When we first partnered with our friends at Bioscarf in 2017, the Southern California wildfires making breathing hazardous in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. This scarf was the ideal solution to protect the wearer from dangerous particulate matter hanging in the air—and I got myself one (above), which I also used during the coronavirus pandemic. They now make comfortable masks, gaiters, and hoodies, too, all with incredible properties that allow for 50 washings, while still filtering the air at the N95 level or higher.

It was invented by an American couple after a business trip to China, when Carlton Solle became ill, most likely due to complications related to air pollution. As an alternative to wearing ugly, unsustainable disposable masks to protect themselves, they turned to fashion.

Back in Atlanta, his wife Hazel came up with the idea to design a product that would work both as a scarf and also a filter—and, in 2017, the company began sending free shipments to journalists who were out breathing the hazardous air while covering the fires—and to firefighters, too.

The Bioscarf might be considered a genius example of wearable technology because it filters dangerous levels of toxic particulates, but it uses no gadgets, processors, or batteries. And, the best part is their filtration technology can be washed up to 100 times without losing its N95 rating. (Free shipping and get a WS code below…)

3 layers of protection in their debut model guarded against hazardous contaminants that pose a health risk—including, according to the company, many of the bacteria and germs that cause colds and viruses (frequent flyers, take note). With its U.S. rating of N95, the generously sized scarf (as well as their newer gator and face mask) is capable of blocking 99.75% of all particles 0.1 microns in size or larger—and 95% of all non-oil based airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns.

A "first of its kind", these personal protective apparel items became available only online in olive, black, and white—made from sustainably constructed recycled materials. The plush polyester blend uses 100% post-consumer recycled PET water bottles, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

By November of 2017, at the time of the Thomas Fire, the new company has already donated more than a thousand scarves in the U.S. to people in fire zones and elsewhere, and to friends in China where approximately 1.6 million people die prematurely every year due to poor air quality.

Fast forward to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. I got in touch with Carlton and learned that they had added a variety of new products. Most notably, a line of cold weather gaiters, as well as summer scarves and gaiters made of hemp. They also added a pullover with built-in face mask, a hoodie which protects the entire upper body except the eyes, and a reusable, washable face mask, perfect for healthcare workers, which is less costly than the scarves or gaiters, retailing for just $29.

With the recent addition of a nano-fiber layer, these new products can be washed 50 times before they even begin to degrade in the slightest. They can be washed 100 times and still be rated the equivalent of an N95, because their filtration technology is, as Carlton told me, "like N95 on steroids".

Similar masks are made for frontline workers, which you can buy on their website for $39. They include 1″ elastic bands in a specially designed strap system for secure fit and comfort all day—and they are reusable and washable up to 100 times, effectively replacing one million single-use disposable face masks. They feature a rugged exterior fabric that is water-resistant and anti-bacterial, too.

The company, G95, is currently shipping their products within 1-2 days for FREE—using USPS Priority Mail in the US—and they now ship international orders over $100 FREE via UPS.

If you enter the code WS20 at checkout you will get a 20% discount any order over $100.

"Anyone who is seeking a fashionable and functional scarf or other clothing item to protect themselves–or loved ones, and is interested in helping to turn the tide on sicknesses around the world, should give the G95 Bioscarf a try," Hazel Solle told WS.

So now, besides being a perfect apparel piece for anyone who bicycles in the city, works around vehicles, regularly travels in airplanes or buses, or simply lives in a smoggy region, people can protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus.

One customer wrote a review in October 2020 saying, "This is one of the BEST investments I ever made! I have the Basic Mask. I never, ever thought I would need it for anything except the virus. However, there was a fire nearby in the mountains surrounding Mt. St. Helens and the air quality was the worst in the world! It rated a Hazard for almost a week. I wore this Amazing mask 24/7 inside my home for almost five days. (I am 71 and guided to stay inside). Every time I took it off to eat or drink water, I could smell smoke inside my home, even with the great air purifier running 24/7—I easily slept with it on!"

Another wrote, "These people rock with great customer service, too. Thanks so much for a Wonderful Product! It certainly worked for me."

For more information, visit their FAQ page here. See more photos of the products on WS's Good Gifts page.

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