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8 Steps for Choosing a Strap-On Harness for Men

Published: DECEMBER 8, 2015 | Updated: APRIL 16, 2020
Strap-on fun isn't just for women. Men can have fun, too. Use these 8 steps to choose the best strap-on harness for your needs.

Did you know that even if you have a penis that you can still wear a strap-on harness? Yes, manufacturers make strap-on harnesses for the male-bodied as well as the female-bodied. While males can definitely wear strap-on harnesses designed for women, some find that the pressure it places on the penis and testicles to be uncomfortable. Strap-on harnesses for male bodies are designed with a penis in mind, providing much better comfort.

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Strap-ons for people who have a penis can be used for a variety of play times. Some people like to use them as an alternative to penetrative sex (or in kinky contexts, as a "punishment" where the wearer doesn't get to be directly involved in stimulation). Other people like to strap them on to continue the penetrative action after the penis has gotten soft (due to orgasm or other reasons). Yet others like to explore the idea of double penetration.

While some aspects are different, a lot of the things you'll want to look for in your strap-on harness are going to be the same, whether you have a penis or not. There are a few key differences, but for the most part, any helpful suggestions you can find (like the ones below!) about finding a good-fitting strap-on harness are going to apply no matter what you have behind your fly.

Interested in trying a strap-on? Here we'll take a look at this unique sex toy and provide some tips for choosing one for yourself.

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Materials

Material can be an important concern for your harness. Material choice will affect the cost of your harness, how easy it is to clean, how comfortable it is for you to wear, how long it will last, and more. While leather tends to be the "premium" material for sex toy harnesses, it also is usually the most expensive and requires careful maintenance after use. Neoprene materials have picked up in recent years because of their ability to be tossed in the washing machine after use. Other materials may include nylon, velvet, cotton, spandex, and more. Much like buying a pair of underwear online, think about what materials have the properties you enjoy and try to find a harness in similar materials.

Double-Penetration or Single

Some harnesses for males are specifically designed to work well for single penetration. For people who want to continue having sex with a partner after they lose their erection (whether due to orgasm or other reasons), a harness designed for single penetration will hold the entire penis in a comfortable manner while the person can use the dildo that they've strapped on to the harness. In some cases, these harnesses may be designed for the penis to slip through the D-ring into the interior of a hollow strap-on dildo to make you "part" of the action.

For harnesses designed for double-penetration, your harness will help you take advantage of the penis you already have - while adding the ability to wield another one. These types of harnesses will have a spot where your biological penis sticks through and an O-ring where a dildo can be attached for easy double penetration.

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Built-In Dildos

Some harnesses will include a built-in dildo. This dildo may be able to be removed to be cleaned. In most instances, it will include a hollow interior so that the wearer's own penis can slide inside the dildo for a more comfortable wearing experience. However, if the harness was built for a specific dildo, the O-ring or the design may not allow the use of any other toys. When purchasing a dildo and harness set designed for use with one another, ensure you can use other toys with the harness down the line in case you decide to change up your toys.

Adjustment Points

Depending on how often you take it on and off and whether you'll be sharing it with other people, you may have a preference to where the adjustment points for your harness are located and what they use. Nylon strap systems may be easier for you to use than buckle systems. Most people, however, agree that the easiest system is a Velcro fastening system, but some people find those to be unattractive for their personal preferences. Adjustment points that are available on your hip are going to be easier to adjust than ones that are located underneath the butt. While it can be hard to judge how easy the harness will be to adjust before you purchase it, try checking out reviews to see what other reviewers have to say about the usability of your potential harness.

Sizes

Unlike many other types of clothing, strap-on harnesses usually only come in a single, maximum size. Due to the adjustment system, this single size can usually be modified to fit a wide range of hip sizes, but it still has a maximum size. If you're a plus-sized person, you're going to want to pay attention to the maximum size measurement of your harness. Many harnesses will maximize at a size around 44". Some harnesses will go up to 60", and a few harnesses (usually designed for plus-size bodies) will go up to 72" and above. If you have wider hips, you'll want to pay attention to these measurements to ensure your harness will fit once you receive it. (Get some great sex positions to use too in 6 Sex Positions for Big, Beautiful Bodies.)

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Strap Styles

How the harness fastens onto your body will vary. The two most-popular styles include a "single strap" and a "double strap." While both styles will include a waistband strap that goes around the hips, in a single-strap variation, there is a single strap that goes between the legs (similar to a "thong" style underwear) that holds the harness onto the body.

In a double-strap harness, there are two straps that slip between the thighs and go underneath the cheeks of the butt (similar to a jock strap). Depending on what you plan to do, you may prefer one style over another; but it's all personal preference. If you plan on doing any anal play while wearing the harness, however, a double-strap style leaves the butt open for experimentation. At the same time, a single-strap style would put pressure on the anal area to help keep a butt plug in while using the harness. Think about what you'd also like to do while wearing the harness and purchase a harness that supports that.

Washability

Different strap-on harnesses will require different methods of care. If you're okay with gently hand-washing your harness, materials like leather might be a good option. If you'd prefer the effortless method, you might want a neoprene material that can be tossed into the washing machine after use. Decide what type of harness works best for you. Of course, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning when you purchase it.

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Special Features

While most male strap-on harnesses are pretty straight-forward, some do come equipped with special features. Some can use an optional "butt plug attachment" that attaches to the harness itself to hold a butt plug in for the wearer. Others may come equipped with special pouches that hold vibrators to add vibrations to the dildo that the wearer is using. Some may be waterproof or specifically designed for aquatic adventures. If you have something specific in mind, see if you can find a harness that works with your adventurous ideas.

Experimenting with the enjoyable world of strap-on harnesses for males can be full of exciting and enjoyable pleasure. With the above suggestions, you will hopefully have better luck finding that perfect harness to take you on that adventure. Don't give up if your first harness isn't your first love! Sometimes, it may take a couple tries to find that perfect one for you. Enjoy the ride!

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Mistress Kay

Mistress Kay has a fondness for all things sexual. With a house that's quickly running out of room for all of her reading and vibrating pleasures, she spends her free time reading, writing, and learning about the sexual universe with her partners. She can be reached at Kinky World.

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