Strap-On Guide: Harness Types, Dildo Choices & What Strap-Ons Are Really Good For
Contents: What is a Strap-On? · Harness Types · Dildo Selection · Pegging · Lesbian Sex · Solo & Hands-free · Care & Hygiene · FAQ
What is a Strap-On – and why is it more than just a tool?
A strap-on is a system of two components: a harness – a support system that is attached to the body – and a dildo, which is inserted into the harness. The result: a person can penetrate without having a penis – or independently of one.
Strap-ons are used in three main contexts: Pegging (woman penetrates man anally), Lesbian Sex (vaginal or anal penetration between women) and Solo (hands-free stimulation). In all three contexts, a strap-on is not a compromise or a substitute – it is a standalone tool for control, intimacy and stimulation, enabling specific experiences that would not be possible without it.
The quality of the dildo's material determines the quality of the experience. A harness made of sturdy material holds the dildo precisely in position. Both together – harness and dildo – must be coordinated. This guide explains how.
Harness Types Compared: Which one is right for you?
What are the main harness types – and who is each suitable for?
O-Ring Harness: The most versatile and widely used harness type. An O-ring in the middle holds the dildo – and is compatible with various dildo sizes, as long as the base fits into the ring. Advantage: flexibility. You can use different dildos with the same harness. Recommendation for beginners: O-ring harness as a first choice – flexibility over specialization.
Closed Harness: The dildo is firmly integrated or fixed in a closed holder. More stable than an O-ring for intensive use, but less flexible in dildo choice. Suitable for advanced users who use a specific dildo permanently.
Underwear Harness: Looks like normal underwear, but has an integrated holder for a dildo. Advantage: wearing comfort, everyday suitability, less "technical". Disadvantage: less stable for intensive use, limited size compatibility.
Double Penetration Harness: Allows for simultaneous vaginal and anal penetration – or simultaneous stimulation of the wearer by a second dildo. Complex to use, but ideal for specific scenarios.
Thigh Harness: Worn on the thigh instead of the hips. Allows penetration in positions that are difficult with a hip harness. Particularly suitable for people with limited mobility or for specific positional variations.
What should you look for when buying a harness?
Adjustability: A good harness is adjustable in width and position – for different body shapes and sizes. Non-adjustable harnesses often do not fit optimally – and a poorly fitting harness makes precise movements impossible.
Material: Leather is durable and sturdy, but requires intensive care. Nylon is lighter, washable and cheaper. Silicone harnesses are hygienic and easy to clean. For beginners: nylon or silicone.
O-Ring Size: The O-ring must fit the base of the dildo. Many harnesses come with multiple O-ring sizes – this significantly increases compatibility.
Dildo Selection for Strap-On: What really matters
What characteristics must a strap-on dildo have?
Flared Base – Mandatory: Any dildo used for anal applications must have a flared base – a widened base that prevents the dildo from completely sliding into the anal canal. Without a flared base, a dildo is not safe for anal use. For vaginal applications, a flared base is not mandatory, but necessary for harness compatibility.
Material – Platinum Silicone Only: Platinum silicone is non-porous, fully sterilizable, and body-adapting. It absorbs body heat and feels alive after a few minutes – not like an object. TPE is porous, cannot be fully sterilized, and degrades with intensive use. For strap-on applications that are used regularly and intensively, platinum silicone is the only sensible choice.
Curve for Prostate Stimulation: For pegging, a slight upward curve is crucial – it reliably hits the prostate with every movement. A straight dildo only hits the prostate in certain positions. More on this in our Prostate Massage Guide.
Size by Application: For pegging (anal): beginners 10–12 cm circumference, 14–17 cm length. For lesbian sex (vaginal): 12–14 cm circumference, 16–20 cm length. Comfort over size – especially for the first time.
What makes SilikonLust strap-on dildos special?
SilikonLust dildos are hand-poured from platinum silicone – each piece individually crafted, not machine-produced. The result is a feel that machine-made toys cannot achieve: uniform density, precise curves, silky-elastic surface. Dual-layer construction – firm core, soft shell – replicates the feel of human anatomy with remarkable precision.
→ Discover SilikonLust Platinum Silicone Strap-On Dildos
Strap-On for Pegging: When the Woman Penetrates
What is particularly important for a strap-on for pegging?
Pegging – the anal penetration of a man by a woman with a strap-on – is the most common strap-on application in heterosexual couples. The requirements for the harness and dildo are specific: the harness must fit securely and allow precise movements. The dildo must have an upward curve to reliably hit the prostate.
The psychological dimension of pegging – role reversal, surrender of control, empowerment of the giving partner – is a distinct erotic factor. More on this in our detailed Pegging Guide for Beginners and in the Prostate Massage Guide.
Strap-On for Lesbian Sex: A Standalone Tool, Not a Substitute
Why is a strap-on more than a penis substitute for lesbian couples?
A strap-on in the context of lesbian sex is not a substitute for a penis – it is a standalone tool for penetration that enables specific experiences. The wearer retains full control over speed, depth, and angle – and can also be stimulated simultaneously by the harness or a second dildo.
Dildos suitable for lesbian sex: realistic or fantasy, with or without a curve, depending on preference. Circumference: 12–14 cm for beginners. Length: 16–20 cm. Important: The wearer should try on the harness before the session and check the fit – a poorly fitting harness makes precise movements impossible.
Double-Ended Dildos as an Alternative: A double-ended dildo – with two ends, one for each person – allows for simultaneous stimulation without a harness. Less control over depth and angle, but more intense mutual connection.
Strap-On Solo: Hands-Free Stimulation
How to use a strap-on solo?
For solo use, there are two approaches: suction cup dildo (no harness required, dildo is attached to a surface) or thigh harness (dildo on the thigh, allows self-stimulation in certain positions).
Hands-free stimulation is qualitatively different from manual stimulation: both hands are free for other stimulation, the movement is more natural, the immersion is higher. For many people, hands-free is a distinct experience – not just a practical alternative.
Care & Hygiene: What's Important After the Session
How to clean harness and dildo?
Platinum Silicone Dildo: Fully sterilizable – boil (10 minutes), dishwasher (without detergent), or isopropyl alcohol (70%). Do not use silicone-based lubricant – it attacks the surface. More on this in our Lubricant Guide.
Nylon Harness: Machine washable at 30–40 degrees. Let it dry completely before next use.
Leather Harness: Do not wash – wipe with a damp cloth, clean with leather soap, treat with leather care. Leather is durable, but requires intensive care.
Silicone Harness: Clean with mild soap and warm water. Let it dry completely.
FAQ: The Honest Answers
What is the difference between an O-ring and a closed harness?
O-ring: universally compatible with different dildo sizes, flexible, ideal for beginners. Closed harness: more stable for intensive use, but less flexible in dildo choice. Recommendation for beginners: O-ring.
What material is suitable for strap-on dildos?
Exclusively platinum silicone. Non-porous, fully sterilizable, body-adapting, durable. TPE is porous and not suitable for regular use – especially anally.
Does a strap-on dildo need a flared base?
For anal applications: yes, mandatory. Without a flared base, the dildo can completely slide into the anal canal – a medical emergency. For vaginal applications: not mandatory for safety reasons, but necessary for harness compatibility.
What size is suitable for beginners?
For pegging (anal): 10–12 cm circumference, 14–17 cm length. For lesbian sex (vaginal): 12–14 cm circumference, 16–20 cm length. Comfort over size – especially for the first time. Size can be increased later.
How to clean a platinum silicone strap-on dildo?
Boil (10 minutes), dishwasher (without detergent) or isopropyl alcohol (70%). No silicone-based lubricant – it attacks platinum silicone. Water-based lubricant is mandatory.
