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If you’ve been feeling tied up lately and in need of some excitement in your life, bondage ropes are a great way to add a fun new dynamic to the bedroom.
Tying knots around your lover is an invigorating form of sexual play that both parties can enjoy. It can also be referred to as rope bondage, kinbaku, or shibari, the art of decorative bondage where more rope is needed to involve the entire body.
There are varying degrees of play to enjoy when bondage rope is involved, including single ropes around your wrists, full suspension in the air, being tied up to something, decorative tying for pleasure, or creating art that integrates the body with other objects.
It’s fun and can be an incredible way to get intimate with your partner and introduce some exciting new elements into the bedroom. Want to find out what we recommend as the best rope for bondage? Read on to hear our tips and tricks.
What are the Best Bondage Ropes?
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Best Natural Rope
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Best Wrist or Ankle Restraints
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Best for Ease of Use
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Best Soft Material
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Best for Shibari
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Best for Hogtie
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How Do We Test the Best Rope for Bondage?
Testing the best ropes for bondage requires a lot of trial and error. We rate each rope on a scale between 1 and 10 based on rigorous criteria.
The criteria includes how secure the ropes are then knotted, how it feels on the skin when used in different positions, and any extra benefits or special features different ropes offer.
We look into the type of rope used and whether or not each one is suitable for complex knots or simple ones. Finally, we judge the types of rope based on comfortability during use.
In-Depth Bondage Rope Reviews
Doc Johnson Kink Hemp Bondage Rope 6-Meter
Doc Johnson Kink Hemp Bondage Rope 6-Meter Review
Doc Johnson is the king of kink, and their natural fibre bondage rope is top of the range for any and all advanced rope play.
The design of the Doc Johnson hemp rope is very simple. The fundamental design is made with 95% Nylon, and 5% Elastane and is woven with a natural finish and a 0.5-inch thickness. It also has reinforced ends to prevent unraveling. This rope is ideal for anyone, from beginners to pros.
With this rope, you can get creative and explore all kinds of knots and interesting patterns. It’s even great for exploring shibari rope-tying techniques. It has a natural hemp coloring perfect for a range of role-play scenarios.
The Doc Johnson can be a little difficult to get out of, which may be good for the games, but slightly annoying when you’re ready to untie.
It’s important to say that these ropes also may leave some marks on your body, so being aware and careful during use is important. Though the material is excellent, it tends to be a little unforgiving and harsh on the skin.
In general, these ropes are great for anyone wanting to amplify restraint play and can be paired with some blindfolds to add even more bondage fun.
Features:
- 6-meter hemp bondage rope
- Reinforced ends
- Natural finish
Pros
- A long 6-meters in rope length
- Natural fiber rope with authentic aesthetic
- Best Shibari rope
- Suitable for beginner and experts users
Cons
- May leave rope marks on the skin after tight or prolonged play
- Unforgiving material when tied up
Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me Bondage Rope (Twin Pack)
Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me Bondage Rope (Twin Pack) Review
When the world met Christian Gray, a revolution was sparked in the world of rope bondage. Using ropes in the bedroom became normal for people to do, and the 50 Shades of Grey Restrain Me became some of the most popular on the market.
50 Shades of Grey Restrain Me comes with two good-quality ropes to enjoy. Each is 5 meters long and features a metal end engraved with the Fifty Shades of Grey logo on each end for an element of luxury.
The contrasting red and black rope are stylish and sexy, allowing you the chance to enjoy a little pop of color in the bedroom.
Unlike most bondage ropes on the market, the Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me is made from triple-twisted nylon and features little elasticity.
While the glossy surface reduces friction against the skin and makes untying knots easy, the spiraled elastic-free weave ensures you never accidentally tie your sub too tight.
Being one of the shorter rope kits on the market, there isn’t enough for complex full-body ties, but tying up the wrists and ankles together can still be easily achieved. Surprisingly, the ropes feel soft on the skin during use.
Although they were primarily made with the seasoned bondage player in mind, they could also come in handy to spice things up for newbies, too… with caution.
Features:
- 2 x 5-metre silky and strong bondage ropes
- Twine-twisted rope
- Glossy Surface
Pros
- The rope feels comfortable and silky on the skin
- Secure metal tip ends ensure safe usage
- Wrist or ankle ties give scope for more complicated full-body bondage
Cons
- The metal clips at the end could be dangerous if used wrong
- Not enough rope for full-body tying
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope Restraints
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope Restraints Review
If you’re looking for the best rope for bondage, a great set to add to your collection is the super silky Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope Restraints.
These are the easiest ropes to use because no tying is required. They come with a pre-tied slipknot that is adjustable for up to 51 inches in circumference to help you find the perfect fit. It also means you can adjust it during use if the slipknot is getting too tight or too loose.
Another great feature of the Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope Restraints is the sturdy O-ring at the end of each of the four restraints. This can easily be attached to any kind of furniture, bondage racks, collars, headboard, or restraint systems, meaning they can be used anywhere you want.
Because the set comes with four 53cm restraints, you can fully restrain your partner or pick and choose what you want to do.
The ropes are made from nylon and feel silky soft, and incredibly secure during use. They won’t rub unless they get too tight, but this also means that sometimes they can be difficult to keep firm.
Although this is a safe and secure way for beginners to dip their toes into rope bondage, anyone looking for something a bit tighter will likely be disappointed.
Features:
- 4 Silky rope restraints
- Soft and comfortable rope
- Fully adjustable
Pros
- Can be fastened to or used on any kind of bed
- Each strap has a sturdy O-ring to help with typing up your partner quickly and efficiently
- High-quality and silky soft luxurious material
- A great first-time and beginner set
Cons
- It would be better if the ropes come with a carabiner or two to clip into the O-rings
- Not very firm for experienced users
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope 10 metres
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope 10 metres Review
If you’re interested in enjoying the Japanese art of shibari or simply want to dive into some full-body rope bondage or decorative knots with your partner, the bondage boutique soft bondage rope is the perfect place to start.
The soft cotton rope has a half-inch width and offers a more luxurious experience. It is surprisingly still strong and durable enough for BDSM play.
You can feel the pleasure of vulnerability practicing shibari rope art while also feeling confident it won’t harm your body, nor will it create any friction burns. You can get as rough as you’d like, and the rope will stay secure and soft on your skin, meaning it is definitely up there as the best bondage rope.
With ten meters of fun, this rope is just the right length for anyone to spice things up a little!
It comes in a soft red or black color for an added sexy dimension to your playtime.
Incredible quality for an excellent price!
Features:
- 10 metres of durable bondage rope
- Non-irritant material
- Perfect for practicing shibari rope art
Pros
- A machine wash keeps it in great condition
- Ideal for beginners, hardcore bondage fans, and those interested in Shibari rope play
- Despite its tough appearance, the rope is very flexible, soft, and not at all harsh on the skin
Cons
- The stretchy material can tighten up a little too much and then not release again when the pressure is eased
- The ends could easily fray after a few uses
Fifty Shades Freed: Want to Play? 10 Metre Silky Rope
Fifty Shades Freed: Want to Play? 10 Metre Silky Rope Review
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Fifty Shades Freed Want to Play 10 Metre Silky Rope is super high quality and perhaps the best bondage rope on the market!
A silky 10-meter triple-strand twisted rope will give you plenty of opportunity to dive into shibari play and tie your lover up using their whole body. 10 meters is longer than most ropes on the market, so it hits a specific group of full-body bondage lovers looking to fulfill their fantasies of tying up their partner in artistic designs.
The rope also features a luxurious rose-gold metal clip to stop the ends from fraying and making them easy to locate amongst the length. Because the ropes are so soft, you tend to need to do them up tighter than normal to stop them from falling apart.
This rope best suits bondage experts and those with a deep knowledge of tying rope and safe bondage practices.
Features:
- Silky 10m triple-strand bondage rope
- Rose-gold metal tips
- Soft material is comfortable against skin
Pros
- The addition of rose-gold aglets gives the pale purple rope a lovely finish
- Very high-quality bondage rope, it feels silky to the touch
- Perfect for bondage experts
Cons
- The rope can twist on itself if not carefully detangled after each use
Bondage Boutique Black Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint
Bondage Boutique Black Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint Review
Want bondage rope without the stress of having to tie knots? The Bondage Boutique Soft Rope Hogtie is an award-winning option that helps you dive deep into creative bondage play.
Enjoy a silky, slender rope that will secure your partner’s hands and feet together in a pre-tied hogtie position. The rope kit comprises 4 x adjustable cuffs attached to a 4-way cross-point around a central O-ring.
Each cuff features a quick-release clip to make the entire process easy to use from start to finish.
Enjoy strapping your partner’s arms and legs behind their back for total restriction and submission.
You’ll receive two velcro-fastened wrist cuffs adjustable between 7 and 10 inches and two velcro-fastened ankle ties adjustable between 8 and 11.5 inches.
The velvet inside the cuffs makes wearing them comfortable and soft against the skin while also being quite strong and durable. They feel luxurious, enhancing your rope bondage experience and making it a little bit more classy!
The Bondage Boutique soft rope hogtie is the perfect addition to the bedroom for those that want to progress to new levels of BDSM exploration and restraint – newbies or experienced users.
Features:
- Unique flat soft polyester rope
- No knots to tie
- Under mattress restraint
Pros
- Easy to use from start to finish
- Very high-quality bondage rope that takes the stress out of tying knots
- Great value for money
- Velvet is silky smooth on the skin
Cons
- Not suitable for all sizes
Best Ropes for Bondage Buyer’s Guide
The art of being tied up during sex has gained momentum over the last few years, thanks to popular culture. Once upon a time, rope bondage was all about fetishes. Now, plenty of education reveals the sexy, fun, and safe way of being intimate with someone using different types of rope.
Finding the best rope for bondage is no longer a source of shame and sneaking about, but instead is something that can be raised in most social gatherings.
But there are still many people who do not know exactly how to get started, and we want to help!
What are the Benefits of Using Ropes for Bondage?
More pleasure
One of the main reasons people tend to use bondage rope during foreplay and sex is because it’s a form of dominance.
That doesn’t need to be as scary as it may sound (especially for beginners). Having someone exert dominance can be incredibly sexy and fun for both parties.
If you are the dominant one, you will enjoy tying your partner up and pleasing them in the ways you want to. If you’re the other party, losing control can be incredibly invigorating, leading you to new worlds of pleasure.
While some people love playing the part of only the dom/sub, many couples also love switching between the two.
Bondage rope is a fantastic tool for all because it isn’t gender-specific and can be swapped between both parties mid-play if you want.
Before diving headfirst into rope play, it’s important to talk openly with your partner about what you don’t want and what you are open to trying. Many experts recommend using green, yellow, and red light systems. Green means everything is okay, yellow indicates you might want something to change, and red means stop now. The important thing is to talk about this first to stop any issues throughout.
Connecting and Intimacy
Rope play doesn’t just have to be about sexy time. The communication and connection involved in creating a safe and consensual environment can lead couples to new worlds of intimacy and trust.
Instead, it is all about connecting with your partner and having fun. Allowing someone to take away your control can be nerve-wracking if you’re new to rope play, but when you set boundaries, let go, and trust your partner, your relationship can become much stronger.
Shibari rope play
Unlike bondage, shibari is an art form that involves tying up a person with a greater emphasis on aesthetic purposes. This often requires pretty or intricate types of rope with a lot of length. While shibari is most often used as a means for sexual pleasure in today’s world, historically, it’s been known as a form of meditation, relaxation, and trust-building between two partners
Where bondage can use any restriction – handcuffs, tape, ties, etc.– shibari only uses the best rope, which is more often jute rope or hemp rope.
Features to look for in bondage ropes
Quality of the rope
When it comes to choosing rope for your bedroom activities, it’s important to understand the kind of activities you want so you can find the best quality rope to use.
Many bedroom bondage aficionados dream of tying their partners up in intricate ways, so they will likely need a good quality, strong rope. First-timers and beginners might just want to tie their partner’s hands and feet together. You can often use other, more flexible rope types for activities like this.
Price of rope
Despite most ropes being reasonably priced, some can be a bit pricey. What you pay for depends on the material, the quality, the shed fibers, and the rope’s ability to hold knots.
The price that works for you comes down to personal preference, but remember just how savvy you want to get with tying knots before deciding on something that may be difficult and firm to use.
The Rope Types
Natural-fiber rope tends to be weaker and less durable than synthetic rope but usually offers better grip, easier handling, and less chance for friction burn. In addition, the natural fiber options tend to have a lot of variation in their construction, so their strength and durability can vary widely depending on the source and manufacturer.
When it comes to bondage, you want something that will be comfortable to wear, as rougher ones can cut into the skin or leave red marks that might cause pain.
However, some bondage aficionados like the pain-pleasure barrier and might be happier with a rougher rope.
Of course, this must be discussed before the session starts. Trial and error is how to find the best option for your needs.
Here’s a quick rundown of the types of rope you’ll find.
- Hemp Rope. Hemp is a natural fiber rope quite commonly used as a rope for shibari play. It’s very traditional and offers a more natural and raw look. Hemp rope doesn’t tend to be as stretchy as other ropes; washing it can shed its natural fibers, and it can be quite stiff to use for the first time, but it is natural and comfortable to use if you want a traditional rope aesthetic.
- Jute Rope. Jute is one of the best shibari rope options on the market and another one of the natural ropes that is worth looking into. It tends to be more expensive than hemp ropes and also needs quite a bit of time to break it in when you first receive it but can be an excellent option for those preferring a rope that hots knots and stays secure throughout use. The upside of jute rope is that quality improves with every use; it has a natural smell; can be dyed in any color, and is easy to unknot.
- Cotton Rope. Cotton is a really comfortable rope type to use for bondage play. It is strong but incredibly soft on the skin, with elasticity. These ropes are lightweight, easy to wash, and rarely will leave rashes from rubbing or rope friction due to their softer nature. The downside to cotton rope is that they can be rather hard to undo when the ropes get tight, so they would not be recommended for beginners.
- Silk Rope. Silk is an option similar to cotton in that it’s soft on the skin and offers a degree of flexibility. It can be quite expensive to purchase, so can be less available.
- Bamboo Rope. Just like silk, bamboo is one of the more luxurious soft ropes on the market that would be great for anyone with grass allergies or sensitive skin. It feels soft on the skin and has a degree of stretch and flexibility. Though it usually comes nicely made up in beautiful colors, bamboo is a natural product with decent durability and less grip than silk. It is machine washable.
- Nylon Rope. Nylon rope is one of the top synthetic ropes you’ll find. They are often a lot smoother and softer, easy to find and clean, and with great durability. This kind of rope is slippery, knots can get pretty compact, and rope burns are much more prominent. It is a non-traditional type of rope.
- Synthetic Hemp Rope. Synthetic hemp is similar to natural hemp in many ways. It sheds like natural hemp and isn’t as easy to clean as other materials. Knots don’t get very compact, but they’re still strong enough to support suspension and other kinds of play too.
Top Tips for Rope Play
Trust & Communication
With bondage, the first and most important factor is the trust between the person being tied up and the person doing the tying. Ropes can be a scary thing to use, particularly for first-timers, so it is important to ensure you have spoken about using them before diving headfirst into bondage play.
The dominant person (the one in charge of the rope) must be aware at all times that their partner is completely reliant upon and trusting them to look after their interests. This is where using a safe word or stoplight system can help build trust and ensure safe use between both parties.
Finding a communication system is even more important if ball gags are being used because they can struggle to express that a problem is occurring.
Safety
Ropes shouldn’t feel overly tight or constricting to the point of pain. A good rule of thumb is to keep the rope loose enough to put two fingers inside the rope. The goal is to restrain, not cut off, circulation, so remember this when setting up for playtime.
No matter what your expeirence level is, it is essential to never place the rope on joints or in places that can interfere with breathing. This can cause serious injury and can be disastrous if done wrong!
Keep a pair of safety shears nearby. These will allow you to cut the rope off quickly if discomfort or pain is experienced.
Size and Material
For beginners, start with shorter cotton ropes, as they’re easier to handle. Super long ropes can get tangled up, be hard to handle, and just increase frustration between the two of you if issues arise.
By starting with a more malleable material that stretches and feels comfortable against the skin, you will be in for a much better initial experience.
What are the best knots to use for rope play?
The best knot for you is the one you’re most comfortable tying and untying. Before using, ensure you do your research and practice tying knots to avoid frustration and disappointment.
For some basic knots, try:
- Overhand on a bite
- Lark’s head
- Square knot
- Prusik head knot
- One-handed slip knot
- Prusik head inline knot
- Cross hitch friction
- Double coin knot
Bondage Rope FAQs
Are there any risks involved with rope play?
Though there can be many risks, the main risk involved with rope play is nerve damage. Before you begin, it is essential to know where it is safe to tie ropes around the body and just how tight to go.
If tied incorrectly, this may cause numbing, tingling, loss of sensation, or further damage that can be very painful.
Is rope burn a possibility with rope bondage?
When it comes to rope bondage, rope burn is not a very common issue. Rope burn is caused by a rope being pulled very quickly across the skin.
Though you might think this happens regularly during this kind of play, it’s actually a lot less common than you’d expect.
Unless you are trying to play rough and hard, you’re more likely to get compression marks or some tender rubbing that will ease with hydration and time.
