curious about...
strap-on sex
Strap sex can be ridiculously hot. This kind of play helps us connect to our bodies and our partners bodies in a hands free way. All genders, sexualities, and bodies can have fun with strap play – and if you clicked into this guide – that means strap-on sex could be for you!
just the tips...
tip #1
Figuring Out What You Want
Take some time to figure out what you are excited about and be brave and talk to your partner(s) about it. That may be as easy as "this looks fun, want to try?" or it could take some introspection and deeper communication.
Are you interested in strapping for practicality reasons? Not everyone can thrust their hips to penetrate a partner, some folks find that movement causes pain or dysphoria. A thigh strap can be a sexy solution to creating an intimate connection while bypassing the groin and hips altogether.
Are you interested in strapping for gender affirming reasons? If you want to penetrate a partner but don't have the anatomy to do so or your anatomy isn't functional in that way, using a harness and dildo can be extremely gender euphoric. We even have a whole line of ejaculating dildos for those who want to make that fantasy a reality.
tip #2
toy-safe lube only
Lubricant is essential for strap play. Lube makes sex safer and more comfortable because it reduces the risk of microscopic tearing or pain, and it just makes everything feel better. A long-lasting, thick, toy-safe lube is a good choice for this kind of play because the thicker the lubricant the more it will stay put on your toy or on your body and it adds a thicker cushion between the toy and body.
If you are using a silicone toy for strap-on sex then you can only use a water-based, oil-based, or hybrid lube. Silicone lube IS NOT toy-safe because the liquid silicone chemically reacts with the solid silicone in your toy, causing the material to damage and deform over time.
curious about...
harnesses
Strap play starts with a harness... strapped-on to your body. There are many kinds from leather, to PVC, from underwear styles, to thigh options. It is important that the harness you buy fits your body and your needs AND that it is something you feel good wearing. All of the harnesses at Self Serve are tested by us and we only carry harnesses that are well made and functional.
tip #3
get your size right
Harnesses come in a variety of sizes and some are even an adjustable 'one-size'. Measure your hips where you want your harness to sit and make sure to purchase a harness that is the right size for your body. If purchasing online make sure to actually measure your hips and don’t just go by your pants size. If you're shopping in-store, don't be shy, try it on to make sure that it fits you comfortably and securely. A proper measurement will ensure your harness fits like a dream.
tip #4
to share, or not to share
If you AND your partner(s) are interested in strapping, there are some options that are not a single size but are adjustable and can fit people with different body shapes and sizes. Decide if you want to each choose your own harness or want to share one. If you're going to be sharing a harness get the measurements of whoever wants to wear the harness for play so you can find one that can accommodate y'all.
While options like the Velamour claim to be an adjustable 'one size fits all' you still want to make sure that you fall in-between the minimum and maximum dimensions. If you and your partners vary in size by a significant margin, you might not find an adjustable strap that accommodates your needs. In that case, a good fit for diversely sized bodies is the Ride All Night which has a removable backstrap and comes with 2 size options that are interchangeable.
- S/M
- L/XL
- 2X/3X
- S/M
- L/XL
- 2X/3X
curious about...
dildos
There are so many dildos to choose from! The good news is that if your dildo is made of silicone (which is a non porous material) your toys should last a lifetime. Variety makes sex fun! Instead of having one dildo to rule them all, you can gradually collect a variety of sizes, colors, textures and styles to enjoy depending on your mood or partner.
tip #5
make sure it is harnessable
For use with most harnesses your dildo will need a flared base. Most of our dildos have a suction cup base that functions well in a harness, dildos with testacles are also functional as a flared base option. This allows your toy to slide into the o-ring in your harness and stay put.
If you wanted to use a double dildo or 'strapless strap-on' with a harness, make sure that you have a harness with an open backing behind the o-ring or a pocket that can open easily like the Joque harness.
tip #6
Size does matter
If a toy is too big it can be painful and no fun at all. If you purchase a toy that is too small you can generally have a good time but might not get the desired effect of strap play. Size is measured two ways: Girth is measured by the diameter of the dildo and "is what it is", Length is measured from tip to base and can be controlled/ adjusted by the wearer.
When in doubt think about the kind of play that feels good to you and your partners with hands or other toys. Finding just the right fit can sometimes be intuitive while others may benefit from trying a few toys to figure out what is just right for them.
tip #7
Non-Realistic or realistic? What shape is best?
The only toys that you should use are ones YOU like. Some people love realistic toys, others prefer something that looks less anatomical. This is a good time to check in with yourself and your partner(s) to make sure you pick something you love.
Toys that have a firm curve are designed to stimulate the G-spot or P-spot. Bumps and ridges can feel amazing moving in and out of the nerve rich tissue at the entrance to the vaginal canal or anal canal, while toys that are smooth are often lovely for someone who enjoys a frictionless sliding sensation.
tip #8
increase your pleasure - increase your fun
For your partner's pleasure, adding a vibrating ring to a dildo will make that toy vibrate and add external stimulation for the partner getting penetrated.
For the wearer's pleasure, a flat broad vibrator or a squishy cushion can be placed in the pocket of some harnesses to create consistent stimulation for the harness wearer.
A wearable toy that adds internal and external stimulation like the Chorus, or the Sync can add G-spot and clitoral stimulation to the wearer of the harness.
An application of clitoral stimulating gel or warming lube can add a tingle to the sensation of wearing a harness. The possibilities are endless.