Have you ever wondered about strap-ons or how to go about shopping for one? This blog post will take you through the different types of strap-ons as well as some tips and tricks when it comes to buying this unique & universal couples toy.
Pssst...want this information in a watchable, video-format instead!? Check out our YouTube video down below!
What is a Strap-On?
Sportsheets Anal Explorer Strap-On Kit
A strap-on is a universal sex toy for any couple to enjoy penetration play, role-play, try new positions, or they can act as a sexual aid. They are commonly used; between two vulva-havers, for pegging, by folks who have ED or disabilities, and/or by people with penises who don’t want to wait for their refractory period to play again.
If you are someone who would like to try a strap-on with a partner, the first step is communication. Talk to them about your fantasies using a strap-on and how you would like to incorporate it into your sex life. An important thing to discuss is which one of you (or both) would like to be wearing the harness and doing the penetrating and who would like to receive. This information will be useful when purchasing your strap-on tools.
It's totally okay (and hella encouraged!) to switch the roles as often as you want, however it is very important to NOT share the same internal toy - harnesses can be shared though if they are comfortable/functional for both bodies!
Strap-Ons With Specific Purposes
At its most basic form, a strap-on consists of a harness and a dildo/attachment piece that is used for penetration. However, there are some other types of strap-ons out there which typically serve a unique & specific purpose.
Hollow Strap-Ons:
Adam & Eve Adam's Flexskin Hollow Strap-On
Hollow Strap-Ons feature a hollow piece and were created for penis owners who want/need to insert themselves flaccid. Whether because of erectile dysfunction or a wild sex marathon, it gives their member a penetrable firmness and feel.
Strapless Strap-Ons:
Fun Factory ShareVibe Vibrating Strapless Strap-on Pink
Strapless Strap-Ons actually don’t require a harness at all as a vulva owner holds the bulbous end inside of them using their kegel muscles and can then penetrate a partner either vaginally or anally with the longer shaft end. These can be a bit more complicated to use though as it takes some serious kegel strength to hold inside a toy and penetrate someone else at the same time.
Pegging:
Sportsheets New Comers Strap-On & Dildo Set
Pegging is a specific type of sexual act in which a woman penetrates a man anally, typically with the use of a strap-on. Since this type of play is mostly about anal/prostate stimulation for the male partner, pegging toys will often be smaller and angled in a way to reach the prostate once inserted.
Shopping 101
There are two ways to go about shopping for strap-ons; buying a kit and/or buying your items separately.
There are many kits on the market that will feature everything you need all in one place. Kits usually come with a basic harness and an attachment piece - sometimes even more than one! They can be a less intimidating and easier alternative for beginners as you get everything at once instead of having to shop separately.
A negative thing about strap-on kits though is that they provide less of a customizable experience. When you are shopping for all of the tools individually, you can choose their size, material, colour, shape, etc.
Harnesses:
Sportsheets Divine Diva Plus Size Harness
The harness is the piece of the strap-on that is actually worn on the body and holds in an attachment. This is usually done with an integrated (and often interchangeable) o-ring that sits at the base of the toy and holds it in place.
Strap-on harnesses can come in various styles and designs, however, the most popular is the “jock style” as it tends to be a bit more comfortable and there is more surface area and contact points with the body to keep it sturdy.
Some feature more stylish elements such as a corset-tied back, studs, a thong back, lace, etc. to look more unique and aesthetic while others offer up more ways to play such as with an open-crotch design or a pocket in the front that can hold a bullet vibrator. This pocket is a huge bonus for vulva owners as when they wear it, with each thrust they will be getting clitoral stimulation via vibration!
Some things to consider when shopping for a harness are:
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The Sizing. Most harnesses are adjustable and sized in a “one size fits most” way, or they will (hopefully) provide the measurements on the packaging/in the description.
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Style & Fit. As mentioned above, there are several different styles of harnesses, all fitting a little bit differently.
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Materials. Some materials - such as leather - are stronger than others and you might find you have a preference as to what material feels better on the skin.
- Closures. Most harnesses feature adjustable buckles along their straps, however some are simply a stretch elastic or might feature a different type of closure like snaps or a tie-up.
Attachments:
Evolved Blue Dream Vibrator w/ Remote
Once you have a harness, you can pick your weapon - erm, we mean attachment! Basically any dildo, vibrator, plug, etc. with a flared base should work. Since the O-ring sits around the base of the toy to keep it in place, it should be a snug fit. Many harnesses actually come up with a few differently sized o-rings so that they can accommodate a variety of toys securely.
Choosing an attachment is a personal preference as there are so many options to choose from varying in shape, colour, materials, size, and realness. That can actually be a good place to start; if you want it to be phallic (realistic) or not and then go from there in terms of what you will find pleasurable and comfortable.
Some things to consider when shopping for an attachment are:
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Materials. Whether you have allergies, sensitivities, or simply a personal preference, strap-on attachments can be found in a variety of materials including; silicone, TPE/TPR (rubber), glass, and more! For more info on sex toy materials, check out our previous blog here!
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Size. Probably one of the most important decisions when it comes to an internal toy is the size! Pay attention to the length, width, and especially the insertable length to ensure it will be a comfortable fit.
- Vibrating. Some strap-on attachments & dildos also vibrate for even more stimulation during use!
Shop ALL Strap-Ons & Harnesses here!
You can find an even wider selection of harness-compatible attachments here!
Bonus: The Vac-U-Lock System!
Created by brand Doc Johnson, the unique Vac-U-Lock system offers up a more secure strap-on system. While most strap-on harnesses hold dildos in place via an O-ring, this system instead used a suction plug to secure the attachment to the harness.
A little plug-like piece (shown in the image above) is attached to every Vac-U-Lock harness and can fit any Vac-U-Lock attachment as they are all interchangeable within its own system.
Shop all Vac-U-Lock here!
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