Whether it is to gag, tie, suspend, or use as a leash, ropes are very crucial parts of bondage and submissive sex; hence, the selection of the proper ropes to use during BDSM becomes more than a trivial decision. And, if you have no experience with BDSM yet, but you maybe saw it in an adult movie with your partner, with high expectations to try it, this article is „le manuel“ to get introduced to what to think about if it comes to the rope.
Ropes and BDSM: The Affiliation
Ropes are more than just toys in BDSM. They are one of the subsections of bondage sex- literally. Rope bondage is the use of ropes to limit movement, wrap, suspend, or restrain a person during BDSM. It involves tying up a person for the sexual pleasure of it. Yes, it is odd, but it is the perfect way to establish power dynamics. The dominant partner feels in charge, and the submissive partner gets aroused by their helplessness.
Asides from the feelings generated from it, some people also carry out rope bondage for the beauty of rope wrapping. It is believed that there is a seductive charm associated with a naked, wrapped body; exciting. Rope bondage is believed to have originated in Japan, a practice known as Shibari. It means “tying” or “binding” but is generally associated with decorative bondage sex.
Ropes are also parts of various sex toys like X-cross (the rope binds the wrists and feet to the end of the cross), Hogtie (the rope is used to join the hands and the feet), and the Chair tie (chair… tie… that’s it).
What to Consider When Choosing Right Bondage Rope
Now that you are clear on the concept of rope bondage, let’s move to the essential factors to consider before you select a rope for BDSM purposes.
For beginners, maybe you don’t know your way around this block and plan on randomly picking a rope to get the job done, or the Riggers who feel they have been using the wrong strings, consider the following attributes when selecting your bondage ropes;
- Price
It is optional to go for ropes with a brand name. Stay within your budget. Refrain from considering trends and what you see on the internet. It is not compulsory to get your bondage rope from a sex store; you can try the ones from hardware stores.
Sometimes, these ropes might have stuck knots, and the only way out is to cut them, so you have to consider this “how comfortable will I be cutting a $100 rope after one use?”
- Diameter
Averagely, the best ropes are between 4mm and 8mm. The thicker yarns are firm, solid, and perfect for suspension. However, they weigh more and are usually difficult to handle.
On the other hand, thinner ropes, like 4mm, are flexible and easy to knot but are avoided most times because of the harm they can cause. They can tear the skin when put under excess tension. Pressure from the ropes can also cause discomfort and circulation problems.
- Length
The length of the ropes depends on who is using them. A bodybuilder will need way more yarn than a small person. However, wingspans can be used to measure the required lengths of ropes. For example, two wingspans will be enough to get the ankles or wrists tied to the bedpost or window ledges (or where ever you hope to get your partner bound to).
- Knots
The grip and knotting characteristics of bondage ropes are fundamental. For starters, make straightforward knot techniques like Square knots, French Bowline, and Half Hitches.
To also have a realistic dominance experience, make firm knots but keep the ropes loose enough to allow blood circulation. Choose yarns that have the proper tooth to have strong knots. The tooth of a rope is the friction, affecting how well the knots hold.
- Feels
Think about how easy it will be to handle the rope you want to select. Also, consider the texture and how comfortable your submissive partner is in the ropes. Some people enjoy soft and tender ropes, while others enjoy scratchy and rough yarns for the best bondage experience. Take note of allergies and reactions to avoid episodes or seizures during intercourse. People with grass allergies usually avoid natural ropes.
- Flexibility and Durability
For those who don’t plan to get new ropes before every bondage play, you should go for durable and long-lasting yarns.
It is often advisable to use rigid ropes, restrain the subject partner, and limit movement. However, knowing your partner’s preference is best before deciding on the rope’s flexibility. The element of struggle and resistance is part of some people’s bondage experience, and this is almost impossible with rigid ropes.
- Rope ends
You cannot just tuck in ropes with loose ends. Replace them because they usually could be more appealing to the eyes. The tiny strands from the string can also be dangerous to the nervous system when excess pressure is applied.
The best type of rope ends is the melted and fused ones. They don’t get loose and are very reliable.
- Braiding
The rope’s Braiding decided how tight or loose the knots would be. Hollow braids leave space, making the strings flexible and accessible, while solid braids are usually firm and robust.
Rope braids are not profound determinants in choosing BDSM ropes since they can be cut, but it is a reasonable cost-reduction strategy.
- Aesthetics
Decorated and colored ropes are very pleasant to the eye and tend to be erotic. Get bright colors like blue or pink, or you can get one based on your partner’s preference. It seems trivial, but tops and bottoms appreciate it.
What kind of bondage will you use it for?
Many people think that all bondage is the same, but that’s not true. Depending on what type of activity you want to do, you’ll need a different bondage rope. The rope used for suspension needs to withstand the weight of the person. And rope you use in water bondage is different from a rope that will stay dry. If you are a beginner and just starting with bondage, have a look at the top 10 types of soft bondage and learn something new.
Types of Bondage Ropes
Considering all the essential factors above, one might wonder, “where can I get a bondage rope at the perfect price, flexibility and durability, and the right diameter?” Most people see this as mission impossible, and I agree that the perfect rope doesn’t exist. Nevertheless, you can get the ‘closest-to-perfect’ rope if you consider the types of ropes available, and you will find the right bondage rope.
There are two types of ropes, natural ropes and synthetic ropes;
Natural Ropes
The natural ropes are typical among the pros in BDSM. They are generally weaker and less durable than synthetic ropes, but they have good grips and fewer chances of causing rope burns. They are also easy to handle because of their natural materials.
Some of the common natural ropes include;
- Jute: It is prevalent in the Shibari Japanese bondage sex because it is made of traditional material. Jute is strong and durable. It has a rough texture on the skin and is a bit elastic. The surface of Jute can be softened when treated, but you will have to replace it regularly. Jute can be dyed.
- Hemp: This rope material is a heavier and stronger version of Jute. Unlike the rough texture of Jute, it gets softer over time, which is an attribute most users appreciate. Hemp can be used for suspension works.
- Cotton: The cotton ropes are lighter than Jute and Hemp. They are prevalent because of their general availability and low price. Cotton ropes are soft and have good friction. They are not strong, hence cannot be used for suspension works. They can be dyed in any color.
Synthetic Ropes
Synthetic ropes are very common in the bondage sex universe due to their availability and low price. Starters usually use it. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Some of the common synthetic ropes include;
- Silicone: Silicone ropes are soft, tender, and reasonably rigid. It is very easy to adjust, making it suitable for tying hands and feet. Silicone ropes are very elastic, but they are unfit for suspension.
- Plastic ropes: they are cheap, durable, and strong. Plastic ropes have rough textures, so most people don’t use them on the skin. It sticks to itself rather than the skin. Plastic ropes are used as gags and blindfolds.
- Nylon ropes: They are flexible and soft and have little friction. It is commonly used in the Western bondage style. It comes in various colors and thicknesses. As a result of the very little friction, it is easy to lose knots made with nylon ropes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an average BDSM rope?
BDSM ropes are not compulsorily to be bought from branded stores, like Amazon, Esty, and all the other names you see on billboards. You can get cheap ropes from hardware stores for as low as $5 (if you don’t mind), but for the Riggers that want style, you can get BDSM ropes for around $40-$100.
Ropes or handcuffs?
This question is entirely personal. Some subjects don’t like the metal feeling of cuffs, while some get aroused by it. So, it’s all about preference here. Have a look at the related article 10 alternatives to handcuffs.
What is the best way to maintain ropes?
It is crucial to clean ropes after a bondage play because of possible leftovers of body fluids or even blood after intense BDSM intercourses. The best way to do so is to wash them, with or without machines. Allow it to dry properly for about two days, and you are good to go!
Conclusion
Many questions must be asked before choosing the “right” bondage rope. Surely the feel, strengths, and for what kind of bondage it will be for are fundamental questions; for some, it will be maybe the price. However, if you really don’t know what kind of bondage rope you’d like to use, or if you like experimenting with different types and materials, then your best bet would be to try out a few different kinds before making your decision. However, have fun, and don’t be scared to explore!