We propose a simple in-line variable optical attenuator (VOA) based on the bending effect of tapered single mode fibers. The influence of the taper structure and the reflective index of the external medium surrounding the taper region on the bending loss of the tapered fiber have been investigated experimentally. An attenuation range exceeding 35 dB and a very low excess loss of < 0.2 dB at 1550 nm were achieved. The measured polarization dependent loss of the present VOA at the attenuation level of 10 dB, 20 dB, and 30 dB were 0.1 dB, 0.2 dB, and 0.5 dB, respectively.