Kink and BDSM (which stands for Bondage Discipline Sadism and Masochism) is defined as a type of consensual sexual activity that can be expressed in different forms, from light spanking to role play to bondage. Thanks to popular movies such as 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' kink has made its way into mainstream culture, enticing couples to experiment with different implements and behaviors. Due to its restrictive nature, it's essential to use the best rope for bondage.
One of the most common forms of kink play is rope play. In fact, back in 2012, at the height of 'Fifty Shades' success, the Huffington Post reported a massive increase in rope sales within hardware stores in the United States. The appeal is quite understandable. Bondage can offer an easy initiation to kink, especially for those couples who are new to BDSM. Introducing rope into your play can be an exciting, creative, and stimulating way to spice things up in the bedroom and beyond!
Rope Ties
Suppose you are a kinkster that prefers a more advanced form of rope activity; the art of Japanese rope ties-or Shibari is called a well-known practice that offers a more technical but beautiful way to play with rope. Shibari is a Western expression that is meant to describe 'Kinbaku,' which literally translates from Japanese to mean 'tight binding.' This is a more decorative way to express oneself with rope.
Shibari can be integrated into sexual play, or it can stand alone as it's own kink activity, involving a union between the 'rope bottom' (who is the person who is being tied) and the 'rope top' or 'rigger' (who is the person who is doing the tying).
Rope Suspension
For those who are more experienced, rope suspension is a beautiful way to incorporate intricate ties into a more twisted form of bondage. Rope suspension is an advanced practice that can also be dangerous if one is not versed in proper bondage ties. This type of rope activity involves both bondage for the rope bottom, but it also includes hanging the bottom or person from suspension hooks. This kind of rope play is highly regarded in the BDSM community and offers stunning visual entertainment. However, rope suspension bondage should only be reserved for experts or those who have a lot of rope safety experience.
As you can see, rope bondage can be quite versatile, and for many, that is part of the appeal. Regardless of where you are in your experience, it's important to understand which are the best materials for rope and the various techniques and practices. With all of the options available, we are excited to explore the best recommendations for rope so that you don't get 'all tied up' in all of the confusion!
Why Use Bondage Rope?
So considering how versatile rope actives are, one may wonder why it's important to use specifically bondage rope in some instances as opposed to regular household rope or ropes found at hardware stores. And while it's great that bondage rope is an easy introduction to kink play for beginners, the types of rope you choose is essential.
Safety
First of all, above all else, safety must be considered. You need to make sure that your rope is suitable for skin. The best kind of rope are ropes that do not chafe or harm the surface of the skin. If the person you are playing with is more physically sensitive or has little or no experience with bondage or rope in general, you might want to use a soft and flexible rope so that it creates less friction on the skin.
However, if your rope bottom has more of an inclination towards pain, they may actually want a sensation that feels rougher, perhaps a rope that is made of thicker fibers. As with any type of sexual or kink activity, it's vital to make sure that your rope bottom feels safe and comfortable enough to enjoy the bondage experience.
Price
Another consideration is the price. Bondage rope can be cheap or inexpensive, again, depending on your purpose. If you are a beginner, you can start with something easy to find, like braided cotton rope, although these types of rope do not come cheap. That said, the natural durability and quality is a great choice for those who are new to playing with bondage rope. If you prefer to explore more expensive options, synthetic rope can also be a great choice.
Knot Type
You will also need to think about rope ties. The kind of knots you want to use will also dictate the types of rope you choose. The right rope is strong enough to create a firm knot in order to form an intense enough bondage to your rope bottom.
In addition to the more essential characteristics, length, and even color are something you will want to think about when choosing the best bondage rope for you and your partner(s).
What Are Ropes Typically Made Of?
Bondage rope can be divided into two main categories. There is natural rope, such as cotton rope, jute rope, or hemp rope. Some of the best ropes used for bondage are made from raw materials. However, if you are interested in advanced bondage ties or finding the best rope for bondage practices like suspension or Shibari, natural ropes are not a great option. Rope made of natural materials are used in more introductory and playful forms of bondage. And for many, natural rope also feels wonderful on the skin.
On the other hand, there is synthetic rope, which can be made of nylon or even polyester. Synthetic rope tends to be a little slipperier and can be available in a variety of colors. However, it is extremely durable and is perfect for suspension play. This kind of rope may be best for more advanced players.
If your focus is also on aesthetics, synthetic rope is easy to dye, in case you want a particular color. Let's explore the characteristics of each kind of bondage rope.
Natural Rope Options
Cotton Rope
This type of bondage rope tends to be the more expensive kind of rope, but it does carry certain advantages. Cotton rope usually has a tougher texture, which can help to prevent breaking. Also, the cotton fiber has a better 'tooth,' making it ideal for activities that require a firm grip. Cotton rope is also relatively easy to find.
Hemp Rope
This also falls under the natural bondage rope category. Hemp is a derivative of the Cannabis plant that is extracted for industrial use. The hemp fibers can be used to construct hemp rope. One of the great qualities of hemp rope is that it can withhold a lot of high tension, and it also possesses a lot of strength, making it a great rope for bondage and, in particular, for activities like Shibari. That said, it is not ideal for rope suspension.
Jute Rope
This is another natural fiber that is used for bondage rope. Unlike its cousins cotton rope and hemp rope, jute rope is made from long, vegetable fibers that are woven together to create a great and natural rope for bondage. A few differences between Jute rope and rope made of hemp is that both cotton and hemp rope is more expensive, whereas Jute rope costs very little in comparison but is still thick enough to use as rope for bondage. Jute rope also tends to feel softer than hemp or cotton.
Synthetic Rope Options
Nylon Rope
This is made from nylon and refined oils. It is called a synthetic rope because it uses artificial fibers. It is known to many for its resilience; nylon rope is also great for easy washing. Nylon is the right rope for those who enjoy exciting imprints on the skin during bondage ties. The biggest con to these ropes is that they tend to stretch and sag when wet. Nylon ropes are one of the best for suspension bondage play because it is quite strong. Nylon rope also costs little when you compare the price to a material like hemp, therefore it makes this type of rope an easy enough choice for beginners.
Polyester Rope
This is similar to nylon in the fact that it is made from man-made materials. And like nylon, it is one of the best bondage rope for suspensions. Unlike natural options like cotton and hemp, polyester rope is perfect for those who want to incur as little expense as possible but who still want to use something that is strong, safe, and slippery on the skin. Polyester rope is easy to find but it does have a tendency to lose its shape over time.
How To Choose The Best Rope For Bondage?
As mentioned above, when choosing the best kind of rope, you want to look for a rope that offers safety as well as comfort. It is also helpful for your rope bottom to use something that feels comfortable on the skin (like natural rope). Also, many rope tops want cool braid imprints on the skin as well! With so many options available, it's not always easy to find the best rope, so first consider how you want to use it.
Beginners who want to explore rope bondage as a sexy and spicy addition to more 'vanilla' sex probably don't need to use rope designed for suspension play. Also, if you care less about the intricacy of the knots, this will impact your purchasing decision.
If you want to tie up your lover and enjoy some erotic bedroom teasing that requires little experience with knots, we recommend a natural fiber rope. Silk or hemp materials will feel the softest against skin and is the easiest type of rope to untie.
However, if you are a more experienced rope rigger, you will need a synthetic rope, like nylon. Not only is it really easy to care for, it can be more visually pleasing and does not break under pressure.
How to Incorporate Sex in Rope Play?
When it comes to erotic bedroom bondage, the positions used are just as crucial as the rope and the knots (although for sexy play, you don't need to worry about ties or knots that are overly complicated). While more advanced BDSM players may want to get more intricate, you and your partner can easily explore kink while keeping things exciting, safe, and relatively simple.
The nerve-racking part of bondage (or any BDSM activity) is the shift in power dynamics. Obviously, the person being tied will be at the mercy of the person securing the rope, so we recommend that you only practice activities like rope bondage with a partner whom you trust. And since you will need to vocalize and obtain consent, a safe word must be used.
Many websites offer interesting names and diagrams for various sexual couplings involving rope. However, below is a brief overview of common positions that are generally used for rope bondage beginners.
1. Tying Wrists and Forearms Together
With one partner's hands tied, it then leaves the other partner free to bend the other person over or lay them on their side. For the person who is bound, it can be quite thrilling to relinquish control and submit to the wishes of the rope top!
2. Tying Wrists to Ankles
As you can imagine, this position leaves the rope bottom vulnerable and exposed to other forms of kinky play, like spanking or flogging. And if your rope bottom is less into pain or impact play, you can also take this opportunity to lightly caress or stroke the legs and the bum of your bonded lover.
3. Tying Hands Above One's Head
Not to be confused with rope suspension, this simpler version can be achieved while the rope bottom is still standing on the legs but perhaps tied to a hook or a ledge. The body's front surface is then exposed to the rope top, while the rope bottom has no use of their hands!
4. Try a Simple Version of the Hogtie
This is a super sexy rope tie position, especially for a lover that is a bit more flexible. It's a more comfortable alternative to the classic hogtie, which is great for beginner or intermediate rope players. The rope bottom lies on their stomach while the rope top binds the wrists and ankles behind the back. This is one position that requires trust as it leaves the rope bottom in a vulnerable and exposed position. The rope top can then enjoy lots of sexy play, mostly from behind.
5. Tie Hands Behind a Chair
This is a fun, interrogation-style position, which can be a fun one for playing with power dynamics. It's as easy as it sounds! Just place your rope bottom in a chair and tie their hands around the back. The rope top now has access to the front body, opening up the thighs while the rope bottom is delightfully at the whim of their top's wishes.
6. Spread Eagle Tie
Lay your bottom on their back with their hands and legs spread wide. Tie their arms and legs on each of the four corners of your bed or surface. You may require additional hooks or products so that you can secure the rope ends. Now, your lovely bottom is splayed out in front of you; enjoy to your heart's desire!
7. Legs Over Head
If you and your partner need some advanced bondage action, try this sexy leg flip position. Again, this only works well if your partner is flexible or can do reverse backbends. The bottom starts on their back and flips their legs behind their head. From there, the rope top can tie the ankles together. Be sure not to tie too tightly, to allow a bit of looseness with the legs. As the top, you will also need to check in continuously to make sure that your bottom is comfortable; adjust as needed.
8. Power Ride Tie
This is a fun option that provides women the power to ride her tied-up partner. The male lays on his back with his legs and hands spread wide, tied to the four corners of your chosen surface. This is similar to the spread eagle tie, except that the woman has full control over her partner and can straddle or tease him at her own pace. Talk about a pleasure position!
How to Clean and Maintain Bondage Rope
Just like other sex toys and intimate products, it's essential to keep your bondage rope clean and sanitized, especially if you are using the same rope on various people. But unlike other sex toys that appear easy to care for, how does one clean and maintain rope?
Synthetic Material
First, the type of rope you choose for bondage play will dictate how easy or challenging the maintenance. As we mentioned above, synthetic ties are easier to clean by virtue of the fact that is it made from human-made materials. Because synthetic material can withstand various moisture levels and chemical dying, it can handle basic cleaning products like soap and water.
To clean this variety of rope, you can use a gentle detergent and soak the rope in cool water. Because synthetic materials are basically the same as synthetic clothing, they can be treated as such.
Some experts think it's acceptable to put your artificial cords into the washing machine (without using the dryer). While this may work for the first few times, be careful with regular machine washing, as it can disfigure the shape.
That said, washing by hand with soap in a bucket should work just fine. To dry, lay your rope out flat and let it air out naturally.
Natural Material
How To Clean Cotton Ropes
With ropes made of natural fibers, you need to be more careful, similar to how you would be with clothing. For cotton rope, you can clean it as you would like cotton clothing. You can also machine wash cotton ties but be mindful of the temperature of the water. And similar to cotton garments, you may hang them to dry.
How To Clean Hemp or Jute Ropes
For rope made of materials like hemp or jute, you can wash these ropes using very hot or even boiling water. And similar to other ropes, you can throw these into the washing machine as well and dry flat. With hemp or jute, you will need to stretch them out when you dry in order to maintain the shape.
The only difference aside from the water temperature is that you will need to oil up your hemp or jute rope once washed and dried to maintain the integrity of the surface. To oil these types of ropes, it's best to use oil that is not food grade, as it can spoil over time; mineral oil or hemp oil is a great choice. You can use a spray bottle or apply oil on a cloth, rubbing it along the surface of the rope from end to end.
Sanitize
The last point to consider is sanitizing your rope, which is different from basic cleaning. Sanitizing is important because it gets rid of bacteria that may be lingering on the surface and beyond. This is an especially crucial step if you are into heavy types of kink play that may involve bodily fluids. If you are going to incorporate bondage activities that require sanitizing, be sure to use synthetic ties because the process of sanitizing can be quite harsh.
To remove harmful bacteria and (most) viruses, you can use a few drops of bleach in hot water, soaking your rope for about half an hour. Then lay it out to dry. Whenever possible, try to dry it in the sunlight as UV rays have been noted to help with the sanitizing process. Keep in mind that if your rope has been dyed or your rope is a dark or vibrant color, the bleach will have a fading effect on the color's surface.
Recommendations for the 5 Best Ropes for Bondage
Now that you have the general information that you will need to choose the appropriate bondage rope, as well as interesting positions for bedroom bondage play, let's explore some of the best bondage ropes and products that are on the market.
1. Bondage Boutique Soft Rope Hog Tie
Remember when we talked about the sexy positions that you can try with your lover? Oh yea, the Soft Rope Hog Tie is an easy and fun way to turn your partner into the pretzel of your dreams! This design comes with premade wrist and ankle cuffs, so you don't need to worry about tying the knots yourself. There are also metal rings that offer a center point that allow the wrists and ankles to meet comfortably. Treat yourself to 24 inches of silky nylon material that feels soft against the skin. Try the hog tie made easy!
Both beginner and intermediate Shibari lovers will enjoy this award-winning rope that offers over 98 feet of bondage joy! Made from a cotton-polyester blend, this product provides both durability and comfort. While it may not be best for suspension ties, it's still an excellent option for roping your partner into creative bedroom bondage play. The red color is hot; just be careful when cleaning and sanitizing in order to preserve the dye properly. This product is suitable for couples who want to try basic or more advanced knots with unrestrained passion!
Nothing says sexy like silk, and we love this natural fiber bondage rope by Pipe Dream. While many natural cords are expensive, the silky soft option is within a reasonable price range. This is also an excellent product for decorative, body-harness ties, as it will not chafe against the skin. The 35-foot length will work for some Shibari knots, although we only wish it was longer for more versatile ties. However, the item does come with a complimentary blindfold mask for those who like to add sensation play to the kinky bondage fun.
You had us at marketing! Now you can relive the kinky scenes from this famous movie with not one but two 16-foot nylon ropes. The dual colors of red and black offer a fun aesthetic; mingle the two colors together or use each one to restrain different parts of the body. The nylon material is sturdy enough for both basic Shibari and suspension ties. Plus, who doesn't love a value pack that offers double the fun (and trouble!). Let your imagination go wild or get some inspiration from the big screen.
This is a wonderful cotton product found at an affordable price. This option is made of soft natural fibers that won't burn against the skin, and it's also relatively easy to wash and maintain. The extra-long length is versatile enough for various ties and restraints but is not recommended for suspension. The material's width may make it challenging for some knotty styles, but as they say, practice makes perfect!
Conclusion
In reviewing the best bondage ropes, we concluded that the Scandal BDSM Rope by Calexotics is the best rope for bondage. It offers beginners a product that is easy to care for, as well as to work with. The length is perfect for restraints, body harnesses and can be used in all kinds of kinky positions; the price is also reasonable. Tie one on tonight with your lover; you're bound to have a great time!
