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  That’s why we called on three sex toy experts (nay, connoisseurs) and asked them to give us the 411 on the main types of sex toys — all of which can be bought online. Below they explain what these sex toys do and how to know if one deserves a place in your drawer. Dildo What the heck makes a dildo, well, a dildo? According to Lisa Finn, a sex educator at sex toy boutique Babeland, “A dildo is anything phallic-shaped, or vaguely phallic-shaped, that’s designed to penetrate a vagina, anus, or mouth.” Standard dildos Also known as single-ended dildos, standard dildos most resemble biological penises in shape and function. “There are so many internal hot spots in the body, including the G-spot and A-spot in vulva owners and P-spot in people with penises,” Finn says.

  She adds that a standard dildo can be used by hand or worn in a harness to stimulate these spots. Safety note: It’s only safe to put a dildo in your bum if it has a flared base that’s bigger than the widest part of the dildo. If you’re planning on using the dildo during solo sex, Finn recommends a dildo with a suction cup base, like the Avant P1 Pride Freedom dildo. Why? Because then you can attach it to a shower wall and ride it the way you might if a partner was involved. If you’re planning to use it to peg, opt for a slim, texture-free dildo, like the Tantus Silk small (or medium) dildo. And if you’re looking for a dildo that looks like a biological penis, it doesn’t get better than New York Toy Collective’s Carter or Leroy. Textured dildos Changing the material the dildo is made out of to vary the sensation — for example, a dildo made out of stainless steel will be heavier than one made out of silicone, and therefore increase the sensation of fullness — isn’t the only way to alter the texture.

  There’s also a variety of textured details you might experiment with once you’ve confirmed that you enjoy dildo play or penetration. “Some have ripples or waves,” Finn says. “Some have more pronounced heads and are super veiny. Some have little textured nubs and bumps.” Double-ended dildos As you might guess, this dildo iteration features a head at both ends. Usually 12 to 24 inches long, some look like two dildos fused together (like the Lovehoney Ice Gem) and others are U-shaped (like the Ruse double dildo). “Depending on the shape, double-ended dildos allow you to experiment with double penetration either in the same hole, or in different holes, for a sense of fullness,” Finn explains, “or to experience extra-deep insertion.” Money-saving hack: You can make your own double-ended dildo with a double-sided suction cup. Strapless strap-on Sometimes the terms “strapless strap-on” and “double-ended dildo” are used interchangeably, but they’re pretty different.

  While double-ended dildos are typically U- or I-shaped, strapless strap-ons are L-shaped. “Strapless strap-ons are ergonomically designed so that one partner can wear the toy and experience a sensation of fullness while also thrusting into a partner,” Finn explains. “They can also be worn by somebody who wants to jack themselves using something phallic, or receive a blow job,” she adds. Cheers to gender euphoria! Note: While the name of this toy implies you should be able to wear it harness-free, “thrusting while trying to hold the toy inside your own body is incredibly taxing on the pelvic floor muscles,” says sex educator Cassandra Corrado. “So don’t hesitate to reduce the strain by also wearing a harness over the top,” she says. The best strapless strap-on on the market is hands down — or should I say hands-free — the Fun Factory Share. Harness Standard dildos can be worn inside a harness for strap-on play. There are a few different types of harnesses, but when shopping for one the most important thing is to find one that fits.

  “The harness should be really snug — or be able to be adjusted to be really snug,” Corrado says. “Whether you’re thrusting into someone else, into your own hand, or just wearing it around, you don’t want the dildo to be wiggling around,” she explains. The snugger the fit, the more control you’ll have over the attachable phallus. Strap-on style Decked out in straps, this type of harness is super-duper adjustable, which means you can make it tighter against your body. “SpareParts is the gold standard of the strap-on harnesses. They look cute, have incredible holding power, and come in a variety of styles,” Corrado says. Thong-style strap-ons, like the Roadster harness, have a strap that goes between the legs and are generally more comfortable for folks with vulvas. Jockstrap-style strap-ons, like the SpareParts Joques, feature straps around each of the butt cheeks and the waist. “[This style] basically gives your butt a butt lift,” Corrado says.

  There’s also double-strap strap-ons, which are designed to be worn by people with penises. There’s a hole for the penis and a second one for the base of the dildo. These are a great option for double-penetration play and for penis owners with erectile dysfunction. Best on the market: SpareParts Deuce. Underwear-style “You can also find harnesses that look like boxers or briefs and even thongs,” Corrado says. “They’re great for people who want to wear a harness under their clothes, and those who want to wear them to pack,” she says. Corrado recommends anything from the brand Rodeoh, as it’s usually more sturdy than other underwear-style harnesses on the market and home to a million different styles. Bondage harnesses Beyond harnesses for strap-on sex, there are also body harnesses that are commonly seen in the BDSM and kink scene. Some types you might see:

  chest harness collar harness full-body harness External vibrator Does it vibrate? Is it intended to be used outside the body? Then — ding, ding, ding — it’s an external vibrator. And boy oh boy are there a lot of different types of external vibes. “All external vibrators are great products,” says sex educator and sex toy reviewer Indigo Wolfe. “It comes down to figuring out which is the most great for you, based on what you enjoy sexually.” Use the chart below to figure out what subcategory of external vibrator is best for you. Type of external vibrator What it does that’s special Our pick Palm vibrator Shaped like a computer mouse, these are ergonomically designed to cover the vulva and stimulate your labia and clit. Le Wand Point Jewelry vibrator These multitasking vibes can be worn (as jewelry) and adored (as clit vibrators). Vesper Crave Panty vibrator Surprise: These clip into your panties for hands-free clitoral stimulation at home, or at a restaurant. We-Vibe Moxie Wand vibrator Shaped like microphones, wand vibrators have a bulbous head that’s designed to deliver super intense, rumbly vibrations anywhere on the body (external genitals, back, butt cheeks, etc.). Magic Wand

  Finger vibrator These small vibes slide onto or sit between two digits so you can bring your hands between your legs to enjoy the vibration. Dame Fin Bullet vibrator About the size of a battery, bullet vibrators provide buzzy, low-intensity vibration to your bits. They fit inside most harnesses to give the strap-on wearer stimulus. Unbound Zip Clitoral vibrator This category has no limits! Really, anything that can stimulate the clit qualifies. When shopping for your own clit vibe, think about what shape might work best for your anatomy. Dame Eva II Vibrating penis ring Vibrating cock rings slide over the penis and offer stimulation to the scrotum or a partner’s clit during P-in-V. Lelo Tor 2 Penis vibrator Penis vibrators are designed specifically to fit over, or encase, the cock with vibration. Mysteryvibe Tenuto Internal vibrator Do you enjoy having your bum hole penetrated? How about your front hole, if you have one? If the answer is Y-E-S to either, it’s time to add an internal vibrator to your sex toy collection. The exact type of internal vibrator you purchase will depend on what type of sensation you like internally.

  Type of internal vibrator What it does that’s special Get this toy if… Our pick G-spot vibrator The G-spot is a nerve-dense pleasure zone located 2 inches inside along the front vaginal wall. G-spot vibrators are ergonomically designed to stimulate this zone. You like shallow penetration. Lelo Mona Wave A-spot vibrator 2 to 3 inches deeper than the G-spot sits another pleasure-zone: the A-spot. Any super long vibe can be used to stimulate the area. You enjoy deeeep penetration. Fun Factory Stronic G Egg vibrator Slightly larger than a bullet vibrator, egg vibes are designed to be inserted vaginally for internal stimulation. Note: These aren’t anus-safe. You enjoy feeling full. We-Vibe Touch Egg-on-a-stick vibrator Basically an egg vibrator with a handle, these are great beginner toys for internal exploration. You’re on the market for your first vibrator. CalExotics G-Spot Tulip Intimate Vibe Anal vibrator Any vibrator with a flared base qualifies as an anal vibrator. The most common are vibrating butt plugs. You enjoy the sensation of having your ass eaten or thrust into. b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2 Vibrating prostate massager The prostate is a nerve-dense patch of tissue 2 inches inside the rectum (toward the penis). Vibrating prostate massagers offer pressure and vibration against this spot. You have a prostate and enjoy intense prostate stimulation. Lelo Bruno Combination vibrator What happens when an external vibe and internal vibe have a baby? You get a combo vibrator!

  These toys feature a vibrating “arm” for internal stimulation and another vibrating arm for external stimulation. The most common type is the rabbit vibrator. But certain prostate massagers count, too. Rabbit vibrators “Rabbit vibrators feature a curled nub for G-spot stimulation and an external nub for clitoral stimulation,” Corrado explains. Some vulva owners enjoy dual stimulation because it helps them get off more quickly. Others enjoy it because they enjoy the sensation of vaginal fullness, but can’t climax without a little clit action. This category of toys is called such because the OG dual-stimulation vibe literally looked like a bunny rabbit with ears and eyes (see: CalExotics Jack Rabbit).