opinion

How to Ease Customers Into Kinky Play With Blindfolds

How to Ease Customers Into Kinky Play With Blindfolds

What’s one of the easiest ways to turn a sexy encounter into a toe-curling scene to remember? The premise is simple: suppress one or more of someone's senses and the others become enhanced. By manipulating touch, taste, smell, hearing or sight, couples can magnify the senses left intact.

Whether your clientele is into hardcore BDSM scenes or simply want to spice things up, blindfolds should be a recommended kinky tool. There are so many varieties and styles to choose from; they run the gamut from simple and utilitarian to all-in-one sensory deprivation tools. When assisting customers, don't overlook the role that eye cover can play in their sexy adventures. Be prepared to illustrate the variety or functions and styles blindfolds come in. They are so versatile, they can be incorporated into almost any scenario.

Covering the eyes is simple but so incredibly sensual. It can instantly amp up the eroticism during a tryst for several reasons.

Sensory deprivation allows couples to disengage from typical sources of stress and anxiety. It’s a form of relaxation; like spas with sensory deprivation tanks, blindfolds in the bedroom block out external stimuli and enable couples to let go. Sensory deprivation is also well suited for those exploring dominant/ submissive power play. A blindfolded person must depend on their partner to navigate their surroundings. This sets the stage for one partner to give direction that the blindfolded person must follow, and can put one in the very vulnerable state of having to trust a partner completely. This emotional dependency fosters intimacy and can make couples feel more connected. For those into BDSM, getting into this kind of headspace is an ideal pathway to psychological play.

Exploring Blindfolds

For those new to sensory deprivation, it’s best to start off slowly. Only manipulate one sense to begin with. Since most of us are so dependent on sight, it’s the most natural and impactful place to start. There’s quite a variety available when it comes to simple blindfolds, mainly due to comfort factors. Basic styles provide ample coverage without hindering the nasal passages, and typically feature soft lining so it’s comfortable for newbies and for longer-term wear. Some blindfolds may irritate those who wear eye makeup, false eyelashes, or contact lenses. In these cases, suggest styles that don’t hug the eyelids tightly.

Getting the Most Out of Blindfolds

Once the blindfold is on, what comes next? Sensation play can complement and enhance the sensory deprivation experience. Sensation play involves rubbing a partner's skin with hands or toys. It is most effective when you use opposing types of touch like hot and cold, soft and rough, or firm and gentle.

Removing or distorting other senses also amplifies sensation. Suggest to curious shoppers the use of a pair of earplugs or headphones to alter the sense of hearing. Bondage restraints can restrict touch. Including these things will further intensify every caress, spank, or kiss, and those ready for advanced play can level up their blindfold game and use more full-coverage headgear.

Advanced Gear

Full-face masks are considered intermediate- level gear. In addition to being an eye cover, such a mask completely wraps around the nose as well, which makes this piece of equipment perfect for those willing to take things a little further but who may be concerned about claustrophobia. This type of gear is usually reserved for BDSM enthusiasts. Many wearers say that, upon putting on this type of fullcoverage hood, everything changes for them psychologically. They go into a very submissive headspace, and some even start to flow into subspace. This piece may also make the wearer feel even more disoriented.

When you’re helping customers find new toys, remind them that blindfolds can enhance any type of sexy scene. They are also perfectly suited for curious novices and experienced kinksters alike, making them an ideal upsell. Eye cover also pairs well with so many other toys and accessories. A blindfold purchased with a dildo can be the basis for a kinky adventure, just as a sensory deprivation hood can make a dungeon scene larger than life. Blindfolds are versatile play tools that can be used in any way your imagination takes you.

Rebecca Weinberg is an award-winning industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in the adult industry. She is the president of multi-award-winning pleasure product manufacturer XR Brands.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

The Hidden Cost of Letting Retail Define Pleasure Brands

Not long ago, spotting vibrators and lubricants at a national chain like Target or CVS might have raised eyebrows. Now, it’s almost expected.

Rin Musick ·
profile

WIA Profile: Kelsey Harris

At sister distribution brands Nalpac and Entrenue, one woman is in charge of leading customers in the right direction: Director of Sales Kelsey Harris. Since Michigan-based Nalpac took the reins of Arizona’s Entrenue, Harris has led both sales teams from her home base in Oakland County, Michigan.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Rebranding Sexual Wellness Through a Self-Care Approach

As most of us in the industry already know, sexual wellness remains the black sheep of self-care. Discussions about wellness glorify meditation apps, skincare routines and workout regimens — but mention masturbation or using a sex toy, and most people shy away from the topic.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now

During my first year in the industry, the luxury vibrator on shelves was LELO’s Gigi, priced at $109. It was made with high-quality silicone, boasted an ergonomic design, a travel lock and a warranty. Soon after, Je Joue released its first product, SaSi, which employed “rolling ball” movements to simulate oral sex.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements

The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.

Rick Magana ·
opinion

Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings

As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.

Alicia Sinclair Rosen ·
opinion

Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer

As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design

Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.

Matthew Spindler ·
profile

WIA Profile: Pettus Ashley

Pettus Ashley brings her A game to the world of authentic adult branding, flitting between airports as the American face of U.K. brand Bathmate. As a company brand ambassador, Ashley personifies Bathmate’s dedication to the retail world, showering staff with equal amounts of appreciation and sales education.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Good Relations Fosters Sex Wellness, Positivity for 40+ Years

Melinda Myers, the founder and owner of Good Relations in Eureka, California, was still in college when she got invited to attend her first pleasure products home party.

Quinton Bellamie ·
Show More