Where to buy kids’ face masks in the UK: Reusable face coverings for school and beyond
We've explained the latest government guidance and found the independent brands selling them
Scotland recently announced that all senior students in Tier 3 and 4 restriction areas will be advised to wear face coverings in classrooms
Face masks continue to be a part of every day life as coronavirus cases rise in the UK.
As well as on public transport, face masks are mandatory in all shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks, transport hubs and post offices in England.
These rules also extend to indoor settings including cinemas, museums, galleries and places of worship.
If you’re in a pub, cafe or restaurant, you must also wear a face mask, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
People who don't wear one will face a fine of up to £200, apart from those with certain medical conditions, children under 11 and those who lip-read. Fines will double each time someone is found to breach the rules and will increase to a maximum of £3,200.
The rules on face masks vary across the UK, particularly for children. Read on for more expert guidance face coverings for kids, and for a selection of independent brands selling them.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
What are the rules for children wearing face coverings across the UK?
The official guidance from the UK government's Covid-19 recovery strategy document explains that if your child is under the age of two, cannot put one on themselves, or has a respiratory condition, they don't need to wear a face covering at all.
All other children can wear one, but for those under the age of 11, it is not mandatory for them to wear a face covering on public transport or in indoor public spaces in England. Schools and colleges have the discretion on making face coverings compulsory for students and staff, but the government is not recommending them nationally. However, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in corridors and communal areas (but not classrooms) in areas of the country with a high or very high Covid alert level.
In Scotland, it's compulsory to wear a face covering in public indoor settings, except for people with certain medical conditions and children under five. Last week, the Scottish government also announced that senior pupils and their teachers will be advised to wear face masks in classrooms for schools in the new level 3 and 4 restriction areas.
In Wales, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, with some exemptions, including for children under the age of 11. It is up to schools to decide whether to make face masks mandatory for students in Wales.
In Ireland, face masks are mandatory in public transport, shops and other retail settings, but not for children under the age of 13, unless they are attending secondary school.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that children aged 12 and over should wear face coverings, particularly if they cannot maintain at least a one-metre distance from other people and there is widespread transmission in their area.
Where to buy face coverings for kids
Ahead we've rounded up some independent brands who are making their own masks for children.
Founded by mother-of-three Jo Bates, Thumbsie creates fabric gloves to help children to stop sucking their thumbs. It has since started to create fabric face masks for kids in light of the pandemic.
While you can’t buy individual masks due to the high demand, you can still buy its two or four mask packs. The packs are available in three sizes, S, M and L, and are suitable for children between three and 16. A pack of two is £18 and a pack of four is £35, and they are available in prints such as pirates, flamingos and superheroes.
Its masks are made from poly cotton and cotton and have an inner pocket so you can insert your own filter if you wish. The elastic straps are adjustable too.
This Midlands-based casual wear label has designed face coverings to buy, having diverted its manufacturing process to create a range of different styles for adults and children.
The masks come in two sizes, one for adults and one for children, and both are available in varying machine washable prints, such as camo and tie-dye, and can be bought individually or in packs of three starting from £9.99.
With elasticated ear loops and fabric made from polyester and elastane, some of the masks come with a built-in filter while others come without, we’re sure the funky prints will keep kids occupied long enough to keep them on. Plus, for some styles, all profits will go to the NHS to help key workers on the frontline.
In a surprising turn, stationery brand Vistaprint has manufactured a range of kids and adults face masks, costing £13 each.
There’s plenty of kid-friendly fabrics to choose from including colourful doodles, khaki green, baby pink, stripes, lightning bolts and hearts.
Every mask comes with a replaceable filter system that can be rewashed, a 100 per cent cotton anti-allergenic inner layer, a three-dimensional chin structure, adjustable straps and a nose bridge.
For every reusable mask bought, Vistaprint is also pledging to give 10 per cent of sales to local communities impacted by the pandemic.
You'll find adult and kids masks available in Rachel Riley’s signature prints of flowers, gingham and more.
Each one costs £19 and they are suitable for children aged three and above, and the same designs are available for adults, so you can match if you like. They are made with a cotton satin lining, polyester inner layer and cotton outer layer.
It will also be donating 10 percent of profits from the sales of its face masks to Best Beginnings, a UK charity that supports parents during pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood.
This indie US apparel brand has started making organic cotton face masks during the coronavirus crisis. Suitable for children aged between two and eight, the brand offers masks for adults too, and they are available to UK customers.
The masks are available in pink, blue, black or white and cost £17, however, if you buy two you get 20 per cent off, and if you buy four, you can get 25 per cent off.
Every mask is reusable and the brand recommends to wash it with soap and water before air drying or tumble drying on a low heat.
Made with two layers of a soft cotton blend fabric, Lancashire Textiles has made children's reusable protective face masks for £8.99 each.
There are three different prints to choose from: polka dots, stripes and gingham in pink and blue styles. Each one comes with elasticated straps to keep them in place.
For every mask sold, it is donating £1 to the East Lancashire NHS Trust too.
Read our face mask buying guide, where to buy a mask in the UK, where to buy transparent coverings, and our face mask make-up guide
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
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