Where to buy cloth masks online
- Ministry of Supply
- Etsy
- CanMedSupply
- Sheridan Computers
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated . What changed?
Due to recent events, many stores are experiencing a shortage of certain products. Be aware that many retailers may currently be out of stock, have longer shipping times than usual or be charging above-average prices. Remember that stockpiling items isn’t actually necessary right now and that over-buying can leave others vulnerable.
Government of Canada health authorities encourage wearing cloth face masks in public where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain such as in grocery stores or on public transit. In fact, depending on where you live in Canada, you may actually be required by law to wear a face mask when out in public.
Many people turn to cloth face masks if they can’t get their hands on medical-grade N95 and KN95 masks. We’ve rounded up a list of retailers that sell cloth face masks and listed which ones offer free shipping deals, so you can save while you shop.
While not as protective as an N95 or KN95 mask, cloth masks are easy to make yourself or find at retailers. Shop washable makeshift masks from the sites below or read our guide on how to make your own at home.
This information is current as of July 7, 2020.
Face masks may be temporarily out of stock at many stores due to increased demand. But a number of Canadian retailers – including Ellie Mae, Roots, NONIE, AI Toronto Seoul, Peace Collective and Ottawa Artisans – have been selling fashionable designer cloth face masks, some for a limited time only. Even retailers like the NBA Store and the WNBA Store have jumped on the train.
Many online stores are also selling bulk disposable masks. Certain retailers are even donating a portion of profits to charity, making it easy to give back to others while shopping for what you need. Below are a few examples of designers that sell cloth masks online:
Family-owned upscale men and women’s retailer, Stephano’s Tailor Shop, is donating one mask to a local organization for each one sold. Masks cost around $14-$22 and come in a variety of styles for kids and adults.
Kwesia sells reversible cotton face masks in trendy African-prints for $13-$15 each. Multipacks are also available for around $70. Masks can be self-tied around the head or strung behind the ears.
Buy ruggedly stylish, durable and comfortable face masks from Canadian fashion icon, Roots. Each mask is handmade in Toronto and sells for just over $20. A portion of every sale is donated to The Frontline Fund, a charitable effort created by hospital foundation leaders to provide critical support to hospitals across Canada during COVID-19.
If you have a small swatch of fabric about the size of a napkin, 2 elastics (hair ties or rubber bands will also do the trick), a coffee filter and a pair of scissors, you can easily make your own face mask. No sewing required! Check out our video tutorial below to see how it’s done. Bear in mind that homemade face masks won’t offer the same protection as medical-grade masks.
How to make your own face mask at home
It depends on where you live. Certain cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston in Ontario have implemented bylaws requiring people to wear face masks when in public. Outside these jurisdictions, businesses and other organizations may still exercise the discretion to require customers and employees to wear face masks. In some regions, wearing a mask is mandatory when riding public transit.
The consequences for failing to follow regional rules usually involve stiff fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
It’s expected that more cities will consider adopting similar bylaws in the future to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as per the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Previously, the WHO had issued a statement advising governments to request that people wear fabric face masks in public.
Take a look at this helpful page on the Government of Canada website to learn more about masks that offer the best protection during COVID-19. You can also learn about when and how to use masks from on the World Health Organization’s site.
While a cloth mask won’t provide the same level of effectiveness as an N95 or KN95 mask with a valve, the cloth is there to prevent moisture from breathing and coughing from traveling too far in the air. According to KK Cheng, a public health expert at the University of Birmingham in the UK, “It’s not to protect yourself. It’s to protect people against the droplets coming out of your respiratory tract.”
Wearing a cloth mask can at least help you from spreading the virus to others. As you look for masks online, be wary of scams. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to equipment shortages, especially N95 masks. Some unscrupulous sellers are selling fakes to try to profit from the situation. 3M, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of masks, offers a tool to check if a product is genuine.
See the chart below to compare different types of face masks, or check out this helpful page on the Government of Canada website to learn more about masks that offer the best protection during COVID-19.
Yes — most, if not all are machine washable or can be washed by hand. Check the washing instructions for the cloth face mask you’re interested in.
Cloth face masks should be washed daily, according to the CDC. Here are some tips for washing your mask:
According to Health Canada, you should first be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before putting on your mask. When you’re ready to take it off, do not touch the front of the mask — it could be contaminated. Instead, wash your hands again and remove the mask by lifting the straps off of your ears or untying it. Discard the mask, and then wash your hands.
Disposable masks should be discarded at the end of the day. Cloth masks can be washed and dried for repeated use.
Certification/Class | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Filter performance | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 94% | ≥ 94% | ≥ 95% |
Test agent | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl |
Flow rate | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min |
Total inward leakage (TIL) | N/A | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | Inward Leakage measured and included in User Instructions |
Inhalation resistance | ≤ 343 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95 L/min)≤ 500 Pa (clogging) | ≤ 350 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min) | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min) | ≤ 70 Pa (w/valve)≤ 50 Pa (no valve) |
Flow rate | 85L/min | Varied – seeabove | 85L/min | Varied – seeabove | Varied – seeabove | 40L/min |
Exhalation resistance | ≤ 245 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa | ≤ 250 Pa | ≤ 120 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (w/valve) ≤ 50 Pa (no valve) |
Flow rate | 85L/min | 160L/min | 85L/min | 85L/min | 160L/min | 40L/min |
Exhalation valve leakage requirement | Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min | N/A | Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 20 sec | Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min | Visual inspection after 300L /min for 30 sec | Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 15sec |
Force applied | -245 Pa | N/A | -1180 Pa | -250 Pa | N/A | -1,470 Pa |
CO2 clearance requirement | N/A | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% |
Check out the following guides to find information, requirements and retailers that sell specific types of masks.
If you’re looking to outfit your staff in respiratory face masks, these online retailers can help.
Looking to buy a N95-compliant face mask? Here’s where to shop for them in Canada.
Hunter sells high-performance outdoor gear and accessories built to perform and protect in all weather conditions.
Check out the Boxing Day deals Newegg has to offer.
Check out the Boxing Day deals Nike has to offer.
Fox Racing specialise in MTB and MX gear and apparel. Get clothing and accessories for men, women and youths here.
Brighten up your home this holiday season with a beautiful Christmas tree from one of these online retailers that deliver within Canada.
Check out the Black Friday deals LEGO has to offer.
Here are our picks of the stores that stock stand up paddleboards and accessories online.
Check out the Black Friday deals Bed Bath & Beyond has to offer. Plus, learn about Bed Bath & Beyond’s shipping and return policies.