The traditional Japanese fundoshi might not be commonly associated with self bondage, but we thought it fitted nicely with our series so we’ve uploaded a new PDF with step-by-step instructions in our free downloads area (or you can download it here).

There are several types of fundoshi, including kuroneko, mokko and etchū. Ours is rokushaku-style, made from one length of fabric.

Shaku is a unit of measurement (14″/35.5cm). Roku means 6 in Japanese, so traditionally these were 1 shaku wide x 6 shaku (84″ for children) or longer for adults. We found 2.5 metres (8′) to be just nice.

We’ve also trimmed the width a little, from 14″ to 12″ (30cm). The Japanese measurement might work well for bunching up and protecting your modesty at a hot spring or festival, but we had something else that was hot in mind. A slightly slimmer width makes for a more flattering package.

If you tie this well, it’s very secure and will stay on through all kinds of strenuous activity. It was the preferred underwear in Japan until the Americans came along in WWII with tighty whiteys, kids swam in them, the Samurai wore them under their armour and Sumo wrestlers still wear a variation of the fundoshi called mawashi.

Keep an eye on our self bondage series here for more.