A gimp mask is a hood-like mask worn on the head of a submissive person during sexual role play within the BDSM community. Gimp masks are usually worn during bondage, especially head bondage. They can be made of leather, PVC, rubber, spandex or darlexx. They often feature zippers at the mouth and eyes, which can be closed to restrict sight and speech.
Gimp masks can restrain and sexually objectify the wearer. They can be worn alone or with a full gimp suit, which often includes anchor points for bondage. The word gimp is believed to have been coined in the 1994 movie "Pulp Fiction." Although they have long been considered a part of BDSM, gimp masks have more recently popped up in mainstream culture. Kim Kardashian wore one for the release of Kanye West's album in 2021. Gimp masks also appeared in Balenciaga's spring 2023 show.
A gimp mask is also called a bondage hood or bondage mask.
More About Gimp Mask
A bondage or gimp suit - including the mask- is designed to enhance the dominant/submissive or master/slave relationship. It's a way of setting the submissive apart as sex toy or plaything for the dominant, rather than an equal partner.
People who wear gimp masks can become disorientated. They are also deprived of the full use of their ordinary senses, making wearing the mask a form of sensation play or even breath play. Many dominants enjoy making their submissives wear gimp masks because they make it easy to depersonalize interactions. When a submissive is wearing a gimp mask, their face is totally covered, so they could be anyone at all; some dominants find it easier to dominate their partners when they cannot see their faces. Some submissives also feel less inhibited with their faces covered with gimp masks.
As some gimp masks cover the mouth and may have only small nostril holes, breathing can be impaired. Couples using gimp masks should implement a safe signal that the submissive can use if they struggle to breathe. Dominants should also monitor their submissives and their comfort levels carefully.
