Want to make playtime kinkier, but you don't want to ruin your good neck ties? Have you caught your partner fantasizing about her own "50 Shades of Grey" experience? That's where Sportsheets' "The Grey Tie" comes in handy. Yes, it's sort of like the one seen on the cover jacket for the book. Its classic color and understated pattern goes with a variety of dress shirts, but it will look even better wrapped around the wrists or ankles of a partner. Ideally, this makes a better novelty purchase or costume accessory than an investment piece to add to a growing collection of BDSM toys. Nevertheless, it's fun and functional, and will surely add to the ambiance.

Basically, this tie is assembled no differently from any other inexpensive, store bought, 100% polyester tie. It looks stylish, with the back flaps just tacked together (see 3rd pic at the end of this review), as most ties are. With extended use, it's probably going to lose its luster, but by that point the user may have grown tired of it or graduated to something more advanced. If anything, should it only experience the fantasy for a brief (and stainless) moment, it could still be used as a tie for the office. It measures just under 60 inches long. The material has a pattern to it (see picture #2 below) and a slight sheen. There's no stretch to it or odd smell. It's made in China.

When tied, even in a basic square knot, the material will not easily come undone. It's comfortable against the skin, and won't chafe unless one is determined to escape from it. Overall, it provides a sturdy, light restraint that is mischievous, silly, and erotic.

If it needs to be washed, hand wash only in cold water, line dry, and use an iron on the polyester setting.

The tie comes attached to a heavy paper presentation card and wrapped in plastic. Use is self-explanatory, but for those lacking an imagination for scenarios there's a little short "story" on the back side of the card.

What can I say? It worked, but would I go out of my way to pick this up? No, it's more of an upsell item that I imagine someone shopping for a special evening might grab at the last minute. There are plenty of other options out there that work equally as well. But, if your woman is totally turned on by the hype surrounding the popular Mr. Grey and his adventures, she might get a thrill out of this inexpensive surprise.