2020 has brought us many changes and challenges to the promotional events industry, but one thing we NEVER thought we’d be saying is “masks are now a must-have”. Branded hats? Boring. Promotional scarves? Seasonal. But logo-printed masks? Now we’re talking. So, with no further ado, here is our list of Top Promotional Masks for all your promotional needs and events.
The VP195 – The Black Mask Company
All the way from Vietnam, David Haye brings us a government-grade mask exclusively through The Black Mask Company. Approved by both the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, as well as the Bureau of Accreditation Vietnam, the VP195 is the official mask of all Vietnamese protective services. The mask is made with ‘Nano Silver’ technology – an antibacterial innovation that claims to attack bacteria and provide an extra layer of protection.
On top of this, the mask is incredibly sustainable – made from 100% eco-friendly cotton, reusable and 30x washable, as well as biodegradable! Oh yeah, AND it’s UV-resistant and sweat-absorbent – making it perfect for pretty much any use or activity.
You can find it here
What do we think?
That’s a whole lot of claims to live up to! After wearing the mask for about a day and a half (including going to the gym), the VP195 sure does make quite the impression! Surprisingly, the main mask fabric isn’t stretchy like most are and doesn’t have adjustable straps. However, the masks do come in 5 different sizes, so be sure to check your size using their size chart here!
Overall, the VP195 is an incredible mask with some amazing credentials in terms of technology.
PRO’s = Sweat-absorbent, hypoallergenic, 30x washable, Nano Silver Technology, 5 different sizes.
CON’s = VP195 shared branding, only available in a few colours
The Five Men Knitted Face Mask
From the family-run business, Five Men bring us the ‘Five Men Face Covering’. Made from 100% cotton with triple-layer protection and antibacterial technology. This knitted face mask boasts an intelligent technology called ‘Silvadur’. Silvadur keeps the mask feeling and smelling fresh, odour-free and dustproof all day long. Five Men claim this technology kills 99.9% of bacteria for up to 50 washes – although, it does require to be hand-washed.
Unlike the VP195, the Five Men’s face covering comes in ‘One Size Fits All’ and adjustable straps. For promotional usage, the mask is available in 11 different colours and can be silk screen printed with your logo!
You can find it here
What do we think?
Although the adjustable straps are key in having the ‘One Size Fits All’ claim, it can be a bit of a nuisance and can easily end up in a wonky fitting. Other than this, the antibacterial technology in the fabric is rather impressive!
PRO’s = One size fits all, antibacterial technology, 3 layer mask.
CON’s = It isn’t sweat absorbent, adjustable straps can be a pain
The MSK02
The MSK02 is made from 100% polyester and serves as a great non-medical mask. Unlike most one-piece masks, the MSK02 is curved to fit the face comfortably. This is an extra space for the nose to fit in so it is not uncomfortably flattened down like some masks cause. With no middle seam to separate two pieces of fabric, the MSK02 can be printed all over the main surface without obstruction. This makes it perfect for almost any promotional printing desired and can be printed via sublimation.
The ear loops can be made from the same fabric as the piping. Alternatively, they can be replaced with elastic for a more subtle look.
You can find it here.
What do we think?
The MSK02 is possibly one of the most comfortable masks on this list! The soft lining makes it comfortable and easy to wear all day long, whilst the outer printed fabric is super shiny. The piping adds a professional finish and the elastic ear loops (optional) give a ‘barely-there’ feel to the mask. Definitely a great contender for general promotional use without breaking the bank!
PRO’s = Great price, we can use sublimated printing so great options in terms of branding, available from 100 units.
CON’s = Only has 2 layers, no antibacterial technology.
The CreaMask
Perhaps the most colourful and creative product on our list of promotional masks! The CreaMask by ANDA can be custom-printed with pretty much anything! Making it the perfect all-rounder mask no matter what your promotional needs are! The entire surface of the mask (excluding the ear loops) can be printed onto!
Unlike the Five Men Knitted Face Covering, the CreaMask can be machine-washed and ironed! The two-layered mask is made from 100% polyester and 100% cotton and is available in one adult size. The masks are produced in a facility based in Hungary and consequently have a short lead time for UK clients!
You can find it here.
What do we think?
Soft to the touch, the printed side has almost satin-feel to it. The mask we received had an all-over rainbow print to display the capabilities of their colours and printing – and we were not disappointed! The colours were incredibly saturated, with blending details allowing us to see how finely prints can be transferred to the mask. Overall, a perfect mask for colourful branding where medical-grade protection isn’t a necessity.
PRO’s = Great print colours, soft to the touch, great branding area.
CON’s = No antibacterial technology, one size fits all. Seam down the middle of the mask.
The Comfort Face Mask
Made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex material, the one-size comfort mask stretches to fit and can cater to all. The comfortable straps mean you won’t be fussing around with strap adjusters. Nor will it leave your ears aching after a full day of wear. Lightweight, washable and reusable, the Comfort Face Mask is the perfect all-rounder for those looking for no-frills.
The mask can be digitally printed with your logo and branding on the surface.
You can see it here
What do we think?
Does exactly what it says on the tin! The mask is fairly thin with only one layer but feels like it’s good quality, almost velvety to the touch – extremely kind on the skin. As it’s only available in the colour black, we recommend this mask for those looking for matching uniforms, gifts and promotional masks with easy branding!
Being honest though it is important to say that this mask is not our favourite, it’s a value option for when budgets are tight.
PRO’s = Budget price, low quantity.
CON’s = Single layer. no antibacterial technology, no options for other colours.
The MSK06
The MSK06 is the older brother to the MSK02 – both great general promotional masks. Made from 93% polyester and 7% Lycra, the MSK06 has a softer, stretchier fit. The MSK02 is curved to fit and has ‘nose darts’, this is an extra space for the nose to fit in making it far more comfortable. The ear loop adjusters are optional and the ear loops themselves are elastic.
Most importantly, the MSK06 has a pocket for a filter. We were sent a PM 2.5 filter with it to test and fitted in perfectly with ease. In terms of branding, the MSK06 can be sublimation printed and there’s no middle seam to obstruct printing!
You can see it here.
What do we think?
A great all-round mask with some stretch for extra comfort! The makeup of the mask feels higher quality than most and is a great choice for logo printing options. On top of that, the pocket for filters adds that extra layer of protection for end users that may come into contact with people. Definitely a great one for back-to-workers! One of our best sellers!
PRO’s = Large branding area, 3 layers and pocket for filter, nose darts and chin guard. Lots of options
CON’s = No antibacterial technology
The Judgement
After wearing all of these masks for at least a day each there are some pros and cons to each of them.
When we decided to choose our favourite we balanced out all of these to come up with a final judgement on which we would select as a best in class.
Our favourite, the one that really stood out head and shoulders above the rest, for comfort and sheer technology was…….VP195 by The Black Mask Company.
A world-beating mask, David Haye really does recognise a champion when he sees one!
It’s the only mask that was hypoallergenic putting it in a class above the rest however the cost could put it out of reach of some brands.
The Five Man Knitted Face Mask was a very, very close 2nd! It has great technology built into it ensuring a very good level of protection but the fact that if required we can print all over the mask as some of our clients have done really impressed us here along with the level of comfort.
In third place, we have the MK06, a fantastic mask in all sorts of ways but just lacking the technology that we would expect these days
Want more? Check out our full range of masks click here.
Seen something you like?
Don’t hesitate to call us on 03333 200 710 or email us on wow@wowmerchandise.co.uk to have a chat about any of the products featured here!
Thinking of using more sustainable products for your promotional activities? Check out our blog on sustainable promotional products HERE!