The Best Tape For Bondage (Dos, Don’ts & How To Guide) [2024]

Looking to get into restraint play in a safe & fun way? Check out the best bondage tape today and get your kink on!

Tape For Bondage

When you hear the term BDSM or bondage, images of cuffs or rope might flash across your dirty little mind. 

Sure, rope is fun, but it takes time to learn.

So, if you don’t have the patience or you’re just new to kinky restraint play, bondage tape is a great alternative.

It offers the same level of restraint, it’s cheaper, reusable, safe, and easy to use without special training.

It’s also easy to get out of, either by unwinding or cutting. 

But more importantly… it’s versatile. 

In fact, bondage tape gives you even more playtime options than rope and cuffs combined! 

We’ll go into the best ways to use bondage tape a little later…

The main thing to know is that bondage tape is not like regular tape.

It has been specifically designed for people to get their kink on in a safe and fun way. 

So, what makes it different? Well, it’s self-adhesive (no glue).

This means it doesn’t stick to skin or hair… so it won’t rip them off your body on removal! 

What else?

Oh, it’s also waterproof. If you like wet play, you can splash (and squirt) as much as you like without damaging or loosening the restraints.

Right, let’s get on with it, shall we?


So….What Is The Best Tape for Bondage?

When it comes to bondage tape, there really isn’t that much of a difference in what it does.

It’s the quality of the tape or the size that makes one better for certain kinks than another. 

With that in mind, we’ve sought out the best bondage tape brands on the market to give you the best playtime experience. 


Top Tapes for Bondage In 2024

ALTERNATIVE PICK

fetish fantasy pleasure tape purple

Fetish Fantasy Pleasure Tape

OUR PICK

lovehoney red bondage tape

Lovehoney Bondage Tape

BUDGET PICK

Stockroom Bondage Tape Unpacked

Stockroom Bondage Tape

Price:
$$
$$$
$
Material:
PVC
PVC
Vinyl
Length:
35’
65.6’
65’

OUR PICK

1. Lovehoney Bondage Tape

Material:
PVC
Length:
65.6’ (20m)
Colors:
Black, Red, Purple

The Lovehoney Bondage Tape is 65 feet of reusable restraint! If you’re careful with it, this tape will last many hours of BDSM fun.

But even if you do have to cut it, at $9 a roll, it won’t break the bank. 

Though, if you’re into mummification1 expect to use about 5-6 rolls.

Keep in mind, re-wrapping that much tape after use back onto a spool will take forever. So, just cut it! 

(OR go for the XXXL Bondage Tape described below)

Back to Lovehoney! 

What makes this particular bondage tape so popular is how soft and silky it feels against the skin (I was really surprised!).

Hence, it’s great for blindfolds or making a kinky fashion outfit for your bondage club night!

Even though it’s strong enough to keep a wriggling sub in place, you can easily tear it off the roll.

It also doesn’t wrinkle much, leaving you with nice, smooth, attractive-looking binds. 


ALTERNATIVE PICK

2. Fetish Fantasy Pleasure Tape

Material:
PVC
Length:
35’ (10.6m)
Diameter:
2.125”
Colors:
Purple, Pink, Red, Black

The Fetish Fantasy Pleasure Tape looks amazing against the skin! 

While this tape is good at what it does (sticks to itself, not the skin) and binds quite nicely, it’s probably best for those who are just partaking in light bedroom bondage.

Why?

Well, for starters, it’s almost the same price ($8) as Lovehoney tape but is half of its length! 

It can also get very sweaty and slip off when used for longer periods of time.

Not great for the BDSM veterans wanting a long scene. 

That said, it is strong so as long as you use it in a nice and cool room, your taped up sub isn’t going to go anywhere! 

This tape does have a bit more stretch to it, so be careful to not accidentally restrain your partner too tightly. 

Note, this tape can be very static and pick up a lot of lint.

If you have pets at home, store it in a zip lock bag. You can also get rid of the static by rinsing in cold water and laying it flat to air dry.


BUDGET PICK

3. stockroom Bondage Tape Unpackaged

Material:
Vinyl
Length:
65’
Diameter:
2”
Colors:
Black, Red, Pink

Stockroom’s Bondage Tape is properly sticky (just to itself of course!). 

This means you don’t need the tension of many layers to keep your sub in place, so you won’t have to use much of it! One 65ft roll of this bondage tape is going to last a very long time.

The super self-stickiness does come with a downside though…

As it’s attracted to its own static, it will wrinkle and twist as you remove it.

So, re-rolling it smoothly onto the spool to reuse later is near impossible.

That said, it’s less than $8! So, you won’t mind ‘forking out’ for another roll! Especially since it’s so effective in use. 

You might sometimes see this tape being ‘Out of Stock’ (a testament of how popular it is!).

In such a case, check this bondage tape in pink on offer for less than $5!


4. Clear Bondage Tape

Material:
PVC
Length:
65’
Diameter:
2”
Colors:
Clear (also available in Black, Pink, Red)

If you don’t like the colored bondage tape or you just want to see all the skin, all the time, go for clear bondage tape.

Some people have a thing for saran wrap bondage, but clear bondage tape is a safer option.

Saran wrap can get very hot and cause sweating, dehydrating the body pretty quickly, especially when used for full-body bondage. 

Clear bondage tape gives you that same sexy visual appeal AND it’s reusable. 

Clear Bondage Tape is also perfect for blindfolds or mouth gags…it looks amazing!

Just be careful if using it for a gag…sure you can see through it, but you still can’t breathe through it!


5. XXXLarge Bondage Tape

Material:
Vinyl
Length:
65.6’ (20m)
Diameter:
11.8” (30cm)
Colors:
Black / Pink

Wrapping the whole body, full torso or even just the full legs with a roll of tape just 2 inches in diameter can take so long you lose your hard-on (or lady boner!) before you even get to play…

Using the XXXLarge Bondage Tape lets you restrain larger areas of the body faster. 

You could also go for industrial-size plastic wrap or pallet wrap, which is a slightly cheaper option, but I find it smells more ‘plasticky’.

Not really a turn-on if you’re covered from head to toe in the stuff! 

XXXLarge bondage tape doesn’t have that same strong scent.

It’s also really smooth against the skin which makes it perfect for kinksters into full or partial mummification. 

But if you’re looking for bondage tape for simple restraints or tying to furniture, then stick to the smaller tapes for your own comfort!


Bondage Tape Buying Guide

To play safe and get your rocks off with bondage tape, here are a few things to consider before buying:

The Different Types Of Tapes

Bondage Tape

Bondage Tape is a thin, shiny PVC tape specifically designed to stick to itself and not to skin, hair, or whatever you choose to tape to.

This means no painful removal process, no peeling off the paintwork, and no sticky residue.

It comes in rolls of different sizes and colors and can be used for all sorts of kinky play!

Check out the FAQ below for some sexy ideas…


Microfoam Tape

Elastic Surgical Tape or microfoam tape is hypoallergenic and most commonly used for gagging.

Why? Because it conforms to the shape of the lips and is super sexy!

You can also write on it, so a good option for humiliation play. It is quite pricey though. 


Vet Wrap

This is aself-adhesive animal bandage tape…but we’re animals too, right?

Vet wrap makes great blindfolds and is also good for secure binding. But they are stretchy, so take care not to bind too tight.


Duct Tape For Bondage 

Duct tape has the BDSM community torn. For some, it’s an absolute no-no. It has no stretch which increases circulation risks.

It’s very difficult to cut making a quick emergency release almost impossible. 

And it’s fucking painful to remove! 

Despite the risks, duct tape has got a huge fetish following. If it is your thing, learn how to tie someone up with duct tape safely.

Here are a few safer techniques: 

  • Stick the tape to your clothes a few times first. This will reduce the stickiness and lessen the pain on removal.
  • Place the first piece of duct tape adhesive side up (away from the skin) and fasten it to itself. Then, apply tape to that piece, so no glue actually touches the skin.

A Few More Tape Types:

  • Gaffer Tape: a little more expensive than duct tape but doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Very strong and will pull the skin when removing. Fine for clothed bondage.
  • Electrical Tape: similar to latex or PVC. Durable with a little stretch. Sometimes used as nipple covers or as handle wraps on BDSM toys n tools.
  • Box-sealing Tape: very cheap but messy and wrinkles easily

And a Few Tapes to Avoid:

  • Double-Sided Tape: Not really useful for restraint play, so don’t waste your money!
  • Scotch Tape: Stick to wrapping gifts with this stuff. The only time you’ll see this used in BDSM is maybe for humiliation play but not for restraining.
  • Grip Tape: There are different kinds of grip tape, one that’s like sandpaper for skateboards (NOT good for BDSM for obvious reasons!), thin mesh tape for hockey, and a general sports tape, which isn’t for use on the body. 

More Tape Considerations…

Price

Bondage tape is pretty cheap and ‘can’ be reused so it’s good value for money…depending on what you want to use it for.

One roll of $8 tape is fine for light bondage. But if you’re into full-body mummification, then you’re still gonna need a lot of tape! 


Stretch

Some tapes are stretchier than others, some not at all. You want a little stretch to preventcirculation issues, but too much stretch will make it easy to wriggle out! 


Breathability

Consider how long you will have your sub restrained. Saran wrap and even some bondage tape (PVC) can trap sweat and moisture and cause skin irritation if left on for too long. 


Bendability 

What do we mean by bendable tape? Well, is it going to bunch, twist, roll or distort when your sub struggles?

The bendier the tape, the more movement, and so the more layers needed to restrain.


Glue & Toxicity 

Glue isn’t necessarily a good thing! It can cause allergic reactions, damage skin/furniture, and leave hard to remove residue. 


Bondage Tape FAQ

What Risks Should I Be Aware Of Using Bondage Tape?

Every top and bottom should know the risks before entering into a BDSM scene. The more you know, the safer and the better your playtime will be!

Here are a few issues you need to be aware of:

  • Restricting Blood Circulation: tape pulled too tight can cut the blood flow;
  • Abrasions: removing tape with strong glue will leave red abrasions on the skin;
  • Stripping Skin/Hair: strong glue can pull off layers of skin or remove hair;
  • Allergies: sensitive skin can be allergic to adhesives or to certain materials (latex);
  • Skin Turns White: like when you leave a band-aid on for too long… skin becomes very soft, easier to injure;
  • Breathing: if using tape to gag people they still need to breathe! Take extra care for someone with asthma or other respiratory problems;
  • Mental State: any sort of restraint can cause panic, discomfort, pain, or trigger old/new trauma.

Restraint play always has an element of danger. But it’s knowing how to create that illusion of real danger in a SAFE way that makes it so damn exciting!

Where To Buy Bondage Tape?

You can buy bondage tape at almost any sex shop on the high street or online. But you can also find it in your local hardware store.

Look for “non-adhesive dry vinyl tape”.

However, it’s not always available. If it is in stock, you’ll find it in the electrical or automotive department.

Just ask for “tape to make wire harnesses” and they will know what you need…

They may also guess what you’re really using it for! 😉


How To Use Bondage Tape Safely & Comfortably

Before you go into any restraint play or BDSM scene, know your limits.

Always have an open and honest conversation before a scene about your hard and soft limits, requirements, and time limits.

Stay within the SSC (Safe, Sane, and Consensual) and stick to the rules of the RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink).2

Which all starts with agreeing on a safe word…


Safe Word Advice

Agree on a verbal AND a non-verbal safe words and what they mean. You can use any words you like, just make them memorable. Avoid words with multiple syllables. If you’re in pain, dizzy, or breathless, being able to say them quickly is important.

The traffic light system is a good one to use:

Red: Stop immediately / release me now

Yellow: Slow down / check in on me / I’m close to my limits

Green: I’m fine / I like what you’re doing…

Non-verbal can be something like snapping the fingers or a certain noise/grunt. It has to be something your sub can do easily even when restrained or gagged. 

When in restraints, cramping or muscle strain can be an issue. So have a separate word/signal that will draw dom’s attention there.

And another one for signaling that you’d like to be released in a couple of minutes. 

Having words for these scenarios will let you bring the scene to a close without disrupting the play or breaking out of roles. 


Safety Scissors / EMT Scissors

Even though bondage tape can be easily unwound, you may need to let your sub out quickly. Keep a pair of scissors close by. 

EMT scissors are better than normal kitchen scissors. They have rounded ends so no accidental piercing the skin! 

Stockroom has a good set of safety scissors for $12.


Test And Understand The Tape You Choose

Do a patch test on the skin first to ensure no allergic reactions. Keep in mind that the skin on the face is more sensitive.

Also, test the stretch by wrapping it around your own hand and see how tight it gets. 


Gagging with Bondage Tape

Proper bondage tape is safe to use on the face and over the mouth.

BUT you can’t breathe through it. 

If you do place it over someone’s mouth, there are two things you MUST do…

  1. Ensure their nose is completely clear.
  2. Agree on a ‘safe signal’ that will alert you to any type of discomfort.

Be Mindful Of How Tight You Wrap

As with any restraint, be mindful of how tight you’re wrapping it around limbs. If you pull too tightly you risk cutting off the circulation.

Plus, if you stretch bondage tape it won’t revert back to its original form.

It’s best to lay the tape flat against the skin. That means no twisting as you wrap it. Because when your taped-up sub struggles, the twists can tighten and dig into the skin. Ouch!


Bondage Tape Position Ideas & Extra Tips

The great thing about bondage tape is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

So, it’s a great kink-kit addition for every bondage experience level.

Start off with some simple classic restraints, such as taping your sub’s hands to the headboard, or taping their wrists in front of them or behind their back.

If restraining the ankles, have one foot placed slightly in front of the other so the ankle bones aren’t pressed together. 

One of my fav positions to be taped in is the frog-tie…ankles taped to my thighs and wrists taped behind my back. It forces me to just lay there, exposed…ready to be played with. 

You can recreate simple versions of floor-based shibari positions with bondage tape. (Note: it is NOT suitable for suspension bondage!)

You’ll have the same level of restraint without spending hours learning knots or the expense of bondage ropes. 


Few More Ideas:

  • Bondage tape is perfect for kidnapping roleplays, since it is quick and easy to use.
  • Combine it with a nice fluffy tail butt plug for elaborate pet play.
  • Place a number of strips to tape arms to the body, and the hands to the thighs. Then get the magic wand out and force some amazing orgasms!
  • Tape your man’s arms to his body and hands to his penis. It is my favorite – he can tease himself but never get a full stroke…until I say so…
  • Lastly, use bondage tape for mummification. 

Full-body mummification is something you build up to!

So if you’re new to this, start with restraining only the upper or lower half of the body, and see how it feels for both top and bottom. 

Basically, bondage tape is there for whatever your dirty little mind desires!


To Wrap it Up…

Whether you’re a bondage virgin or an expert in the ways of restraint, finding the best bondage tape offers spice, variety, comfort and sex appeal.

Add these reusable, self-adhesive rolls of pleasure to your fun box and get creatively kinky!

Need a little more spice? Here’s a list of the best bondage toys you can get.

Footnotes

  1. Mark Griffiths, Ph.D. “Sexual Mummification“. Psychology Today.
  2. Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK)“. Kinkly.
Aliyah Moore

Aliyah Moore

Aliyah Moore (she/her) is our resident sex expert at SexualAlpha. She’s a certified sex therapist with a Ph.D. in Gender & Sexuality Studies. Aliyah is a proud Black, bi-sexual femme passionate about empowering minority voices to embrace their sexuality and identity. She loves to write about everything sexual wellness and gives no-nonsense sex and relationship advice.

Got Questions? Ping me on Twitter.