Choosing your rope: where your bondage experience begins.
The choice of rope depends entirely on your personal preference and experience. Some people enjoy soft and flexible materials, while others prefer a rougher or sturdier texture.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of the most commonly used types of rope in the world of bondage.
Natural fiber ropes have a warm, authentic look and often feel more comfortable on the skin.
For bondage, especially soft natural fibers are suitable: cotton, jute, and hemp/flax.
Cotton Soft, flexible, and skin-friendly. Hollow braided cotton is particularly pleasant and popular among beginners. It doesn’t have a high breaking strength but is perfect for gentle, sensual ties.
Jute Lightweight, lively, and somewhat rough in texture. Twisted jute is less known but favored by advanced users who appreciate a traditional experience. Note: New jute may initially shed some dust or have a distinct smell.
Hemp/Flax Strong and natural but rough in its untreated form. This rope needs to be cleaned, washed, and oiled before use. Braided hemp (also called flax) feels softer and contains fewer splinters than twisted hemp.
Natural fibers are less durable than synthetic ones: they are more prone to wear and absorb moisture, but they offer a unique, organic experience.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic rope is easier to maintain, stronger, and more resistant to moisture, mold, and bacteria. The most popular types used in bondage are:
PPMF (hollow braided polypropylene) Lightweight, colorful, skin-friendly, and easy to handle. Ideal for those looking for a vegan alternative or who practice frequently.
Spleitex (synthetic hemp) Has the look of natural fiber but the benefits of synthetic: softer, less splintery, and easy to maintain.
Synthetic rope is often stronger, dries faster, remains flexible in water, and does not absorb moisture. One downside is that it can feel less “alive” during tying and sometimes feels slicker to the touch.
Structure: how is your rope made?
Braided rope Made of multiple strands woven diagonally over and under each other. This creates a tight, smooth surface. Braided rope is shape-retentive, flexible, and doesn’t fray easily.
Twisted rope (laid rope) Three or more strands twisted together. Classic and easy to untwist or split. Can develop twists or kinks with heavy use.
Plied rope Threads twisted together, which serve as the base for other rope constructions. Mostly found in cheap or temporary uses, such as packing twine or sisal.
Please note: The stated rope diameter is indicative. Actual thickness and length may vary slightly, as the diameter is measured under tension. According to international guidelines, the length may deviate by up to 5% from the specified measurement.