First, there were reusable face masks in all prints and colours. Then, came mask pouches. Now, another chapter of The New Normal is upon us. We’re talking about mask straps, which allow you to easily put on and remove your mask so you don’t have to fiddle with it when dining out. They’re also helpful in avoiding potentially awkward moments like when you forget to put your mask back on after a meal.
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We first spotted them on the Korean variety show, Our Little Summer Vacation. Jung Yu Mi and Choi Woo Shik embarked on their trip to the countryside with their disposable masks dangling from mask straps. Their house guest, Park Seo Joon, was visibly intrigued when he saw one, as were we.
As it turns out, mask straps are currently trending in Korea. And similar to other trends hailing from Seoul, they’re now quickly rising in popularity across the rest of Asia. Here’s a list of places you can get mask straps and chains in Singapore, whether you prefer utilitarian straps or beaded necklaces.
SSFW stocks all kinds of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings online and in its brick-and-mortar store. So it makes sense that it is now producing mask accessories as well.
Its cotton Daily Mask Strap comes in a set of 3, and looks exactly like the one spotted on Our Little Summer Vacation. Since you’re able to mix and match colours and sizes, you can get 1 each for the fam or your friends. For something more statement-making, its multi-purpose chains have a mix of beads, pearls or glass crystals.
Price: From $9.90 for a set of 3
Shipping fee: $2.50 for standard shipping, free delivery for orders above $29, self-collection available
Address: 75 Haji Lane, Singapore 189268
Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mondays to Thursdays, Sundays) | 11am to 9pm (Fridays, Saturdays and eves of Public Holidays)
How to order: Online via its website
Contact: Call 6293 3068 or email contact@ssfw.com.sg
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Le Éclat sells a curated range of apparel and accessories direct from Korea. Since mask straps are all the rage there right now, you can also count on it to have them in stock. From sophisticated pearls to multicolour beads and bold smiley faces, Le Ecat has a mask chain for you, no matter what your personal style.
While Le Éclat has a store in Far East Plaza, the mask chains are all online exclusives for now. You can, however, opt to pick up the chains in store to save on the shipping fee.
Price: From $12.90
Shipping fee: $4.50 for delivery via courier, free delivery for orders above $50, self-collection available
Address: 14 Scotts Road, #04-53B, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: 12.30pm to 9pm daily
How to order: Online via its website
Contact: Email leeclat.showroom@gmail.com
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Inspired by Singapore’s eternal Summer, the designer behind jewellery label Wan Lee came up with Summer Days. The collection is made up of beaded mask chains in colours reminiscent of the sky, green grass and other elements of nature.
The chains are multi-taskers too. Wrap them around your neck as a choker or around your writt as a multi-strap bracelet.
Price: $24
Shipping fee: $2 for standard shipping, free delivery for orders above $30
How to order: Online via its website
Contact: Email baubles@wanlee.co
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Innit is a Thai clothing brand best known for its pleated pieces. Inno by Innit is its lifestyle offshoot, which features equally stylish products for everyday life. Naturally, that includes masks and mask straps too.
Its Array Neck Strap is made up of thin bungee cords and comes in 10 colours. Go monochrome with Sesame or Zebra or take the psychedelic route with Disco. Unlike most of the other straps, which come with lobster clasps or buttons, Inno’s neck strap uses a larger-sized hook for a more outdoorsy vibe.
Price: From $7.90
Shipping fee: $5 for standard shipping, free shipping for orders above $80 with the code “shipmefree”, self-collection available
How to order: Online via its website
Contact: Whatsapp 9781 7496
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Instagram shop Tokkiya might just have the most extensive range of mask straps on this list. Its options include colourful bungee cords, pearl chains, beaded flowers, as well as straps made out of embroidered lace fabrics featuring flowers and fruits.
The straps are available in both adults and kids sizes. Purchase 2 pieces of a particular design and you can get them at a lower price, so jio a friend to get in on the deal. Note that these are on a pre-order basis, so you’ll have to wait for around 2 weeks for your straps to arrive.
Price: From $6.90
Shipping fee: $1 for standard shipping, free delivery for orders above $50
How to order: Via Whatsapp to 9022 7368
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Those who simply want a fuss-free mask strap without all the bells and whistles, look no further. Really Hate It When‘s mask straps are made of thin waxed rope. There are 2 sets available, each in a pack of 3: Neutral (black, grey and beige) and Coloured (blue, yellow, pink).
Price: $6.95 (U.P. $7.95) for a set of 3
Shipping fee: $1.49 for standard shipping, free delivery for orders above $50
How to order: Online via Lazada
Customers have left positive reviews for these mask straps from Shopee seller, deal_with_us. Most of them commented on the pretty colours, good quality and fast delivery. There are 12 colours in total, including cyan and blush. You can then pick your button colour from green, light blue, purple or grey. Customisation of the strap length is also possible, just message the seller to do so.
Price: $4.90
Shipping fee: Free shipping
How to order: Online via Shopee
Disclaimer: while we can vouch for the convenience and aesthetic value of these mask straps, we can’t vouch for how sanitary it is to leave your mask in contact with your clothes for extended periods of time. That’s all up to your discretion. Until the next trending mask accessory comes along, turn to these mask straps for fuss-free ease when dining out in Phase 2.
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