Rope Materials

Choosing the Right Rope

A Guide to Materials, Comfort, and Safety

When it comes to rope bondage, the material you choose matters just as much as your technique. Each rope has its own characteristics in terms of texture, flexibility, strength, and aesthetics—all of which affect your experience as a rigger or rope bottom.

Whether you're tying for art, connection, or suspension, understanding the pros and cons of various rope materials can help you make an informed choice.

At The Azure Strand, we specialize in high-quality, conditioned, JBO-free jute rope and natural rope products, chosen for their balance of tradition, beauty, and performance.

In this guide, we'll explore the strengths and limitations of different rope types, from traditional naturals like jute and hemp to common synthetics like nylon and POSH.

Natural Fibre Ropes

Jute

Pros:

Traditional material for Japanese rope bondage (shibari/kinbaku)
Long lifespan if well cared for – quality jute can last years if properly maintained
Minimal stretch, ideal for precise ties and suspension
Lightweight with excellent friction and "bite," which helps knots hold securely
Fast tying and easy handling, especially when well-conditioned
No strong odor, if produced without JBO
Beautiful golden hue and natural aesthetic
Lower risk of friction burns than synthetic materials

Cons:

Not suitable for water. The fibres will contract and warp when wet
Can feel stiff or rough when new or untreated, but softens with age
Requires conditioning and regular care to maintain strength and suppleness
JBO (jute batching oil) is often used in the manufacture of jute rope. This is a strong-smelling, petroleum-based lubricant that can irritate the skin.

Hemp

Pros:

Also a traditional material used in shibari
Very similar benefits to jute – preference often simply comes down to the different feel of these materials in the hand
Holds friction well and won’t slip easily
Doesn’t use JBO in production – unlike jute, hemp does not require as much oil for lubrication during batching
Softens even more than jute with age and use – aged hemp can often be even softer and silkier than jute

Cons:

Similar downsides to jute, when compared to synthetics
Also unsuitable for water, due to warping of the natural fibres
Heavier and more pliable than jute, which can make it feel “floppy” by comparison
Earthy, barn-like scent which some people find unpleasant – this smell fades over time

Cotton

Pros:

Very soft and comfortable, often used by beginners or in sensual play
Readily available and affordable
Machine washable

Cons:

High stretch; knots can tighten excessively and become hard to untie
Not suitable for suspension due to stretchiness and poor load-bearing capacity
Retains moisture, which can lead to mildew or weakening of fibres

Bamboo

Pros:

Soft feeling rope, similar to cotton; gentler for intimate ties or for new bottoms
Hypoallergenic; gentle on the skin and on sensitive areas of the body
Less likely to cause friction burns than most other fibres
Like cotton, bamboo is machine washable

Cons:

Not safe for suspension; has a lower breaking strength than other fibres
Often has a looser lay, making it more prone to deforming
Difficult to find good quality bamboo rope

Sisal

Pros:

Similar to jute, with stiff fibres and good friction
Very coarse and rough, ideal for those with masochistic tendencies
Often used in extreme sensation play due to its abrasive texture
Durable and relatively strong

Cons:

Extremely scratchy and uncomfortable for most, especially on sensitive skin
Uncommon in bondage scenes due to its harshness
Can cause irritation or injury if not used carefully

Coconut/Coir

Pros:

Even rougher than sisal, providing an intense, painful experience for those
into extreme sensation play
Rarely used but can be found in some forms of "torture ties"

Cons:

Not suitable for most people due to its extreme discomfort
Extremely harsh on the skin, can cause abrasions or even injury
Extremely rare in bondage due to its limited appeal
Not typically used for suspension or complex ties due to low strength and rough texture

Synthetic Ropes

While many practitioners prefer natural fibres for their organic feel and sustainability, synthetic ropes are also common in the kink world, especially in Western bondage communities.

Some riggers also use synthetic materials for suspension uplines due to their superior tensile strength. Additionally, synthetics are durable and easy to clean, as they can safely get wet and be washed in a machine without concern for damage.

However, synthetic ropes are made of plastic and derived from oil/petroleum, so despite their many advantages, they are not an ecologically-friendly, natural, or sustainable choice.

Nylon

Pros:

Extremely strong and durable
Easy to clean
Widely available and inexpensive

Cons:

Very slick, which can cause knots to slip and shift pressure or tighten unexpectedly
Very stiff, and does not break in like a natural rope will
Can feel cold or clinical; lacks the organic feel and aesthetic of natural rope

P.O.S.H. (Spun Polyester)

Pros:

Soft feeling and low-stretch, commonly used for rigging ships
Lightweight, waterproof, and UV resistant
Strong, durable, and easy to clean
Looks similar to natural rope

Cons:

Often more expensive than other synthetic options
It is still a synthetic material and can cause "rope burn" more easily than natural rope

Hempex (Spun Polypropylene)

Pros:

Synthetic rope made to look and feel like hemp
Stronger and more durable than natural rope
Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons:

Still somewhat more artificial feeling than real hemp
Doesn't break in or age the same way natural hemp does

Considerations for Suspension

Suspension requires rope that is strong, predictable, and reliable under stress.

While some riggers choose synthetic ropes for their higher tensile strength, well-maintained jute and hemp ropes are also suitable and preferred by many for their performance and aesthetic qualities.

For natural rope to be safe for suspension, it must be regularly inspected, conditioned, and replaced when signs of wear appear.

Synthetic ropes may offer peace of mind for uplines, but they often sacrifice the tactile and visual elements that many practitioners value in their craft.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best rope for bondage depends on your personal style, preferences, and needs.

Jute offers the crisp, traditional look and feel favored in shibari, while hemp provides a softer, earthy alternative. Cotton, silk, and bamboo are great for beginners or for sensual scenes but lack the performance needed for more advanced work.

Synthetics can fill certain roles, especially in suspension, but are less-sustainable petroleum products, and may lack the intimacy and connection of natural fibres. Rougher materials like sisal, manila, or coconut coir are good for special circumstances but are not recommended for typical use.

At The Azure Strand, we honor the tradition of natural rope with beautifully conditioned, JBO-free jute products, prepared with care and attention to detail.

Whether you're a seasoned rigger or just beginning your journey, we invite you to explore the materials that resonate most with your body, your partner, and your practice.