Choosing the Right Set of Handcuffs and Restraints
When it comes to bondage play, there are a number of seemingly innocent household items you could use to restrain your significant other. Scarves, stockings, belts, suit ties and even pillow cases all work a treat of course, along with the classics: bondage rope, wrist cuffs and ankle cuff restraints.
Today we’re slipping specifically into the world of handcuffs and restraints for the wrists and ankles, exploring how they can be used to enhance sexual positioning and how they can reinforce that intimate bond.
Handcuffs for bondage
A simple pair of metal or fluffy BDSM handcuffs for the wrists are usually the go-to restraint choice for anyone beginning to experiment with restraint play, for a number of reasons: they’re affordable, easy to use and include a quick release safety catch. So it’s no big deal if the keys accidentally go walkabout. Even better, for those of you who enjoy a spot of role play, metal cuffs really look the part for any kinky cops and robbers scenario.
If you are tempted to dabble in the realm of restraint, handcuffs are a perfect introduction to light fetish bondage play, but admittedly, metal cuffs aren’t great for wrigglers. They’re pretty rigid, so can dig into wrists when handcuffed if the wearer is writhing around a lot. Ideal if the wearer is into experiencing a little pain alongside their pleasure.
The only potential downside with these bad boys is that more rigid metal-style handcuffs can leave marks on the skin for a little while. Bear this in mind if you want to save yourself some raised eyebrows in the office.
A fantastic alternative is flexible silicone wrist cuffs. For those primarily concerned with comfort between the sheets, sexy handcuffs that are covered in a material are potentially a better option. Slightly softer on the wrists, and meticulously crafted to complete a sexy lingerie look, this style of handcuff offers to add an element of style to your intimate bondage adventures.
If you’re looking to restrain your lover’s ankles then you should consider investing in some specialist ankle cuff restraints for the ultimate comfortable fit. You may also prefer to use a spreader bar to keep your partner vulnerable and at your mercy, as this kind of bondage gear is designed specifically for the job at hand (or ankle).
The quality of the handcuffs is also important. High-quality handcuffs will be harder to get off if you lose the key, so it’s worth keeping this in mind. Alternatively, many poor-quality handcuffs aren’t fit for the job and can break or worse, fail to open due to a poor-quality locking mechanism. It is worth paying a little extra and buying your bondage kit from a reputable store that has quality-checked the products it sells.
Bondage restraints
Another form of wrist-ankle cuffs is buckle-fastening bondage restraints. Usually crafted of ultra-soft suede or leather and finished with the most gorgeous artisanal brass metal hardware. These sex toys feel flexible and cushiony against the contours of your skin compared to metal handcuffs, so are less likely to leave marks. They’re also more comfortable to wear if you’re in for a longer session.
A defining feature of bondage cuffs is that, unlike metal handcuffs, these restraints can be separated. By which I mean they don’t have to be eternally connected by a central chain. Potentially, this gives a Dominant partner more control over each limb.
Their second attractive quality is the attached metal D-rings on the outside of the cuffs which offer up a whole host of possibilities. When not connected by a central chain, these can be used to fasten wrists and ankles to a whole host of bondage furniture items without the need to remove the cuffs.
Alternatively, lengths of chain or rope can be threaded through the D-rings offering more freedom to explore new positions depending on what your partner is tied to (a chair, the bed, a hook fitted to the ceiling).
Extra snap hooks and trigger clips to attach cuffs or lengths of chain, can be picked up from most hardware stores offering more options when it comes to fastening the cuffs.
A benefit of using leather straps or leather restraints over metal handcuffs is that they can be cut if needed.
If you’re into bed bondage then you can even get specialist bed restraint systems to take your bondage fetish to the next level. Couple this with a blindfold, vibrator or buttplug and you might just experience some of the best sex you’ve ever had, unlocking a new kink. Remember whatever sex games you get up to, it is also important to use a safe word to ensure that your sex life is safe and fun for everyone involved.
BDSM bondage restraint sets and positioning
The look of PVC or leather handcuffs and buckles isn’t to everyone’s taste. That’s ok.
For those that prefer a more subtle look to their bedroom accessories, there are nylon and velcro or silicone cuff restraint sets that offer just as much versatility as bondage restraints. Durable and ready for play immediately, simply wrap each cuff around wrists and ankles and you’re ready for restraint.
Restraint kits and similar sex products dedicated to bondage are a great way to introduce some BDSM into your sex life. If you’re in the market for some new bondage gear, it’s worth remembering that often restraint kits are a way of exploring the full range of restraint accessories in a more affordable way than buying them individually. Kits also provide the opportunity to explore something you wouldn’t usually have picked up.
Choose a set of handcuffs and restraints that reflect your level of play
To recap, when shopping for handcuffs and restraints, help yourself find the right set by thinking about:
· Your bondage experience — are you likely to need something with all the bells and whistles?
· How often they’ll get used — if once in a blue moon, why spend a fortune?
· Comfort levels — if skin markings are a concern, silicone is your friend.
· The restriction of movement — might you need a set that can be removed quickly and easily for peace of mind?
Start playing
For those of you who simply can’t restrain yourselves any longer, head over to our wrist and ankle restraints section. Here, you’ll be able to see the full range and pick some kinky cuffs that best suit your needs.
If you like the idea of bondage but aren’t sold on cuffs, then you may want to read: