What’s Inside a Bondage Kit? A Complete Breakdown

Bondage kits — also called restraint kits or beginner BDSM gear — are meant to help you get started with BDSM play in a way that feels safe, fun, and easy to try.

They usually include tools for restraint, control, and sensation, giving you everything you need to start exploring. If you’re picking out your first bondage set, or adding to your collection of BDSM gear, it’s helpful to understand what’s typically inside.

This guide explains common restraint set contents so you can pick the one that best suits your comfort level, curiosity, and play style.

Everything you need to know about what’s in a bondage kit — and how each piece plays its part.

So, you’ve typed what’s in a bondage kit? into your search bar. Maybe you’re curious. Maybe you’re planning your first scene. Maybe you opened a box and have no idea what that X-shaped strap does.

Wherever you're starting, this guide will take you through all the most common items in a restraint set—also known as typical BDSM kit items—so you know what you're working with and how each piece contributes to safer, sexier bondage play., from beginner essentials to versatile extras. We’ll break it down simply, so you know what you're working with — and how each piece contributes to safer, sexier bondage play.

1. Cuffs: The Core of Any Restraint Set

Wrist and ankle cuffs are the foundation of almost every bondage kit. Cuffs often use materials like faux leather, nylon, or soft velvet. Most fasten with Velcro, buckles, or snap hooks to keep them secure during play.

You can use these cuffs to secure your partner's wrists or ankles to each other, to furniture, or to other gear like hogties and spreader bars. Comfort and adjustability are key, especially for beginners. Padding and secure fasteners prevent chafing and accidental escapes.

Look for:

• Soft lining (neoprene, faux fur)
• Sturdy hardware (metal D-rings, quick clips)
• Adjustable fit for wrists and ankles

2. Hogties: Crossed and Contained

A hogtie connector is that X- or H-shaped piece you may have seen. It clips together wrist and ankle cuffs behind or underneath the body for a compact, restrictive position. Some kits include a hogtie strap with central O-rings and clips for each limb.

This piece is great for intense restraint with minimal setup and gives that "trussed up and at your mercy" feeling without needing to learn rope bondage.

Pair it with soft cuffs and you’ve got a beginner-friendly way to experience deeper restraint.

3. Blindfolds: Sensory Focus

Most restraint sets include a blindfold or eye mask — and it's not just for looks. Removing sight heightens sensitivity to touch, sound, and temperature. It builds anticipation and boosts vulnerability in a scene.

Choose blindfolds that are soft, secure, and adjustable. Look for:

• Wide coverage
• Padded edges
• Elastic or adjustable bands

Pro tip: You can use a sleep mask in a pinch, but one made for kink play will stay put even during movement.

4. Gags: A Muffled Moan

Some kits — especially full BDSM kits — include a ball gag or bit gag. Gags limit speech and emphasize the power exchange between dominant and submissive.

If it’s your first time, opt for breathable, beginner-friendly gags (like silicone with air holes or open-bit styles). And remember: nonverbal safe signals are a must.

5. Collars & Leashes: Symbol and Control

Not just decorative, collars can serve both physical and symbolic functions. They may attach to leashes, cuffs, or hogties, or simply indicate submissive status.

Common styles include:

• Faux leather or vegan leather collars
• O-ring center for attachments
• Adjustable sizing

6. Tethers and Straps

Straps or tethers let you anchor cuffs to furniture, bed frames, or under-the-bed systems. Some restraint sets come with long straps and clips or buckles that make setting up scenes quick and easy.

Under-bed kits are especially popular: four straps reach out from beneath the mattress and connect to each limb.

7. Spreaders: Wide Open

A spreader bar keeps arms or legs apart, heightening exposure and making positions more vulnerable. Some bondage kits include short metal bars with cuffs attached, or collapsible ones for easy storage.

Though not always in starter kits, they're worth mentioning for those looking to build on the basics.

8. Specialty Gear (Optional but Fun)

Some kits go beyond the basics. You might find:

• Nipple clamps for added sensation
• Ticklers or paddles for light impact play
• Body harnesses that combine restraint and aesthetic appeal
• Position belts that guide the submissive into specific angles

Not every kit will include these, but if yours does, congrats — you’ve got more room to explore.

Final Thoughts

Bondage kits come in all shapes and intensities, from simple light bondage starter sets to advanced configurations meant for experienced players. Whether you're easing into bondage and BDSM or looking for the best bdsm toys to elevate your experience, understanding the purpose of each item empowers you to engage in more intentional and pleasurable bdsm play.

When using any bondage gear, it’s essential to establish a safe word before play begins. This single step builds trust and helps everyone involved feel confident and in control.

Some kits also incorporate basic sensory deprivation tools like blindfolds and gags. These additions enhance the experience by limiting one sense and intensifying others, making it easier to explore domination and submission through sensation.

Whether you're easing into bondage and BDSM or looking for the best bdsm toys to elevate your experience, understanding the purpose of each item empowers you to engage in more intentional and pleasurable bdsm play.

A bondage kit is more than just gear. It's a toolkit for exploring power, trust, and pleasure.

Whether you're drawn to soft, sensual restraint or bold, breathless control, knowing what's in a bondage kit gives you the confidence to play smarter, communicate better, and enjoy more.

Start small. Stay safe. And above all — have fun tying it all together.

Not sure where to begin? Explore our full collection of beginner-friendly bondage kits →