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Nipple Clamps: A Beginner’s Guide

Nipple Clamps: A Beginner’s Guide

As most of us explore our sexuality, we sometimes find things by accident. Nipple play often works this way. Yes, most people enjoy this at some level, but then there are those of us who go absolutely mad for it. Nipple clamps are their favorite. Beginners are curious. Can you relate?

If yes, you may have tried several things to get the most out of playing with your nipples, or having your partner do the same. Are you ready to try something even more intense? Why not introduce nipple clamps? These deceptively small toys can be a real game changer in the bedroom. Below is our beginners guide to nipple clamps.

What Are Nipple Clamps?

Breast clamps are a category of sex toy. They are made to squeeze or pinch the nipples. This causes intense sensations, and for some, a bit of pain. They restrict blood flow to the nipples. When they are removed, the rush of blood back to that area causes an amazing sensation. There are several types of nipple clamps. Some can be attached to chains or weights.

Feathered Nipple Clamps
Pretty pink feathers for the ladies.

Why do People Love Nipple Clamps?

When you use nipple clamps, your nipples become more sensitive. This leads to more sexual arousal. In addition to this, nipple clamps can be used as part of BDSM play, particularly breast and nipple torture. For some people, nipple clamps create such heightened sexual pleasure that they can orgasm solely from nipple clamp play.

What is it Like to Use Nipple Clamps?

This really depends on the person, and the clips they use. Some people are exceptionally sensitive. They may be aroused with even the slightest pinch. Others may need a gentler touch or else the experience could be too painful.

It’s possible that you could wear nipple clamps, and only experienced a bit of ‘heightened sensation’. They key is finding the right toy. The reason that so many people enjoy nipple toys and nipple play is simple. Nipples are an erogenous zone.

Erogenous zones are parts of your body which cause sexual arousal when they are touched or otherwise stimulated. These aren't necessarily your private parts. Erogenous zones are places like the neck, behind your ears, and of course your nipples. It's why getting touched in certain places is such a turn-on.

Believe it or not, there was a government study on nipple stimulation with published results on how sexually aroused the participants were. They answered a questionnaire about nipple/breast stimulation during sexual activity. 81.5% of women reported favorable results, 51.7% of men reported similar findings.

How do Nipple Clamps Work?

What do nipple clamps do? Two things happen when you use nipple clamps. First, there's the squeezing or pinching sensation as you wear the clips. For many people, that causes an intense arousing feeling. Some people may even be turned on by the slight amount of pain they experience.

Other people are turned on by the rush of blood flow that happens when the clamps are removed. This can lead to a pleasant tingling sensation that some people really enjoy.

Adjustable Nipple Clamps
Close up of an adjustable nipple clamp.

Do Women Like Nipple Clamps?

Many women absolutely do love them. In fact, it's fair to say that women are the majority of users of nipple clamps, a staple of female sex toys. It's simply more common for them to enjoy nipple play, and to incorporate their nipples into sexual activity.

Of course, every woman is different. Some and find nipple clamps absolutely amazing, and will rarely want to have sex with them. Other women won't like the sensation at all. Fortunately, nipple clamps are relatively inexpensive. So, it doesn't cost much to try them out.

Male Nipple Clamps

Anatomically, male nipples aren't much different from female nipples. Both can be very sensitive oh, and both are erogenous zones. Because of this, man can achieve sexual pleasure by using nipple clamps. Surprisingly (or not depending on your perspective), they are among our best selling men's sex toys.

However, the phrase male nipple clamps is a bit of a misnomer. When it comes to functionality, men use the same nipple clamps as women. The only difference is that some men might feel more comfortable using a nipple clamp with a more masculine aesthetic. These magnetic nipple clamps fit the bill nicely. They are stainless steel and very functional.

How to Apply Nipple Clamps

Nipple clamps are attached to your nipples, then they are adjusted to the right level of tension. How your nipple clamps are attached depends on the specific type of nipple toy you have. Some work very simply like alligator clips. You simply clamp them on. And you squeeze to take them off.

Others are held in place by adjustable screws. You tighten and loosen the screws to create the sensation you want. There are also magnetic nipple clamps. These work by clamping your nipple between two magnets.

Magnetic Nipple Clamps
Magnetic nipple clamps for men.

Whatever you do, follow the instructions carefully. Take the time to learn how the clamps feel when you wear them. Be cautious when you decide to tighten them. Make sure you can take them off easily if things get too intense. Finally, wear nipple gel for more comfort.

Enjoying Nipple Clamps Solo

Nipple clamps are absolutely great fun when you are having sex with a partner. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them by yourself. In fact, you can really learn about what you like best if you experiment with nipple clamps on your own.

You'll be able to figure out what you like, and you can get used to the sensation without worrying about your partner. Try wearing them during masturbation. That's a great way to incorporate nipple play while leaving your hands-free for other things.

Other Uses For Nipple Clamps – and Vice Versa

Nipples aren’t the only erogenous zones that can benefit from a clamp. The clit is another exceptionally sensitive body part where many people enjoy using clamps. Give this a try during sex or masturbation. Just be sure to pick a set of clamps that are adjustable, and that you can easily remove.

  • The opposite is true too, you can use other types of sex toys on your nipples. Really, anything that is small that vibrates will work. Suction toys are also popular. Consider buying a clit sucker toy (although you'll need to buy 2 – one for each boob).
  • If you have your partner involved, vibrating finger sex toys are the perfect exploratory toy during foreplay. You would wander from clit to nipple to perineum to lips, anywhere you please. Get blindfold to enhance the mystery and sense of touch will be amplified.
  • For a mega intense last of vibration that may be too much for some (but perfect for nipple orgasms for those who love extreme power and wild intensity look into an egg shaped vibrator and use it “up north” instead of “down south”.
  • Even the split bunny ears of a rabbit ears vibrator can pinch the nipples with a far lighter touch than any clamps could. You'll experience a softer squeeze as the rabbit ears hug the sides of the nipple in the exact same way the rabbit sex toy handles the clitoris.

Do Nipple Clamps Hurt?

Chain Nipple Clamps
A perfect kinky pinch!

Yes, nipple clamps can hurt. But, they don’t have to! It’s a matter of selecting the right clamps.  You have to take into consideration the size of your nipples, and your level of sensitivity. To avoid pain, choose an adjustable clamp. They should preferably be coated with something to reduce friction.

Of course, some people really enjoy a bit of pain. That should come as no surprise. Nipple clamps are widely used in BDSM play. So, if you crave some light or even intense pain from your nipple clamps, there’s no shame in that. Just be sure to play safely!

Once you start shopping for the perfect clamps, you’ll see that you’ve got a large selection to consider. At one end of the spectrum you have very basic nipple clamps. At the other, there are clamps that vibrate, and a slight variation known as nipple vibrators.

Some clamps come with weighted chains or other attachments to add to the sensation. There are even clamps that are specifically made for BDSM and endurance play. These Japanese Clamps are perfect for this.

Nipple Clamps For Beginners

How do you choose your first pair of clamps? The answer depends on your preferences. Start with your fingers, or your partner’s. Do you prefer light squeezing, or deep pressure. Do you enjoy a bit of pain, or is that too much.

Try touching a vibrator to your nipples. Once you know how you enjoy having your nipples stimulated, you’ll have an easier time finding the perfect clamps.

You might consider looking at clamps that are under 20 dollars. This way you won’t feel ‘pinched’ if you get a pair that doesn’t work for you. Take a look at these Butterfly Nipple Clamps. They are adjustable and rubber tipped for your comfort.

Adjustable Broad Tip Nipple Clamps w/Link Chain

When someone has wider nipples, or they tend to be a bit more sensitive, an adjustable clamp is best. Also, broad tips tend to spread the pressure out a bit. This leads to a gentler sensation, and less pinching.

To meet that need, we like these First Timer Nipple Clamps. The tips are broad and adjustable. They’re also coated to further reduce pinching and friction. The attached chain creates a great aesthetic, and it allows your partner something to pull and tug on to create even more arousal.

Check out these broad tip clamps as well. They are absolutely gorgeous. Even better, they clamp on nicely without pinching at all. The adjustable screws make it easy to get the perfect fit.

Vibrating Nipple Clamps

Vibrating Nipple Clamps
Vibrating nipple clamps for women.

Let’s be honest. Vibrating just makes things better. This rule definitely applies to nipple clamps. Add a bit of vibration, and nipple stimulation can become orgasmic. These Fantasy Series Vibrating Nipple Clamps are remote controlled. They also have varying speeds for your pleasure.

Check Out What’s Most Popular Right Now

There are dozens of nipple clamps for you to try. Take some time to shop around. You’ll be able to find the perfect clamps in no time! As you shop, don’t forget to invest in some nipple gel. Use these to make your nipples more sensitive, and to keep them erect.



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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