If you are into BDSM and bondage, or just starting you have most likely stumbled across bondage rope.
Sometimes, however, bondage rope can be to course and you prefer a better alternative.
Of course, not all bondage ropes are made of hemp, or are as course as the typical shibari ropes. There are alternative types of bondage rope that are soft.
But in this guide, I will show you some great bondage toy alternatives to bondage rope.
First, I will go through 4 different types, that do very much the same thing as bondage rope.
Then I will go through 5 other types that give you options for fixation that bondage rope doesn’t.
4 Alternatives That Can Replace Bondage Rope
In this section I will show you 4 different types of bondage rope alternative, that you can use instead.
Ways the alternatives are different from bondage rope:
- The alternatives are easier to use.
- Do not require knowledge of good and safe knots.
- They hurt a lot less and do not give burn marks if used incorrectly.
1. Bondage Tape
In some regards I would deem bondage tape the perfect bondage rope alternative.
First of it has the exact same utilization potential as rope. Of course, creating beautiful Shibari patterns is not really an option.
But if you are simply looking to tie someone down, tie someones arm or legs together or something similar to it, well then bondage tape should be the alternative you choose.
Now, you might think to yourself: “What the …. are you recommending?”. Naturally, if you haven’t heard of bondage tape before, the first inclanation is to be a bit cautious.
But worry not! Bondage tape is not like normal duct tape, that could practially work as a waxing alternative instead.
Bondage tape is created so that it only sticks to the tape itself. In other words, your arm and leg hair will be fine.
And yes, it does work.
2. Bondage Cuffs
The obvious alternative, you might have also thought of, is bondage cuffs.
Super simple and easy-to-use open and closing mechanisms.
The only problem is that they can be a bit more expensive than bondage rope or a roll of bondage tape.
And additionally, you don’t have the same kind of freedom.
For example, most bondage cuffs will be limited to use on the wrists, because they will be to small to use on the legs or thighs. Most will also not come with an option to e.g. tie around the waist, around the body and arms, or to tie your partner to the bed. Then you would need to buy bondage rope anyway for that. Which can of course be used only for the loops (that most bondage cuffs have).
You can get some fairly cheap cuffs, but also semi expensive ones in real leather.
3. Bondage Straps
If you prefer, that you have a large degree of flexibility to play around with your bondage rope alternative, then I would recommend you take a look at sex straps.
Bondage straps often come with attached cuffs, but the overall idea is that like any other bondage restraint you have the option of tying your partner or yourself to something.
Additionally, some straps come in an edition of small belts, that can be strapped around the body, like the girl in the picture.
In sum, using both cuffs and straps in a sweet combination makes for a both less course and harsh alternative to bondage ropes.
And, you don’t have to become a Shibari Guru to use it.
4. Hogtie Restraints
This is a true classic.
The hogtie restraints works incredible well for those, that hate the long, boring, and meticulous work of tying knots, tightening, and redoing stuff when playing around with bondage rope.
If you want to have a super simple and easy-to-use bondage system, where you can quickly swap to a new position higtie restraints is the way to look.
Just briefly: Hogtie restraints refer to e.g. bondage cuffs that come with a small clamp and a system where they can be changed around.
These types of restraint kits have become super popular for obvious reasons.
5 Alternatives to bondage rope that gives a lot more options
In this next section I will take you through 5 different areas, where I beleive bondage ropes fall short.
And, additionally, provide you with excellent examples of alternatives.
Short note, I’m starting from 5, as that is where I left off on the other numbered list.
5. Spreading
With bondage ropes you will have a super hard time spreading limbs.
I’m not saying, that it is impossible, as some crafty bondage rope enthusiasts might disagree.
But, for the average Joe…
…using bondage rope to effectively spread limbs and keep a person in a certain position (without tying them to something else) is near impossible just with rope!
A superb alternative made for exactly that purpose however, is a spreader bar.
What is a spreader bar?
It is basically a long rod, that has multiple cuffs on it, and putting both legs (and maybe even also both hands) in the cuffs on that rod will effectively spread them.
Another alternative is wrist to thigh cuffs. Basically a set of cuffs with straps that will work to tie you partners wrists and thighs together crunching them together.
6. Keeping in place
Of course, bondage rope can be used to keep someone in a certain position tied to something.
However, bondage rope is often restraint (pun intended) to whatever you have available to tie someone to.
And it really lacks that niceness.
Some alternatives for bondage rope are different types of BDSM furniture to keep someone “tied up” in a certain position.
Examples of BDSM furniture:
- Bondage yokes or a bondage stockade – Basically a development of the spreader bar. It works as a frame, similar to a bondage cross, just on the floor. It includes cuffs and can be modified so that a person is kept in place in different positions. Most commonly in a doggystyle position.
- Spanking bench – A bench, that you can strap your partner into. Typically used to fixate the partner in a position optimal for spanking. For that purpose you might also want to consider purchasing a flogger or a BDSM whip.
- Sex couch – Similar to a spanking bench, a sex couch will sometimes come with restraints and cuffs that you can use to have yourself tied down or tie your partner down.
- Sex chairs – Usally used as “just” queening chair. In other words, as a chair to give oral sex in a different position. By itself a sex chair does not indicate that restraints accompagny it, but rather that it is basically just a type of chair with a whole in the middle. However, a lot of sex chair models do come with restraints as well.
- Inflatable sex furniture – Not the big fan of having a spanking bench standing in your living room? Most likely not, and unless it can be disguised as real furniture you might want to stow it away. I bring you the perfect solution. Inflatable sex furniture, the abvious alternative to clunchy sex furniture.
- Bondage pillows – Work as a charm. Instead of normal sex pillows that just works as a wedge to get good sex positions a bondage pillow will also allow for you or your partner to be tied down to the pillow.
7. Multiple different types of restraining methods
So in general, bondage rope can be used for many different things.
But after a while – other than using different patters – the tying down becomes pretty much the same.
That is a killer in the bedroom!
Therefore I bring you the holy grail of sexual restraints: restraint kits or bondage kits. Simply put, they are package deals of bondage sex toys, that offer a varaity of different restraining options and methods.
If you are a complete beginner, well, then first of choose an alternative to bondage rope. Second, you might want to go for a light bondage kit instead of a semi-professional dominatrix kit.
8. Tie to something
Bondage ropes are great if you have items nearby, that can easily be tied to.
But problems arise, if you e.g. don’t have a bed frame that the ropes can be tied to.
Additionally, you would have to know how to immitate bondage cuffs with the rope and have four seperate ropes if you want to tie down both legs and both arms to the bed.
Want something that sounds a bit easier than that?
Then I have good news, instead of buying for threads of bondage rope to tie someone to your bed you can simply purchase sex bed straps – also called “under the matress” restraints for good reason.
They work absolutely fantastic! No need for a bed frame to tie to. Simply throw the sex bed straps under the matress, or all the way under the med and adjust the length to your’s or your partner’s arms and legs. And voila!
9. Tie around sensitive areas
So, obviously, there are some areas that would be very uncomfortable to use ropes for.
The neck
For the neck, bondage ropes are not perfect, to say the least. It can be super painfull, and mind I say very dangerous to use ropes for anyones neck. And that goes even for seasoned pros.
Instead I would really urge you to choose a sexual bondage collar instead. You can even find specific collars for subs. These prevent any harm being done or dangerous situations araising.
Even if you know what you are doing the course bondage ropes will most likely irritate the think skin around the neck a lot.
The crotch
If you are in to chastity play, then again, ropes are not the best option for you.
You can either find a female chastity belt or a male cock cage as they offer amazing alternatives for bondage play in the crotch area.
Thighs
The thighs typically have very thin skin as well. And ropes gliding back and forth can hurt like a MF!
Therefore a great alternative for this area are specially designed thigh cuffs, that are made to this area.
Concluding on items to replace bondage rope
I am not saying, that everyone should find alternatives for bondage rope.
Nor is it always the better option to do so.
Bondage rope is super versatile and can offfer a lot of fun.
But there are some downsides to bondage rope:
- It can hurt
- It can be less usefull in certain scenaries
- It required expertise to use.
- It can be a long process (one last recommendation here: If you want super quick changes you can even find velcro restraints that make that very easy).
So, it is not for everyone.
And the above alternatives are my suggestions for what you can pick out instead.
It is probably not a complete list, but that is the wonder of BDSM – there are endless possibilities.
I do hope, that the post did open your mind to some of the possible alternatives for bondage rope, though.
If you just want a Bondage rope we suggest that you take a look at this one.
