With each year comes a new must-have item that shoppers are dying to get their hands on.
However, not even Vogue could have predicted that 2020’s most talked about and widely worn item would be the face mask.
Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport in Northern Ireland since July 10 and were made compulsory in shops and enclosed public spaces from August 10.
We have put together a list of some Northern Ireland businesses that sell reusable face masks so you can find the perfect stylish or sustainable mask to suit you, while also shopping local:
Heather Eves Simple Creative
Heather started making masks during lockdown and was able to raise around £1000 for a charity called Gogo Olive by selling them.
Her masks are available on her website and every Saturday at her stall in St George’s Market.
Find them HERE
Suitor Bros Clothiers and Custom Tailors
Brothers Chris and William Suitor run Suitor Bros, a menswear and bespoke tailoring business.
During the pandemic, they have created a range of unique matching mask and tie sets with some of their most interesting patterns.
Find them HERE
Kindly Island
Kindly Island founders Vicky and Jen finished their masters degrees in 2018 and now operate their business between Bangor and Edinburgh.
Their company mission is to help others minimise their impact on the planet by creating reusable products. They make stylish, sustainable and comfortable items such as face coverings for day to day use.
Find them HERE
Facemasks NI
Facemasks NI was started during the pandemic as a division of Powerhouse Sport.
Amber, a lower sixth student and part-time employee, came up with the idea to sell masks to their clients by setting up a website, helping to create the designs and managing the inventory.
Find them HERE
Born and Bred
Born and Bred is the home of authentic Belfast gifts selling homeware, art, candles and clothing that are all imagined, designed and made in the city.
These ‘very Northern Irish’ masks are available online or in their store on Ann Street in the city centre.
Find them HERE
The Pink Studio
The Pink studio is a small business run by Rebecca, a final year Fashion and Business student from Belfast who started out making masks for herself.
To reduce fabric waste, she has started selling matching mask and scrunchie sets in eye catching and seasonal patterns to encourage positivity around wearing a mask and promote sustainability.
Find them HERE
Frankies
Frankies is a ‘made in Belfast’ fashion label which makes workwear-inspired clothes such as dungarees for children and adults.
They started making masks as a result of losing business due to coronavirus and sell their products online and from the Refill Quarter on the Belmont Road in Belfast.
They say they are proud to be helping people keep safe while looking good - and keeping waste to a minimum.
Find them HERE
