The best Savile Row tailored face masks for gentlemen
From Huntsman and Hackett to Henry Poole, these are the best facemasks London’s illustrious street has to offer…
Words: Jonathan Wells
We can’t all afford a made-to-measure suit. But, while those tailored touches, bespoke fabrics and customised cuts may seem like a world away, you can still enjoy some of that unique, world-renowned Savile Row quality.
With the pandemic making masks mainstream, fashion retailers across London have sprung into action — crafting these commodities from scraps and offcuts that would, otherwise, have gone to waste. And Savile Row, the heart of the capital’s tailoring industry, is no different.
From Huntsman to Henry Poole, some of the biggest names on the street (and nearby Jermyn Street, home of bespoke British shirtmaking) have started selling face coverings. So, if you’re looking to enjoy the same sumptuous stitching, luxurious linings and inimitable quality of a Savile Row suit, these trimly tailored face masks will deliver (at a mere fraction of the cost).
Anderson & Sheppard Plain Linen Face Mask
As spring is on its sunnier, warmer way, our first recommendation would be to buy a linen mask. And, handmade in the brand’s London shop, these colourful 100% linen face coverings from Anderson & Sheppard are just the bright, bold ticket. At just £23 each, we’d recommend investing in a couple — in differing, striking colours — to see you safely into summer.
Huntsman Navy Cashmerello Pleated Mask
Next up, Huntsman — the celebrated tailor of Clark Gable, Laurence Olivier and wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. During this latest national crisis, the Savile Row stalwart has created some much-needed masks without sacrificing on quality or style. Woven from Cashmerello (a luxurious blend of Swiss cotton and cashmere), the bespoke brand’s navy offering is as versatile as it is tactile.
Henry Poole & Co Seafield Check Mask
For a nod to traditional tailoring, head to 15 Savile Row, where Henry Poole — designers of the original dinner jacket — has created a whole heritage range of face masks. Our favourite is this, the Seafield Check mask; featuring a Princes of Wales design, finished with robust coloured elastic and lined with breathable, cotton-based silica.
Hackett Striped Cotton Blend Mask
A genuine Savile Row product for under £10? You know it. Hackett, of 14 Savile Row, has created a range of simple, effective face masks for just £8-a-piece. Protection certified by Intertek and Citeve, these striped masks are the real deal — designed in a classic box pleat style, cut from cotton blend and detailed with Hackett’s signature bowler hat and crossed umbrellas. An elegant essential.
Richard Anderson Tweed Face Masks
Here’s a quality country gent option — a tweed face mask. From tailor Richard Anderson (found at 13 Savile Row), these two masks are produced from exclusive in-house fabrics or off-cuts of made-to-measure and bespoke garments. In ‘Brown Donegal Tweed’ or ‘Fawn Barleycorn Tweed’, they’re as fit for the country as they are for the capital.
Cad & The Dandy Face Mask
But it’s not only heritage tailoring houses. Newer brands have also taken to the cutting tables to help out during the pandemic. Cad & The Dandy is one such tailor, donating 50% of sales from its pleated, carbon filter masks to the Sewing Scrubs for the NHS initiative. With soft elastic straps and a central seam for a sleeker profile, the design is offered in six understated colours.
Drake’s Green Painterly Cotton Face Mask
Drake’s opened its Savile Row flagship in November 2019 — mere months before the pandemic struck. And, while its first year on the iconic thoroughfare has been anything but conventional, Drake’s has rolled up its cotton sleeves and created an entire range of face coverings for its customers. This, the ‘Green Painterly Geometric’ mask, is our favourite — made in Italy with a wire nose bridge and antibacterial finish.
Alexandra Wood Geometric Cotton Face Mask
Since opening her doors to the public in 2007, Alexandra Wood has pushed the envelope of modern tailoring. This mask is no exception. In a striking geometric print, it has been tailored to the contours of the wearer’s face, and crafted from soft, luxury cotton. What’s more, there’s also a matching shirt available (and boxer shorts, if you fancy them).
Emma Willis Navy & White Silk Spot Face Mask
A couple of honorary mentions now; beginning with Jermyn Street’s Emma Willis. A sartorial St. James’s staple, Emma Willis is offering a selection of face coverings — our favourite being this navy and white spot silk mask. Created using two layers of fabric, it can be adorned with either an Emma Willis label or your hand-embroidered initials. Talk about bespoke.
Turnbull & Asser Blue & White Linen Check Mask
Last, but by no means least, Turnbull & Asser. Like Emma Willis above, this heritage shirtmaker has created a whole range of face coverings. This blue and white checked linen mask is perhaps the most stylish — made in England from the finest Italian fabrics and Viroformula filters. £5 from each sale will be donated to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.
Invested in the best face covering? Now find out how to trim a mask-ready beard, according to a top barber…
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