How Do Strap-Ons Work?

As exciting as the use of strap-ons may be, you’re probably also thinking how do they work. Does the strap-on feel intuitive to use? What’s the secret of picking a strap-on that will fit like a glove and become almost an extension of your body?

We’re here to answer these questions. Let’s look at how a strap-on works and what are the secrets of using a strap-on for the steamiest sex ever.

What Is a Strap-On?

A strap-on is a sex toy that you strap on your body to have penetrative sex with a partner. Most strap-ons consist of two pieces – a harness and a dildo or a probe for penetration. Alternatives do exist in the form of strapless strap-ons but more about those later.

Strap-ons can be sold as a kit or you can buy the two pieces separately. It’s also possible for a set that you own to be compatible with other dildos that you have in your collection. Standard strap-on harnesses have an O-ring that supports the dildo and keeps it in place. Most flared base dildos will fit inside an O-ring (as long as the diameters of the two are compatible).

How to Use a Strap-On

Strap-on use is different from pleasuring a partner with another penetrative toy in that you’ll both be enjoying a hands-free experience. First, you’ll need to secure the harness around your waist and your hips, if your harness has hip straps. Most strap-on harnesses have adjustable straps that you can tighten or loosen to get the best fit. There are also underwear style strap-on boxers.

Now you’re ready for the most enjoyable part of using the strap-on. To give you better tips and usage suggestions, we first need to discuss the various types of strap-ons and the differences between them.

Strap-On Kits

As already mentioned, a strap-on kit consists of a harness and a probe. These give you a perfect fit and they’re a great choice for beginners who don’t yet own a sex toy collection. Using a strap-on set involves securing the probe in the harness and tightening the straps around your waist and hips.

Strap-on kits are designed for certain kinds of sex. You’ll find kits that have a narrow, slightly curved probe that’s perfect for prostate massages. Kits can also be created for G-spot stimulation, sexual enhancement or to help couples overcome a certain kind of sexual dysfunction.

Vibrating Strap-Ons

Using a strap-on that vibrates immediately increases the intensity of the experience. Vibrating strap-ons feature a harness and a probe that vibrates. There will also be a button or remote controller, allowing the user to turn the vibrations on and adjust their strength. The most common controller types include wired and wireless remotes, but some models come with dedicated mobile apps.

A vibrating strap-on dildo is powered by a battery, in most cases a rechargeable one. That’s one more thing you have to keep in mind when using the strap-on – you’ll have to make sure the battery is charged in advance so that you don’t lose the pleasant function in the middle of having sex.

Realistic Strap-Ons

A realistic strap-on comes with a dildo or a probe having an anatomically correct design. The probe is created to look and feel like an actual erect penis. Realistic strap-ons are used like all other strap-on kits. In some cases, the realistic dildo can also vibrate for added pleasure.

Hollow Strap-Ons

The probe that the kit features is hollow, making it possible for the wearer to put their penis inside the sheath. Both men and women can wear a hollow strap-on dildo. Most guys use hollow strap-ons to increase the size of their penis and give their partner a new experience. A hollow strap-on is also perfect for overcoming sexual problems like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

Strapless Strap-Ons

The absence of straps makes a strapless strap-on dildo super liberating. This contraption consists of a probe that has two ends – a retention bulb that goes inside the wearer’s vagina and a penetration probe.

A strapless strap-on is meant to be held and controlled via the pelvic floor muscles. The design also makes the strapless strap-on pleasurable for both the wearer and the recipient. Strapless strap-ons can have a clitoral stimulation pad for the wearer to enjoy and they could also vibrate.

This kind of strap-on is a bit more challenging to use than harnessed varieties. Doing kegel exercises is one of the keys to having perfect control over the probe. Some people who aren’t that experienced pair a strapless strap-on with a harness until they get more comfortable with the design.

Strap-On Underwear

Strap-on underwear can come in the form of boxers, briefs, or even a sexy thong. The strap-on underwear has a front pocket and an O-ring opening meant to hold a probe in place. This is the strap-on that we find easiest to use. All you have to do is put the underwear on, secure the dildo in place, and get going.

Top Tips for Using a Strap-On

Strap-on use is simple and very intuitive for most people. The movements come naturally and the stability of the probe is usually guaranteed by the design of the harness. Still, if you’d like to ace your strap-on game on the very first try, you may want to check out our complete guide to using strap ons, or follow these simple tips:

Get on board with your partner: Good sex is always about good communication. Strap-on use is something both of you should be prepared for and eager to participate in. You’ll also need to discuss your boundaries and the specifics that will make the experience exceptional for both parties involved.
Select the right type of harness: Regular strappy harnesses allow adjustments and a perfect fit. Within this realm, you’ll find a couple of varieties – jock-style harnesses, G-string, and even corset-style. Alternatively, choose underwear-style harnesses. They’re comfy, easy to put on, and very sexy.
Find the perfectly fitting strap-on dildo: Choose the right size and material – these are the two most important considerations. A good size depends on your experience with dildos. For most people, smaller ones will be better. The material the dildo is made of needs to be body-safe and rigidly flexible in a way similar to an erect penis. Medical-grade silicone is always a safe, high-quality choice.
Consider some extra features: The probe is the one that guarantees variety and amazing pleasure. You can pick a vibrating one, a hollow dildo, or even an ejaculating one for the most realistic experience. You may also seek more specialized products like strap-ons for double penetration.
Get a compatible lube and use lots of it: As with any other sex toy, you need a lot of lube to have the best time. Water-based lubes are always a safe pick and they’re the only option you need to be counting on if you own medical-grade silicone probes.
Clean before, clean after: Always make sure your sex toys are squeaky clean. Give your strap-on’s dildo a good wash before use and make sure it’s sanitized immediately after you’re done having fun. Silicone probes can be boiled in hot water. Most standard harnesses are machine washable but do check the label for care instructions!
Store your strap-on correctly: A harness can be stored in a textile drawer but you need to be a bit more careful with your probes. It’s always a good idea to store strap-on dildos in a dedicated sex toy storage pouch or a bag. To extend the lifespan of your favorite toys, make sure they are completely dry before storing them, and also keep them away from other sex toys. Different materials touching can sometimes lead to surface damage and even disintegration.

Finally, remember to have fun. Be patient and take it slow. Try different sex positions. If you’re just getting started, straddling may be easiest for both parties involved (plus it will give the recipient full control over the penetration depth and angle). Communicate effectively and practice, practice, practice. The more you use your strap-on, the more confident and ready to experiment you’ll feel.

Are you eager to get going? Let’s start with the most important step first – buying the right strap-on. Picking one has never been easier – just sort through our extensive product range and you’ll quickly discover a variety that will get you fantasizing about a hot night with a special someone.

FAQ

How do I wear a strap-on?

Wearing the strap-on correctly depends on the harness variety you’ve chosen. Most strappy kinds are meant to be secured around your waist and hips or thighs. Underwear-style strap-ons will be put on just like your regular undies. We have a complete guide on how to use a strap-on.

What should I be mindful of when using a strap-on?

Lubrication is the number one thing to pay attention to so that the experience is pleasant for both. You’ll also need to be careful about the speed and depth of penetration, especially if you’re both new to this kind of experience.

What is the best material for strap-ons?

A harness can be made of various high-quality materials like leather, vegan leather, neoprene, polyester, etc. The right textile depends on how easy you’d want the care to be. As far as the probe is concerned, the best material is silicone, because it is non-porous, body-safe, and effortless to clean.

What’s the best lube for strap-ons?

The right lube depends on the material that a strap-on dildo is made of. Water-based lubes are compatible with all materials. Hybrid lubes can also be a good choice but double-check manufacturer recommendations before slathering anything on the probe.