Cloth Gag
A cloth gag uses soft fabric, such as a bandana, scarf, or folded cloth, either stuffed into the mouth or tied across the outside of the closed mouth. The material is non-rigid and moulds to the shape of the mouth. It absorbs saliva, muffles speech, and prevents clear vocalisation without inserting anything hard or structured. Some versions tie the cloth in a knot that sits between the teeth.
A common combination is fabric stuffed into the mouth and then sealed with tape over the lips. This holds the cloth in place and adds a second layer of muffling. Underwear is frequently used as the stuffing in this configuration, which adds a humiliation element on top of the sensory one.
WHY PEOPLE USE IT
The cloth gag is the most improvised and accessible gag type, requiring nothing purpose-made. It is used in scenes where the lack of hardware is part of the aesthetic: the improvised, urgent, or kidnap-scenario feel. It is also used in fantasy scenarios drawn from films and pulp fiction where a handkerchief or scarf is used as a gag. Some people prefer its softness for long scenes. It is also a common starting point for people who want to try gagging without purchasing specific equipment.HOW POPULAR IS IT
Widely used informally, less common in dedicated kink scenes where purpose-made equipment is more typical. Very present in kidnap and damsel-in-distress fantasy communities, where the cloth gag is the canonical restraint.HISTORY
The cloth gag is among the oldest recorded restraint methods. It appears in legal records of kidnapping and hostage-taking across multiple cultures. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, pulp adventure fiction and later cinema established the image of a cloth gag (usually a handkerchief) as the standard visual language for a captive. This image became erotically charged for a substantial audience, a phenomenon documented in fetish correspondence published in the magazine Bizarre by John Willie from the late 1940s. The associated fantasy community has existed continuously since, and the cloth gag remains its defining object.WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Use clean, breathable natural fabric such as cotton. Synthetics can be slippery or uncomfortable. The cloth should be damp-proof enough that it does not become saturated and create a breathing risk. Never use cloth that could compact or harden when wet. Keep the gag positioned so it does not slide toward the throat. Have a quick-release plan; a knot at the back of the head should be simple enough to undo quickly.TRUSTED BRANDS
No specialist brands. A clean cotton bandana or scarf is the standard. Some BDSM retailers sell purpose-made cloth gag kits with pre-tied configurations.WHERE TO BUY IT
No purchase required beyond a suitable cloth. Bondage-specific cloth gag kits are sold at some kink retailers, but improvised versions are equally common.
A cotton bandana costs $3–$8 from any general store. Purpose-made cloth gag kits from kink retailers run $15–$30.
Rough prices as of July 2026.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER IT
Wash in hot water after every use, with detergent. If the fabric is machine-washable, a hot cycle is sufficient for everyday cleaning. If not, hand-wash thoroughly and rinse well. Saliva soaks deep into fabric, so surface wiping is not enough.
Inspect the cloth before each use. Fabric that is fraying, stretched out of shape, or has developed a persistent odour that washing does not clear should be replaced. A cloth that has lost its structure can bunch and shift in unpredictable ways during use. Replace regularly regardless of visible wear, as fabric degrades with washing. Use a fresh cloth for each session where hygiene is a concern.
- John Willie (publisher). (1946-1959). Bizarre magazine. Various issues.
- Wiseman, J. (1996). SM 101: A Realistic Introduction. Greenery Press.