Body belt

Historically body belts were used as a personal fall arrest system but OSHA rule changes meant they ceased to be acceptable for such use from 1 January 1998.[1]

Handcuffed prisoner secured with a transport belt

When transporting prisoners, leather or nylon belts are often used instead of belly chains to secure the prisoner's arms at waist level. These restraint belts have a metal ring on the front, through which the handcuffs are plugged and then put on the detainee's wrists. The belt is then placed around the detainee's waist and secured with a buckle; some models can also be locked with a padlock.[2]

For further control, a stun belt may be fastened around the prisoner's waist. In the case of misbehaviour, the device may give the subject an electric shock.

For sexual bondage plays a body belt is usually called a bondage belt. Though it is not a physical restraint by itself, it can be used to provide an anchoring point for other restraints, such as bondage cuffs, rope, etc. Lengths of simple leather strapping with buckles are sometimes also referred to as bondage belts, because they can be used quickly to bind limbs.

Most bondage belts are made of fabric or leather as these materials tend to be more comfortable and better distribute pressure over the skin.

Leather bondage belts have been worn as a fashion accessory by subcultures such as punks[3][4] and goths.[5] Sid Vicious has been cited for popularising the item in alternative fashion.[6]