The best luxury eye masks for light sleepers
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or simply struggle to drift off, here are a handful of the finest sleep masks for men…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Has your bedtime routine become completely convoluted? Ours has. These days, preparing for nights is an evening-long endeavour; all hot baths, earplugs and bottomless pots of chamomile tea. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Because, aside from a plush pair of pyjamas, we’ve discovered the sole secret to drifting off peacefully; a good eye mask.
Whether cut from cotton or stitched from silk, these luxurious sleep accessories offer the simplest, most sumptuous way to drift off into a doze. But craftsmanship is key — and to fully block out light and ensure your skin isn’t irritated, you need to invest in the best. Thankfully, from Savile Row to the cashmere mills of Scotland, we’ve found the very best below…
Turnbull & Asser ‘Bloomsbury’ Sleep Mask
Cut from an exclusive jacquard inspired by the interiors hand-painted by the Bloomsbury set, trust Turnbull & Asser to create the most trimly-tailored eye mask on this illustrious list. Lined with cashmere, it’ll ensure a long and restful night of Jermyn Street-backed sleep.
New & Lingwood Paisley Silk Eye Mask
The eclectic, elegant British clothiers is renowned for its loungewear. Whether it’s silk slippers or extravagant dressing gowns, New & Lingwood’s nightwear is second-to-none. This paisley mask, lightweight in supple silk, is the final piece of your pyjama puzzle.
Johnston's of Elgin Cashmere Eye Mask
North of the border, Johnston’s of Elgin is equally extolled — praised roundly and soundly for its production of the finest knitwear in Britain. This eye mask is a standard bearer of the softly-constructed art; cut from hypoallergenic camel cashmere and lined with silk.
Desmond & Dempsey ‘Byron’ Eye Mask
Named for the balmy, calming beach town in New South Wales, this leafy mask is an ode to barefoot eco-luxury. One of the best for blacking out any sliver of unsightly light, it’s stitched together using a super soft 100% cotton voile — and matching pyjamas are available…
Paul Smith ‘Floral Photo’ Eye Mask
As edgy as you’d expect from the menswear maverick, Paul Smith’s plush eyewear offering may be cut from classic smooth silk and fitted with an ergonomic elasticated strap — but it’s adorned with an abstract, elusive floral print that’ll have you squinting and speculating until you drift off.
The Fife Arms Cashmere Eye Mask
Available both online and from the gift shop of our favourite Braemar bolthole, this cashmere eye mask is the finest sleep accessory The Fife Arms has to offer. Knitted by Rosie Sudden for the hotel, it’s a sweet dream-inducing option in the very richest shade of red.
Arket Knitted Cashmere Sleep Mask
Made from recycled cashmere — sourced from second-hand knitwear — this jet black eye mask from the Stockholm-based brand is as eco-friendly as it is effective. It’s also got merino wool woven into its construction for superior softness; and a fine knit to ensure total darkness.
Derek Rose ‘Nelson 82’ Eye Mask
It’s an eye mask fit for Gatsby; decked out in an Art Deco pattern, finished with navy piping and lined with Derek Rose’s best-selling ‘micro modal’ fabric for the softest, most comforting on-skin sensation. Crafted from cotton, it’s one of the more reasonably priced options on our list.
Kingsman Houndstooth Eye Mask
Also available in ‘Herringbone’, we’d opt for the very slightly louder ‘Houndstooth’ sleep mask from Kingsman. But, despite the volume of its vibrant pattern, the padded cotton design is as soporific and sleep-inducing as men’s masks come.
Harrods Recycled Cashmere Eye Mask
This one may look a little more ‘artisan’ than you’d expect from the famed, decadent department store, but each of Harrods’ handmade sleep masks is different; due to the recycled nature of the cashmere weave. Sleep-friendly, sustainable — a bedside mainstay.
Want more sleep tips? Here’s why ‘sleep more and sleep well’ should be everyone’s new year resolution…
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