5 Best Bondage Ropes For Shibari
Isabelle Uren
Tantus Bondage Rope

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Tantus Bondage Rope
Tantus Bondage Rope
- Polyester rope
- 30 feet
- 6 mm wide
- Nice and soft
- Beautiful patterned design
- Cute tassels at the end
- Enough rope for different projects
- No storage bag
- Length can be annoying for smaller ties
| Tantus Bondage Rope | |
|---|---|
| Length | 30m/98.4 ft/1181 inches |
| Diameter | 0.2 inches |
| Materials | Polyester |
| Storage Bag Included | No |
| Colors Available | Azure, Silver, Olive |
I chose the Tantus Bondage Rope because it’s a top quality rope that goes the extra mile with it’s unique design! When I first saw it in the review, I have to admit, I was a little jealous! This is the most beautiful bondage rope I’ve come across in my years writing about sex toys! Our tester, Lexis, who is experienced in Shibari, was very impressed by the rope, commenting that the “craftsmanship really stands out.” She found the polyester weave was ” this rope was soft on the skin and did not cause any rope burn” even when she was tied up longer sessions. I was happy to hear that rope also held well in the ties and “the knots did not get any tighter,” which is really important for safety! Lexis thought this rope was “perfect for simple or elaborate ties for shibari,” but did mention that the length was a little cumbersome for smaller projects but great for bigger ones. Design wise, she was “not a fan of the tassels on the ends” but I think are a lovely touch!
Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Bondage Rope
Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Rope
Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Rope
- Bamboo silk rope
- 26.25 feet
- 6 mm width
- Twisted design
- Beautiful rainbow colors
- Feels soft
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Colors can be confusing when tying
- Rope stretches slightly during use
- Knots at the end get in the way
- Not suitable for suspension
| Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Rope | |
|---|---|
| Length | (26.25 feet) 315 inches |
| Diameter | 0.24 inches |
| Materials | Bamboo silk |
| Storage Bag Included | No |
| Colors Available | 6 rainbow/multicolor designs |
I went for the Rainbow Silk Kinkabu Rope from Oxy as the best rope for decorative ties because the rainbow design will create some visually stunning ties. It’s also a softer rope that’s best suited to ties that don’t require a lot of strength or tension. Our reviewer, Katie, loved that the “rainbow colors are so beautiful and vibrant” and thought this “a great choice for beginner rope users.” They were also a big fan of the softness, commenting that the rope “was so comfortable that [they] actually forgot [they] had it on at times.” In my experience, this can be a pro and a con, as sometimes the feeling of rope against your skin is part of the fun! Katie found that the “fiber is well-suited for harnesses, cages, gags, and decorative ties” but found that, in use, it “has a bit of stretch.” So while it’s great for these types of ties, it’s not safe for suspension. The only thing that Katie found a little tricky with the rope was that the color “variations got a little distracting” and made it a little hard to find where the ends were during the tying process.
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope
Bondage Boutique Soft Rope
Bondage Boutique Soft Rope
- Woven cotton rope
- 32 feet
- 12.7 mm thick
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Great for small projects
- Knots can tighten up
- No storage bag
- Not suitable for suspension
| Bondage Boutique Soft Rope | |
|---|---|
| Length | 32 feet 9/394 inches |
| Materials | Cotton |
| Diameter | 0.5 inches |
| Storage Bag Included | No |
| Colors Available | Black, red |
At under $20, I think this is a great quality rope for the price! I was also impressed that you still get a decent length to explore different ties. Our tester, Peter and his wife, are new to bondage rope and thought this “the ideal start.” They found it “lightweight and not bulky,” making it easy to handle. Overall, they were happy with the quality, commenting that it “is not a high end luxury rope” but it has “a good look to it and a very nice soft feel.” The only thing I would watch out for when using this rope is that Peter found it “can be tricky to remove because the rope tightens up” during use. I recommend not tying your rope to tightly and leaving some space between the rope and your or your partner’s body.
KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit
KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit
KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit
- Hemp
- 2 x 30 ft ropes and 1 x 50 ft rope
- Comes safety shears and drawstring backpack for storage
- Rope feels soft but strong
- Lots of rope for larger projects
- Everything you need to get started
- Free access to rope school videos
- Rope sheds small fibers
- More of an investment
- Not thick enough for critical lines
| KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit | |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 x 600 inches, 2 x 360 inches |
| Diameter | 6 mm/ 0.23 inches |
| Materials | Hemp |
| Storage Bag Included | Yes |
| Colors Available | Natural hemp |
I personally tested the Kink Bind and Tie Initiation Kit and was overall very happy with it! I loved the more organic look of the rope and was surprised by just how soft it was! I also loved that the kit came with safety shears as these are a crucial piece of equipment when using bondage rope, and it saved me having to buy a pair separately. I found the rope easy to work with and enjoyed the sensation of it against my skin — it’s soft but still feels like rope, which I think adds to the experience. It’s also nice having so much rope to play with and I even cut one piece down so it’s easier to use for smaller ties. My one complaint is that it does shed small fibers that will be in the air and stick to clothes. Although this is a little more of an investment than the other ropes in the review, considering theres 110 feet of rope, safety shears, and a backpack/storage bag, I actually think it’s quit good value for money.
Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie
Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie
Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie
- Natural hemp rope
- 30 feet
- 6 mm wide
- Soft, premium feel
- Reinforced ends
- Made with natural hemp
- No storage bad included
- Too thin for suspension
| Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie | |
|---|---|
| Materials | Hemp |
| Length | 30 ft/ 360 inches |
| Diameter | 6mm/ 0.23 inches |
| Storage Bag Included | No |
I wanted to add a hemp bondage rope for Shibari because it’s a common fabric choice for many Shibari fans out there. The Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie is made with 100% natural hemp and has a premium three-strand twisted design with reinforced ends making it perfect for all kinds of bondage play. It’s 30th long, which is long enough for beginners who want to dip their toes in Shibari, or for some simple ties. According to our tester, Kasia, the hemp fabric felt “soft and slid smoothly against the skin.” She enjoyed using it for creating beautiful harnesses and learning simple, and beginner-friendly restraints, and she mentioned that the Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie feels high-quality, “easy to work with,” and that the ties felt secure. As an expert, I think the Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie is a high-quality hemp rope that can be used by anyone, including Shibari pros, and those who are just starting out. Unfortunately, it’s too thin for suspension, but I am sure you could make stunning kinky creations with the dark purple color, and easily match it with a black, or another colorful rope for a more advanced rope play.
How to Choose the Best Rope for Bondage
- Diameter: 6mm is the most common size due to its flexibility. It is great for many types of bondage play, but you probably want to go thicker for suspension play. 8mm is the most common for suspension, as it is stronger. 10mm (and above) is good for larger body types. This is a great size option for suspension and floor play, as it won’t dig in as much as thinner ropes.
- Length: How much you need depends on what you plan to do with your rope. If you only want to use your rope to restrain your partner’s ankles or wrist or tie your partner to some furniture, 3 m might be enough. 4.5m lengths are great for extending other pieces of rope. If you want to use your rope for breast bondage or making a harness, you will need to look for at least 9 m.
- Softness — Ropes made of hemp, bamboo, or nylon are softer on the skin, whereas, jute, polyester are rougher.
- Ease of use — Cotton, polyester, and nylon can all be machine washed, but cotton can be tricky to untie. Natural materials such as hemp, jute and bamboo are a bit more difficult to care for, as washing can damage the rope’s integrity.
- Strength — Weaker ropes such as jute and some cottons are better for light bondage but not suspension. Hemp and bamboo bondage ropes are medium strength, but bamboo is not suitable for suspension as it stretches. Polyester and nylon are stronger, however nylon can be slippery, meaning knots can tighten themselves more easily.
Which Materials are Best for Bondage Rope?
Synthetic vs Natural Materials
When it comes to choosing between natural and synthetic rope, it really boils down to the kind of bondage you plan to partake in; are you big into suspension or do you prefer light bondage in the bedroom? For a natural rope that can handle suspension, hemp is a great option; for a synthetic rope that can handle suspension, try polyester. For a natural rope that will please during light bedroom bondage, try cotton or jute; for a synthetic rope that delivers during light play, try nylon.Cotton
Hemp
Jute
Bamboo
Synthetic
How to Use Bondage Rope
We’ve compiled some top tips for the best way to start your bondage rope journey, and to ensure that you get the most out of your bondage rope.
Take it slow
You don’t want to rush into something like bondage play. Keep it slow and simple to begin with. Establish a strong line of communication with your partner, and don’t jump into difficult knots or positions on your very first go. You may even want to work up to rope play by using easy-to-remove Velcro restraints.
Scissors at the ready
Always have a pair of safety scissors on hand, like the ones recommended above. Scissors like these are essential back-ups in case something goes wrong during the session, or, perhaps more awkwardly, if you just have trouble untying them at the end of play. It happens to the best of us!
Try tying
Practice tying the knots BEFORE you try them on a person. Practice once, and practice again, because errors during play range from killing the mood to causing harm to your partner. You could try tying around something like a bed post if you’re looking for a wrist-sized guide!
Have a safe word
Trust and mutual consent between partners is the foundation of bondage. However, it may be hard to distinguish between participating in the ‘scene’ and an honest request to slow down or stop the experience in the middle of a session. Ensure you establish a safe word with your partner that is distinct enough from your play to take them out of it. You could even try a random word generator!
Potential position
In this one, the person being restrained sits up straight with their knees bent and feet on the floor. Their elbows and knees are tied together, as are their ankles and wrists. This allows for some amazing vulnerability – the dom can go down on their partner as they struggle against their bonds, or stand over them and receive from above!
How to Clean Bondage Rope
Cleaning bondage rope can be a little more complex than other toys, because the materials are so varied and different. Luckily for you, there are plenty of people on the internet that have trial-and-errored it, so you don't have to! The videos below are super informative and come from people that have put in the time. The main thing to consider is that natural ropes will get moldy if they're not dried correctly, so make sure you look at the guide provided with the rope to ensure it lasts as long as it should.
FAQ
What is Bondage Rope?
Bondage rope is a type of rope used to restrict movement, wrap, suspend, or restrain, as part of BDSM activities. There are many bondage styles, the most 'mainstream' being the Japanese style of shibari, an intricate knot-tying art adapted for erotic restraint. It can be very tricky to perform and therefore should only be performed by those who understand bondage and the risks that come with it; if performed safely and securely, bondage can be an intensely freeing and pleasurable experience. Bondage rope can come in different materials, such as cotton, hemp, bamboo silk, jute, and nylon. Each material has a different expertise and you should ensure you research this before buying so that you can get the best possible experience from your rope!
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