NEWS

Smog Style: The Pollution Mask Shopping Guide

The Olympic Opening Cermonies were awesome—got to give China that—but unfortunately the pollution is a pretty pret-tay big problem over there. Just in case you’re kicking it in the Forbidden City for the Games, we’ve put together a short list of pollution-defying (and ultra-fashionable) masks to help you deal with dusty air, spitting locals, or even the unexpected SARS outbreak…

Darh Vader Supreme Mask
Pollution Protection: 2/5
Cost: $20-50

Project strength and deter pickpockets with the most evil (and awesome) character of all time! The tightly fit metal grill piece provides protection from airborne solids. Not so good if you’re sensitive to pollution, but on a looks/fear play, it is unbeatable.

Customized Glittery Dust Mask With Soda Hole
Pollution Protection: 3/5
Cost: $1-7

For all you do-it yourselfers, use a simple arts and craft technique to have the mask meet your needs! Dust masks often come in multi-packs, so if you change your country alliances halfway through the games, it’s not a huge expense.

Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard Masks
Pollution Protection: 1/5
Cost: $0

The Chinese loooove basketball, so posing as an American celebrity player is sure to get you through any smog-filled lines and right into the stadium. Print out, cut along the dotted lines, and head for the VIP entrance, my dude.

Designer Gas Masks
Pollution Protection: 5/5
Cost: $5,000+

China is the Motherland of bootleg Gucci and Louis Vuitton, so these one-of-one designer gas masks made by Diddo Velema will make you the talk of the town while staying extra safe.

“Terrorist” Scarf
Pollution Protection: 3/5
Cost: $7-50

The best part about going to war with other cultures is checking out the new fashion styles and appropriating them! A word of advice on the shemagh though: be sure to uncover your face before approaching the ticket counter. Word to Rachael Ray.