The best rope for bondage is a tough choice because there are so many excellent ropes — and a few not-so-excellent ones — out there. We’ve shown you some of our favorite ropes and rope sex toys, so read on to pick out the right rope for you. You’ll need to consider material, size, color and any special features that will be best you, but you definitely won’t regret adding a good length of rope to your toy chest or tool box today!
#1 Editor’s Choice
deGiotto Hemp Natural Bondage Rope
Read Full Review
- Linen-grade hemp rope
- Silky, strong, supple
- Natural-colored natural fiber
#2 Editor’s Choice
deGiotto Bamboo Silk Bondage Rope
Read Full Review
- Luxurious bamboo silk
- Choice of length and color
- Feels great against skin
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope
Read Full Review
- Purpose-built bondage and Shibari rope
- Deep, true black
- Natural cotton rope
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
Doc Johnson Japanese Style Bondage Cuffs
Read Full Review
- Made from Japanese bondage ropes
- Adjustable cuffs
- Easy to use
Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me Bondage Rope
Read Full Review
- Two lengths of rope
- Black and red ropes
- Silky against skin
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
Bondage Boutique Rainbow Rope Hogtie
Read Full Review
- Hogtie in seconds
- O-ring for ropes, chains, bondage gear
- Bright rainbow colors
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
Blush Novelties TEMPTASIA BONDAGE ROPE
Read Full Review
- Long length of soft cotton rope
- Bright red color
- Machine washable
Lovehoney Purple Bondage Tape
Read Full Review
- Sticks only to itself
- Function and fashion
- Reusable
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
1. deGiotto Hemp Natural Bondage Rope
Editor’s Choice #1: This all-natural, high-quality hemp rope feels like heaven but is actually very down to earth. You’ll love how buttery-smooth it feels against your skin, and it’s amazingly soft and strong at the same time. The natural fibers have enough texture to hold knots beautifully and the jute color hemp ropes look like they belong on a farm, if you’re into that or want to be.
Heaven And Earth Hemp
This super-high-quality hemp rope manages to be both heavenly and earthy at the same time. It’s laid from linen-grade hemp fibers for a smooth, rich feel, and it’s all-natural with no synthetic dyes or chemicals to irritate even the most sensitive skin in the most sensitive places. Hemp makes for a very strong rope and despite the almost-silky surface, it has plenty of “bite” to hold even the most complicated knot arrangements effortlessly which makes it perfect for bondage ropes in general and this rope in particular! It can also be a very good choice as a Shibari rope. The 6mm rope comes in 15- and 30-foot lengths, and there is one rope per package.
Pros
- Strong, smooth, supple rope
- Linen-grade hemp jute rope for silky feel
- Holds knots and can be used for suspension
- All-natural for sensitive skin
- Choice of lengths
Cons
- Not waterproof or water-resistant
- Some prefer more dramatic colors
2. deGiotto Bamboo Silk Bondage Rope
Editor’s Choice #2: Nothing screams luxury quite like silk does, and this bondage and Shibari rope will most definitely have you screaming too. The natural fibers are carefully finished for a super look and feel, and you can choose the color and length that meets your needs. This rope can be washed carefully and air-dried.
Soft, Silky And Super Sexy
This luxurious bondage rope is crafted from the finest silk, using centuries-old techniques for a timeless look and feel. It’s finely finished to feel fantastic on whatever body parts it encounters. This rope is ideal for folks who are new to bondage and rope play as it is slippery and just the slightest bit stretchy; of course, that stretchiness also means that it’s not so well suited for suspension or similar weight-bearing activities. It comes in your choice of red or black, both of which will look great against most skin tones, and in 15- or 30-foot lengths. There is one 6mm rope per package. It can be hand-washed with lingerie wash (it is silk!) and air-dried flat.
Pros
- Feels great against skin
- Natural fibers
- Choice of colors and lengths
- Easy maintenance
- Good entry-level rope
Cons
- Not safe for suspension or weight-bearing play
- Silky texture can make knots slip
3. Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope
Basic Black
Here we have a 30-foot-plus length of soft cotton rope that was designed specifically for bondage and rope play. It is soft and gentle (but not too gentle!) against the skin and the non-slip finish means that it will hold knots beautifully. It’s dyed a deep matte black and won’t irritate skin even in sensitive areas. The dark color and soft material also mean that it can be coiled and stored relatively discreetly. Knots at the end keep the woven cotton rope from unraveling, and the weave prevents twists and/or tangles. This specialist rope is excellent for Shibari and any other type of rope play that strikes your fancy. It’s well-suited beginners or experienced rope bunnies
Pros
- Natural fiber cotton rope
- Deep, dark black
- Soft to prevent rope marks and rope burns
- Long length of rope
- Knots won't slip
Cons
- Some prefer more "oomph" visually
- Length may be too much for some rope games
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
4. Doc Johnson Japanese Style Bondage Cuffs
Purple For Passion
These cuffs are crafted from Doc Johnson’s Japanese-style bondage rope, which is made from soft, strong cotton. This supple natural fiber rope moves and bends easily along with you, and it has just a little bit of stretch to help prevent marks and burns. It’s not suitable for full body harnesses but it’s great for gentle bondage and these cuffs. The rope kit features loops that fit around most adults’ wrists or ankles, and the slip-ring design allows for easy adjustments. The deep purple color is great for men and women, and tends to flatter most skin tones. This is a great way for beginners to get started with real bondage ropes (not just clip-on cuffs) but it’s also a fun addition to an existing rope kit.
Pros
- Easy to use on wrists or ankles
- Comfortable natural fiber rope
- Fun purple color
- Suitable for beginners but fun for all
- Authentic Japanese BDSM rope
Cons
- Not very versatile for Shibari or other types of play
- No choice of colors
5. Fifty Shades of Grey Restrain Me Bondage Rope
Not Actually Shades Of Grey...
…but perfect for BDSM play anyhow! You get two short (15-foot) ropes, one red and one black. They are made of high-quality, silky-smooth nylon that’s twisted twine-style to hold any knot tightly without stretching. This rope bondage set is soft and supple. The two ropes make it easy to tie wrists and ankles separately and the bold colors look great against skin, sheets or lingerie. Each rope has metal ends that prevent unravelling and can add a little extra sensation if you’re a bit rough with them. This is a super set of ropes for those new to the game or those looking to add to their collections.
Pros
- Two nice lengths of rope for Shibari or other play
- Red and black colors
- Silky nylon with no stretch
- Metal tips on ends
- Endorsed by Fifty Shades author E.L. James
Cons
- Not natural fibers
- Some prefer thicker ropes
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
6. Bondage Boutique Rainbow Rope Hogtie
Rainbow Rapture
Part of Bondage Boutique’s Rainbow collection (your BDSM toys can match!), this highly colorful rope toy is designed for the perfect hogtie. It’s crafted from silky, strong, flat-weave nylon rope in a multicolored design. It features four loops — one for each limb — with cuffs that adjust from 1 to 13 inches to fit nearly every body. There is a large O-ring in the center to prevent tangling, and it’s also an excellent anchor for other chains or restraints. Knots are fun, but they take time, and you can be good to go in minutes with the slide-to-fit rope loops. The rope is 1 inch wide so it won’t cut or leave rope burns, and the soft woven fabric feels great against the skin. The ends are finished so they won’t unravel. This is a great choice for those who are new to BDSM but it’s also a fun addition to any toy chest.
Pros
- Pre-tied for an easy hogtie
- Bright rainbow colors
- O-ring anchor in center
- Wide, soft nylon rope
- Adjustable loops
Cons
- Some prefer a darker aesthetic
- Great at what it does, but it only does one thing
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
7. Blush Novelties TEMPTASIA BONDAGE ROPE
Big Red Rope
This is over 30 feet of soft cotton Shibari-style rope in bright red. It’s great for bondage use or any other kind of rope play, and there’s more than enough of it to go well beyond simply tying wrists to the headboard. The rope is approximately 8mm wide and it holds knots firmly and securely, although any all-cotton rope will stretch a bit with use so it’s not the best rope for suspension or other weight-bearing activities. Soft cotton rope feels good against even the most sensitive skin and the bold color really stands out. This rope can be laundered in a lingerie bag in a washing machine (cold water, gentle cycle, and gentle soap), and air-dried flat to prevent shrinking and/or twisting.
Pros
- Long, thick rope
- Natural fibers soft against skin
- Bright red color
- Machine washable
- Holds knots nicely
Cons
- May be too much rope for some types of BDSM play
- Not best suited for suspension
8. Lovehoney Purple Bondage Tape
Not The Tape From The Office
This fabulous purple PVC tape is designed to stick only to itself and not to your skin or hair (ouchie) so you can use it for bondage games, a fetish “outfit” or any other type of play that suits your fancy. You get over 60 feet of wide tape to use any way you like, and if you are careful with it, you can roll it back up for a few more uses! It’s designed not to irritate your skin and there are no adhesives to get stuck on your skin or on the sheets. This tape is great for trying out new restraint positions quickly and easily, and it travels better than a hunk of rope if you’re going on vacation. Perfect for BDSM beginners or rope bunnies looking for something new, this tape is well worth a try!
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great visual impact
- Reusable
- Won't stick to skin or hair
- Try new things quickly
Cons
- Contains latex
- Re-rolling can be fiddly
Use Coupon Code: BADUMTISH (10% Discount)
Buyer’s Guide
How To Choose The Best Bondage Rope For You
When you’re a fan of rope bondage play — or you’d like to be — you’ll want to make sure that you select the best BDSM rope for your needs and wants, and the best bondage experience. Some things to consider include:
Rope Type: Ropes can be made of either natural or synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include cotton (traditional for Shibari and other Japanese bondage play), silk and hemp. These often feel better against the skin and can be less irritating; they often take dye beautifully if you’re looking for the best deep, true color. They can also be left natural, which is more common with hemp and jute rope. Synthetic nylon rope can be very strong and it can also feel very silky.
Rope Size: A very long length of rope lets you indulge in complicated knots and configurations, and it can be a lot of fun to tie your partner down thoroughly. Shorter ropes are best for beginners as they are easier to use, and if you just want to tie wrists and ankles to bedposts, there’s no need to have yards of rope left over if your needs are simpler.
Rope Strength: Sometimes it’s fun to make sure that your partner is tied so tightly that they can’t move at all, and other times — like when you’re playing with suspension or other weight-bearing activities — it’s absolutely crucial that the rope you’re using doesn’t stretch at all — nerve damage isn’t what you want! Most natural fibers will stretch at least a tiny bit when in use, so in this case, you’ll almost certainly want to select a high-quality synthetic rope for this kind of play.
Sensitivities: Some people’s skin marks/burns/bruises very easily, and if you don’t want those to show up the next day, you are best choosing a soft, silky rope made of natural fibers. You may also want to go with a rope that can be laundered easily so that there’s less to react to.
Don’t forget to check out our other reviews of BDSM toys – we’ve discussed the best spanking paddles, BDSM collars, open mouth and ball gags. Or, if you’d like to get everything in one go, check out our bondage kit reviews.
Tips And Tricks For Using Bondage Rope
Girth Matters: Very few of us will be surprised to know just how much girth matters. Thin rope can cut into skin, and can even leave scars. Not all of us are averse to a bit of pain here and there, but even if that’s your game, you want to be careful about actually breaking the skin — and that can happen when your rope is too thin.
Density Does Too: If a rope is loosely woven, it’s easier for the fibers to compact under stress, and a person pushing against a knot is pretty stressful! This means that the knot will tighten more than you expected, which can make it much more difficult to untie (hint: keep safety scissors handy), and it can also make your pretty knot look small and dull. Loosely woven ropes also suffer when you’re doing a Shibari session, because Shibari depends on friction and your ropes will suddenly be less tight against each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Rope For Bondage?
We think that the best rope for bondage is either the deGiotto Hemp Natural Bondage Rope or the deGiotto Bamboo Silk Bondage Rope. We’ve shown you eight excellent sets of ropes and rope products, so you’ll easily be able to find the rope that suits you, your partner and your plans the best.
How Do You Tie Bondage Rope?
There are many ways to tie bondage rope, but some of the most basic knots — that serve as the building blocks for other, more complicated knots — are the single and double column. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, Pinterest and Twisted Monk that demonstrate this. The most important thing to remember is to not tie any knot you can’t untie!
How Can You Soften Rope For Bondage?
You can soften rope for bondage by boiling it (briefly!), soaking it in extremely diluted fabric softener, or simply by cleaning it. Sometimes rope becomes stiff because of sweat, skin cells, and other detritus that is an inevitable part of playing with other humans who have human bodies. Hemp rope, in particular, may need to be very lightly oiled as part of a conditioning process.
How Do You Clean Bondage Rope?
Bondage rope can usually be cleaned with a gentle solution of soap and water. Many ropes can even go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, preferably in a mesh lingerie bag. Be sure to use gentle soap and cool water, especially if your rope has been dyed. Make sure to air-dry the rope flat to prevent stretching.
What Is Shibari Rope?
Shibari — also known as kinbaku — is a form of Japanese rope bondage and a Shibari rope is a non-stretchy, natural fiber rope. The classic Shibari rope is jute or hemp, since Shibari depends primarily on friction instead of knots, but many practitioners find that high-quality cotton rope does just fine, especially if it is on the thicker and coarser end of the spectrum.
Conclusion
We think that the best rope for bondage is probably either the deGiotto Hemp Natural Bondage Rope or the deGiotto Bamboo Silk Bondage Rope, but we’ve shown you some excellent ropes and rope products. Find the one that appeals to you and your partner(s) the most and get started with some rope fun today!
