Frequently Asked Questions - Cloth Masks

What makes STRAKER masks different from other masks?

The shape allows you to talk freely, as it designed to sit away from your mouth. This is great if you don’t like things to touch your mouth.

They have a piece of aluminium wire along the nose bridge and when properly fitted to your nose shape it will reduce and in some cases eliminate glasses fogging up.

Each cloth masks are made by me (Ruth) in my smoke free home studio in Melbourne, Australia.

To reduce plastic waste, they are mostly made of cotton though some do have polyester (plastic) outer fabrics, which are indicated on the product page. They do contain polyester thread, and polyester casing on the elastic, but they are reusable and can be washed in the washing machine.

By buying a STRAKER cloth mask you are supporting slow fashion, one person’s dream and a very small Australian made business.

What is the difference between a Standard and Outside mask?

The Standard Mask has four (4) layers, which include one layer of printed fabric, two inner layers of 500 thread count cotton fabric and a lining fabric of cotton lawn. Even though there is 4 Layers, the masks are still breathable due to the style of the mask. It is recommended to have more layers.

The Outside Mask has three (3) layers, which include one layer of printed fabric, one inner layer of 500 thread count cotton fabric and a lining of cotton lawn fabric. This weight is only recommended for outside.

Both styles have an aluminium strip to allow it to form to the nose.

Why can I only order one Outside Weight (3 Layers) mask in each fabric?

You can only order one Outside Weight (3 Layers) so I am able to maintain accurate stock levels (how much fabric I have).

If you would like more than one mask or it has sold out in the Outside Weight (3 Layers), please order the amount you would like in the Standard Weight (4 Layers) and leave a note on your order to let me know how many you would like in the Outside Weight (3 Layers).

What size are the cloth masks?

The regular mask come in a finished size measuring 26cm x 19.5cm.  These measurements do not include elastic which goes over the ear and adds an additional 8-14cm to the width of the mask. 

The regular mask is recommended for those with a head circumference between 56cm - 58cm

If you find most masks to tight then you can add longer elastic which adds an additional 3 cm per ear (an overall total of 6cm per mask). This means with the longer elastic adds an additional 14-20cm to the width of the mask (which is 26cm). Click here to add it to your order.

The regular mask with longer elastic is recommended for those with a head circumference between 58cm - 60cm

Alternatively you if you don't like elastic, or wear hearing aids can choose to add ties to your order. Click here to add it to your order.

The Large Masks Upgrade is designed for people with beards and people with a 61cm or greater head circumference. It is only available in selected fabrics. You can view the list here

As a guide the model's measurements are 56cm and wears a regular mask (26cm x 19.5cm) with no additional elastic.

How do I put on a STRAKER mask to get the best fit?

I have a short video on Instagram for you which demonstrates the best way to put on a STRAKER mask to get the best fit. You can view it here: How to Video

How do I fold a STRAKER mask?

I have a short video on Instagram for you which demonstrates the best way to fold a STRAKER mask to prevent the aluminium nose bridge wire from snapping. You can view it here: How to Video

What are the cloth mask washing instructions?

• Please make sure to wash the mask in hot water before wearing

• Please make sure to wash every day after wear

• Can be washed in a washing machine or by hand

• Wash in warm or cold water, with environmentally friendly washing detergent for subsequent washes

• Do NOT place the mask in a dryer, allow to dry naturally

• Don’t fold the mask in half as this will cause the nose wire to snap

• Tip: if you have pets, wash in a delicates bag to avoid fur getting in the mask

Will a Sold Out fabric be returning?

Most of the fabrics listed are part of my fabric collection, and I have been collecting for over 20 years, so are not replaceable. Other fabrics have been sourced from Australian suppliers and are only available in small quantities. So once a fabric has been listed as sold out it wont be coming back.

To make sure you don't miss out on a fabric about to sell out you can check out the Last Chance page here.

Why is my mask slightly different from the one pictured?

While every effort is made to make the cloth masks to a high standard, there will be variations. The placement of the print will vary as not all prints will line up exactly with the mask size. This decision was made to reduce textile waste. If there is a part of the print you particularly like, please make a note in the comments section of the cart and I will do my best to accommodate.

Also to keep textile waste to a minimum the binding maybe substituted with black or white. Currently I only have access to black elastic and ties, so your mask will arrive with black elastic or ties.

All masks will arrive with a STRAKER label on the right side. If you wish for the label to not be sewn in please write a note in the comments section of the cart and I will make sure to remove it.

Are they medical grade masks?

These are not medical grade masks as they are completely cloth. They are not a substitute for surgical masks. They are not designed to protect against airborne viruses.

Continue to maintain social distancing and avoid touching the front of the mask while wearing. Please wash the mask daily.

How long does it take for the cloth mask to be dispatched?

Each mask is Made-to-Order which allows you to add the above extras to your order, to help get the best fit for you.  As they are Made-to-Order they do take a little bit longer, and are dispatched 2-3 weeks after purchase date.

How long does shipping take once my order has been dispatched?

Please refer to our shipping policy page which can be found here

Can I return my cloth mask?

Due to hygiene reasons, masks cannot be returned.