Whether it’s a bandana, an old t-shirt, or just cotton cloth, masks can be made of just about anything. The trend of creating your own masks has become increasingly popular. Seeing as masks are required in public spaces, many people are looking to make them into a trendy fashion statement as well as a necessary safety precaution. 

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Making a mask is easy as all you are going to need are some scissors, a piece of fabric, a ruler, and some rubber bands or hair ties. Take the rectangle of cloth and fold it into thirds and then into halves. Wrap the rubber bands or hair ties around the fabric and then fold the fabric inwards towards the crease the two elastic make. Then, grab the mask by the elastics and attach it to your face. Complete instructions and different ways to make DIY masks and how to clean your mask can be found here.

As for safety, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that cloth masks and bandanas work very well in catching small particles. The CDC said, “choose masks that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric…do not choose masks that are intended for healthcare workers, including N-95 respirators or surgical masks.” This confirms that they would prefer people to wear a cloth reusable mask, like a DIY mask, to prevent pollution and to save the N-95 and other surgical masks for health care workers.

In summary, the CDC is asking Americans to wear reusable masks, and why not personalize them?

“DIY masks are an affordable, trendy way to glamorize your style while protecting others at the same time,” said senior Nikki Spinak. She brings up a good point: Although masks are seemingly cheap, over time, buying boxes and boxes of masks can get expensive. Making a few masks and washing them regularly not only protects the environment but also can save you a few dollars. Also, it is a way to make a relatively mundane thing, a face mask, personalized to you. 

Along with being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious, making DIY masks can be a lot of fun for those who are into arts and crafts. Emma Kofitsas, a senior at Hills, said, “I think making DIY masks is a very efficient idea because it will save people a lot of money and can be a fun thing to do while bored in quarantine.” Everybody has been bored at some point during this pandemic, and making a mask is the perfect way to cure the monotony of the day. So grab some old clothes, a marker, or tie-dye it and create a trendy and fun mask.