Credit: Nathalia JMag via Instagram; Khatu Wong via Instagram; Nathalia JMag via Instagram

If you have to wear one, you might as well look good doing it.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently enacted a mandatory requirement for face masks while in public. As tired as I’m sure we all are of wearing masks all the time, you gotta remember that this is all in the name of public health. You wear a mask, everyone else wears a mask, less people get sick. It’s not that complicated. With this order, many Californians have begun looking at face masks as less of a medical device and more of a potential fashion accessory (and also a medical device).

Since the mask scare a few months ago, many companies have had protective masks created featuring all manner of colors, shapes, and designs. It’s kind of like wearing a graphic tee, but on your face. You can get masks with your favorite colors, company logos, or even cartoon characters on them. An entire subculture of artisan mask makers has sprouted up, creating masks on demand that feature just about anything you could want while still being, y’know, a mask.

Credit: KESQ

Other common face coverings like scarves and kerchiefs are also making a comeback. I love wearing scarves, personally, because they make me feel like a superhero. Obviously, the most effective thing health-wise is a medical mask, but as long as you’re covering your mouth with something, that’s the most important thing.

Sooner or later, things will return to normal, and we won’t need to wear masks anymore. Right now, though, we still do, so while we still have to wear these things, you might as well endeavor to have some fun with it.