Saturday 5 September 2020

Reviewed: Wolford Care Mask

Earlier this year we brought readers news of the new Wolford Care Mask.



One of our recommended hosiery retailers, The Tight Spot, recently sent us a sample to trial and review for Hosiery For Men readers.



In March, as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, Wolford shifted production at its HQ in Bregenz, Austria, and its factory in Slovenia from tights and bodies to face masks.

This particular mask is known as Wolford's Classic Face Mask, as is designed for both women and men. Wolford also produce a lightweight Silk Mask.



The Wolford Classic Care Mask which this review focuses on is described as "breathable" and "water-repellent".

Wolford further describe the mask as:

"Double-layered high-quality, breathable fabric ensures easy breathing when worn. The completely water-repellent finish provides full coverage with a perfect fit resulting from finest knitting. Highly elastic, extra-thin bands keep the mask perfectly in place."

"Before packaging the mask has been treated with UV light to kill bacteria, viruses and germs."



Packaging

The Wolford Care Mask is packaged simply and elegantly in a 8.5cm x 24cm slim card box.

The mask itself is carefully wrapped in Wolford-branded tissue paper.





The box itself is closed with a Wolford warranty seal.




As is customary, all Wolford products undergo rigorous quality checks. You can check this has taken place by looking for the 'CERTIFICATE OF QUALITY' sticker inside the packaging.



Material and features

The first thing I noticed as I removed the mask from the packaging was how light in felt. This as we shall see, is a key factor in the mask's comfort.

The Wolford Care Mask is made from 91% Polyester and 9% Elastane.

The fabric feels soft and there is some stretch provided by the Elastane.

The fabric is double-layered, but the construction and finish has been done so that there is no movement between the layers.



The images show how carefully the mask has been designed to provide maximum comfort and the best fit for the human face. This is most definitely not a piece of rectangular cloth with a couple of bands attached!

The design that has been created allows the mask to fit over the nose and cover the mouth. This provides a much fuller coverage of the areas that need protection, and in doing so will also protect people around you better.

The mask has a comfortable flat central seam, and all edge seams have also been expertly sewn to ensure there is no fraying.

At the bottom right, when worn, the mask has a Wolford monogram logo.



To ensure a comfortable fit on the nose, there is a an adjustable aluminium nose-wire. This is really robust, and once adjusted for your personal fit, will stay in place. It's important to adjust this carefully before wearing for the first time, to ensure best coverage, the optimum fit and positioning. The latter is particularly important if you are going to be wearing glasses.

It's also important to avoid excessive bending and re-bending of the wire to prevent is weakening and breaking. Just take your time, get it right first time and everything should be fine.

The ear bands are thin, light and have good stretch and elasticity.



The overall look is chic, smart and classy.

Colour range

The Wolford Care Mask is available in Black only.

Sizing, fit and wearing experience

The Wolford Care Mask is available in two sizes from
 The Tight Spot.
  • One Size/XSS
  • One Size/ML






































On Wolford's own website this two-size version is known as the Classic Mask Fit.

A version in One Size only is simply known as the Classic Mask, and this is the one being reviewed.

For a One Size fitting, I found the fit to be excellent. The mask comfortably covered my nose, mouth and chin.

As someone who wears glasses and sunglasses, I found that it was best to put the mask on first, adjust the ear bands so they sat flat and without twisting, and then put my glasses on, making further adjustments until everything felt right.

Several aspects really stood out in the wearing experience.
  • The mask is very breathable and remains comfortable even when worn for long periods.
  • The nose wire, once adjusted to one's shape, kept the mask in place and also fitted snuggly ensuring that glasses didn't steam up with condensation.
  • The mask material felt soft on the face with no irritation or abrasion.
  • The mask is light and doesn't put any strain on the face or ears.

Price and availability

The Wolford Care Mask is priced at £20.00.

Conclusion

Overall this is easily the most comfortable face mask I have worn since the pandemic arrived. I have gone through several cheap masks that either fell apart or needed to be replaced frequently.

This is easily now my favourite mask. Why? Well firstly I am a huge Wolford fan, and secondly it looks and feels good. 

The Wolford Care Mask is a different beast entirely. With top quality design, engineering and functionality, this mask will last a good while if looked after. 

It is washable and can go in the washing machine at 60°, using a low spin speed (400-600). Don't use fabric softener and don't wring it. Just let it dry naturally.

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