Wink - blindfold by Jimmyjane - review by sophie2229

Wink, a blindfold by Jimmyjane, was intended to be used as either a sleep mask or as a blindfold during sex/sexual activities. Actually a double sided blindfold, Wink has a small turquoise heart embroidered on one face and a Z embroidered on the other. Theoretically it is assumed that you "should" have the heart facing outwards during lovemaking and the Z facing outwards during sleep. Obviously this detail has no overall effect on the functionality of the blindfold, but it was a really nice touch.

The straps/sash of the blindfold also doubles as mild wrist restraints. The ends of each sash have a small silk cuff (3" diameter) that the user slip his/her wrists into. While the user could easily slip out of the hole, and the silk is not meant for any remotely serious BDSM play, this is a nice touch which will probably add a new flavor to play for many users.

I found that the blindfold didn't work well for a sleep mask since it was completely displaced when I rolled over. So I wouldn't recommend it for this use only. Also if you drool, there's a chance that you could damage the silk. But it served its function as a blindfold.

This is an exquisite blindfold. The center piece is suede with stitching around its perimeter. While the piece is clearly not meant for any serious pulling or thrashing, it is very well constructed. The blindfold actually slides onto a really really long silk sash. Jimmyjane says that it's over 3 yards of silk, and I believe it. Since the blindfold slides off, you can also use the silk as wrist or ankle restraints. It also makes a really cool, albeit expensive, hair tie (think Belle in Beauty and the Beast).

The silk was made beautifully. I can't find a flaw anywhere! The Jimmyjane logo was applied to each wrist cuff via a light blue applique. It is barely noticeable and it looks like a really pretty water droplet. It doesn't look like it will come off easily.

The cuffs, which were made from folding the end of the silk back on itself are about 4 inches long. They aren't really functional because you can slide your hand out extremely easily, however they feel great.

This blindfold performed very well. The suede stayed in place pretty well, assuming I didn't try to push the blindfold off by rubbing against a pillow. If I tried, this blindfold slipped off very easily. Even if I didn't try, this blindfold fell off a few times. But given the smoothness of the silk, this was to be expected. And the Silk is very smooth, and awesome.

If you opened your eyes light could get through the bottom. But with eyes shut the room was pitch black. Also, it was possible to tie the blindfold tight enough to block out all light. Be careful when tying the blindfold because you can put too much pressure on your eyes if you're not careful since there is no elasticity in the silk sash (you might have to try it to see what I mean).

The Wink exceeded my expectations. I was expecting a pretty, functional blindfold and instead I got a versatile, sleek modern piece of artwork.

In the included manual, JJ suggests cleaning the blindfold with a suede brush (avoiding the embroidery) since suede isn't waterproof. The silk sash should be washed separately by hand with delicate soap and cold water. It should be hung to dry. Wrinkles can be removed by ironing on a silk setting. Remember to cover the sash with a thin sheet/pillow case while ironing. The sash is hand dyed, so it could bleed when wet.

I store the product in its original packaging (see the Packaging section, I've got a picture!).

Wink comes in a classy sturdy cardboard box with a white lid and a black case. There is a magenta sticker that says "wink blindfold" on the face. The Jimmyjane logo is also embossed in the center of the cover. Inside the box is an envelope containing "hint cards" which are business cards that have pictures of other JJ products (a clever form of advertising). JJ says that they're perfect for hinting to your partner what you'd like for any special occasion. There is also a really nice users guide that provides usage, care, safety and exchange/return instructions.

Wink itself sits wrapped in a cloth stachel (NOTE it doesn't close so you should also keep it in the cardboard box. You could also keep the blindfold and pouch in a Ziploc bag.

The blindfold itself is wrapped around a piece of cardboard. This keeps the silk and the suede piece folded nicely after each use. While the creases are visible in the actual silk, they do not detract from the beauty of the blindfold. Any wrinkles created by knotting the blindfold are also not too noticeable. And if the silk is tied while in use, they aren't noticeable.

This is my second blindfold. I also own the Silk Sashay Blindfold by Leatherbeaten. I really like that blindfold, but I really love this one. Both are beautiful, and both have different "feels." Leatherbeaten's blindfold feels more ornate however the hemming of the silk ties was somewhat rushed. Jimmyjane's Wink feels very modern and elegant and it's built flawlessly. Leatherbeaten's blindfold has a little more padding but Jimmyjane's blindfold is a little more breathable. They are both great choices, but I prefer the Wink. I also love the silk sash.

That being said, obviously this blindfold is very expensive relative to other products. Unless you love texture/silk, you aren't really getting anything new here. It is a beautiful product and a fantastic investment, but if you're not ecstatic to have the extra silk sash, it might not be worth the price.

Also because the blindfold has the silk sash, it can slip off pretty easily. I've figured out how I can move and unless I deliberately rub against a pillow the blindfold works without a problem. Again this blindfold does work well but it slips off easily. If you're really interested in a serious blindfold, I would go with something elastic since the Silk Sashay Blindfold had the same problem.

This sounds obvious when I type it but make sure to double knot your bow/knot when using the blindfold. I used it a few times and accidentally undid my bow because I put my hands in the wrist restraints. Oops.