You can't move your arms, but your body is tingling with sensation as the ropes wrap tightly around you. The soft fibers of the restraint glide against your skin as your partner skillfully binds you. Each movement is met with resistance. Your breath quickens as your partner creates intricate rope patterns. The sight of your bound form is mesmerizing, a true work of art. And as you surrender to the pleasure of being under your partner’s spell, you begin to feel connected, encouraged, and freed.

Welcome to the world of rope bondage. This interesting BDSM practice entails the doms tying up their submissives. It establishes a power dynamic between trusting partners, making it highly arousing for adventurous individuals. The dom (aka the rope top) or the rigger derives pleasure from the partner’s complete submission, while the one being restrained enjoys the feeling of helplessness and giving up control.

What is rope bondage and is it the same as Kinbaku or Shibari?

Not exactly. Rope bondage (or rope play) as we know now refers to the act of using a rope to restrain movement and wrap a person as part of BDSM activities. While Western bondage focuses more on restricting the movement of the individual bound by the rope, its predecessor, Japanese bondage, put more emphasis on the artistry of the process.

The practice of restraining a partner using rope was derived from the Japanese art form called Kinbaku, which literally means “the beauty of tight binding.” This refers to a type of rope bondage that is characterized by its aesthetic and technical qualities. It typically involves binding the body in an intricate and visually pleasing manner, with an emphasis on the emotional and sensual connection between the person tying the ropes and the person being tied.

As the practice became known in other countries, a new term emerged—Shibari. This literally translates to “tying” or “binding.” Shibari can be considered as the more general term that refers to the overall art of tying someone up with a rope. Kinbaku and Shibari are the root and influence of many modern rope bondage styles and techniques.

Now, what do all these bondage styles have in common? The rope, of course. You will find many options for bondage ropes out there. This guide will help you decide which one to buy if you are interested in exploring different types of restraint play.

How can rope bondage improve my sex life?

Rope bondage is an exhilarating form of consensual BDSM play that can add a new level of excitement and intensity to your relationship. If you are exploring kinks and want to expand your bedroom repertoire, rope bondage is an interesting practice to try out. It has a lot of benefits in terms of physical, emotional, and sexual wellness.

It can be exciting and pleasurable

Rope work can create a wide range of sensations and experiences for both the individual being tied up and the person doing the tying or the rigger.

For the one being restrained, a light touch of the material on the skin can produce a ticklish feeling. A tighter binding can introduce a sense of confinement or pressure. Besides these physical sensations, some subs get pleasure from giving up full control to another individual.

For the dom, the idea of being able to restrain another by skillfully tying knots can give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Some find it highly arousing to be able to put another individual under their complete control. Watching someone struggle against the knots helplessly can be intensely hot. It bestows them immense power, playing into their fantasies.

It can be a form of stress relief

Some people see rope bondage as an escape from their daily realities. Once the fantasy begins, all problems with work, family, and other aspects of life take the backseat. Nothing else matters except the present and the play.

The process of tying and untying knots can also be a form of meditative practice and create a sense of focus and intention.

It awakens the artist in you

Rope bondage can unleash your creativity. If you’re interested in being the rigger, you can try out new knots and even include some accessories in your play. As for the submissive, rope bondage gives you another avenue to celebrate your body. It literally turns you into a work of art.

It can improve your physical fitness

Tying a person requires a lot of stamina and flexibility. The same is true for being tied in different positions and holding that position for a long time.

What are the different types of ropes?

Sure, you can go to a hardware store and buy the first rope you see. But, you might just end up with the wrong rope that’s not suited for your specific bondage fantasy. Check out these different rope materials which come with their own set of features and qualities.

Natural Rope Materials

• Hemp - This has a natural look and high friction enabling it to hold knots effectively. However, it is very scratchy and can cause allergies. Plus, upkeep is a little hard since washing this material reduces its integrity.
• Jute - It is another high-friction material and is easy to unknot. However, just like hemp, washing degrades the fibers.
• Flax - This material has high friction and is quite durable. However, it can be expensive and hard to clean.
• Bamboo - This material has moderate friction, is quite soft, and is durable.
• Cotton - This is a strong but soft material. It also poses lower chances of getting rope burn. However, cotton easily gets dirty and can stretch with use. Plus, cotton is hard to unknot.
• Silk - This material has moderate friction and comes in different colors. However, it tends to be expensive.
• Sisal - Quite cheap but has very high friction (can cause rope burns when tugged).

Synthetic Rope Materials

• Nylon or Polyester - This material is very durable, smooth, and soft. However, it has low friction yet can cause rope burns.
• Hempex - Also known as synthetic hemp, this material is strong enough for suspension and has moderate friction.
• Multifilament Polypropylene - This is soft, smooth, and has low friction. However, it is not strong enough for suspension and can cause severe rope burns.

How do I choose the right bondage rope?

Now that you know the different types of rope materials, here are some additional questions you can ask yourself and your partner before getting your first bondage rope.

What is the submissive’s preferred texture?

The sub’s comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bondage rope. Do they prefer something soft and smooth or would they rather go for something rough? Some people are also allergic to fibers like sisal or hemp.

What type of bondage play are you going for?

Are you more interested in restraining (or getting restrained) or would you rather focus on the artistry of the process? For restraint, you may want to look for stronger, rigid ropes. If you want to do it for aesthetics, check out ropes in bright colors.

If you want to explore artistic rope bondage, go for ropes that have high friction like ones made with natural fibers. These hold and show off knots better.

Think also about the intensity of your plays. If you expect the sub to try to move against the restraint, avoid buying a stretchy rope. That one can loosen once the sub pulls on it.

If you are skilled enough to explore suspension plays, choose a rope that has very high tensile strength. Choose a rope that is specifically designed for this play or you and your partner may end up getting injured if the rope snaps in the middle of the session.

How skilled is the rigger?

If you are just starting out, it is best to check out thicker ropes (5mm or thicker is ideal). Thinner ropes can apply excess pressure and easily cut off circulation in the hands of an inexperienced rope top. The more knowledgeable and experienced you become, the better you’ll be able to handle thinner ropes.

How do I perform rope bondage safely?

While rope bondage can be an exciting and fulfilling activity for both partners, it is important to approach it with safety in mind. Here is a short guide on how you can safely explore this activity and have the most sensual experience.

Before You Begin

• Educate yourself. It is a must to learn as much as you can about the basics of rope bondage, including the proper knots and techniques.
  If you are the dom, educating yourself will help you create safe and effective ties that will not cause injury to your partner. Learn safety precautions like checking for blood circulation, avoiding restrictive ties around the neck, and being prepared for quick release in case of emergency. Know that some positions can exacerbate certain conditions. For example, people with bad hips or knees should avoid ties that extend those areas. Placing the arms in a backward bending position can be painful for people with tennis elbows or carpal tunnel syndrome.
  If you are the sub, knowing the risks empowers you to also watch out for possible dangers and alert your partner about them immediately.
• Make sure you have the right equipment. Good quality, sturdy ropes are essential for safe rope bondage. Avoid using any ropes that are frayed or damaged, as they can easily break or cause injury. You should also have a pair of sharp scissors or a rope cutter in case of emergency.
• Communicate with your partner. The first thing you need to do is get your partner’s consent and establish boundaries. While you may be interested in the act of bondage, your partner may not be comfortable with it. So, it is necessary to communicate your desires and check if your partner is also willing to try it out.
  Once you have consent, talk about the boundaries and expectations. What is it that you want to get out of the act? Explore the feeling and mood that you want to have during play (tender, rough, loving, etc.). Discuss what you can and cannot do. As usual, establish a safe word and safety protocols.
• Take it slow. Rope bondage can be intense, so it's important to start slow and work your way up. There are numerous tutorials for tying a single-column tie. Master that before exploring other knots. It’s also best to do floor or bed ties until you and your partner become more comfortable and get better. Remember that only experts should go for the more risky in-air suspension.

During the Scene

• Check in with your partner. As you are binding your partner, check in with them regularly to make sure they are comfortable and not in any pain. If they indicate that they are uncomfortable, stop immediately and adjust the tie.
• Keep an eye on blood circulation. Rope bondage can restrict blood flow, so it's important to keep an eye on your partner's circulation. If their hands or feet start to turn purple or blue, immediately release the tie.
• Avoid tight or restrictive ties around the neck. Restricting blood flow to the brain can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Always keep a safe distance between the rope and the neck.
• Be prepared to release the tie quickly. In case of emergency, you should always be prepared to release the tie quickly. Keep a pair of scissors or a rope cutter nearby and learn how to use them.
• Savor the untying. Coming out of bondage can be as enjoyable as the tying process. It can take many forms depending on the scene you are exploring. Take note of pinching and burn rate. Allow the limbs and joints to slowly recover.

After the Scene

• Check for injuries. After the scene, take the time to check your partner for any injuries or signs of discomfort. If you notice any red marks or bruises, apply some soothing cream or lotion to help alleviate the discomfort. A massage is also a good idea. It would help soothe the muscles and facilitate circulation. Aftercare is always a crucial part of rope bondage.
• Talk about the scene. After the scene is over, take some time to talk to your partner about what you both enjoyed and what could be improved. This will help you to make any necessary adjustments for future play sessions.

What are some basic rope-tying techniques?

When getting started with rope bondage, it is essential to learn some basic knots and techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Here are some knots and ties that should get you started on your sensual journey.

How to make a square knot

This is the basic knot that we also use to tie our shoelaces. For a refresher, follow these steps.

• Take the left end of the rope in your left hand and the right end in your right hand.
• Cross the left-hand rope over the right-hand rope.
• Bring the left-hand rope under and over the right-hand rope. At this point, both ends will be pointing upwards. The rope ends will also be reversed.
• Create a loop by laying the new right-hand rope over the other rope.
• Pull the rope end at the right over and under the other rope.
• Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the rope.

How to make a single-column tie

A column is a thing or body part that you’re tying. For example, a single arm can be considered a single column.

• Start by finding the bight. The bight is the loop formed by folding your rope in half. Place that fold or bight over the sub’s wrist, with the two loose ends hanging down.
• Wrap the loose ends twice around the arm just above the wrist. Keep the rope loose enough to fit two fingers in between the wrist and the rope.
• After the second wrap. Pass the bight across the wraps then tuck it under the cuff (all the rope wrapped around the limb).
• Using the bight and the standing line (the loose rope), tie a square knot.
• Tighten the knot by pulling on the loose rope.

How to make a double-column tie

• Place the arms parallel to each other. Wrap the bight two times around both limbs. Make sure to leave room between the wrists.
• After the second wrap, cross the bight with the loose end of the rope. The rope should now be parallel to the arms.
• Pass the rope’s ends through the wrists, behind both sets of ropes, then pull it back to the front.
• Using the bight and the standing line, tie a square knot.

Top Ropes from NOTI

Ready for a night of seductive rope plays? Once you’ve looked into your rope needs and preferences, you can now go shopping for the best equipment for exploring restraint play. Check out some of our recommended ropes.

Obei Bind Me Bondage Rope

This option holds endless possibilities for rope play newbies and experts. It is made from durable nylon, making it soft to the touch yet strong. The diameter is just right at 7cm wide. Not too small to cause injury and not too big to make it difficult to tie.

It has a non-slip finish so you are sure that your knots will stay in place. Plus, it is 10 meters long, the perfect length to play with if you are learning how to tie different kinds of knots. The Obei Bind Me will look amazing against the sub’s skin.

Fifty Shades Freed Want To Play Bondage Rope

The Fifty Shades Freed Want To Play is another option that rope newbies should check out. It is made of a triple-twisted, cotton-polyester material that looks and feels amazing against the skin. It is shiny but has enough friction to securely hold your knots. Plus, the rose-gold metal tips add a luxurious look to it.

The rope is 10 meters long so you have a lot of material to play with. It’s enough to do full-body bondage.

Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me Bondage Rope

The Restrain Me bondage rope is a twin set made from triple-twisted, non-elastic polypropylene. This comes in stunning black and red colors that would look stunning when combined. Each rope is 5 meters each, giving you a lot of material to bind your sub. Use it for ankle or wrist restraint or do a full body bind to keep your sub completely immobile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I perform rope bondage safely?

Here are a few things that you need to remember to be able to practice rope bondage as safely as possible:

• Learn the essentials of rope bondage. This should include how to find the right rope for you and your partner, the risks involved and safety precautions you should take, and some basic knots and ties.
• Get the right equipment.
• Talk to your partner about consent, boundaries, and safety protocols. Talk about expectations and fantasies that you want to explore.
• Check in with your partner during the scene.
• Watch out for problems and be ready to cut the ropes when an issue arises.
• Perform aftercare like applying soothing cream and massaging limbs.
• Afterwards, talk about the scene to figure out if there are any changes you need to take to make the next time even better.

How do I clean my bondage rope?

When you’re done using the rope, it is best to clean it immediately to remove any sweat or other fluids. The cleaning procedure will vary depending on the rope’s material.

For natural fiber ropes:

• Tie the rope in a knot first then place it inside a bag or old pillowcase.
• Wash it in a washing machine on the gentlest cycle available with cold water and mild soap.
• Allow it to air dry completely before unknotting.
• Let it dry for a few more days on a flat surface before putting it in a clean pouch for storage.

For synthetic material ropes:

• Wash the rope in a washing machine or by hand.
• Put it in the dryer, using the no-heat setting. You can also air-dry it.
• Put the rope in a clean pouch for storage.

Did you know?

Bondage ropes are available in the Philippines — thanks to our sex shop! Here at NOTI.ph, we believe everyone should have the chance to explore their sexuality without guilt or stigma. That's why we aim to offer as many adult accessories and BDSM equipment as possible, including different kinds of bondage ropes.

If you want to check out our stock, you can find the famed implement under the "Ropes" catalog on our site.

Every package can be delivered directly to your doorstep. We guarantee discreet packaging without reference to the parcel's contents or our brand name. The only one who will be excited about the parcel is you!