Masks. They’ve literally become the fabric of our lives.
On July 1, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed an order making it mandatory to wear one in public.
Since you’re going to be rocking a face covering for a while, you might as well get one (or a bunch!) that expresses your individuality. A lot of local mask makers offer products promoting Steel City pride, so you can represent your hometown, while keeping your fellow Pittsburghers safe.
Here are some that caught our eye. (Got a locally-made mask that you love? We’d like to see it.)
Lori Ko and her bulldog Goblin are best buddies, which is why you’ll often see them in coordinating gear. Accessorize with your pet by purchasing a matching mask and bandana set. With more than 150 fabrics to choose from, you’re sure to find something you both can agree on.
Bradley Berkstresser captures the beauty of the Burgh with his camera. And now he’s putting some of those images on masks. The limited-edition face coverings include this colorful style featuring the Duquesne Incline. Berkstresser’s masks boast a double layer and are washable and reusable, with comfy elastic bands worn behind the head.
As Dr. Ian Malcolm in “Jurassic Park,” Pittsburgh native Jeff Goldblum saved children from a rampaging T-Rex and wooed fans with his smoldering stare. Now he can save you from COVID-19, thanks to this mask made by The Hero’s Closet 412. As Jeff would say, “Life (dramatic pause) finds a way.”
Abram’s Nation, a Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of The Safety Sleeper and other products for families with special needs, is making clear vinyl masks for lip reading and so kids can see your smile.
Stay Back, Jagoff
When politeness fails to keep people from maintaining a six-foot buffer, sometimes you have to say, “Stay back, jagoff!” These yinzer-inspired face masks spotted in the Strip District do the blunt talking for you. (Note: While taking this photo another customer was right in our face. So ironic!)
These are scary times. Voodoo Velvet of Dormont makes these 3-D printed filter masks that capture the utter horror of 2020. (See main photo at the top of story.)
Horror fans are having a moment thanks to local special effects artists Tom Savini and Jason Baker. From a zombie to a “Friday the 13th”-inspired hockey mask, you can go against monster protocol and actually protect other people.
We love the 21 shirts and hats at this gem of a museum and so of course we think they knocked it out of the park with these 21 masks. Roberto would be proud.
For a more subtle way to express your Pittsburgh passion, check out Inclined Designs. They have fun fabric filled with our city’s beloved bridges, ketchup bottles, pierogies and parking chairs.
Rebel Bred Clothing, a Pittsburgh-based brand that incorporates fashion, diversity and education, is now selling reversible masks that complement any outfit.
Have your mask and eat it, too! The Canonsburg-based sweet shop makes milk chocolate, pandemic-themed bars that are sure to cure your hunger.We’ll take a dozen, please.