Ian Hinksman
The balaclava and ski mask are synonymous with crime, winter sports and the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War of 1854.
Well, maybe not the last one so much. However, did you know that there are many other uses for the not so humble headgear ranging from street fashion, to staying anon as an artist. Below we break down the eleven best non-criminal uses, so strap in, pull down the mask and let’s roll.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind local laws, regulations and customs when you wear a balaclava or ski mask in public. It could attract unwanted attention or even be prohibited in certain places.
1. Protect your identity at your next protest
It’s getting harder and harder to protest these days. In countries around the world, the simple act of going on the street and taking part in activism can land you behind bars or worse. If you live in a country where you can’t fully exercise your right of peaceful assembly, then getting yourself a balaclava might be the only solution.
In that case we recommend the standard of modern streetwear, the NIKE balaclava.
Hit the streets peacefully, stay safe and stay anonymous here.
2. Privacy from surveillance and big brother
Modern facial recognition is getting very good and that’s not all good news. Cameras today can recognize the shape of your eyes, nose, and mouth to match them with images in databases– often without your consent.
A ski mask covers most facial features that are the key to beating these systems. Obscuring your face may reduce the ability of cameras to capture identifying markers, making it harder to track your movements. This particular balaclava has a hood, which makes it even more lowkey.
Stay under the radar and buy it here.
3. Wear a balaclava to bed
Can you sleep with a ski-mask? The answer is yes!
Gas and heating prices are going nowhere but up, so save on your monthly bills by suiting up. As long as you don’t sleep with someone who has a fear of getting the house robbed, this might just be the way to save BIG.
Sport this one under the sheets.
4. Street fashion — look fabulous & slay, queen
Yes, wearing balaclavas in public in some places is actually a fashion statement rather than a criminal urge. Break the standards of 21st Century fashion by wearing this lovely pink balaclava. Or buy it for your lover.
5. Zoidberg balaclava costume for halloween
Channel your inner Zoidberg at the next dress up event by wearing this ski mask that makes you look like some sort of alien crustacean. It’s crocheted and made of soft acrylic yarn, so it’s made to be comfortable.
A great way to capture the public’s attention. In the words of Zoidberg “Hooray, people are paying attention to me.”
Don’t hesitate– before you know it Halloween will be here. Get here on Amazon.
6. Balaclava for CNC (Consensual Non-Consensual)
Spice up your love life with role play in the often misunderstood BDSM fantasy of CNC. Now, we won’t go into all the details here as there’s loads of dedicated information online about the kink, but here are two things that CNC actually is, and isn’t.
CNC is: A mutually agreed upon and safe play (with safe words/signals in place) where everyone participating has clearly communicated their boundaries, given full consent, and have built a strong foundation of trust.
CNC isn’t: an excuse to abuse!
Get yourself into character with this three hole balaclava.
Side note
Have you checked out our piece on Lady Tazz, Bangladeshi producer and dominatrix? Now is your time.
7. Be the envy of your next furry party
Be whoever and whatever you want to be. Don’t listen to those that say you can’t be a cat, dog or a brown bear– the world is yours. For those who like to take on an animalistic form, these ski masks give you a wide range of freedom to choose from.
Animal balaclavas here include the British shorthair cat, border collie, fox or even the common raccoon.
8. Easter just got a lot more fun
Bunny ears and crocheted knit – the perfect combination to scare the kids! As they say, have a balaclava for every occasion, and Easter should be no different. Wear this in April to bring Easter back to the streets. The local easter egg hunt should be fun this year.
Hop on over and grab a pair of these ski masks for you and a friend.
9. Leave the city, become a nomad & live in the desert
Technically not a balaclava, this item is referred to as a tactical shemagh, but the vibe is more or less the same. With this purchase, you are free to travel the eastern sands of the Sahara (as long as you get a visa) and become one with the ways of the desert. Just don’t forget your thumper.
Join the fremen and buy your shemagh here.
10. Hiding your face online with a balaclava
Stream online with no qualms about people knowing who you are. Whether you’re avoiding taxes or are a part of a witness protection program… no biggie, a quick ski mask will do the trick. Just steer clear of the trolls and you’ll be fine.
Stream in the comfort of your own home with this cozy balaclava.
11. Enhancing your look as an artist.
Having an air of mystery as an artist can work in your favor especially if your body of work is something to talk and share about. And besides it gives you the chance to stay under the radar from your haters and ops. Wearing ski masks and hiding your identity has been a tool used by quite a few acts including DJ Malaa and rapper Quade PoundSign.
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