Bondage and restraint is one of the core elements of BDSM, but for many it can seem intimidating. Either you invest in some very specific cuffs and straps, or get some rope become a knot-master, right? Well, there is another option…
Bondage tape is a dream for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Easy to use and incredibly versatile, bondage tape is a hidden gem of the kinky world.
Find out below how to use bondage tape, with ideas on how and where to tie up your partner, what to think about when using bondage tape, and how to go about it safely.
What is Bondage Tape?
Bondage tape is a specific type of tape designed for use in bondage and restraint. It only sticks to itself, and not to skin, hair, furniture or anything else! That means no skin or hair pulling!
It can be used to bind hands, ankles or other parts of the body, just like you would use cuffs or bondage rope.
That’s not all, though — bondage tape is incredibly customizable and can be used for almost anything you can think of. Just scroll down to see a whole list of ideas to get you started.
It is basically a whole bondage kit worth of sexual restraints in one tape roll. No need for for a whole stock room of expensive kinky sex toys such as spreader bars, bondage restraints, and hogtie restraints.
While it may look it, not all bondage tape is the same. Rolls of bondage tape can come in different widths, lengths and colors.
They can also have varying levels of stretchiness — something that can be hard to know just by looking at it.
How Does It Compare to Bondage Rope?
Bondage tape and bondage rope get compared a lot. They are used for pretty much identical purposes, after all. Both are reusable (though you’ll have to take care unwrapping the tape), but that’s about where the similarities end.
Bondage tape is, on the whole, much more friendly for BDSM beginners. It’s much easier to place and remove, and doesn’t require a boy scout-level of training in knots! If your sub wants out quickly, all you have to do is get out the bondage shears and cut them loose.
However, almost all bondage tape is made from PVC (a type of plastic). That means that it’s not particularly breathable — something to keep in mind if you plan on using it a lot.
Bondage Tape is Not…
Bondage tape is a special kind of tape that is designed to stick to itself and only itself. There are so many other types of tape out there, but the only kind of tape you should use for bondage is bondage tape!
I’ve seen a lot of dangerous advice on the internet on what can be used as bondage tape, but some to avoid include:
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Scotch tape
- Masking tape
- Micropore tape
- Sports tape
Ways to Use Bondage Tape
Here are some ideas for ways to use bondage tape in your BDSM adventures!
Cuffs
You can easily tie a sub’s wrists or ankles together with some bondage tape to restrict their movement, just like you would with hand or ankle cuffs.
Keep in mind that there’s a bit more wiggle-room around the ankles, so you may need a couple more layers there.
Thigh Restraints
An easy yet super sexy position for your sub is to wrap their wrists to their thighs. Alternatively, wrap their lower legs or ankles together with their thighs to keep them knelt exactly where you want them.
Hogtie
A hogtie is where the wrists and ankles are wrapped together, usually behind the back. This position can feel incredibly vulnerable, so may be best for those who have a little bondage experience under their belt.
Furniture
Utilize bondage tape’s miraculous sticking abilities to bind your sub to some BDSM furniture. This could be a bed, door, sex chair, sex table or anything else you can find in the house. Remember that the tape won’t stick to the furniture, so you’ll have to wrap it around something and stick it to itself, kind of like how you would with rope.
Gag
Bondage tape makes a perfect ball gag for some DIY BDSM fun, as it isn’t affected by saliva, won’t tear your hair and won’t hurt your skin. You will, however, have to wrap the tape all the way around the head in order for it to stay put. If the mouth is open, make sure it’s not tight enough to cut into any soft tissue like the corners of the mouth.
Clothes
If you’re into the latex look, then why not try making clothes from bondage tape? Wrap layers of tape to create dresses, skirts, bikinis, stockings and more. Just remember that bondage tape isn’t very breathable, so prepare to get a little sweaty.
Role Play
The versatility of bondage tape really allows your imagination to run wild. Try out a hostage situation role-play scenario to reinforce some sub/dom dynamics, or even craft a bridle and harness for some pony play! Like always, though, make sure to discuss what you’re both comfortable with beforehand and have a safeword ready.
Orgasm Play
Not only can bondage tape secure you to things (or yourself), it can also secure things to you. If you’re feeling adventurous, tape a vibrator (like a wand vibrator) to your sub’s inner thigh or near to the clitoris and watch them squirm in pleasure.
Shibari
Shibari is the Japanese art of bondage, usually done with ropes. Some shibari rope configurations and positions, like breast bondage, can be replicated with bondage tape if you know what you’re doing. It’s important, however, that you still study shibari principles and safety before you give it a go. Also, never attempt suspension with tape!
Using Bondage Tape Safely
Just like any BDSM tool, bondage tape comes with some rules. While BDSM can be incredibly freeing and satisfying, it is a practice that requires mutual consent and understanding. Otherwise, it can be potentially dangerous for everyone involved.
Here are some essential safety tips for those interested in bondage…
Use Bondage Shears
The number one accessory you’ll need to use with bondage tape is a pair of safety scissors or shears. These are the same style used in ERs and doctors’ offices, with a special shape that protects your skin from the blades. It’s always important when practicing bondage to have a quick way to get your sub out of their restraints. This could be for physical or mental reasons, and safety shears allow you to this quickly and safely.
Informed, Enthusiastic Consent
Before you start any BDSM play, make sure you’re both on board with the idea. Talk to each other openly about bondage, discussing what you’re both comfortable with and interested in trying. It’s okay to have reservations about things! You can try to establish ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ boundaries: things you’re interested in doing later but not yet, and things you know you’ll never be open to.
Establish a Safeword
Once you’re both ready to break out the bondage tape, you should establish a safeword or cue. This is something the sub can say or do to immediately stop the scene. Make it something that would be totally out of place in the bedroom, like “Broccoli!”, to avoid it being confused for role play. You should also agree on what happens when the safeword is said.
Don’t Tape Too Tight!
While bondage tape is very easy to apply, it’s also pretty easy to do too tightly. You should never wrap bondage tape tightly enough to cause pain or discomfort to the wearer. If you’re worried about restraint security, use more layers of tape rather than pulling tighter.
Warning signs to look out for include numbness, cold or cool-feeling skin, tingling, and paleness or blue skin. If you notice any of these, remove the tape immediately and monitor the skin until it returns to normal. If you’re at all concerned, contact a medical professional.
Practice Aftercare
BDSM can drain you both physically and mentally. After a bondage session, take some time for both of you to recover. Release your sub from their restraints and check their skin, snuggle together, and have something to eat and drink. After the excitement has passed, check in with each other and see if you’re both happy with what happened, or if there’s anything you’d like to change in future sessions.
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