Rope bondage is a BDSM practice often used by a dominant on their submissive. The rope may restrain and restrict the movements of a submissive partner, wrap the sub's body artistically, or suspend the sub in the air. Many contemporary rope bondage techniques borrow from the Japanese bondage style known as shibari. Along with shibari, there are many notable contemporary styles of rope bondage including Western or American style bondage, suspension bondage, speed bondage, and breast bondage.

During rope bondage, the person tying their partner generally derives pleasure from their partner’s submission and their own feelings of power and control. The restrained partner tends to become aroused from the feel of the rope against their skin and their own immobility. They might also become turned on by the struggle or through giving in to the feeling of being captured.

Many people enjoy rope bondage in isolation; for others bondage serves as a way of making a restrained partner more accessible for sadomasochistic play.

Contemporary rope bondage practitioners may use traditional ropes or Japanese bondage ropes made of natural hemp or jute. Thick cotton or silk ropes, though expensive, are also particularly effective. They won’t slide around once they are tied. Solid braid nylon rope is a more economical modern choice, and easy to untie after a session.

Beginners should remember to communicate throughout the experience of bondage. Establishing a safe word is useful particularly if your ideal play style involves showing physical or verbal resistance.

Keep the ropes loose enough that two fingers can slide between the fiber and your partner’s skin to avoid cutting off circulation. The sub should also change positions at least once an hour to avoid circulation problems. The sub should speak up if they feel numbness or tingling. This could be a sign of circulation problems or nerve damage. Rope should never restrict someone’s ability to breathe. A sub should never be left alone once tied. It’s a good idea to keep some flat-edged safety scissors nearby in case you need to release your partner quickly.