How to Choose a Strap-On Harness

22 June 2008

There's nothing more pleasurable than indulging in erotic strap-on sex with your partner for the very first time.

It doesn't matter if you're gay, bisexual or straight, every couple can put their imaginations to good use and benefit from explosive orgasms with a harness and dildo combination.

So, if you want to experiment with strap-on sex, you should first read our need-to-know guide to harnesses and how to use them.

Harnesses Explained

Generally speaking, a harness lets you strap a dildo onto your body so that you can penetrate your partner while keeping your hands free for other sexual activities.

Each harness consists of:

1. A padded section that sits against the pubic mound, shaped to fit the body comfortably.

2. An O-ring or opening for attaching sex toys to.

3. A series of straps made of adjustable materials.

This design seems very simple but it works! Of course, each harness is slightly different and has evolved to include more pleasure-led features over time.

Whatever you plan on using your harness for, be it pegging, double penetration or girl-on-girl strap-on sex, there's sure to be a harness within your budget that will fit just right.

Types of Harness

The majority of harnesses come in a variety of styles and materials, and with different features to suit your needs. It's therefore important to take your time when choosing your first harness. You can later build up your collection and choose different harnesses to achieve different naughty things!

Thong

Thong harnesses consist of one strap that goes around the waist or hips and one that goes between the legs and over the buttocks, hence the name 'thong'!

Pros: These harnesses are easy to use and allow your chosen sex toy to sit in a natural position on your body.

Cons: The middle strap on thong harnesses is rarely adjustable and the dildo will often rest against the skin, making it uncomfortable

Jock

Based on the classic American jockstrap design, jock harnesses consist of three straps – one that goes around the waist and two that go around the legs.

Pros: These are easy to adjust and don’t cover the wearers anal or vaginal orifices so other toys or activities can be enjoyed at the same time.

Cons: The downfall with jock harnesses is that the attached sex toy will often sit higher on the pubic mound meaning that it won’t stimulate the wearer and will feel unnatural.

Vac-U-Lock

Vac-U-Lock is a system by Doc Johnson which doesn’t require O-rings. The harnesses come with an attached ridged peg that securely holds the dildo in place instead.

Pros: Vac-U-Lock harnesses are secure, meaning that your dildo won’t come off during use. They are also comfortable as the attached sex toy rests against a pad, rather than your skin.

Cons: Unfortunately you can only use Vac-U-Lock compatible products with your Vac-U-Lock harness as there is no O-ring or other fitting for it.

Harness Materials

As with any sex toy the material used to make your harness can make a huge difference to your erotic experience, which in turn affects your orgasm. So pay attention!

Leather or leatherette harnesses, such as the Doc Johnson Vac-U-Lock Leather Ultra Harness 3000 (£34.99), are sensual to touch and have a naughty Dominatrix vibe to them, so it's an excellent harness material for steamy strap-on sessions.

Nylon is much cheaper than any other harness material, which is great for sex kittens on a budget. It's also machine washable in cold water and can do its thing in a hot tub!

Rubber, like that used in the Doc Johnson Janine Vivid Dildo and Harness (£28.99), is perfect for neat freaks as it can be easily cleaned but it's also great for larger girlies because it's form fitting and flexible.

The other main material used in harnesses is vinyl, which is again easy to look after, long lasting and sturdy.

Harness Hints and Tips

We have covered most of what you need to know about harnesses, but here are a few more pointers to help you choose the heavenly harness for you:

If you plan on using lots of different dildos and accessories with your harness, choose one with removable O-rings. This way you can buy different rings to fit your different sized dildos.

Have a look at the sizes listed in the product description for your harness to see if it will fit properly. Measurements will often include minimum and maximum waist size, minimum and maximum leg size and supplied O-ring size.

If you want to enjoy pegging with a partner, you should invest in a harness with an internal dildo or vibrating bullet, such as the Sedeux Corsette Dildo Harness (£44.99), so that you can get in on the action too!

If you've bought a harness but need to know what dildos will fit it without changing the O-ring, the quickest way to find out is with our handy Strap-On Harness and Compatible Dildos guide.

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