These West Coast Brands Are Shifting to Produce Face Masks for Essential Workers

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused a nation-wide shortage of face masks for essential workers, as well as the general public. But these Western-based brands are doing their part to produce face masks for hospitals and frontline responders.

Gap, Inc.

San Francisco-based Gap Inc. is using its factory resources to make and donate protective gear to healthcare workers, including face masks, gowns, and scrubs. At this time, Gap Inc. is not selling masks to the general public.

Gap Inc. and Gap Foundation continue to find ways to support communities in need and the heroes on the front lines. pic.twitter.com/S5n0udfypR

— Gap Inc. (@GapInc) March 27, 2020

Citizens of Humanity

Los Angeles-based denim brand, Citizens of Humanity, has repurposed it’s sewing warehouse to produce masks for hospitals, healthcare workers, and children’s advocacy groups. The brand had begun to produce masks for a broader public, but due to the overwhelming response they’ve decided to use their limited resources for frontline responders.

Eddie Bauer

In Washington, Eddie Bauer has shifted their production to make 20,000 masks, including 5,000 critically-needed N95s, for local hospitals and medical workers.

Los Angeles Apparel

Dov Charney’s Los Angeles Apparel is making making masks in their Los Angeles-based factory. The 3-pack face mask ($30) are available to the general public, and features an adjustable nose and straps. Funds from purchases allow the company to donate masks to healthcare workers. Their goal is to produce 300,00 masks and 50,000 gowns in a week.

Hedley & Bennett

Beloved apron company, Hedley & Bennet, has overhauled their entire production to sew reusable masks for essential workers, including healthcare and food service employees. To meet the demand for masks the Vernon, CA brand has implemented a BUY 1 – GIVE 1 program. While these masks are not a direct substitutes for N95 or surgical masks, they’ve been designed to be used with a filter, such as a HEPA filter, and includes easy-to-navigate instructions.

Reformation

Popular fashion brand, Reformation, has partnered with The City of Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti on LA Protects, an initiative to organize local manufacturers to make five million non-medical masks. Consumers can purchase a 5-pack of non-medical face masks for $25 (which currently has a waitlist) or choose to donate a 5-pack of non-medical face masks ($25) to communities in need, including essential workers. 

Rat Boi

Small businesses are also getting involved. Ventura-based RAT BOI has launched their N95 Mask Alternative Project, which aims to sew cloth masks for at-risk communities and essential workers. Due to the severity of the need for essential workers, masks are not be available to purchase for the general public, and will only be available on a donation basis to healthcare professionals and grocery employees.

Alexa Coughlin

For more information on face mask and cloth coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus