02/07/2026
What is a Strap-On?
A strap-on is a wearable harness s*x toy. A strap-on is a s*x toy typically made up of a d***o and a harness to secure to d***o to a person. It usually has two parts: a d***o and a harness. The harness is like underwear or straps worn around the waist. The d***o attaches to the harness so a person can use it hands-free.
Who Uses Them?
- People of any gender or s*xual orientation can use strap-ons.
- Anyone who wants to pe*****te a partner or enjoy hands-free s*x can use one.
- When a person with a va**na uses a strap-on for a**l pe*******on on a partner, it is called pe***ng.
How Do They Work?
- The Harness: This holds the toy in place. It can look like regular underwear, a jockstrap, or adjustable belts.
- The D***o: This part attaches to the front of the harness. You can get them in many different sizes, shapes, and materials (like silicone or glass).
- Usage: People use them for va**nal s*x, a**l s*x, oral s*x, or ma********on.
How do I choose and buy a strap-on?
While there are tons of strap-on variations and styles available for anyone in any body, the wide array of options can make finding the right one a little tricky. Prices can also vary, so it can be helpful to take some time to research the options and styles available — like whether you’d like to buy a harness and d***o set or pick them out separately — before you take a trip to your local s*x shop. Asking friends with experience using strap-ons is always a great way to get recommendations too, so long as you’re taking into account that variations on the s*x toy are often different person to person — so remember to ask them why they liked it and see how that might apply to your own needs. Finding the best strap-on for you can be a process of trial and error, but there are a few things to consider beforehand that help you decide.
A leather strap-on harness might be one of the most classic options, but it doesn’t have to be the type of strap you go for. “What style will make you feel hot and in your body? What resonates with your gender?” Maya says. “Maybe a full coverage boxer style is what you need to feel embodied and present during s*x. Or maybe something a little more cheeky will do the trick.”
Once you’ve settled on a strap-on style, Unbound co-founder Sarah Jayne recommends measuring your hip, waist, and thigh circumference in order to find the right fit. If you’re able to visit a s*x shop in-person, this is a good time to check out the styles and selection available in your size.
“If you're looking online and feel more sizing info is needed to decide, email their customer service to ask for more info,” Jayne tells Them. “No need to feel weird about this at all. Most companies are thrilled to help and want to ensure you get the right fit the first time.”
If you plan on using the d***o for penetrative s*x with a partner, Maya recommends sticking with body safe materials like 100% silicone, stainless steel, or glass as a general rule. You’ll also want to make sure to communicate any preferences for size, shape, and texture with each other, so you can find something you’ll both be happy and comfortable using.
“For example, some folks who suffer from vaginismus or folks new to a**l play might need something smaller, smoother with less texture, while someone else might need something larger that also vibrates,” Maya says.
Whether you choose a small strap-on, silicone strap-on, vibrating strap-on, or any of the other styles of straps out there, you should always go with what feels most comfortable to you and your partner(s).
Important Safety Tips
- Lubrication: Always use plenty of lubricant so the toy can move easily.
- Different Holes: Never move the same toy from the a**s to the va**na without washing it first. This stops bacteria from spreading and prevents infections.
- Cleaning: Wash the toy with warm water and antibacterial soap right after use.
