masks, obviously!)
Kuwaii
This Melbourne-based brand goes above and beyond with its ethical production, manufacturing everything here in Australia with environmentally friendly fabrics, and making efforts to reduce waste in the process. Kuwaii goes into detail about its manufacturing, fabrics, environmental impact and more on its website. The brand also plants a tree for every order shipped.
