Mask Arts Company

Commedia dell'Arte Masks

Holding the Mask on the Face - Elastic

No Rivets to hold on to the elastic:

In my masks, all elastics (that are used to hold the masks on to your face) are sewn into the mask, so you will not see how the elastic is held on from the outside of the mask. Giving a clean edge to the side of the mask. It takes much longer to attach the elastics the way I do, but it will last a long time.

Many mask makers use rivets in the side of their masks to hold the elastic on. It is much quicker and simpler and cheaper to do. Two problems I have seen with this - (1) I have not seen a rivet that will not corrode (rust). (2) The rivet weakens the holding point of the elastic. In addition, I think it looks very ugly and often the rivets detract from the character of the mask.

Elastic quality is something that I have always been concerned with and at times frustrated with, as elastic does wear out way before the mask. Recently, I acquired the high quality non-roll elastic and have seen the life of the elastic extend beyond the everyday common elastic.

Adjustable Elastics

Leather masks come with adjustable elastics using long lasting pant hooks. Neoprene masks there is a $17 charge if you would like adjustable elastic on your mask.

The pant hooks are flat and blend into the elastic and do not get hooked and tangled into your hair. Of course, it takes more time to add this feature but it is very handy for adjusting the tightness of the mask and wonderful when the elastics' life starts to give out. I am always on the lookout something better.