Well, we are deep into 2020, and chances are your face mask is getting a little worn out. It was nice of your aunt to send you one (or maybe you bought it from your friend’s online store), but now it seems we are another year from life returning to normal. It’s time to up your mask game.
Ralph Lauren is here to rescue you with two lines of masks from their Polo collection — a regular cloth mask and a filtered mask. And the best part? At least 40% of each purchase will go towards the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
The Cloth Mask
If you want to improve your dressy/casual look with a Polo Ralph Lauren face mask, your first stop might be the cloth option. Ralph Lauren makes these masks of their shirt material, so it feels soft and comfortable against the skin. Like all cloth masks, this offering won’t filter out viruses and isn’t as effective at preventing particulate matter as, say, an N95 (or similarly rated) mask. Ralph Lauren claims the mask boasts “80% particulate filtration.”
The mask includes non-woven fabric in two internal layers to help with this filtration and features a moldable nose-bridge for comfort. The mask comes in a couple of different style options. Ralph Lauren drops the masks sporadically, so you’ll have to visit the website and sign up for updates to discover all your options and price-points.
The High-Filtration Mask
A cloth mask will protect others by keeping virus-filled water droplets from spewing out into the air every time you speak or breathe. But to better protect yourself, you are gonna want to go with a filtered mask.
The Polo Ralph Lauren High-Filtration Mask features three layers. An outer layer, a middle layer (the disposable fine-pored filter), and a soft inner layer. Both inner and outer layers (the shell) have an anti-microbial coating to keep your mask smelling fresh, even on travel days and other long-wearing occasions. The shell layers are washable as well. The whole package gives you 95% particulate filtration.
Let’s talk about comfort. A moldable nose-bridge adds a touch of structure to the mask, but if you’d prefer not to use one, you can simply remove it. The ear loops are fully adjustable, and an optional behind-the-head band is soft, adjustable, and provides some welcome relief to your ears.
Classic Style. All-day Protection.
The Polo Ralph Lauren High-Filtration Mask comes in two classic Polo styles: black and collegiate navy — and both feature that trademark yellow pony. You also get a cloth storage bag with your purchase. You’ll need to sign up for early access to get a chance at snagging one of these masks (and, indeed, to learn how much they cost). Worth it? We think so — with apologies to your friend’s online store.