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7 Types of Strap Ons that will Rock your World

written by Mayla Green published March 18th, 2019

Last Updated on April 18, 2023

Strap on sex is a common practice for playful couples but before you can enjoy it fully, it's important to understand the different types of strap ons before you consider buying a strap on dildo sex toy. Strap on dildos can be classified into 7 different categories based on certain features each with their own purpose and design.

Use this handy guide which details the unique aspect of each style so you can be sure it's right for your needs. You'll learn how to use a strap on too. Curious eyes are welcome and adventurous sex play awaits!


Harness with Removable Dildo

1. Harness with a Removable Dildo

This is our best option for couples who would like to add more variety to a typical strap on kit. If the strap on harness has a removable dildo, it will either include a metal or rubber O ring that enables any dildo with flat base to slide through and be attached to the harness, or have a round hole stitched into the front of the harness where the ring would normally be situated.

You can buy a harness compatible dildo and add a second attachment to your kit. We like this option because if you can't find the exact size or color of shaft you're looking for, you can customize your own kit because there are over 75 different harness compatible dildos to choose from that fit a dildo harness with a standard strap on O ring.

Because versatility is always nice, we favor this style simply for the range of use, consider the ultra kinky thigh strap onas an example. Measure the interior diameter of the O ring and compare it to the diameter of the dildo. (Each dildo has the dimensions listed under its product specifications). Any dildo that has flat base (think dildo with balls or suction cup bases) can slide through. The majority of our harnesses feature removable dildos.


Strap On for Men

2. Strap Ons for Men

There are 7 different sub types of strap ons for men so we created its own dedicated guide and informative article detailing why men use strap ons and assistance when you're shopping for a harness to fit the male body.

The most common reason these sex aid for couples are used in the bedroom is to help assist with lovemaking in the case of erectile dysfunction. They are also used a powerful kink sex device for couples looking to enjoy the naughty side of intimate play.

Because a man needs space for his penis and scrotum, to either hang or be tucked away, this sub category style is worth noting before any guy buys a harness. Even if you don't have ED but still your love life is feeling stale, adding a strap on dildo harness toy your bedroom repertoire is a sure fire to way to make sex exciting.


Unisex Strap on Harness

3. Unisex Strap on Harness

This type of strap on harness can be worn by both men and women. A unisex strap on harness features 4 way straps that fit around the waist and the legs. These are by far the best strap on dildo design because of the close and custom fit to the body no matter the wearer's size and shape.

They can typically be tightened in 4 spots - near each hip and around each thigh offering excellent sturdy support and a custom fit no matter your body type.

If you will be wearing a heavy or large dildo attachment, this sturdy style is your best choice because it can be fastened snug around the body with minimal sagging from a big attachment.

The unisex 4-way strap design also offers excellent versatility of movement. Active couples enjoy being able to change sexual positions without having to re-adjust the harness. The open crotch style design lets a man's penis & scrotum hang freely below without chafing for discomfort.

They are comfortable for men to wear because the straps fit around the legs, they don't go under the testicles like a female harness would (panty or boxer style harness). Women like the unisex versions because the crotchless design leaves her vagina and clitoris exposed for added pleasure during strap on sex.


Vibrating Strap Ons

4. Vibrating Strap Ons

This type of strapon is full of fun extras as if a regular harness wasn't enough! The vibrating strapon features a built in motor embedded inside the attachment's shaft that vibrates via corded controller unit.

Most of the controllers have a clip on the back so you can attach it to the waistband or strap, but if not, we suggest that you tuck it in the strap to keep it out of your way.

Alternatively, give the controller to the receiver and let them take control of the power - or vice versa! Most cords are 2 feet long giving plenty of extra length to keep the controller out of your way when rolling around on the bed. Only the vibrating strap on offers the visual treat of watching your partner writhe under you as the buzzing motor does it's job!

It's the best option for strong orgasms from strap on sex. We've noticed that the majority of the vibrators placement with within the top third of the shaft which also compares to the positioning on a normal vibrator.

It's also the best location for experiencing vibrations during penetration, even if it's shallow. The wearer will likely not feel anything as the rest of the dildo shaft and the harness material will mute sensation for them.


Hollow Strap Ons

5. Hollow Strap Ons

Originally designed for men with erectile dysfunction, the hollow strap on is the ultimate type of strap on for men who can no longer enjoy sex. The center is hollow allowing the flaccid penis to fit inside.

A few hollow dildo styles are so large that a fully erect penis can be placed inside. The result is a massive girth of around 2 inches, healthily fulfilling a oversized fantasy for the woman.

Since the hollow harnesses require space to hold a penis inside, the exterior dimensions are larger than what we would consider average. Learn what is a hollow strap on before you shop on our website!

These may be too thick for some so if this is the case, we suggest the unisex harness so his penis can hang below. (The attachments available for the unisex harnesses are much smaller than the hollow strap ons.)

The most popular line of hollow dildos feature an elastic waistband that unfortunately does not accommodate large waist sizes, we suggest sewing on an elastic attachment to make the waist size larger.

Alternatively, the Sport harness option (shown in the photo here) can accommodate a larger waist size. On all the hollow strap ons, the core is fully supported and firm so that it won't buckle or bend during penetration. They are firm enough for hard thrusting even if the man has ED.


Pegging Strap Ons

6. Pegging Strap Ons

Pegging is a popular sex act between a man and a woman; she wears a harness and penetrates him through the back door. Couples define it as an erotic bonding experience and it's gaining popularity really fast! Pegging strap ons feature a small, thin or curved attachment that is ideal for anal sex.

In our pegging category, we listed some pre made kits that fit this description, but also list other thin dildos and small anal toys and beginners prostate massagers that can fit inside a strap on harness ring. Technically, you can transform any harness into a pegging strap by adding any attachments with a rounded or flat base that won't fall through the O ring. Also check our first time pegging toys guide for all the dirty details.

To determine if a potential toy will work, simply measure the interior diameter of your ring and compare it to the listed diameter of the toy you're considering. The girth is listed under each product specifications on its own page. Our insider tip is to try a curved toy, it will stimulate his prostate during penetration. Oh, and don't forget the anal lube!

Once you have your strap on harness and attachment, what do you do with it? Unlike regular men on woman sex, the roles are reversed when it comes to this style of intercourse. We recently published a list of 10 best pegging positions for couples to try. They range from simple, sensual poses to advanced acrobatic stances and everything in between! Complete with pictures and a rating system to help first time couples narrow it down.


Strapless Strap On

7. Strapless Strap On

This unique novelty toy is a popular choice for lesbian for couples, but it can also be used as a pegging device for men. The strapless strap on style consists of a small vaginal plug with a elongated dildo facing forward which is used to penetrate the partner.

The theory is that it can all be done hands free, which in fantasy sounds erotic but the reality is that you'll need to use a helping hand because as soon as you move too much for stand up, the dildo will fall out of the vagina. In our experience, you'll need to hold it in somehow so sitting sex positions work best.

This is a truly playful novelty toy however and is great for a good laugh during sex. There isn't any other sex toy quite like it! If you're the adventurous type with a good sense of humor in the bedroom and think of sex as fun, you'll love the strapless dildo.


Vac U Lock

8. Vac U Lock

The Vac U Lock harness collection is a high quality style of strap on harness with several interchangeable attachments to fit the harness plug. The small male adapter plug (shown in the photo here) fits the opening on the bottom of the attachment.

If you are curious what is Vac-U-Lock, make sure to check out our complete informational guide first. If you're looking for the most life like strap on dildo, the Vac U Lock system delivers with the finest life like feeling silicone, called UR3. The harness and attachments are made by Doc Johnson, one of America's leading sex toy manufacturers. The unisex harness is open on the bottom - this crotchless deign lets a man's penis and scrotum hang below.

The open crotch design is hemmed on the edges so it won't chafe men. It can also be worn by women. The soft material is nicer than most harnesses and even though some of these options are a little on the pricey side, you get what you pay for and couples who have high standards of pleasure choose only products from the Vaculock line of toys. Find your favorite among our best Vac-U-Lock strap ons that couples enjoy most.

Be sure to add the Vac U Lock Powder, which is a sex toy safe talcum powder that prevents the attachments from forming a vacuum seal when connected to the plug. Sprinkle a half teaspoon inside the hole before pushing on the attachment to the harness plug and it will be easier to pull off when you want to change attachments.


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Mayla Green

Mayla Green has been involved in the sex toy industry since 2004. Working behind the motto “Sex TOYS should be FUN”, Mayla provides unique tips & advice amassed from over a decade of hands on experience with adult products. She also coaches clients how to fully enjoy sexual pleasure and can be seen in major publications & magazines online.

Happily married since 2009, she knows firsthand how the sex life eventually becomes repetitive (which truthfully means boring), so if you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, Mayla's your gal! Her literary pride & joy is covering topics for established couples needing inspiration to keep lovemaking exciting and fun.

Not in a relationship? Her other focus is teaching women how to properly handle the “little person in the canoe” to experience the best orgasms ever, no partner required! Her creative and innovative tips, techniques and advice is on par with a certified sex therapist or Sexologist, but with an extra advantage from her knowledge of the adult toy business.

View all articles published by Mayla Green exclusively for The Adult Toy Shop sex blog.

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