Train Your Partner: Bondage Gear for Beginners

Bondage can be an exciting new venture for couples looking to mix things up, but it can be intimidating and frustrating if you’re not sure where to start. The best place to begin with any type of sex toy or bondage equipment is to make sure that you and your partner are on the same page, and that your selection will be comfortable and enjoyable both for play time and long-term use. If you’re looking to experiment with bondage gear in the bedroom, whether as part of BDSM activities or otherwise, these beginner bondage gear picks are an excellent way to add some spice to your experience.

7 Great Pieces of Beginner Bondage Gear

Want to get into bondage, but aren’t sure where to start? Not sure what you need? We’ve got your back with these seven great pieces of beginner bondage gear. Note that while they are marketed towards beginners, many of them can be used by more advanced players as well.

1) Rope

Rope is one of those things that you don’t realize you need until you start tying up your partner. It can be soft and silky, but it still makes you nervous. You don’t want to hurt your girl! This rope is so soft and pretty, though—and, honestly, training her to be tied up will feel more like a reward than a punishment—that she won’t mind getting tied up at all.

2) Handcuffs

A set of metal restraints is a great place to start. They’re cheap, inconspicuous, and easy to use.

3) Tape

For beginners, you want a blindfold that’s easy to put on and take off, without any buckles or clasps that could potentially get stuck and make it difficult to remove in a hurry. You also don’t want something too thick; you want to be able to see her body clearly through it. If it’s too opaque or heavy, she might feel like she can’t breathe well enough underneath.

4) Blindfold

A blindfold doesn’t always have to be elaborate. It’s not unusual to walk into a sex shop and find cheap, flimsy blindfolds that won’t provide much in terms of sensory deprivation. If you want your partner to really feel like they can’t see, a more expensive option is key. Many couples opt for silk scarves, but as long as it blocks light completely it will work just fine. Just make sure you choose something soft and comfortable – especially if you plan on putting it on your partner right away!

5) Restraints

Restraints are a great way to introduce your partner to bondage without too much commitment. For example, rope or leather wrist restraints and ankle restraints provide quick access to easy restraint and release if you want to end a scene before it gets too heated. Restraints aren't just for beginners; in fact, they're useful during almost any stage of kink play. They can heighten sensation and stimulation by causing nerve impulses from one area of skin to travel directly into another area (i.e., when your girl's tied up, her clitoris feels closer to her vaginal opening). In addition, they can prolong an orgasm or delay it so you can take your time getting there together.

6) Harness

A bondage harness is any piece of equipment that holds your partner’s body in place, leaving her arms free to stimulate herself or play with you. Harnesses can be made of rope, straps, leather or metal. Find a harness that is comfortable and not too heavy; most experts agree that lighter is better because it will increase her range of motion and freedom to move around. Many beginners choose crotchless and open-back styles since they don’t leave marks on your partner’s skin and can also work well during intercourse. If she isn’t sure about restraints, suggest something simple like handcuffs or silk scarves you tie together at her wrists instead—it will make things a lot less intimidating for both of you.

7) Flogger

The flogger is a multi-tailed whip used in BDSM to strike various parts of a submissive’s body. This cat-o’-nine tails, however, only has nine strands—so it doesn’t pack quite as much of a punch. It’s often used with single strikes or over another implement and is better suited for more experienced subs who like to be sensually punished. Often crafted from suede or leather, most come with wrist straps so you can ensure your hands don't slip when things get steamy.