There are many styles of harnesses to suit an individual’s needs. Some harnesses resemble underwear such as briefs, thongs, boxers or jock-straps. Other styles have adjustable straps made of various materials you can tighten around your hips and legs. There are two styles of adjustableharnesses available, both with their own set of pros and cons.

Two-strapped harness - This style has one strap across the hips and one strap under the pelvis (like G-string underwear). The two-strap style is simple to wear, although may cover the genitals and anus of the wearer. It may also be the less comfortable option for men unless it is “crotchless” and allows for the genitals to hang freely.

Three-strapped harness - This style has two individual leg straps, leaving the wearers genitals and anus exposed for stimulation, attached to another strap around the hips. This style usually allows for full adjustability and fits people of most sizes. Three-strapped harnesses don’t shift as much, but may feel bulkier than the lighter, two-strapped options.

If the idea of straps turns you off, try a “strapless strap-on.” This toy has an insertable bulb that fits inside the vagina (or anus) and relies on pelvic muscles to stay in place. These toys sometimes feature vibration functions or inflate for a custom fit. 

This is a trick question because the answer is everyone! Anyone can use a strap-on harness. Strap-ons aren’t just for women to use on women. Women can use them on men, and vice versa. No matter your orientation, strap-on harnesses come in myriad options for whatever your sexual needs require.

Men with erectile dysfunction or looking to increase their length and girth without drastic measures can use a hollow strap-on. Hollow strap-ons are like penis sleeves, but with the added security of fasteners. Another option is a double-penetration strap-on that allows for simultaneous vaginal and anal penetration. Check out the Sportsheets Menage A Trois Strap-On for a better idea of what we mean.

Women can use a strap-on harness and attachment to penetrate their partners vaginally, anally, or both. They’re a popular choice not only for lesbian couples, but for heterosexual couples looking to exchange power. When a woman uses a strap-on attachment to perform anal sex on a man, it’s called pegging (we also like to call it “fun”). Strap-on harnesses and attachments also offer gender-affirming benefits to trans men, making these sex toys one of the most versatile items on the market!

First, you want to determine your needs before making the purchase. What size attachment is best for you and/or your partner? Should it vibrate for extra stimulation? Do you want a two-strap, three-strap or strapless harness? These are some good starter questions to ask yourself and will help you sift through the thousands of options at your disposal.

Making sure the harness will fit your body is the next step. If you’re sharing it with partners, it’s best to opt for a harness with adjustable straps to tighten and loosen for a perfect fit. Next, you’ll want to fix your chosen attachment to the harness unless it comes with a permanently fixed attachment. Some harnesses will have O-shaped rings made of rubber, silicone or metal on the front panel/crotch area held in place by snaps or buckles. Remove the O-ring and slip it over your attachment. The ring should fit snugly, not too tight or loose. If the ring fits too tightly, you won’t be able to loop the snaps through, and if it’s too loose, your attachment might droop, shift or fall out during play.

There are plenty of strap-on harness kits that come with an attachment pre-fitted for optimum function, eliminating the need to match an attachment to a harness. Doc Johnson has their own universal strap-on system calledVac-u-Lock that includes a small plug which fits into many attachments of all lengths, girths and styles, anchoring them in place.

The next step is to put it on! Harnesses fit your body like underwear, can be worn under or over clothing and have different weights depending on the style. Put yours on and get a feel for it. Once you practice movement, you will get a sense of how the harness and attachment works with your body and you’ll find the easiest ways to thrust and make the best of your new appendage.

Lube up! Your harness attachment will feel much better with lubrication. When penetrating a partner, lube will reduce friction and provide that great, slippery feeling. If you chose a silicone attachment, use a water-based lube to preserve the material. If it’s glass or metal, you might find a silicone-based lube best. Always clean your attachments with mild soap and water or toy cleaner after use and store in a safe, dry place.

Once you have a sense of your new toy, and it’s slicked up with your favourite lube, it’s time to go to town. You can use strap-on toys for oral, vaginal and anal penetration. Anything a penis can do, you now can, too! Well, almost anything.