The 8 Best Bondage Cuffs from Beginner to Advanced
Our Rating System Explained
If you’ve visited our site before then you’re probably familiar with how we rate products, but if not, you’re probably thinking “why should I trust these folks?” Well, we’re glad you asked! Credible, unbiased product information is what we aim to offer, and we find this is easiest to do by using a standardized system to rate each product. Our “Bedbible Rating” process helps us avoid bias by judging each product individually, taking into account the item’s design, ease of use, and quality. Once these specifications have been accessed, they are calculated into the final Bedbible score! Of course, we realize that not everyone has (or wants) to spend top-dollar on high-tier items, so we’ve also thrown in many mid-range and budget-friendly options. Below, you’ll find the good, the bad, and the ugly of each product. After reading these, it should be fairly easy to find the right set of bondage cuffs for you: have fun shopping!
What to Consider When Buying Bondage Cuffs
Bondage cuffs themselves are fairly straightforward items, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things you should consider before deciding on a set. Keep these specifications in mind while searching so you can get the perfect cuffs for you the first time!
- Size – Many bondage cuffs are adjustable, but that doesn’t mean they’ll fit everyone. You should make sure your wrists will fit into the cuffs by measuring them and comparing your measurements to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re planning on using cuffs on your ankles then you’ll want to measure those as well. Although it’s possible to find a pair that will fit both, you might find having two pairs is more exciting!
- Material – This comes down to personal preference. Remember, the material you choose will be restraining your wrists so if you prefer a more “gentle” experience, metal might not be the best choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of softer materials like silicone, leather, or faux leather to choose from! The material used will also control the amount of “give” your cuffs have so it’s definitely a factor putting some thought into.
- Fastening – How rough are you planning to be in these cuffs? If you’re mainly planning on using them for some light bondage with your partner then stretchy silicone cuffs could be a suitable option. For a more secure fit, velcro straps or ropes are an option. However, if you want to be unable to remove the cuffs yourself, we’d recommend considering cuffs with belt-style straps or metal handcuffs. If you want the look & feel of handcuffs without the inability to remove them yourself (or if you’re worried about your partner losing the key!), don’t worry: most BDSM handcuffs have a safety lever!
- Lockable – As we mentioned above, most bondage handcuffs have a safety lever that can be used in case you lose the key or want to remove the cuffs yourself. For some people, the ability to remove the cuffs themselves might take away from the experience. If that’s the case, you may need to look for “professional grade” handcuffs. That said, bear in mind that “real” handcuffs won’t be removable without a key, which means you cannot lose the keys!
FAQ
What is a Bondage Cuff?
You can play with some elements of BDSM without ever having sex. Yet, you might find that BDSM is an integral part of your sexuality and relationships. Bondage cuffs are toys or tools you can play with while practising BDSM. These include handcuffs, silk ties, ropes, belts, you name it! You use bondage cuffs or restraints to hold your sub down in position before engaging in teasing and pleasing activities or punishing them for something naughty they have done.
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The 8 Best Bondage Cuffs in Test
Bondage Couture Wrist Cuffs by NS Novelties
Adorn your lover’s hands in these beautiful vegan leather Wrist Cuffs by Bondage Couture. The wrist cuffs feel and look luxurious, and they are made with gold-coloured hardware to add a bit of glamour and style to your bondage play. The cuffs are intuitive to use, but you must communicate with your partner when engaging in bondage to ensure that you don’t make the restraints too tight.
The chains can be detached or attached to bedpost restraint loops to give you the thrilling feeling of total control over your sub.
Pros
Cons
These fabulous cuffs are our top pick because BDSMers of all experience levels will love them. The sleek golden buckles are not only gorgeous, but they are also easy and intuitive to use, and they are sturdy. Plus, they won’t tighten up uncomfortably during playtime. The faux leather is soft against your skin, and you can wear these cuffs comfortably for long periods. Finally, we love the detachable chains that allow you to cuff your sub to the bedposts for some saucy role play.
Quickie Cuffs Super-Strong Silicone Restraints
While we love a good, long bondage session involving straps, buckles and chains, sometimes you need to be quick and quiet. And for those times, the Quickie Cuffs are your new go-to. The silky soft silicone is flexible enough to stretch over most wrists but won’t slip off accidentally during play. You can easily slip these into your handbag or pocket for a cheeky, sneaky outdoor escapade, and they won’t set off security if you take them with you on a plane. No fiddly keys when you just want to get going or if your partner loves the element of surprise. Plus, the silicone is silent, so they are very discreet for thrilling not-quit-public play.
Pros
Cons
The Quickie Cuffs are perfect for sneaky, speedy knee-tremblers when you just can’t help yourself. Bring them on a train or a plane or a jetski! These discreet, foldable cuffs are the perfect BDSM-on-the-go companion. If you’re a beginner just starting to explore the world of bondage, these cuffs are smooth, comfortable, easy to use, and easy to remove if you change your mind at any time.
Fifty Shades of Grey Totally His Soft Handcuffs
The Fifty Shades of Grey line is so sleek and elegant that the fashionable fetishist in you can’t help but want to be restrained in these shiny, satin cuffs. The two cuffs connect easily by clips, allowing quick release of the restraint if necessary– designed to be effective but never uncomfortable. Not only does this work as a safety feature, but you can easily unclip your sub and reposition them very easily without having to remove the cuffs. Also, they can be linked to other leads and restraints, so your play is only limited by your imagination.
Pros
Cons
The Totally His Cuffs are perfect for bondage beginners who want a comfortable, adjustable pair of restraints. The clips on each cuff are a great feature because they allow you to play with these cuffs in all sorts of weird, wild, and wonderful ways. You can do a range of ties or contortions, or you could attach these cuffs to different objects in many fun and exciting locations. Their versatility makes them great to travel with, too. If you loved these velcro retrains, check out more here.
Temptasia Furry Cuffs By Blush Novelties
The Temptasia Furry Cuffs are a throwback to the blue movies of old when furry handcuffs were in their heyday. Well, we love their comeback!
These cuffs are vegan fur-lined, so they won’t cut into your skin when you squirm and shudder in a delight of teasing and pleasing.
The cuffs are adjustable and comfortable to wear while looking great. We love the safety lever that releases the cuffs in case of emergencies, but it’s fun to use the cute little set of keys.
Pros
Cons
If you like a rough edge to your kinky playtime, these are a great pair of metal handcuffs. They are sturdy and will keep someone pinned to your bed as long as you want to play with them. The cuffs are adjustable and fit most people, though you may have difficulty fitting into them if you are especially tall with wide wrists. If your experience ever feels overwhelming, or you simply decide that you want to get these cuffs off in a hurry, there is a safety tab that you can push for a quick release.
Fifty Shades of Grey You. Are. Mine. Metal Handcuffs
Now here are some handcuffs that Miss Ana Steele would approve of! These slick, no-nonsense cuffs are perfect for those more experienced in bondage and restraint. These cuffs balance an authentic bondage experience with the reassurance of easy escape if required. You. Are. Mine. is a strong pair of lockable handcuffs with a safety mechanism for peace of mind. The bare metal looks so sexy against bare skin, and you will find yourself writhing in anticipation as soon as these cuffs are locked around your wrists.
Pros
Cons
Some may find the circular shape of the cuff uncomfortable…but maybe that’s a good thing—the You. Are. Mine metal cuffs are the perfect, sturdy pair for anyone who loves a bit of pain mixed in with their pleasure. They’re easy to use, and you can adjust the size of the cuffs until you feel that delightful pinch.
These come well packaged with a silk drawstring bag for storage. The cuffs create a believable illusion of being real, despite being very easy to release if needed.
DOMINIX Deluxe Heavy Leather Ankle Cuffs
These deluxe leather cuffs are sinfully good. If you are into serious bondage and restraint and want something that will stand the test of time, these are for you! The leather on these is thick, heavy, and gorgeous. They’re also very supple, so they aren’t uncomfortable for extended wear. The detachable clips are great because they give you a lot of freedom and versatility to attach to matching wrist cuffs, the bedframe, or anything you like!
The adjustable buckle fastenings mean you can find your perfect fit. You certainly won’t be able to escape in a hurry, so make sure that you and your partner discuss a safe word before you begin playing in case either one of you changes your mind at any time.
Pros
Cons
Thick, padded leather and sturdy adjustable buckle fastenings make these ankle cuffs a reliable addition to your bondage collection. They are of excellent quality and will last you many years of play sessions. The detachable clips allow you to attach your own leads or chains for a perfectly customizable experience. We also love that these ankle cuffs can be used with matching wrist cuffs or tightened to fit your wrists. If you’re interested in wrist-to-thigh cuffs, check out the next product, or our roundup here.
Bondage Boutique Snakeskin Wrist-to-Thigh Cuffs
These faux-snakeskin cuffs from Bondage Boutique are absolutely stunning and luxurious. The versatile set features two wrist cuffs to keep your sub’s arms firmly at their sides and two thigh cuffs that can be rotated around any point of the leg to accommodate whatever position or thigh you desire! Whether your sub is on their front, back, or side, these cuffs can be swivelled around their legs for a perfect immovable bind—experiment with different positions to discover the flexibility of your sub and the adaptability of the cuffs.
Pros
Cons
Because the cuffs are stitched to the thigh, this limits your options somewhat and means that you can’t attach the cuffs to any other leads or fastenings, which may frustrate the more adventurous bondage explorers out there. However, if your goal is to keep your sub still and totally under your power, then these cuffs will do the trick. The faux snakeskin is beautiful and would make a fabulously fashionable addition to any toybox.
Kink by Doc Johnson Hemp Hog Tie Cuffs
A versatile and easy-to-use set of cuffs, Doc Johnson’s hemp rope slips around your lover’s wrists, ankles, or both if you want to truss them up (or be trussed up). Astonishingly simple bondage play is now at your fingertips! The pre-tied knots are perfect for quickies while still giving the satisfying feel of rope against your skin and creating an exciting power dynamic. They’re adjustable and versatile, so you can easily attach another length of rope to tie your sub to the bed etc. If you’re curious about other tools for BDSM, check out this article.
Pros
Cons
These soft cuffs are an ideal introduction to rope play for beginners and an easy way to incorporate bondage play anytime, anywhere for even more experienced users. The simple slip-ring design requires no knotting experience, and the adjustable loop allows you to customise your experience. They are suitable for use with bondage pillows, too. The soft hemp fibres bend with the body and slide smoothly across your skin for optimal comfort and safety.
Bondage Suspension Cuffs
If you are experienced in BDSM and are looking to take bondage to the next level of intensity, why not consider suspension? Allowing your dom to suspend you is the ultimate act of surrender. Once your feet leave the ground, you are totally in their power. It can be very sexy! String your partner up in your favourite position and then have your wicked way with them.
Alternatives to Bondage Cuffs
If you’re still exploring your boundaries, desires, and needs, there are so many options for bondage that you’ll soon find what you didn’t know you were looking for. If metal or studded leather cuffs seem too intense for you, how about some silky soft straps? If you’re into sadomasochism and want something challenging to escape from, perhaps bondage tape will be your favourite. If you’re feeling kinky, maybe a collar will scratch that itch for you. We’ve compiled our favourite alternatives to cuffs below.
Can You Make Your Own Bondage Cuffs?
That depends on your definition of the word “make”. If you are a diligent and talented seamstress, then yes, there are multiple patterns online that teach you how to DIY your own bondage cuffs. However, if you are hoping to convert something you already own into usable cuffs, it gets a bit trickier. One of the main problems you need to consider is that some fabric is not so grippy on itself, so it could tighten uncomfortably during playtime. For example, silk scarves tend to slip, which could be pretty dangerous.
Sew Your Own
This option is probably the easiest that will still allow for some quality, professional-looking cuffs. There are many patterns and tutorials online that you can check out, but basically you will need to measure your wrists and then cut out the correct length from your chosen fabric. You will also need to decide if you want buckles, velcro, buttons etc
Silk Ties
If one of you has a silk tie lying around this can be a fun and sensual option to DIY bondage. However, as mentioned, silk tends to slip and can get dangerously tight, so keep in communication with your partner and ensure that you have safety scissors nearby if necessary.
Rope
This is perhaps the safest and easiest option. Rope’s coarse texture allows it to cinch against itself, so you can safely and securely bind your sub’s wrists, ankles etc. However, we suggest that you keep those scissors handy, just in case.
Belts
If you enjoy the aesthetic and sensation of leather and metal buckles, then a modified belt could work for you. You will either have to punch a new hole in your belt after measuring your wrists or ankles, or you can try to wrap the belt around your sub’s limbs until you can line the buckle with a hole. This can be fiddly and can also lead to loose binding that your sub might wriggle out of.
Bondage Safety 101
As a new Dom, it is essential to do your research when it comes to safety; after all, you will literally be holding people’s genitalia in the palm of your hand! We’ve made a comprehensive list of prep work you need to do, as well as some bondage safety basics that you will need to keep in mind all through playtime.
Safewords and Consent
You and your partner need to have an honest and open discussion before any bondage scene happens between you two. You need to ensure that you are both on the same [age in terms of your needs, boundaries, and desires. It is also essential that you establish a safe-word that can let your partner know immediately that you are no longer comfortable with the situation and you would like out. Remember that even if someone consents in the beginning, they reserve the right to withdraw that consent at any time, so keep checking in with one another.
Setting Up Your Scene
Before playtime begins y=it is vital that you organise your space so that you will have everything you need during the session without any awkward pauses or fumbles. The space you create also needs to feel comfortable and safe for both of you.
Aftercare
Speak to your partner about what they need to feel happy, confident, and comfortable throughout your play session, as well as afterwards. Ensure that you have everything before you begin so that both of you feel safe and supported at all times.
Silent Alarms
If you choose to practice bondage with someone that you don’t know very well, make sure to text a number of friends the location you’re meeting at, and the times when you will check in with them. If you do not check in then they know to take action to secure your safety (ie coming to the location, calling the police etc). If practicing with a new partner, for ease of mind we suggest using cuffs that have a safety tab for quick release, or using pre-tied binds that you could slip out of if you needed to.
Sober Up
While some like drinking a glass of wine to relax a little before BDSM play, if either of you are visibly or audibly intoxicated or have had more than two drinks, stop and consider playing another day.
Stay at Your Skill Level
Pushing your skill levels as a top or bottom is recommended only in classes or workshops where instructors are available, or when playing with somebody who’s experienced at that level. It’s possible to learn new skills through play with others, but one of you must always be within your comfort and experience zone.
Stay Energised and Hydrated
Please don’t forget these important factors during your long hours of sexy playtime. Keep water on hand, and perhaps a snack or sweet juice in case anyone begins to feel shaky.
How to Use Bondage Cuffs
Before you dive into the titillating world of bondage, there are a few things that you need to consider to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the experience by both you and your partner. Read through our Bondage Safety 101 and then acquaint yourself with our suggestions below. However, the number one rule at all times is that you respect and communicate with your partner. If you are not feeling comfortable, speak up. If you are hurting anywhere, speak up. There must always be a solid, honest, and vulnerable relationship between any dom and sub.
Choose Your Style
There are so many different types of handcuffs and restraints, it’s really not necessary to walk away with bruised wrists (unless you’re into that, of course). We recommend that beginners start out with silicone, rope, or velcro cuffs before increasing in intensity. Consider the comfort and desires of both partners, as well as the situation you will be using your restraints when choosing your bonds.
Assume the Position
Before anyone is tied up or restrained, decide what position you’d like them to be in, and make sure that they can remain comfortably (or pleasurably uncomfortable) for a prolonged period by rearranging pillows or supports around them.
Communication is Key
Keep talking to each other, especially if it is your first time using cuffs. Decide beforehand how you will check in with each other, and how often. Make sure that both of you are confident enough to speak up the moment you are uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Bring in Exciting New Sensations
Once your sub is strapped up right where you want them, bring in some sensory toys like feather ticklers or ice cubes to tease and torture your partner until they are screaming out for more. Perhaps introduce blindfolds or some spanking if that’s what you’re both into.
Leave Room to Breathe
Unless the tie or type of bondage specifically calls for it, don’t bind somebody too tightly. This leaves them vulnerable to nerve damage and circulation issues. Make sure to leave some wriggle room of a finger or two between your skin and the restraints you are using.
How to Clean Bondage Cuffs
Depending on the bondage cuffs that you choose, different materials will have specific instructions for cleaning, so make sure to read the box! Silicone is generally safe and easy to clean with warm and safe water, whereas rope care can be pretty intricate and demanding. Metal and silk are reasonably straightforward, but leather, not so much.
materials
Soft plastic, hard plastic, jelly, rubber, Cyberskin are all porous materials, meaning that small particles and bacteria can penetrate the surface. This makes it impossible to completely clean these types of materials.
Therefore, it is recommended that you use a condom with these types of toys, especially if you are sharing them. Clean these toys with mild soapy water and dry gently with a towel. These materials are more easily damaged, so be sure to be gentle and make sure your toys are completely dry before storing.
materials
Silicone, glass, stainless steel and some hard plastics can all be washed using a mild soap (like you would use on your body) and warm water. Just be careful if your toy contains electrical parts.
Silicone and stainless steel toys without any electrical parts can also be boiled for sterilisation.
components
If your toys contain electrical components, be extra careful when cleaning them and always check the instructions provided with the toy. You can use a gentle cloth and soap to wipe or sex toy cleaner or cleaning wipe to down your toy, making sure that no water comes into contact with the electrical parts.