WHAT ARE THEY?
Dog masks are fun and, some would say, essential gear when it comes to kinky pet play. If you identify as a canine, primal, or just love dressing as a doggo, it’s a must-buy for your collection.
As for a precise definition, well, the designs can vary. As long as it covers part of your face and gives you a “dog look” then it’s good to go. How much BDSM, general kinkiness, or fetishism (if any) you want to add is up to you.
WHAT MATERIALS DO THEY COME IN?
There’s a wide variety to choose from and an even wider range for different budgets.
LEATHER – You can have a mask made from natural materials but without the fuzziness. It also looks more BDSM than other options. However, remember that leather needs special care and will be more expensive.
FUR – I’ve seen fur added to ears (that often matches a butt plug tail) or covering the entire mask. It just boils down to personal preference.
PLEATHER – Like leather but fake and cheaper, or for those who don’t want animal products.
PLASTIC – Think of those cheap masks with elastic around the back. It might not look great, but it’s perfect if you’re just starting out and unsure if you want to spend a lot just yet.
RUBBER – Has a similar look and kinky feel to leather, but easier to clean, more flexible, and wonderful if you have a rubber fetish. Careful though. They can also be pricey.
FOAM – I’ve seen some made from cosplay foam. More of an Esty purchase or something lightweight.
LATEX – Another “Halloween” mask option. Lots of choices at affordable prices.
SILICONE – Way more expensive, but the best for hygiene.
WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?
That’s totally up to you. There’s no right or wrong. Just think about how serious you are about your kink play or fetishes and what you can afford. If you are going to be wearing something to every party and can manage the price tag, it’s better to go for a quality product that will last longer.
OTHER THINGS TO WATCH FOR
QUALITY VS PRICE – This is something to be aware of for ANY adult products. They often come with huge up pricing, regardless of quality. You just have to hint at “sex product” or “kink product” and there could be a solid 50% more than is reasonable.
Look at how it’s put together. Read customer reviews. See where it’s made (“Made in China” is usually a red flag). Balance these things with how much they’re asking for and then hand over your credit card.
STITCHING – Another thing to look at is the stitching or gluing. Cheap stitching and glue will come apart after one or two uses. It’s hard to see online (hence reading reviews) but if you can get it at an actual store, it’s even better.
MATERIAL – I already listed the materials, but you need to decide what you will be comfortable wearing. If you have a latex allergy, it will definitely take away any sexiness when you start inching and breaking out into a painful rash.
RETURNS – Some shops don’t allow any returns on adult products (it doesn’t matter where on the body you put it). Read the return or exchange details carefully before buying.
CASE EXAMPLE
Here is one of the results when searching for “BDSM Dog Masks” on Google.
Upon first glance, this looks like an okay mask. Something basic but just kinky enough. The picture is clear enough that you can how it’s sewn (but we can’t see the quality). There’s an adjustable strap at the back which is also good, but it doesn’t look like it would stay put with any significant movement.
Next, the price. For twenty bucks plus shipping, it’s one of the cheaper options. But then we look at the store – AliExpress. Yes, they sell super cheap stuff, but they are notorious for problems with returns or exchanges. They also take forever to arrive (unless you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg).
After that, we see the star rating might be high but there are only two users.
Finally, the return policy is hard to understand (Google translate) and it seems that shipping takes a month, but even with the 12-month “guarantee” you only have 15 days to return it. You might end up paying more to ship it back than you did to get it.
All in all, it’s a “pass” for me. There are better products for similar prices from places that won’t give you as much of a headache.
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Want more fun or useful articles? You might like these…
- Pet Play 101 – A Quick Look at Human Kittens, Pigs, and Puppies
- 10 Tail Plugs – Guide to Furry and Fabulous Anal Accessories
- BDSM Collars – Learn About This Important Kink Accessory
What kind of dog mask would you wear? Share in the comments. I dare someone to say Poodle.
