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Animal print, beads or plain black, masks become about style

FILE - In this July 14, 2020, file photo, a firefighter wears a face mask with the colors of the French flag, prior to the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. Masks made of cotton and other washable materials have become a big seller as face coverings have emerged as one of the most effective ways to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)
FILE - In this July 14, 2020, file photo, a firefighter wears a face mask with the colors of the French flag, prior to the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. Masks made of cotton and other washable materials have become a big seller as face coverings have emerged as one of the most effective ways to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool) FILE - In this July 14, 2020, file photo, a firefighter wears a face mask with the colors of the French flag, prior to the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. Masks made of cotton and other washable materials have become a big seller as face coverings have emerged as one of the most effective ways to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)

By ANDREW SELSKY / Associated Press 4 min read

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – They can be colorful or come in basic black, make a political statement or just a funny one.

Masks made of cotton and other washable materials have become big sellers, and an emerging fashion item, as face coverings have been increasingly mandated around the world to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Sales are expected to get another boost after Britain and France announced this week that they will require masks in public indoor spaces. That could help France’s textile and luxury goods companies unload a surplus of masks that numbered 20 million in June.

In addition, at least 25 U.S. states are requiring masks in many indoor situations. Oregon on Wednesday even began requiring masks outdoors if people can’t stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart.

In a sign that masks are becoming a fashion trend, Vogue magazine recently listed 100 “aesthetically pleasing” selections. The fashion magazine’s recommendations include a mask with beaded accents from Susan Alexandra. The cost: $70. Masks made from vintage quilt tops, by Farewell Frances, go for $25.