What Is A Strap-On: The Definitive Guide

Communicate with Your Partner

Right up there with buying a new house, it’s essential to have a conversation with your partner about adding a strap-on to your toy lineup. And, by all means, communicate with your partner during use to make sure you are properly gauging intensity. 

Find the right fit

Just like your favorite pair of jeans, your strap-on and its harness should be comfortable and fit comfortably so as not to chafe or make you, or your partner uncomfortable. Lucky for you, there are almost a gazillion options on the market. We may be exaggerating a tad, but with the myriad of options available there’s definitely something for everyone. 

Lubricate

Lube is an essential tool to maintain the receiver’s comfort. Be sure to choose the proper lube. Silicone-based lubes don’t mix with silicone dildos, as it will cause the material to break down. Therefore, water-based lubes are the better bet. 

Sanitize

As with any sex toy, clean after use to avoid exposing you or your partner to harmful bacteria. You can easily sanitize with any antibacterial hand soap, or cleaner made specifically for sex gear. 

Strap-ons provide for an intimate, hands-free experience

They are a great tool for switching up the “power” dynamics and norms in the bedroom. Strap-ons support gender affirming play sessions, while expanding on what “penetatrive sex” even means.  

Dildos are plentiful and come in just about any shape and size. Harnesses come in a few basic forms; thongs, underwear, or jockstraps are common for the average user. A thong harness has a strap around the waist and one that goes between the legs, right up between the butt cheeks. Underwear or boxer style harnesses look like… well, underwear, while the jockstrap style has a strap around the waist and another over each butt cheek.

Most harnesses have what’s called an O-ring. This is the ring in which you put the dildo, holding it taught in the harness against your body. Ensure that your dildo and O-ring are compatible to make sure your dildo fits snugly into the harness. Better yet, buy a strap-on system that comes complete with a compatible dildo and harness. Some harnesses come with multiple O-rings, or the O-rings themselves may be made from elastic to accommodate different dildos. 

If you’ve got a vagina, you may be interested in trying a dildo with an attached vaginal plug. No harness required!

Perfect Fit Brand™ has taken the traditional strap-on to the next level with a pull-on molded base plate strap-on system. The Zoro® and Armour Knight are specifically designed to fit the contour of your body, transferring thrusting pressure from the gential area, to the pelvis. To accommodate all bodies, it was designed to comfortably fit those with either a vagina or a penis. 

The Zoro® is made from super soft-touch silicone. And, instead of a harness, all you need to keep it in place is the included elasticized waistband. The unique design incorporates a built-in opening for vaginal play. It’s available in a 5.5” and 6.5” length, purple or black color, and can accommodate a vibrator as well. It’s a great starter strap-on.

For the more advanced players, The Armour Knight may be just what you’re looking for. With an external circumference of 6.4” and an insertable length of 7”, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Available with waistbands in S/M sizes as well as L/XL. 

The Zoro® Knight has the same great qualities as the Armour Knight, but in a slightly smaller package, with an external circumference of just 5.5”. It’s engineered (and tested!) to be the most amazing strap-on you’ll ever wear. 

The term “pegging” was originally coined in 2001 by Dan Savage, a sex advice columnist. At that time, it referred to a cisgender female using a strap-on to anally penetrate a cisgender male. This has since morphed to be more inclusive, simply referring to anal sex using a strap-on. 

So, why try pegging? It can have some awesome “feel good” benefits for both the giver and the receiver. The prostate, accessed via anal penetration, can deliver an out-of-this-world orgasm. The anal canal has around 4,000 nerves, about the same as the penis. So, even if you don’t have a prostate, pegging can feel great for the receiver.

For the giver, pegging can be just as pleasurable. When wearing and using a strap-on your public area or clitoris is rubbed against the base of the dildo, not unlike dry humping. 

Pegging allows couples of any orientation to play and switch roles, which can be great not only for sexual health, but for psychological health as well.

It’s probably safe to say that most people may be hesitant to simply allow someone to peg them. Therefore, it’s best to bring the subject up well in advance of your next romp. Communication is key. 

Moving too fast can cause pain and be quite uncomfortable for the receiver, especially if this is their inaugural go ‘round with pegging. To ensure your partner, and their anus is fully prepared, follow the steps below.

First things first. Always use lube to project those delicate anal tissues. When the receiver is ready, start with finger play making small circles around the anus, then insert your finger into and out of the anus slowly. When your receiver is ready (and only then), gently proceed with the strap on.

Just like vaginal sex, HIV, herpes, and other STIs can be contracted through anal sex. As a matter of fact, anal sex is a bit more risky due to the delicate lining of the rectum. If torn, there’s more risk for bacterial and viral infections. Be sure to always clean toys thoroughly.

Hard dildos (metal, glass, or rigid plastic) aren’t recommended as any misstep or misdirection could be quite painful to the receiver. The Zoro®, made from a luxurious soft-touch silicone is a great starter strap-on. When care is taken to properly prepare for pegging, the pros can be mind-blowing. Not only does pegging allow for role reversals, which has a positive psychological effect, the physical sensation is incredible, for both giver and receiver. 

Pegging diminishes social norms, allowing one to truly explore their sexual self and experience something completely new from both a psychological and physical standpoint. 

The possibilities are endless. Explore some BDSM with a blindfold and restraints! More advanced players may want to try the Armour Knight. 

Pegging isn’t new, but it is starting to gain a solid mainstream following among people of all orientations. After careful communication and preparation, it can provide an out-of-this-world experience for both the giver and receiver. It also allows for play around sexual role reversals. While care needs to be taken upon introducing a strap-on, the benefits can be plentiful, both physically and psychologically, for both partners. Find your favorite strap-on!