The phallus-like pleasure dispensers are the undisputed favorite among sex toys . Dildos in all shapes, variations and made from a wide variety of materials are often used when your own fingers are no longer sufficient for stimulation or when women long for a more tangible alternative to the male sex.
But dildos are not only becoming increasingly popular in solo play If you include the sex toy in lovemaking, your imagination can be stimulated and the partners can be brought even closer together.
Who doesn't want to experience more effortless and varied orgasms ? And a fulfilling sex life often creates an even deeper and more intimate connection between two - or three? - People.
The colorful world of dildos and the agony of choice
The diverse selection of dildos in erotic shops and especially on the Internet often leads to overwhelm. Being spoiled for choice can quickly become demotivating.
Therefore, with this article we would like to give guidance for your next erotic shopping trip
Maybe you've already experimented with other sex toys and pleasure-giving toys and now you'd like to finally try out a dildo. Or you're already an experienced dildo user and just want to add another exciting dildo to your collection.
Dildos are great, but searching, finding, selecting and purchasing exactly the right dildo for your needs and desires can also be a little overwhelming.
As mentioned, there are tons of colors and a huge selection of materials, shapes and sizes.
Where should you even start? Follow the 7 tips below and you'll soon have your new friend in your hands...
1. Size matters...
The most important feature to think about is undoubtedly the size. Too small and it won't hit the mark. Too big and you might not even use it out of awe.
An average dildo is approximately 4-5cm in diameter and 16-18cm long.
However, depending on your preferences, you may want to choose something larger or smaller.
Some very slim dildos have a diameter of only 2 cm, while others have a diameter of over 8 cm. The length can also vary greatly. Some dildos are only 10 cm long, while at the other end of the spectrum - for example some double dildos - reach a hefty length of over 40 cm.
If it's important to quickly hide your toy in an emergency, I recommend choosing a sex toy with an average or smaller size so that you can more easily get it out of sight.
How do I determine the right size for a dildo?
An easy way to determine the perfect size of a dildo is to use a partner's penis or a sex toy as comparison material. It's best to focus on something that has worked well in the past and has therefore proven itself in practice for you.
Since men's erect penis often behaves differently during sex and sometimes becomes firmer or softer, this is only a rough guide. After all, with a dildo, the thickness and firmness will not vary during use.
Another way to get a good idea of size and thickness before choosing a dildo is to do the cucumber test .
Take a quick trip to your local general store or your own garden if you're growing cucumbers yourself. Zucchini are also very suitable for this test.
Choose a few cucumbers of different sizes to make an informed choice.
If your cucumber was not grown organically, it is a good idea to either peel the cucumber or wash it well and cover it with a condom, as waxes and pesticides should clearly remain outside the body.
You may want to warm the cucumber slightly in the oven or microwave before testing. It is more comfortable if it is approximately the same temperature as your body. Particularly recommended if the cucumber has previously been stored in the refrigerator.
If the cucumber is too large, peel it layer by layer until it sits comfortably. You could even use a carving knife to carve them out into a desired shape to create a nice G-spot curve or head.
Once you've found the right width and length, pull the tape measure out of the drawer. Measure the length and cut the cucumber or zucchini in half exactly at the widest point to measure the width (diameter).
Write these measurements down for your shopping adventure.
Please remember that using a cucumber vaginally is fine, but we do not recommend it for anal play. Because it has a smooth surface, it can accidentally slide all the way in, especially if it is covered in lubricant or if it breaks. So great caution is required here.
2. Realism or rather abstract?
The biggest consideration when buying a dildo, aside from size, is whether you want it to look like a real, lifelike penis. Some people love the idea of a lifelike image, others don't like it so much. There are even providers who offer a faithful replica of a penis of a living person (e.g. the male partner).
If you are purchasing your first toy and hope to use it with a male partner, it may be best to purchase a non-phallic and less explicit toy such as a plain, perhaps ribbed, glass or plastic dildo.
If your interest lies more in the area of life-like reproduction, there are again numerous options and variants.
Realistic dildos come in all different shapes and sizes. You can make them big or small. with or without scrotum, curved or straight. The most common colors are skin tone and black. There are even specimens with retractable foreskins.
3. Variety of shapes
Once you have decided whether you feel more at home in Camp Realism or Camp Simple and Abstract, you can think further about the specific form.
Should your dildo have a slightly curved tip to better hit and stimulate the G or P spot? Do you want a design that tapers from a larger base to a slimmer tip?
Do you want the shaft to be curved or completely straight? Should the dildo have a specific surface structure (e.g. shaft with vein structure on realistic dildos)? The intended application also plays an important role in the decision-making process.
If you're looking for a sex toy for anal sex , a tapered design will help with penetration. A large base is also important so that the dildo doesn't slip all the way in.
For G-spot stimulation, a curved tip works best. There are even realistic handheld dildos in the shape of a human arm with a hand for fisting lovers.
4. Material and touch & feel
Dildos are made from a wide variety of materials. These sometimes have a major influence on the sensation and stimulation of the erogenous zones. For example, stiffer toys like silicone, glass, and metal are great for working on the G-spot or P-spot.
They're also smoother than imitation skin, rubber, silicone, or gel dildos, making them easier to insert and requiring less lubricant.
The most popular dildos include those that enable a particularly authentic and realistic sexual experience. These are usually made of TPE and other rubber materials that can feel like real skin. Particularly realistic are dildos with double layers of material and a certain degree of flexibility, combining a solid core with a soft, lifelike material for ultra-realistic pleasure.
Glass dildos and metal dildos are often cast in raised shapes to create a completely new, internal feeling. They can also be heated or cooled to add variety and a special touch to your game.
Silicone dildos , on the other hand, are firm yet flexible, heat quickly to body temperature and are easy to clean, making them perfect for anal play.
If you're concerned about phthalates and plasticizers, consider finding a phthalate-free toy. Since such substances can be absorbed through the skin and thus enter the human organism, this is particularly recommended if you want to use the dildo without a condom.
Pay attention to the relevant information from the manufacturer or dealer.
If you want to clean and disinfect your toy regularly (especially important when used with multiple people), you will need a non-porous material such as silicone, glass, wood or stainless steel.
If you want a dildo that uses very little lubricant, most dildos made of plastic, stainless steel, glass or wood are suitable.
If you're more of a cuddly type who feels comfortable with soft, cuddly or plush surfaces, it's best to look for dildos made of PVC, silicone, TPR / TPE or similar materials.
The materials in detail – special features, advantages and disadvantages
Gel, rubber or elastomer
Gel – also called “ jelly” – is a flexible plastic (PVC) that is mixed with a mixture of chemical plasticizers. For example, the jelly material is used in bouncy balls made of rubber. Gel dildos are inexpensive, making them a good choice if you've never used dildos before or aren't sure what size you even prefer. Elastomer varies in quality and price.
However, gel dildos are difficult to clean because they are often porous and therefore wear out quickly. It is therefore advisable to cover all sex toys with these materials when using them or to provide them with a protective cover (e.g. condom). This also applies if several people use the sex toy at the same time. A condom can be changed quickly and easily.
Two other downsides to gel toys: They may be too flexible for some people's tastes, and the material doesn't last all that long. When new, shortly after purchase, these toys often smell like plastic. However, this smell disappears after a short time.
If your budget is not that tight or if quality and durability are important to you, then elastomers a good, higher quality alternative to gel.
rubber dildos have the advantage that they are flexible and even gain in mobility over time through heat and use.
They smell very unpleasant and are not suitable for people with rubber allergies.
Thermal Plastic / Soft Skin / Nature Skin
The term Soft Skin or Nature Skin refers to a remarkably realistic material that feels surprisingly lifelike. It has just the right mix of firm and flexible to feel like a real penis.
Strictly speaking, Soft Skin or Nature Skin dildos consist of a plastic in stabilized foam form, i.e. a thermally treated plastic material. It is soft, stretchy, slightly porous and heats up quickly when used. This makes it a very pleasant source of pleasure.
The disadvantage lies in the maintenance effort. In addition, this material can cause allergic reactions due to the plasticizers it contains. It is also not the most durable option as it can quickly become porous after frequent use.
Since soft skin dildos can become a little sticky after washing and drying, we recommend using care powder, which is often included with the toy. Talc serves the same purpose, but is consistently linked to ovarian cancer.
silicone
Silicone dildos are extremely popular with customers due to the flexibility of the rather soft material, the ability to quickly adapt to body temperature and the attractive price range.
Silicone dildos come in many sizes and shapes. Some of them are just smooth. Realistic dildos are also often made from silicone and look like realistic penises. Still others feature ridges, nubs, veins, bumps, or similar structures for added pleasure.
As a rule of thumb, the less smooth the toy, the less suitable it is for anal play for most people, as the anus is more sensitive than the vagina and can be injured more easily.
Almost all silicone dildos have a flat base so they are compatible with a strap-on or can be used for anal play. If you plan to use your dildo with a strap, please allow for the strap to take approximately 1cm away from the length of the dildo.
Before purchasing, you should check the product details to ensure that only pure silicone is actually used (because it is non-porous and hypoallergenic).
Silicone has the positive property of being easy to clean and disinfect while also being very durable.
Soap and water do a great job of cleaning silicone. For improved hygiene, you can either disinfect silicone toys in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, wash them in the top rack of the dishwasher for 15 minutes, or place them in a 10% bleach solution (then wash off the bleach).
With appropriate care, dildos made of this material will last a very long time, as long as their surface is not damaged with pointed or sharp-edged objects. Therefore, make sure that you keep your toys away from sharp fingernails, sharp edges and also the claws of pets.
Pay attention to silicone blends when specifying materials, as these may be lower quality and not of the same quality.
As in almost all areas of consumer goods, dildos are increasingly experimenting with new and hybrid materials and are continually developing them further. The creative minds at Vixen Creations, a woman-owned dildo manufacturer based in the US San Francisco Bay Area, didn't feel that normal silicone was enough for today's demanding women.
They quickly invented and patented a new formula for an innovative material composition - a wonderful silicone mixture that feels like soft skin but can be cleaned like silicone at the same time. The best of both worlds comes together.
Hard material: glass, acrylic, stainless steel, wood and stone
If a tough guy is at the top of your shopping list for dildos, then the materials to consider are glass, acrylic/plexiglass, hard PVC, stainless steel, wood or even stone (granite).
Since sex toys made from these materials are very firm, most people choose a slightly smaller size. Basically, the firmer the dildo is, the bigger it feels.
Most acrylic and glass dildos are just so-called handhelds. Because they do not have a wide base, they are not mountable or suitable for strap-ons.
Similar to silicone dildos, they vary in price and are easy to clean. Soap and water are also sufficient for easy cleaning. However, acrylic should only be washed in warm water, as hot water can cause microcracks in the surface and cloud the toy.
Glass can take the heat. This means they can be boiled or put in the dishwasher. They are very durable and resistant to breakage.
Toys made of stainless steel exude a cool eroticism . The visually elegant and very high-quality pieces of jewelry also have the property of heating up slowly and maintaining the temperature for a long time. Some of us may still know this principle from the old metal bed bottles that were still around in grandma's time. For a special kick, dildos made of metal also store cold.
If spontaneous use is too cold for you, simply place the toy on the heater or in warm water beforehand. Metal toys traded in Germany must be made of surgical steel and be nickel-free. We therefore advise against purchasing cheap products from non-European countries unless reliable information about the material composition is available.
In addition to stainless steel, there is also a selection of toys made from aluminum , which have very similar properties. They may be a little cheaper and have a duller appearance.
In recent years, we have repeatedly come across very high-quality wooden examples. Maple is best suited thanks to its very dense structure. In addition, it does not splinter and naturally repels germs.
It is advisable wooden dildos regularly with a natural oil to maintain the smooth surface for a long time.
When it comes to erotic toys, you rarely think of hard materials like stone and granite. In fact, dildos made from solid stone or granite have been made and used for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, these have fallen into the background in our (chemical) century, perhaps unfairly.
Stone dildos and granite dildos are ground very smoothly, have exciting, sculptural shapes and can be easily cleaned or disinfected in the dishwasher. Like their metal counterparts, they can be enjoyed warm or cold. There are no known allergies or health problems caused by the material.
5. Also think about the right base
Although it may not seem important at first, the base of your dildo affects the way you can use it. If your toy doesn't have a flared base, you can't use it for anal penetration or with a strap-on . A flared base usually also means that you can slide the dildo into the O-ring of a dildo belt or strap-on.
Many dildo lovers also swear by a flared base (e.g. also with an integrated scrotum) as this offers a good grip for harder thrusting. Some dildos have a base that also offers special features - for example one that doubles as a suction cup for hands-free use.
If you plan to use your dildo for anal penetration or with a strap-on, it is important that you choose a toy with a flared base.
Some dildos are double-ended (so-called double dildos for shared penetration or your own double penetration). These can be extra long for shared use, or they can be strapless strap-on dildos, where one end is intended to be worn in the vagina while the other penetrates the partner.
6. Surface structures/textures
Some dildos are completely smooth, making them very easy to use even without a lot of lube. However, many satisfied users swear by the pleasure that a structured dildo can bring.
This texture can be very pleasant, stimulating and pleasurable. The orgasm can intensify significantly.
Common textures include waves, swirls, grooves, bumps, bumps, ridges, veins, veins, rough surfaces and more. If you think your sexual experience could be improved with added texture, you may want to take a closer look at the different options.
7. Special extras and special gimmicks
Some dildos have special features that can enhance the experience of pleasure and orgasms.
Some toys come with boil-safe material for easy cleaning.
Would you like to use your dildo hands-free? Check out a dildo that comes with a suction cup and can be attached to any smooth surface without slipping.
Would you like additional vibrations? Look for a dildo with optional vibration settings that you can turn on at any time.
- ons, bouncing dildos, prostate massagers, and uncut dildos are also among the more unusual love toys from the colorful world of dildos.
… even more helpful tips?
“Which dildo is right for you?” – Youtuber Cassy Lou provides answers to this question – entirely from the woman’s perspective, charming, authentic, humorous:
I wish you successful finding your next favorite dildo 🙂
Glass dildos are the easiest sex toys to clean.
Great article, I started my own business with an online sex shop. Thank you very much for the tips