Harnesses & Strap-On Play

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Introduction

A strap-on is any combination of a harness and dildo. People of all genders and orientations can - and do! - enjoy strap-on play. While harnesses and dildos are most commonly used for penetration play - for g-spot or prostate stimulation - they can often be used as part of power play, gender play, and roleplay.

 

Harnesses

Picking out the right harness is all about finding a combination of fit, comfort, material and style that works for you. If possible, try on a harness you’re considering purchasing to ensure a good fit.

  • Most strap-on harnesses will accommodate any flared base dildo up to 2” in diameter but some harnesses may fit a smaller range of toys.
  • The material you choose for your harness matters! While some strap-ons are waterproof, leather harnesses are not.
  • Try to select a harness that feels both comfortable and secure on your body. Just like any sex toy, what works for someone else may not be what suits you.

 

Harness Styles

Harnesses traditionally come in either g-string (one strap, thong style), jock style (two straps, sometimes called a ‘texas-style’ harness), and underwear style harnesses. There are also harnesses that can secure a dildo to other body parts!

  • G-string harnesses can provide a snug-fit and provide a handy way to hold a dildo or plug in-place for the pleasure of the wearer.
  • Jock style harnesses have two usually adjustable straps that fit around the buttocks.
  • Underwear harnesses typically come in brief-style and are made of some combination of cotton and spandex.
  • Body harnesses can be attached to a hand, foot, or thigh and are usually made of leather.

 

Harness Materials

Harnesses are made of a wide variety of materials - just like any kind of clothing - but the most common materials for harnesses are leather, rubber, nylon webbing, and neoprene.

Some materials like nylon and neoprene are waterproof and exceptionally easy to clean, while harnesses made of leather require more delicate handling but are often more durable and come with lifetime warranties.

 

Harness Features

The most basic harnesses simply provide straps to hold a dildo in-place, but as more people get into strap-on play, harness makers are adding more bells-and-whistles to their harnesses.

Some harnesses come complete with a pocket to hold a mini vibrator for the pleasure of the wearer, while others feature a strap to allow the harness to accommodate a packer!

 

Dildos

When you select a strap-on, choosing your harness is only half the fun - selecting a dildo to accompany your new harness is just as important.

Size Matters. If you’re choosing a dildo for some bend-over- beginner anal play, you may wish to begin with something small and smooth. As with all kinds of play, it is wise to involve your partner in the dildo decision making so you know what sort of length and girth they’re interested in.

Density. A firmer density dildo has less give and allows for more intense pressure - which is handy for g-spot and prostate stimulation. Softer dildos tend to provide a feeling of fullness rather than direct pressure.

Shape. Most dildos featuring a curve are designed to enhance g-spot and prostate play. Less textured toys (with a less pronounced ‘head’) tend to be good introductory toys for anal play. Any dildo with a flared base can be used in a harness. Double ended dildos should be crescent shaped for harness use.

Materials. Dildos are commonly made of silicone, rubber, and elastomers. Silicone is an ideal material for dildos because it is non-porous and durable - and can be boiled between uses for easy cleaning. Rubber and elastomer dildos are less durable, but tend to also be less expensive. Rubber and elastomers are porous and a condom should be used on them when shared.

 

Resources

Need a little more info to get started or just looking for some saucy inspiration? Check-out these books and DVDs!