Mask FAQ

When will my mask arrive?
At the moment, our estimated ship date is early September for the 100% cotton masks (plain fabric), and late September for the poly/cotton masks (printed design). This is just an estimate, and could change depending on manufacturing delays. Follow us on Instagram (@shopshoal) for updates.

What if I order a non-mask item and need it sooner?
If you need additional items to arrive sooner, please place a separate order so we can ship them out immediately! Anything ordered with a mask will be held until the mask ships.

Are these medical grade?
NO! These cloth masks are for the general public, and are not intended to prevent, mitigate, treat, diagnose or cure any disease or health condition, including COVID-19/Coronavirus. Most government guidelines currently recommend wearing a cloth mask, in combination with social distancing and other safety measures, to help reduce risk. If you need to wear a mask all day, current recommendations suggest switching to a clean mask every few hours. Read more at cdc.gov.

How does the "at cost" pricing work?
It's a flat $6, intended for anyone who can't afford the standard price. We know a lot of people are struggling right now, and we want to help keep you safe. (It's the honor system, so you don't have to demonstrate need to us-- we trust you!) At-cost mask purchases are limited to a quantity of 2, to ensure that everyone who needs one has a chance to preorder.

How does the "give one/get one" pricing work?
If you'd like to pay it forward, you can choose the $24 pricing tier. We'll send one mask to you and donate the other one! We're coordinating with local Bay Area healthcare workers and homeless shelters to get masks to those who need them most in our community.

What's the advantage of the poly/cotton mask?
We currently offer two mask styles, one with a polyester outer layer + cotton inner layer + elastic straps, and one in 100% cotton + fabric straps. The poly/cotton style does a better job repelling moisture/condensation, so it shouldn't get damp as quickly when you wear it.

What's the advantage of the 100% cotton mask?
It's more environmentally friendly because it's plastic-free! It's also slightly cooler to wear and the strap style is great for hearing aids or cartilage piercings, because the straps don't touch your ears at all. There's no polyester outer layer, so it may get damp more quickly.

Will this fit me?
These masks are one size fits most adults. We've tested them on both large and small adult heads! Because individual anatomy varies so much, we can't guarantee a perfect fit. These are not intended for children, but may fit older teens.

Will my glasses fog up?
We've tested both styles extensively with glasses, and are happy to report lower fog levels than other masks we've tried. No mask has been completely fog-free for us, but both of these have nose wires that help create a better seal and prevent glasses fogging. You can also clean your glasses with anti-fog spray or soap and water to prevent fogging. (If you have special coatings on your lenses, check with your optician first!)

How do I wash this?
Our masks are machine washable (no fabric softener). To dry, we recommend lying them flat or hanging to dry in a sunny area.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship to most countries worldwide. Keep in mind that transit times are extended right now due to the pandemic.

How can I learn more about face masks?
We recommend reading the WHO and CDC guidelines for face mask safety and social distancing!