Bondage Restraints: Beginners & Beyond!

Do you want to explore bondage restraints in the bedroom? Or are you looking to level up your kinky playtime? 

From essential handcuffs to spreader bars, we’ve ranked erotic BDSM restraints based on their accessibility, simplicity and kinkiness so you can find the best bondage for you! 


Have you ever wondered what makes one restraint better than another? Whether you’re an erotic expert or a naughty newbie, it can be difficult to choose between bondage rope, handcuffs or hogties if you’ve not got extensive experience with them all.

Bondage Restraints for Beginners & Beyond - Tier List of Kinkiest Restraints

Well, we’ve done the hard work for you! Read on to see our breakdown of each restraint so you can pick the very best bondage for you 😉


Essential Bondage Restraints

Metal Handcuffs

Pros

  • Recognisable – Metal handcuffs are probably some of the most well-known restraints and are just as much a gag gift at hen-dos as they are an erotic essential. If you don’t know where to start with bondage, we’d recommend these for first-time users.
  • Super Simple – These handcuffs require very minimal set-up or knowledge of kinkiness for you to dive right in and use them.

Cons

  • Keys! – One of the few drawbacks of this cuff style is the tiny keys. All sets come with a spare, so make sure you keep the keys separate and in a safe space just in case you misplace one.
  • Tightness – Handcuffs can rub, pinch or leave marks on the wearer’s skin when made too tight. Be sure to test drive your cuffs before whipping them out in the bedroom, so you know how they work.

Faux or Real Leather Handcuffs

Pros

  • No need for keys – Most faux leather handcuffs are fastened by buckles and clips. This can seem like a less intimidating option for beginners as they’re not locked into the restraint.
  • Erotic aesthetics – Adding real or faux leather really steps up the kinky look of your bondage gear. Plus, they often come in matching sets for a head-to-toe bondage bonanza!
  • Padding for comfort – Many designs have padded, soft linings for a snug fit that won’t rub or pinch the skin.

Cons

  • Hot & Bothered – If you tend to get a bit warm during bedroom activities, faux leather won’t feel the best (think crocs in the summers!).
  • Storage Wars – Since these cuffs are bulkier than metal handcuffs, they’ll require larger storage instead of shoving them into a drawer.
  • Less discreet – We think it’s pretty obvious this restraint is for sexy times, so if you’re trying to keep it discreet, these probably aren’t the way to go.

Naughty but Nice Bondage Restraints

Pre-tied Restraints

Pros

  • Custom Cuffs – This style of restraint allows for much more freedom. Play with the type of tie or position and how much slack you want to give your submissive as they wriggle around. Plus, they can be adjusted for subs of all sizes!
  • Velvety Soft – Tieable or looped restraint systems are very often made of lengths of velvet and silk, so they feel fantastic against the skin.
  • Simple Set-up – As these cuffs are pre-tied, they’re perfect for jumping straight in. Just make sure you know how to tie a safe knot!

Cons

  • Tie Down – This type of restraint is designed for tying your partner down e.g. to the bed, or a chair, not tying them up as you would with rope. Ensure your bondage suits the kind of play you want to explore to avoid disappointment.

Collars & Leashes

Pros

  • Raunchy Roleplay – Most commonly used in Pet Play, collars are a great piece of kit for exploring roleplay!
  • Matchy Matchy – This author personally believes that everything is better when it comes in a matching set. Good quality beginners’ bondage kits often have handcuffs, ankle cuffs and a collar & leash to experiment with.
  • Power PlayCollars can be a long-term representation of power dynamics as well as restraint used in bondage.

Cons

  • Preferences – If you don’t like things around your neck, then this isn’t for you. Discuss with your partner beforehand – use our preference list so you know your limits.
  • Limited Sizing – Double-check measurements before purchasing for the most comfort – no one wants a collar that’s too tight!

Let’s Level Up!

Bed Restraints

Pros

  • Simple Kink – This is a simple way to step up a level with your bondage restraints, using things you may already be familiar with!
  • One & Done – Once this kinky kit is set up, you can just tuck it in under the mattress, and there’s no need to make permanent changes to your bedroom.
  • Very Versatile – Adjust to different size beds AND adjustable to give your submissive more range of movement (or not!).

Cons

  • Not so discreet storage – These can be stored neatly under the bed, but depending on your living set-up, this might not be discreet enough. If you don’t want your mates seeing what you get, don’t set this up in your studio flat 👀

Bondage Tape

Pros

  • No Stickiness – This tape is designed to only stick to itself for safety reasons, so it’s very easy to remove, reuse and get out of in an emergency. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE – at the very least, you’ll have an unwanted waxing!
  • Beginner Friendly – If you want to delve into more customisable bondage options, tape is an excellent choice to figure out what you like.
  • Restraint the Rainbow – PVC tape comes in so many colours, you can get a roll to match the rest of your sexy essentials.
  • Disposable & Inexpensive – You can reuse it, but if you do need to chuck it away after a couple of uses, you won’t feel as guilty if you threw away handcuffs.

Cons

  • Not for everyone – Bondage tape, much like collars, tend to be associated with specific kinds of bondage play. However, the only limit is your imagination, so while it’s not as decorative as bondage rope, don’t let that stop you from thinking outside of the box.

Sex Position Restraints

Pros

  • Specific Set-up – Pre-tied restraints take the fiddliness out of trying bondage because they’re ready to use straight out of the box.
  • Additional Assistance – The beauty of this restraints style is they support those who need help holding themselves up or bending in certain ways. They give you more freedom to explore advanced sex positions without throwing out your back!
  • For all sizes – Sex Position Restraints often feature adjustable sliders so they fit subs of all sizes.

Cons

  • Specific Set-up – For the same reason that pre-tied restraints are great, there can be limited uses. They tend to serve one or two purposes with little room for experimentation.
  • Safe Storage – Sex Position Restraints can vary a lot in their design, so storage can be tricky. Make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing!

Custom Kink

Bondage Rope

Pros

  • Total Customisation – Have fun with different ties or positions and experiment with colours and lengths of rope. Ideal for any and all sizes!
  • Complete Your Look – Rope isn’t just for the bedroom. Make yourself a harness for the club or a party, and add a sexy twist to any fetish outfit.
  • Affordable – Bondage rope is specifically designed for restraining, so DO NOT JUST BUY RANDOM ROPE FROM A HARDWARE STORE. Spend that extra few quid and get the correct equipment.

Cons

  • Not for newbies – We’d recommend you do plenty of research and get the correct kit before diving in. Learn the basic knots/ties before you start tying on another person. Practice on yourself, on a pillow, and even on bannisters or chair legs.
  • Safety is key– Much like tape, bondage rope is specifically designed with safety in mind, but you should always have a pair of bondage safety scissors on hand, just in case.
  • Teamwork – While all restraints need cooperation between Dom and sub, this especially requires all parties to work together so you don’t get tangled.

Hogtie Connectors

Pros

  • Classic Kit – This well know piece of bondage equipment is small but mighty and key for full-body restraint systems.
  • Endless Attachments – The nature of this bondage restraint makes it really customisable. Use the clips and O-ring to connect whatever extras you’d like.
  • In a Bind – Perfect for those looking to feel completely at the mercy of their Dom!

Cons

  • Do Your Warm-Up – The Hogtie position requires quite a lot of bendiness and stamina, so make sure you stretch beforehand. Don’t attempt if you have mobility restrictions!

BDSM Dungeon Basics

Spreader Bars

Pros

  • BDSM Staple – Spreader bars are a great way to amp up the kinkiness without turning your bedroom into a full-on dungeon.
  • All eyes on you – The perfect bondage equipment for those that want to feel put on display or exposed!

Cons

  • Mobility – This restraint is supposed to put you in a slightly uncomfortable position which means it may not suit someone with mobility restrictions.
  • Heavy Duty – Generally made of metal to stand up to hardcore use, spreader bars can be much heavier than other restraints.

Now you’ve weighed up all your options, which bondage restraint will you go for? Let us know in the comments which other pleasure products you’d like us to break down.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

css.php
%d