MATCHING YOUR MASK TO YOUR OUTFIT
We’ll be wearing masks in public for much of the forseeable future, so it’s high time we made the practice a little more sartorial. (There’s no reason why your mask shouldn’t be a cohesive part of your outfit, right?) To help you to stay safe while still looking your best, here are five tips for how to pair a face mask with your outfit (with style).
1. Consider the Fabric
I started out the COVID-19 pandemic by pulling on a blue, disposable mask when I left the house. It wasn’t especially comfortable to wear for long periods of time and, even though everyone else was wearing one, it stood out like a sore thumb. As the pandemic has worn on, I’ve grown to view a mask like other piece of clothing. So, consider the fabric. Wearing a stylish face mask made from a high-quality, natural material like cotton or wool makes a huge difference in both comfort and the ability to seamlessly integrate them with your outfit.
2. Darker Than the Overall Look
While a stylish face mask is a new accessory we’re learning to live with, it’s an accessory nonetheless. Making the mask the darkest part of an outfit helps it to blend in with the rest of the ensemble. Matching a mask to your outfit is easiest with a solid, dark color; it allows for a variety of applications ranging from formal to casual. Style is best when it doesn’t shout, and that applies to a mask, too.
3. Subtle Pattern Play
Now, let’s give the stylish face mask some breathing room. A subtle pattern with your mask adds visual interest and jazzes up an otherwise ordinary outfit. But, the key here to matching your mask to your outfit is keeping it subtle and complementary. I’ve often said the best menswear items are only revealed upon closer inspection. So, consider the patterned mask the way you would a Garza Grossa grenadine tie. From a distance, it looks solid, but when you get closer (just outside six feet, of course) the intricate pattern appears.
4. Monochromatic
A monochromatic masked-up look is exceptionally easy to pull off. If your mask is the same shade as everything else in the outfit, it will blend in nicely. Two points here, though. First, just because those ubiquitous, disposable masks are blue doesn’t mean they’ll work with a blue outfit. Quite the opposite, really. So, pay attention to fabric and try to pair a cotton mask with a casual, cotton sweatshirt and a wool mask with a wool suit. Second, you can integrate Tip #3 to play with pattern and texture to avoid a solid block of color. Consider a mask with a birdseye pattern for some heightened visual interest.
5. A Stylish Face Mask Makes A Statement
As masks have become a part of our daily lives, they’ve taken on a life of their own. While we try to integrate them into our outfits, the truth is they still stand out. So, why not own it and make a statement? Sure, people have tried all of kinds things, from supporting a sports teams to whatever this is.
For a sartorial statement, a mask with a boating stripe is a twist on the classic menswear uniform of a navy blazer and grey flannel trousers. Paired with a turtleneck, it’s a great substitute for a repp tie when styling a preppy vibe. This particular one is made from a beautiful Super 120s wool from Holland and Sherry.
Introducing: Face Masks in the HSS Shop
To help you stay both stylish and and safe, we’re rolling out a collection of face masks in the HSS Shop. Offered in either 2-ply shirting cloth other or Super 120s wool, each is backed with a comfortable, breathable 100% bemberg lining with a pocket suitable for a filter. They feature a wire nose bridge, chin cup, and elastic ear straps for a secure fit.
Do give them a look to see if any fit your style.
Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
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