How to match the drape with the outfit: avoid the same motif on the tie and the drape
After the initial enthusiasm, many of us hid our sewing machines back in the closet and turned to experienced seamstresses instead. Although a wide range of cuts, including flowing, half-falling pleated models, are still seen especially at government press conferences, the face-fitting drape has become the most popular option. And it takes a tailor's skill to get the cut sold in the e-shop to fit correctly on most customers' faces. The elastic bands used to fasten the shaped drape behind the ears are particularly tricky. If they are long, the drape falls under the nose when speaking and gives the impression of a flapping sledge. The casually untied bottom weave of the folded drape is completely unacceptable. This style of wearing looks mundane in a hospital setting, but in the real world, when the wearer of the drape is supposed to protect those around him from his drips, it is an expression of recklessness.
"It's like tailored clothing. A well-fitted and sculpted garment always looks better than a ready-made cut. We can probably agree that a drape should first and foremost perform its main function. So the fit, even if it is annoying, makes sense and looks better at the same time," says Monika Vaverová, designer and creative director of the MIMO Space costume studio. Alongside cotton models, the futuristic Epic mask in cotton with lycra (in the gallery) came out of her workshop.
How to choose the right one
If we have to wear masks, why not enjoy it a little, says Monika Vaverová. She sees the veil as a chance to spice up an outfit and opts for unusual colour combinations rather than spending the day in one colour from head to toe. Although the veil is still a new part of the outfit, there are already a few rules for it.
If men match a drape to a tie or bow tie, they should avoid the mistake many make with a pocket square - namely, having them in the same design and colour. "For a patterned tie, take a simple drape, and for a solid-coloured tie, don't worry about the interesting design of the drape. But don't overdo it, don't be colourful like clowns!" advises Monika. "But I still believe that practicality and functionality are more important than design. A nice drape that can't be washed or boiled doesn't make sense to me," Monika points out.
Black still leads the way
Mia Bella, a bespoke tailoring shop specialising in bridal fashion, started making drapes from the first day government regulations were issued in March. As soon as the possibility of wedding dress fittings fell and a question mark hung over the wedding season, the tailoring workshop switched to drapes. They made use of the stock of material and above all the tailoring skill that goes into the smallest of details in wedding dresses. They offer cute drapes with polka dots, in folklore style, even satin. Yet the absolute most desirable product is the classic black. "I was surprised myself, because I have never worn a black drape and I wouldn't want to wear one. But I would say that 50% of what we make are black drapes," says Mia Bella salon owner Lenka Izsák.
Sales of drapes have not stopped at Mia Bella yet. Even when the government announced the return of drapes at the end of August, sales jumped back to almost the same numbers they were in March. "I think people don't want to wear homemade drapes anymore and prefer to buy nicer, professionally made ones now," says Lenka. For the autumn season, she has included burgundy and dark blue with small flowers, although black will probably remain the most popular colour.
Cotton is the material of choice
Cotton drape still dominates supply and demand, but there are also a number of cotton blends with modern materials on the market. Nanofibres with active silver, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties, are also available. However, both tailoring ateliers MIMO Space and Mia Bella are sticking to the tried and tested cotton for now. "I'm interested in the latest technology and the nanofiber drape definitely interests me. But despite its higher protection, I had a problem with poor breathability, so I personally stuck with 100% cotton," says Monika Vaverová. If the drapes are worn for some time to come, we can certainly look forward to improved or even new types of materials.
Forget disposable wristbands
Disposable drapes, which have the function and design of a medical material, are better left at the pharmacy. Using them for everyday wear is not ecological. They should be changed after a maximum of two hours, but the paper-like material gives the false impression of excellent breathability. Not only will they make you look like Dr. Vilkin, but if, like some people, you leave them on your face all day (or even for a week with the idea that it will air out overnight), you will grow an unwanted fashion accessory in the form of acne. "For me, health comes first, so I prefer to use more cotton drapes during the day and air them out at night," advises Monika Vaver.
Lenka Izsák does not look for a fashion accessory in a drape and also emphasises the health function above all. "I have seen a lot of nonsense offered by various companies to attract attention. A drape is supposed to be functional first and foremost. It is first and foremost a medical device, only then can we talk about fashion," says Lenka.
