I don’t know about you, but I’m fascinated by other peoples’ sex lives. And the theme of this issue of Buzzsaw is Tape. So, why not talk about the sexiest, most unique tape there is: bondage tape!
Maybe you didn’t know that there is tape made specifically for bondage purposes. Maybe you don’t know anything about bondage! Both are fine. We are all just trying to learn.
Bondage tape is made from 2-inch wide PVC that only sticks to itself and not to hair and skin. It comes in a wide variety of colors and, like duct tape, can be used for a million and one uses like:
General limb tying: the most famous form of bondage where you or your partner can restrain you by tying your limbs together, a bedpost or to whatever you need to anchor yourself!
Mummification: a specific type of bondage that involves wrapping part—if not all—of your body up, not unlike a mummy.
Pony play and other specialized forms of BDSM/kinks: Google it if you have other questions.
Gage widener: a non-sexual, but still useful way of stretching the holes in your ears out for larger gages.
Bondage tape cannot be used for:
Making wallets.
Maybe you’re thinking to yourself: okay I’ve seen Fifty Shades of Grey and they never used any tape. And while you’re not wrong, it’s important to understand that there is no one right way of engaging in BDSM and it doesn’t always look like the movies. The only thing you need is consent and trust between the Dom and the Sub—and maybe a pair of something sexy and restrictive. Because bondage—like you—contains multitudes.
Before we go any further, let’s take a look at what BDSM as a practice is and how it relates to our friend: tape. BDSM stands for Bondage, Discipline/Dominance, Submission/Sadism, and Masochism. Which basically means, it’s a kink that allows people to act on fantasies of either being in charge or being subordinate—i.e. Dominant and Submissive. These are all roles that are already at play in non-BDSM sexual dynamics, but here they are heightened.
Now enter: bondage tape. This useful little innovation has proven itself to be quite versatile and a great way to try your hand at BDSM and discover what you like before going out and buying something expensive.
In a perfect world, I would have bought bondage tape and tried it out so that I could give you first-hand experience, but sadly that isn’t the case.
I took the time to separately sit down virtually with two friends of mine who have used tape in their bondage practices and they answered some of my?and I’m assuming?your burning questions for them.
They both wanted to remain anonymous, so let me introduce you to my two friends:
Darren- A real cool Dom-guy who has light experience in bondage that is relatively limited to household objects.
Brooke- A super cool dominatrix who has vast experience with bondage including for aesthetic purposes, as well as engaging as a Dom and a Sub.
What is your preferred method of bondage?
Darren: Neckties, belts, scarves. Things you can find around the house.
Brooke: Leather cuffs or collars are my favorite kind of bondage restraint. If I do restrain, I tend to use zip ties or collars/harnesses.
What has your experience been like using tape in bondage?
Darren: It was one of the first things [my partner and I] ever bought because we were finally old enough to purchase it. I liked it mainly because it was inconspicuous in my room because at the time, I was still living with my parents and in high school, so you can imagine what that was like and having something like a roll of tape, compared to a ball gag, was an ideal scenario.
Brooke: I enjoyed the feeling of being in the presence of someone who would be so vulnerable with me, as this is one of the main aspects that attracts me to the world of BDSM. I personally would not choose this method of restraining because aesthetic and uniformity during play are also elements I value—using something like a leather collar, silk blindfold, or zip-tie makes more sense for me.
Are there any advantages to using bondage tape?
Darren: Definitely like I said, the inconspicuous-ness. But also it felt safer to use than tying knots when we didn’t really know what we were doing. This felt more controlled and like we couldn’t fuck it up.
Brooke: Tape has advantages in capturing a certain mood, but that’s really the only advantage it has over other types of bondage restraints. Roleplay is where one would predominantly find tape as a form of bondage restraint nowadays.
Are there any disadvantages?
Darren: It personally doesn’t do it for me as much. I really like using a necktie because that’s like a hot power move—wouldn’t advise against it though, it just wouldn’t be my go-to.
Brooke: Waste is a big one, but also comfort possibly? It’s not really a restraint used for comfort, it’s used for the aesthetic above all and the symbolism that tape has in our culture when restraining a person.
Would you recommend using bondage tape?
Darren: I would say use what you have to start and then figure out what you like and if bondage tape seems like a good move for you, then do it. It was definitely a good first sex-shop purchase for a couple of eighteen–year–olds.
Brooke: I would totally recommend trying any kind of experimenting, if you haven’t already, with tape! Trying new things out, especially with your sexual partner is a comfortable way to explore new sexual experiences and carry out fantasies. But for me personally it’s not my fav kind of restraint and I don’t think it allows the level of control that I’d like my subs to have during BDSM play.
So there it is, friends! Go forth and discover what you like and don’t apologize to anyone for your kink—unless, it involves taking away someone’s consent. But other than that, do it up, baby. For more information about bondage tape and BDSM practices, check out the YouTube account of Lovehoney or the webpage of Mistress Couple.
Art done by Lauren Reid and Mary Raboy. Tape design done by Quinn Karlok.