Strap On Guide - Everything to Know About Strap On Dildos

A strap-on is a powerful thing. If you’ve never tried one out, why not? Lots of people believe in myths surrounding strap-ons, even if they don’t think they have any bias. You may think strap-ons are just for lesbian sex or can only be worn by women, and in both cases, you’d be wrong. 

By introducing a strap-on into your sex toy collection, you’ll be able to experience a whole new side to sex. Use this to guide you in your strap-on journey. 

Who Can Benefit From Strap-Ons?

The common generalization is that women are the only ones who benefit from strap-ons. In fact, that’s not at all true. Strap-ons are great for both men and women. 

For Men 

Men can definitely wear strap-ons. A hollow strap-on that fits over the penis to enhance its length or girth can make you last longer and increase your partner’s pleasure. Another option is a harness that positions a dildo just underneath your penis, allowing for double penetration. Some people like to take it to the next level - orgasm denial. They tuck away their penis and use a traditional strap on, preventing themselves from orgasming and focusing solely their partner's satisfaction. 

Of course, having your partner wear a strap-on is also great for men. Prostate stimulation is amazing and can result in hugely satisfying orgasms. It’s also an interesting power dynamic that may allow you to have catharsis by giving up some control of the situation. 

For Women 

Though strap-ons aren’t only for lesbian sex, they’re definitely helpful in that scenario. Strap-ons allow for more traditional penetration options than dildos or other sex toys, which is useful if that’s what you’re into. 

However, women can also use strap-ons for better sex with men. Pegging, which is when you wear a strap-on and penetrate your partner, can allow you to be more dominant in the bedroom, which is hugely arousing to many people. Your partner can also wear a strap-on to increase his penis size or allow him to overcome erectile dysfunction. 

Choosing Your Strap-On 

You may think of strap-ons as a monolith, but they’re actually anything but. All of these pieces go into choosing the perfect strap-on.

Harnesses 

The harness is what attaches your strap-on to your body. It’s important that you find one that’s both comfortable and effective.

Classic 

The classic strap-on harness uses straps around the hips and thighs to hold up a dildo, which is positioned in front of the crotch. It’s classic because it’s extremely effective; it holds the dildo in place very securely and allows for very intense play. However, some people may find all the straps annoying to position and uncomfortable. Some plus-size people may also have a difficult time finding a classic harness that fits. 

Briefs 

This is a much lesser-known form of harness. It’s a pair of tight-fitting boxer briefs with a reinforced hole in the front, which is used to hold a dildo in place. This is much more comfortable for many people, but there’s also more room for error when it comes to its positioning. Brief harnesses can also have a pocket on the inside for “packing,” which is when someone keeps a softer dildo tucked in their briefs. This is often used by transgender men and cross-dressing women. 

Dildos 

Of course, what really packs a punch is the dildo. Here are your guidelines for choosing the dildo to put into your harness. 

Basic Requirements 

There are many harness packs that come with a dildo pre-inserted, so you don’t even have to worry about choosing a dildo. However, if you do decide to go for your own, there are two important things to remember. Dildos that will go in a harness need a flared base, so they don’t fall out. They also need to be smaller than the ring that holds the dildo in place on your harness. Keep these two things in mind when choosing your dildo. 

Different Materials 

Dildos are made of a variety of different materials. The most common materials nowadays are silicone, plastic, or a plastic-like material called thermoplastic elastomer. Some people enjoy the heft of glass, but it shouldn’t be used for a harness, as it’s likely to weigh the harness down and make it unusable. Choose a material that you enjoy feeling and that works with your desired lube; silicone toys can’t be used with silicone lube. 

G-Spot and Prostate Toys 

While it’s definitely possible to have a great time with a general dildo in your harness, you may want to look into toys that specifically target the g-spot or prostate — whichever one applies for your partner. These are usually smooth, rather than realistically patterned, but can drastically increase your partner’s enjoyment of the situation. 

Specialized Variations 

There are a few types of strap-ons that are meant for a very specific use. Here’s just a smattering of those specialized strap-ons. 

Vibrating 

This is just what it sounds like; it’s a classic strap-on that also vibrates. A vibrating strap-on can provide more intense sensations for the penetrated partner and make it more likely for the penetrating partner to orgasm. 

Strapless

Strapless strap-ons look similar to a double penetration toy. The shorter side of a strapless strap-on goes inside the vagina, which secures it. Then, it can be used to penetrate someone else. Although it’s definitely easier to situate than a traditional strap-on, it can be more difficult for some people to keep it in place.

Thigh Harnesses

These harnesses attach a dildo to the thigh using a garter-like strap. Then, your partner can ride your thigh. It’s an arousing situation that can allow you to play with your partner and watch their reactions more effectively.

Chin Straps 

These toys are popular in kink circles. They’re dildos that attach to the chin, just under the mouth. That way, you can penetrate your partner and give oral sex at the same time. It’s often used to bring an additional dynamic to face-sitting. 

Hollow

These are super helpful for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, want to increase the length and girth of their penis, or are interested in continuing sex even after ejaculation. It just fits over the penis snugly, allowing it to generally stay in place without any straps. 

Double Penetration

Some strap-ons allow for double penetration by an existing partner. A loop at the top of the strap-on allows you to attach it to your penis, then hang a dildo underneath it. That way, you can achieve double penetration using the same penetration as usual.

Using a Strap-On the Right Way

It’s not very hard to use a strap-on, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. 

Lube 

Lube should be your first stop with almost any sex toy, but strap-ons are especially important because they don’t lube themselves up. It’s not as important with vaginal penetration because vaginas do create their own lube. However, it’s essential for anal penetration and it can make vaginal penetration even easier. 

Condoms

You don’t need condoms to use sex toys, especially if you’re only using them with one partner. However, they can be useful for cleanup. A condom can be stripped off and thrown away after sex, negating the necessity for general toy cleaning. If you’re going to use a condom in lieu of cleaning, however, make sure it covers the entire insertable length. 

Imagination

Don’t be afraid to use your imagination. There are plenty of ways you can have sex without sex toys, and the same is true with sex toys. Try existing positions, make up new ones, or introduce additional sex toys into the bedroom alongside your strap-on.

Maintaining Your Strap-On

To make sure your strap-on lasts as long as possible, make sure you’re properly caring for both the harness and the dildos you’re putting inside.

Cleaning the Dildo

Clean strap-on dildos the same way you do any other dildos. Wash them using warm water and mild soap or a good toy cleaner. If you have more than one partner, it’s a good idea not to share sex toys between them. Even if you clean them well, there’s still the possibility that you could share bacteria, which can be harmful even if it doesn’t spread STIs. 

Cleaning the Harness

Different harnesses require different methods of cleaning. Some, especially ones that are just made of fabric, can be tossed in the washing machine. Just put it in a lingerie bag to ensure that the straps don’t get tangled with other clothes and air-dry it rather than putting it in the dryer. Others shouldn’t go in the washing machine, and can instead be gently washed in the sink.

Conclusion