So you’ve decided to get into strap-ons. Good for you. It’s the best thing I did, other than learning how to cook Iranian rice properly (leave and don’t stir, only use basmati) and investing in a proper feather duvet. Maybe you’re a young LGBTQ person who wants to explore new ways of having sex, maybe you’re thinking about pegging your partner, or perhaps you just want to wear a strap-on because it's a look. Either way, you’ve come to the right place, because today I am going to tell you everything you need to know before venturing into wearable appendages.
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Firstly, strap-ons aren’t necessarily an easy or beginner move. They can initially be awkward, and it may take time and practice before they become something you feel entirely comfortable using. Adding any kind of toy or “hardware” (lol) into sex takes adjustment and communication between partners, so don’t be perturbed if your life doesn’t transform into a scene from The L Word overnight.Remember: the sole purpose of strap-on sex is that it’s supposed to be fun. As long as you prioritise that fact and don’t take anything too seriously, the rest should fall into place. Now that I’ve stopped talking like your mum’s 2006 issue of Cosmo, let’s get to it.Strap-ons aren’t just a physical thing. They’re a mindset, an e n e r g y, and they can be really empowering. Before you invest in the right gear, have a think about your expectations and what you might be into, before communicating this with your partner (or partners). Who would like to give, who would like to receive – or are you both versatile? That sort of thing. If you feel like experimenting to find out, voice that too. Maybe you’ve been giving off bottom energy for years, when deep down in your soul, you know you’d like to top. All of this needs to be brought to the table before the strap is brought into bed.Reneé Denya, sex educator and store manager at Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, also emphasises the need for communication. “Before choosing a strap-on, the very first thing to do is have a chat with your partner,” she tells me over the phone. “Make sure this is something that they also want. Coming home waving a dildo in the air might go down well, but it also might not, so having some conversations is a really good idea. It’s also important to talk about whether it’s vaginal or anal penetration that they, or you, want to experience.”
WHAT IS EVERYONE INTO?
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SHOP AROUND FOR GEAR THAT FITS
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When it comes to brands, I personally swear by everything at Sh!'s east London store because their harnesses are made from soft vegan leather and you can see the silicon dildos actually being created on site (they have an online shop if you live far away). Plus they sell strap-on briefs by RodeoH, which are great if you feel a bit more casual. Other brands that are worth checking out are Lovehoney, anything by Sportsheets, or downstairs at CyberDog in Camden (I'm not joking).
GET TO KNOW YOUR STRAP-ON PROPERLY
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Ruby also points out that it helps to get used to the idea of certain motions. “"If you don’t own a penis, and you’re not used to being the penetrator, it’s physically a very different sensation. Have realistic expectations about what that’s going to be like," she says. "Initially, it might be quite hard work and you’re not going to be able to do as much as you want to, or as much as your partner wants you to. As lame as it sounds, practice thrusting! Get used to those movements.”Do I need to tell you this? Maybe I need to tell you this. Too much lube is better than not enough lube. No one wants to try strap-on sex for the first time and end up feeling as though they are undergoing a smear test.A few things to consider when it comes to lube: Water-based lubes are great. They come in jelly or liquid forms, and work with most condoms and toys, however they do tend to dry out quickly. Oil-based lubes are mega slippery and won't dry out, but they aren't compatible with latex condoms as they erode latex and rubber. Silicone-based lubes are super versatile and also won't dry out, but they erode silicone sex toys, so I wouldn't recommend using this with a silicone dildo. You can also get natural, organic and vegan lubes, which are perfect all rounders IMO, plus you get to sleep safe in the knowledge that your strap-on sex is not killing the planet one thrust at a time.
APPLY LUBE LIBERALLY
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DURING THE ACT
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