Attitudes towards Wearing Facemasks as a Fashion Accessor

The global Covid 19 pandemic introduced a new item in everyday dress – the facemask. During 2020, fashion elements crept in the design of this primarily functional item. This research aims to understand the importance of fashion and aesthetical appearance in the choice of facemasks. An online questionnaire was distributed via different social media in France examining types of masks worn and the understanding of masks as a fashion accessory. The research indicates that surgical masks are worn most often, with price being the prevalent criterion for their choice. Masks are primarily seen as a personal protection equipment. However, in a small fashion-conscious subgroup of the population the appearance of face masks chosen primarily for their aesthetic appeal can be noticed. This is particularly applicable to textile masks, weather certified or homemade which are seen as part of sustainable fashion