Many friends and students often ask the question: “What kind of rope is best for shibari?” After practicing for nearly 18 years and making rope for over 8 years, I thought it was time to put my thoughts into one place. I’m also excited to share that we’ve recently updated our Shoshinsha ropes to their fifth generation — the result of eight years of ongoing refinement and feedback.

But before diving in, here's one thing I always say: there's no single "best" rope. It really depends on your style, your environment, and what you’re looking to get out of your practice.
From jute, hemp, cotton, bamboo, and paracord, to more niche options like coconut or palm fiber — every rope has its own personality. What matters most is finding what suits you.
I. Materials and Characteristics
Jute Rope
Overview: Long fibers, high strength, no elasticity, and high friction — jute is a classic material for shibari. It's widely used in traditional kinbaku and valued for its feel and handling. Most high-quality jute comes from Bangladesh, with India and China also producing jute of varying grades.
User experience: Personally, I recommend jute. The texture and feel of natural fibers bring out something primal in kinbaku. It's easy to tie and untie, knots hold well, and the rope behaves predictably in scenes. It’s very rigger-friendly.
● Pros: Strong, no stretch, good fiber friction
● Cons: Can mold in humid environments; needs to be stored dry
Note: Don’t confuse jute with sisal — they look similar but behave very differently. Sisal is used more in gardening and industrial settings and isn’t suitable for bondage.
Hemp Rope
Overview: Another traditional choice, especially in Europe and North America. Hemp is slightly stronger than jute and also high in friction, but can be a bit stiff at first.
● Pros: Very strong, good grip
● Cons: Can be stiff when new and may retain odors if not processed well
Cotton Rope
Overview: Soft and comfortable, available in many colors with good dye fastness. Has slight elasticity and poor friction, which can make it unsafe for restricting circulation. Only suitable for floor play — not suspension.
● Pros: Soft feel, color variety.
● Cons: Not suitable for suspension; tends to fray and pill over time.
Bamboo Fiber Rope
Overview: Like an upgraded cotton rope — naturally antibacterial, smoother, and more skin-friendly. Still only suitable for floor work, not suspension.
● Pros: Antibacterial, gentle on sensitive skin, smooth texture.
● Cons: Not suspension-safe.
Poly Rope
Overview: A synthetic rope made to mimic hemp. Strong but quite stiff. Best for wet or outdoor settings. Not ideal for sensitive skin or eco-conscious players.
● Pros: Water-resistant, can handle suspension.
● Cons: Harsh texture, poor environmental footprint.
Paracord
Overview: Often used for decoration or cosplay. Not suitable for serious bondage — the slick surface and low friction make it risky in practice.
Note: Okay for looks, but not safe for actual tying. Risk of injury is high.
Palm Rope / Coconut Rope
Overview: Extremely coarse and "thorny" in texture — very rare and niche. Only recommended for highly advanced players looking for a very intense and thorny experience.
Overall Recommendations:
Suspension Play:
Material |
Recommendation Rating |
Jute Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hemp Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Poly Rope |
Solid choice for wet scenarios (e.g., underwater or rainy weather) |
Palm / Coconut Rope |
Depends on specific scenarios (heavy BDSM scenes) |
Paracord / Cotton / Bamboo Rope |
Not Recommended for suspension |
Floor Play:
Material |
Recommendation Rating |
Bamboo Fiber Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Jute Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hemp Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cotton Rope |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Paracord |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Palm / Coconut Rope |
Depends on specific scenarios (heavy BDSM scenes) |
II. Strand Count, Yarn Count, and Diameter
● Basic Concepts:
Yarn is the most basic fiber unit. Fibers are twisted into yarn, yarn is twisted into strands, and strands are twisted again to form rope.
● Beginner Tip:
If you're just starting out with floor self-bondage (e.g., for photo shoots), there's no need to worry too much about strand and yarn counts.
● For Suspension or Advanced Use:
The go-to specification for suspension-grade rope is: 6mm, 3-strand, 16-yarn rope or 3-strand, 18-yarn rope. This configuration strikes an ideal balance between strength, flexibility, and comfort.
The 3-strand structure ties easily and conforms to body curves.
The 6mm diameter provides reliable support without digging too harshly into the skin, while still leaving clean rope marks.
● About 4mm Rope:
Typically used for intricate tying or detail work, especially in suspension demos and model training.
If you're practicing on dolls or creating visual displays, 4mm rope is a great choice.
III. About Dyeing
● Safety First:
Always pay attention to the nature of the dye used — this is rope that touches skin.
Avoid harsh chemical dyes (like those often found on Amazon) and opt for organic, skin-safe options instead.
● Dyeing Methods:
○ Yarn Dyeing:
○ The yarn is dyed first, then twisted into rope.
■ ✔️ More even coloring
■ ✔️ Better color fastness and less fading
■ ❌ Higher production cost
○ Rope Dyeing:
○ The rope is made first, then dyed.
■ ✔️ Good for DIY and custom effects like gradients or rainbow finishes
■ ❌ Risk of uneven color and quicker fading
● Our Practice at Shoshinsha:
All solid-color ropes use organic yarn dyeing — ensuring vibrant color, even distribution, and skin-safe results.
Our gradient color series also uses organic rope dyeing followed by proper color fixing, creating stunning effects while maintaining safety.
IV. Craftsmanship and Rope Safety
● Freshly spun rope is called "raw rope"—usually dry, containing impurities, smelly, with burrs, and not ready for direct bondage use. Many students buy raw rope or industrial rope from Amazon, which is not recommended from a safety or comfort standpoint.

● In Japan, raw rope typically undergoes 4–8 finishing processes before becoming professional-grade shibari rope. These include: picking out impurities, singeing, washing, softening, breaking in, oiling, cutting, and knotting. Shoshinsha rope follows all these steps.
● On "boiling rope": This older sterilization method is now considered outdated. Modern raw rope is already high-temp sterilized at the fiber stage. Boiling can damage fibers, reduce lifespan, and is no longer necessary.
V. Rope Oil Care
● Rope oil is essential for both rope making and later maintenance, preserving moisture, minimizing fraying, and improving skin-friendliness.
● Up to 90% of allergic reactions come from improper rope oil — cheap mineral or industrial oils are often used and are highly irresponsibl
After eight years of study and five years of hands-on testing, We developed a rope oil formula that ensures excellent rope care and zero allergic reactions among 200+ users. It uses baby oil + horse oil + natural insect wax + antibacterial agents.
Highly recommended: SHOSHINSHA ROPE CONDITIONER.
VI. Length and Quantity
● Standard length:
The most commonly used rope length in Japan is 8 meters, which tends to suit individuals who wear XS to M (U.S. sizing). This length allows for full-body ties and harnesses without excess rope getting in the way. For those who typically wear L or larger clothing sizes, or have broader chests, shoulders, or thighs, 10-meter ropes are often more comfortable and provide more flexibility, especially for layered or more complex ties.
● Amount needed varies by tie type and complexity. Below are general guidelines:
Tie Type |
Recommended Quantity |
Recommended Kit |
Basic ties (wrist, chest harness, etc.) |
20m total (1 × 10m + 2 × 5m ropes) |
🔴 Shoshinsha Start Kit |
Advanced ties (turtle, shrimp, basic suspension) |
50m total (4 × 10m + 2 × 5m ropes) |
🟠 Shoshinsha Essentials Kit |
Expert ties (compound suspension, long-term bondage, 3D shaping) |
8–12 ropes |
🔵 Shoshinsha Master Kit |
VIII. Final Notes
The quality of your rope defines the safety and enjoyment of your play. Avoid cheap industrial ropes (e.g., from Temu). Always source from reputable specialty stores that understand bondage needs.
We’re confident that Shoshinsha rope will be your best choice. It’s tested, trusted, and built for both performance and peace of mind. For more information or personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out:
www.shoshinsha-store.com
ropemastercompany@gmail.com