Armbinders

An armbinder is a specific kind of restraint device that is normally used in bondage play as opposed to other variants being used in hospitals, psychiatry, or law enforcement. The purpose behind an Armbinder is to bind the arms and/or hands to each other and then secure them tight to the body, usually behind the back. Most Armbinders intended for use for bondage can be combined with a large range of bondage equipment such as cuffs, rods, straps, and gloves.

Types and Models of Armbinders

Monogloves

A popular type of Armbinder is called a monoglove. Monogloves are normally made up of thin latex, garment leather, spandex, or rubber. Monogloves of other materials like camouflage twill, satin, and denim exist, they are just a little more uncommon to find. Closures can include zippers, buckles, and straps, lacing with eyelets, or even some variation of all three. Some popular models use a lock inserted for more options and additional security. Aside from all the different materials available to choose from, the designs and colors available are also in abundance.

Single Glove Sheaths

Another popular type of Armbinder is the single glove sheath. This model consists of a sheath, most times conical in shape, that entraps both of the wearer’s arms from the tips of their fingers to just above the elbow, holding them securely together behind the back.

Using Armbinders with a Harness

The sheath requires a specialized harness to keep it from slipping, allowing the wearer to shed the Armbinder. The most common harness that works well with the single glove sheath is a pair of straps that join to the outer top of the sheath, then run across the top of shoulders and underneath both armpits before joining again on the inner side at the top of the sheath. The straps are oftentimes crossed behind the neck or across the upper chest. This prevents the wearer from being able to slip the straps over their shoulders.

Another form of an armbinder that is rather popular in the BDSM scene is cuffs and straps. A series of cuffs, which can be constructed out of various materials like metal, plastic, rubber, or leather is placed over the top of the arms, particularly the elbows and wrists, and then linked together with straps, webbing, or a series of rods, to hold the arms in place. These can be combined with other restraints, allowing the wearer to be led around by a leash or fastened to a wall.

Armbinders are not for Beginners

Since the wearer of most Armbinders will be stuck in extreme positions which will be stressful to the shoulder and arms, many armbinders, and especially monogloves, can cause pain, serious injury, or problems with the soft tissues of the shoulder joints if not used properly or used for prolonged periods. Also, be aware of proper circulation and innervation of the arms and hands. Only the most flexible people can wear them for any length of time; thus, they are more often used for dramatic or visual effects in bondage erotica than in actual BDSM play. But for those who can tolerate having their arms pressed so tightly together behind their back Armbinders can provide a rather stimulating and unique experience.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armbinder

Example of an Armbinder

By Jbc01 – I took this picture myself, and part of a compilation of images taken of this scene during a photoshoot.Previously published: www.aussieropeworks.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23052442

Arm Binding Forum (Questions and Answers)

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