How to Choose a Strap-On: Guide for Getting a Great Strap-On

The strap-on is an exciting, sexy way to spice up your sex life; it allows so many play options, and you’ll be amazed at how your partner and you can expand your sexual horizons. An incredible strap-on will help with many actions, including penetrative sex, anal sex, hands-free play, and more.

Thus, it is vital to choose the correct one for you and your partner. Here, we discuss all the particulars about strap-ons, focusing on the most important things to consider when shopping for a quality strap-on.

If you wish to learn more about strap-ons, we have an entire series of articles related to this topic. Before we share our tips for selecting a strap-on, let’s discuss the parts of a strap-on and what your choices are.

Different Strap-On Harness Designs and Styles

We know that the strap-on selections can be overwhelming to most, so here we’ll discuss the different strap-on harness designs you are likely to encounter today. There are several ways to define and list them here, but we’ll start with the obvious – the harness type. Basically, there are two harness types of strap-ons, and these are the underwear-style strap-on harness and the strap-on style harness:

• Underwear-style harnesses are a pair of underwear, usually a thong or boy-shorts design, with an O-ring placed in the appropriate place. These are easy to put on – just like you would a standard pair of underwear. Usually, these are made from microfiber fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and machine-washable.
• Strap-on style harnesses have adjustable straps that fit around the waist and thighs. These can be three-point straps, thong-like straps, or four-point straps or jockstrap-style harnesses. The most likely materials the strap-on style harnesses are made from include woven nylon straps, leather, or other synthetic materials.

The underwear-style harness is more comfortable for beginners and is designed to be worn by women. On the other hand, the strap-on style harness is better suited for experienced users who know what they are doing. Also, the jockstrap-style harness is the most comfortable design for men, as the 4-point straps allow room for the testicles and provide stability in use.

Strap-On Dildo Options

The next obvious choice is the strap-on dildo you’ll use with your chosen strap-on. While there are complete strap-on kits, many users prefer to select a separate strap-on harness and get one or more strap-on-compatible dildos that provide added variety.

When it comes to selecting a strap-on dildo, you have two options: an O-ring fitting and a Vac-U-Lock system.

• The O-ring fitting is the most commonly found strap-on fitting type, and it is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced users.
• The Vac-U-Lock system was created and patented by Doc Johnson, one of the premier sex toy manufacturers, and many of their dildos feature this system, as well as being O-ring compatible.

The next thing you need to consider, and something we pay a great deal of attention to, is the size and material of the dildo.

Dildo Size is a Personal Preference

When looking for a strap-on dildo, you should know that you lose about one inch in length when you attach the dildo to the harness, so if you have a 7-inch strap-on compatible dildo, you’ll be getting a little over 6 inches of insertable length. Since there is no universal size that fits all users, we suggest you refer to our dildo measuring guide to find out the size that will fit you the most.

Next, the O-ring size changes in relation to the dildo shaft diameter: O-ring sizes that relate to shaft diameter are 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and up to 2 inches in diameter. So, when selecting an O-ring harness, this is something to keep in mind.

If you get a strap-on harness that does not allow changing the O-ring, then you’ll have to get a fitting dildo. If you get a strap-on harness that allows for the changing of the O-rings, you’ll have to stock up on replaceable O-rings to fit the strap-on-compatible dildos you have.

Be Mindful of the Dildo Material

We are always partial to using silicone sex toys; when it comes to strap-on-compatible dildos, silicone is always a good idea. Because of the nature of the material, silicone is adequate for large and thick harness-compatible dildos. Still, it may not be as realistic as you may expect.

Lucky for you, there are other strap-on dildo materials that you can consider. We are talking about PVC and TPE dildos. Quality-made dildos are non-porous, body-safe, and easy to clean and maintain. If you are looking for a hollow strap-on, then you are more likely to get a model that is made from PVC because this is sturdier and holds its shape well.

Added Features are Welcome

While using a strap-on by itself is exciting, we also suggest you try using a model that has extra features. One of the most commonly found additional features is vibration, which can elevate an already sexy experience to the next level. Top-quality vibrating strap-ons come with wireless or wired remote controllers that facilitate playtime.

Top Strap-On Shopping Advice

Now that we’ve covered the most important things related to strap-ons, here is our list of advice we think will come in handy when you decide to select a strap-on toy to make things more enjoyable for you and your partner:

• Harness Size – we advise you to select a strap-on harness size that is very close to your size. If you plan to change roles and have your partner wear the strap-on harness, look for an adjustable model that will fit both of you. Make sure the harness fits you well because a snug fit ensures a better user experience.
• Dildo Size – we always suggest you start low and go slow, meaning start with a smaller dildo and increase the size as you gain experience and build confidence.
• Dildo Shape & Material – we suggest you select a smooth strap-on dildo if you are an absolute beginner or are looking to experiment with pegging. However, if you feel confident, you can pick a realistic strap-on that can enhance the entire experience.
• Lube Compatibility – never forget the lube, as this is essential for making things slide easily. We advise you to opt for quality water-based lube that is compatible with all types of sex toys. Silicone lube adversely affects silicone and TPE toys, so water-based is the best choice to use with various strap-on dildos.
• Cleaning & Maintenance – we advise you to select sex toys that are non-porous and waterproof, as these are effortless to clean. You can wash your silicone strap-on dildos with soap and water, while models made from TPE/TPR may require rejuvenating powder to keep them pristine. Some harnesses are machine or hand-washable, while others can only be spot-cleaned.
• Budget – lastly, consider your budget, as quality strap-on harnesses and strap-on dildos don’t come cheap. If you are new to such play, we suggest you get a good quality strap-on harness that can provide a good experience and buy a smaller strap-on dildo. We advise everyone to stay away from the bottom-shelf stuff, especially when it comes to sex toys, as there should be no risk to your health and pleasure.

Lucky for you, we have an extensive strap-on offer, where we provide various models that fit beginners and experienced users, and we have more strap-on guides to answer every concern and help you when shopping for a quality, well-made strap-on that will serve you for years.

FAQs

What does it mean for a dildo to be body-safe?
A body-safe designation means that the strap-on dildo is made from materials that are rated as safe to use and free from harmful ingredients. Most of these are phthalate-free and are made from medical-grade materials that are safe to use for this use.

What is the best lube for strap-on dildos?
We always provide lube suggestions with every product we review and sell, but to be on the safe side, you should always stick to quality, thick, water-based lubes that are compatible with all sex toys. If you wish to use silicone, oil, or hybrid lubes, then check the toy’s user manual to check for compatibility. As a rule of thumb, avoid using silicone lubes with silicone toys.

What lube do you use with a pegging strap-on?
Since strap-ons are perfect for pegging, you can freely engage in this activity, but with the correct lube. If you have a silicone pegging strap-on, then opt for a thick water-based lube and reapply as necessary. Don’t use silicone lube with silicone toys!

Learn More With Our Other Strap-On Guides:

Strap-Ons - Sizing Guide
Strap-Ons - How to Use
Strap-Ons - How to Chose Hollow Strap-Ons
Strap-Ons - How to Use Hollow Strap-Ons
Strap-Ons - How to Choose Strap-On Harnesses
Strap-Ons - How to Choose Strapless Strap-Ons
Strap-Ons- How to Choose Vibrating Strap-Ons

Learn About our Favorite Strap-On Sex Toys