With the recent move to easing lockdown restrictions, face masks are becoming the new norm and the Scottish and English governments have advised us to wear face coverings in certain situations.

In Scotland, the government recommends people wear them when in shops and on public transport. In England, people should wear face coverings on public transport, in some shops and also in other "enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet".

It has been stressed it is face coverings that should be worn and not surgical masks or respirators which should be left for healthcare staff and other workers who need them. We are big fans of fabric face masks as they are reusable and eco-friendly. Some of our favourite independent fashion brands have started making face masks from offcuts from their previous collections so we have rounded up our favourites. 

EMILY MILLICHIP

photo by Emily Millichip

Fashion queen and palm print lover Emily Millichip has started making masks using her trademark prints. If you haven't heard of Emily before, she is a Scottish fashion designer specialising in vintage-inspired, colourful and print led fashion, textiles, homewares and accessories. She can usually be found roaming the beach of Portobello with a bottle of wine in hand (pre-lockdown of course!). 

Her zero-waste face masks come in two sizes and have the option of fabric ties or elastic loops. Each mask is made to order and you can buy them here.

LOWIE

photo by Lowie

Ethical fashion brand Lowie are making fabric face masks and for each mask that is sold, £2 goes to donating surgical masks to local South London GP surgeries.

 MISCHKE LINGERIE

photo by Mischke Lingerie

Edinburgh based Mischke Lingerie who normally make lingerie and accessories have turned their hand to making cotton face coverings from fabric offcuts.

The masks are double-sided with an opening at the bottom where you can insert a filter to make them more protective (coffee filters work great!). You can buy them here and use the code STAYSAFE to get 2 for £15.