The 7 Different Types of Masquerade Masks

With so many masquerade masks out there, it’s not always easy to decide which one to buy. What style should you wear? Which color should you choose? How do you know if it’s suitable for the event you’re attending? Is it an accurate expression of your personality? 

There are many factors that play into deciding which masquerade mask you’ll want to wear to an event; the occasion, your outfit, and the image you want to convey are the three main factors to consider. Here, we’ll guide you through the different types of masquerade masks to help you decide which mask is right for you.

• The Bauta

L-R: Bauta Barocco Gold, Bauta Barocco Silver, Bauta Cera

• Looks like: It’s got a square-ish jaw, large chin, and no mouth. Covers the full face and is often either heavily gilded or stark white.
• Historically: Standardized Venetian disguise required at political decision-making events, thereby ensuring anonymity.
• For: Men who want to get lost in a crowd, and break a few rules.
• Wear it to: That party where you want to make an impression when you bump into that special someone.

• The Colombina

L-R: Colombina Musica, Colombina Stella Silver White, Colombina Mezza Sky Blue

• Looks like: It’s a half-mask that is often heavily decorated. Often colorful, this type of mask only covers the wearer’s eyes, cheeks, and sometimes nose.
• Historically: Named after a maidservant in the Commedia dell’arte; originally the female counterpart of the Bauta.
• For: A woman who isn’t afraid to let her personality shine through, and nowadays, there are male versions of the Colombina, which offer men a lighter mask with less coverage than other models.
• Wear it to: The fete of the season, where everyone who’s anyone will be in attendance.

• The Medico della Peste

Naso Peste Cera

• Looks like: It’s got a really long hollow beak, round eyes (and sometimes wire glasses). Usually simple in design, rarely ornate.
• Historically: Worn by plague doctors to prevent the spread of disease.
• For: Men with a love of all things kooky (and maybe a little kinky?), history buffs, and hypochondriacs.
• Wear it to: Summer parties, Halloween, and pretty much anything in between.

• The Volto

L-R: Volto Macrame Maschile Gold, Volto Barocco Gold

• Looks like: It’s a simple style that covers the entire face, and depicts basic facial features such as the lips and nose.
• Historically: Guaranteed complete and utter anonymity as no part of the face shows.
• For: Those who want to make a mysterious entrance, and a quiet exit.
• Wear it to: A masquerade party where you want to avoid being recognized by a certain someone.

• The Pantalone

Pulcinella Bordeaux, Capitano Ibiz, Naso Pulcinella Silver 

• Looks like: Features a sizeable hook nose that looks like a beak, and slanted eyes.
• Historically: Derived from a classic character in Italian theater, Pantalone had a witty, intelligent personality.
• For: The joker in the group; the man who easily strikes up conversation, makes friends, and tells the funniest jokes in the room.
• Wear it to: A cocktail party or masked ball—any occasion will do. After all, do you really need a reason to dazzle them all with your sparkling wit?

• The Arlecchino

L-R: Trepunte Uomo Stick, Tricorno Tarocchi Uomo

• Looks like: Joker-like, colorful, with a short nose and arched brows. Sometimes the mask includes a large headpiece and/or collar, possibly with bells on.
• Historically: Another character from the Commedia dell’arte; Arlecchino is devoid of reason and often the servant of the wittier, more intelligent Pantalone.
• For: The prankster and the laugh-out-loud bon vivant with the big smile.
• Wear it to: An April Fool’s party, Halloween, or just for kicks.

• The Zanni

Zanni Gold 

• Looks like: A long nose, not too dissimilar from the Medico della Peste. Also features bulging eyebrows and a low forehead.
• Historically: But beware—the longer the nose, the stupider the character is deemed!
• For: The fun-loving person who wants to be completely unrecognizable.
• Wear it to: A casual masquerade party, pre-weekend drinks, or to break into your co-workers cubicle.

Got any questions for us? Need help selecting a mask? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect piece.