You and your partner talked about it, and you've decided that you want to try taking some steps into the world of bondage. Or maybe there is no partner, and you'd love to try this adventurous journey on your own. Maybe you have a cheap pair of metal handcuffs and you're ready to upgrade. Maybe this will be your first bondage purchase. Whatever the case, jumping into the world of restraint can be fun, sexy, orgasmic, and even a little bit scary. And bondage cuffs are great may to make the leap.
There are thousands of restraint options out there. Each one is slightly different than the last. While every one of them serves the basic function of "restraint," each one does it in slightly a different way. One may offer multiple D-rings on the cuffs while another may not offer any attachment points. One may be made of soft, lightweight felt while another is made from steel. Perfect for fulfilling the fantasies of everyone out there, each bondage BDSM cuff is unique. What works perfectly for you may be a terrible option for someone else - and vice versa.
With that in mind, picking out your perfect set of BDSM cuffs can be difficult and stressful. How do you narrow it down? What makes one better than another? Luckily, you've stumbled upon this guide. Instead of letting the worries of "perfection" drag you away from the exhilaration of choosing a new plaything, we want to help clear up your worries. Using these seven tips, you can narrow down your bondage cuff fantasies and find the perfect cuffs that will help you fulfill your needs, instead of deciding between 40 options that you think "might" work!
Measure Your Wrists/Ankles
While almost every wrist and ankle bondage cuff out there is adjustable in size, it helps to have a good idea of what size you need. While most cuffs are adjustable, many cuffs can only fit a certain range of sizes. If you have particularly large or small limbs, you might find that your new cuffs don't fit as well as you thought they would. Just as a precaution, start your bondage cuff shopping adventure with your limb measurements in mind. That way you won't accidentally purchase cuffs that are too big or too small for your body.
These simple wrist cuffs from Sportsheets are soft and adjustable. Get them here.
Know Your Budget
Bondage cuffs can vary from $10 all the way to hundreds of dollars. Quality, durability, strength, materials and brand can all affect the price of bondage cuffs. Sure, the most expensive pair is probably going to be one of the highest-quality sets you can find, but not everyone has a lot to spend. Consider how much you're able to spend on your pair of cuffs and look for ones that fit within that budget. Keep in mind that it might be worth saving up for a couple of months to buy your "favorite" set. Sure, instant gratification is nice, but since bondage cuffs tend to be durable items that will last for years, it's worth waiting a couple of months to buy the nicer set instead of settling for a cheaper option you may not love as much.
The Sutra Chainlink Cuffs from LELO are beautiful and made from pure silk. They're a bit more of an investment, but totally worth it! Get them here.
Think About Your Aesthetic
Appearance is important, too. Do you want your cuffs to match your favorite outfit? Do you have favorite colors? Do you want a full, matching set with your collar, wrist cuffs, and ankle cuffs? Maybe you want cuffs with lace details - or maybe with a hardcore leather look? No matter what you have in mind, you should look for cuffs that match your aesthetic. With the popularity of bondage exploding lately, there are more bondage cuffs than ever to choose from. Don't settle for something you don't like.
These jeweled cuffs from Sportsheets will give you a bit of bling! Get them here.
Talk About Comfort Levels
Is bondage still new to you? If so, you and your partner should talk about your comfort levels before picking up your new BDSM cuffs. Velcro-fastening cuffs, along with being cheaper, are also easier to self-remove in case of emergencies. The "ease of removal" can also function as a mental relaxant for those who are still really nervous about trying out bondage. If bondage is still new to you and still makes you feel a little uncomfortable, consider cuffs that provide a bondage sensation and are easy for you to escape.
These simple silicone bondage cuffs can be stretched open for a quick escape. Get them here.
Prepare for Your Uses
Your cuffs need to stand up to your bondage needs. While being beautiful and fitting into your budget are important, it's just as important that your new cuffs actually function well for you. So before you buy them, you should consider how you're going to use them. Will there be lots of rough tugging on them? Velcro-fastened cuffs will likely give way under lots of heavy tugging. Thin wrist cuffs will become uncomfortable and painful with long periods of struggle. If you plan on getting lots of bodily fluids on your cuffs, a pair of cuffs covered in faux fur might be difficult to clean. If you'd like your partner to sleep in their new cuffs from time to time, consider a set that's super soft and can easily be removed in case of emergencies.
These buckle closure cuffs provide secure attachment for those who are in it for the struggle. Get them here.
Get Creative With Attachment Points
Sure, this is an article about cuffs, but how you attach your bondage cuffs to things is just as important. Sure, the feeling of kinky bondage cuffs on the wrist can feel hot, but it can feel even more debasing and "real" if your submissive has to hear the rattling of heavy chains every time they move because you've attached the cuffs to a length of chain. Or maybe you want something versatile and adjustable, so you've attached the bondage cuffs to a length of an adjustable nylon strap. Or maybe you want to watch their muscles struggle against the bonds, so you've locked those cuffs up to a bungee cord strap. Whatever the case, while it's important to think about getting the perfect ones, you shouldn't neglect to pick out a fantastic attachment system that fits your scene too.
These cuffs come with long tethers for more attachments options! Get the here.
Consider Special Features
Did you know that some BDSM cuffs can be locked shut? Some other restraints offer weight-bearing capabilities for suspension purposes. If you're looking for complicated bondage scenarios with multiple bondage points, some cuffs even offer multiple O-rings or D-rings as multiple attachment points. A few BDSM cuffs are even designed for aquatic and water use! Manufacturers have started getting more creative with their bondage offerings, and if your scene ideas are just as creative, consider picking up a pair of BDSM cuffs that fit into that fantasy vision.
