Breathable and cool. The Pocketed Mask "Pokepita Mask™"

Belle & Sofa

A Kobe-based shoe workshop with over 50 years of history created a pocketed mask for its own staff.

The "Pokepita Mask™" is a mask created by "Belle & Sofa Yasashii Kutsu Kobo" (Belle & Sofa Kind Shoe Workshop) for sales staff who interact with many people and for staff who commute by train. In response to requests from customers who visit the physical store to "sell this to the general public," sales began on the company's online shop.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka｜Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

Made from 100% UV-cut polyester

The "Pokepita Mask™" is a pocketed mask crafted by artisans at a shoe workshop with over 50 years of history, from fabric cutting to sewing. It fully covers the nose and mouth while fitting snugly to the face, dries quickly after washing, and can be reused.

This mask was originally made for the store's sales staff, who have frequent customer contact, and for staff who commute by train. The fabric is 100% polyester, which is stretchy, soft, and multifunctional. Unlike wired masks, it does not lift away from the face and fits comfortably around the nose. Polyester's fine threads and dense fiber structure help prevent droplet dispersal, and the pocket for non-woven fabric or kitchen paper allows for enhanced filter function.

The "Pokepita Mask™" also features a thoughtful design for the ear straps. Leveraging 50 years of shoemaking knowledge, the soft, skin-friendly fabric is bias-cut for stretch, and the length can be adjusted and tied by the wearer, reducing ear discomfort.

This polyester material offers UV protection, and its evaporative fiber accelerates sweat evaporation, keeping the mask breathable and maintaining a cool, dry feel. It is available in six colors: khaki, navy, sky blue, charcoal gray, light gray, and white. Sold as a set of two masks in the same color, they are available at the Belle & Sofa Kind Shoe Workshop online shop.