Arneses

What are strap-on harnesses?

A strap-on harness is a set of straps, briefs or boxers with an O-ring at the front that holds a dildo in place, so the wearer can penetrate a partner hands-free. Everything here is sold without a dildo, so you choose the shaft separately. Harnesses are worn by people of all genders and body types, and the difference between them comes down to how they fasten, how much they cover and what they are made from: elastic, neoprene, velvet, lace, fleece-lined fabric and leather all appear here.

Types of strap-on harnesses

Adjustable strap harnesses

The classic design: a waist strap and two leg straps with buckles or sliders, so one harness fits a wide range of bodies. Sportsheets Ember, Dive Deep and Phoenix, the Lux Fetish Beginners and Pretty in Pink, Fetish Fantasy Series Beginner's and Perfect Fit, and Strap U's Siren and wide-band Domina are all in this group, and the Sportsheets Curvy Collection is cut for fuller figures.

Brief, boxer and jock harnesses

Underwear-style harnesses give a snug, stable fit without straps to adjust. Boundless and Her Royal Harness make boxer briefs and briefs, Strap U's Incognito boxer hides the O-ring when not in use, and Thinz and Strap U's Avalon take a jock-strap shape that leaves the back open.

Panty, thong and lingerie harnesses

Bedroom Bliss panty and thong harnesses come with garters, the Sportsheets lace corset harness and the Lux Fetish velvet bikini lean into the lingerie look, and Boundless makes a thong with garter straps.

Vibrating harnesses

Ouch! rechargeable vibrating thongs, boxers, briefs and panties put a motor where the wearer feels it, and the Strap U Sutra fleece-lined harness has a pocket for a bullet.

Thigh and universal harnesses

The Sportsheets thigh harness and Strap U's Bardot elastic harness with thigh cuffs move the dildo to the leg. Universal harnesses from Basix Rubber Works, Whoppers and Super Strap take most standard dildo bases, and the Prowler leather dong harness is the firm, classic option.

How to choose a strap-on harness

Fit matters most, so check the waist and hip range before anything else. Then consider:

• Style: straps adjust to the widest range of bodies; briefs and boxers are quicker to put on and feel more like underwear.
• Ring size: the O-ring should be slightly smaller than the base of your dildo so it cannot pull through. Check the ring measurement in the product details.
• Material: elastic and fabric wash easily; neoprene and leather hold a toy more firmly but need more care.
• Extras: a bullet pocket or built-in vibration for the wearer, garters for the look, a hidden ring for discretion.
• Beginners: try the harness on with the toy fitted before the moment, adjust it for comfort and start with a slim, firm dildo.

How to use and care for a harness

Put the harness on first, adjust the straps so it feels snug but not tight, then push the dildo through the ring from the inside and check that it sits securely. Use plenty of water-based lubricant on the toy, go slowly and stop if anything hurts.

• Hand wash fabric, elastic and neoprene harnesses with mild soap and let them air dry; wipe leather with a damp cloth.
• Remove any bullet or motor before washing a vibrating harness and keep the charging port dry.
• Wash the dildo separately before and after use, and never use a toy anally unless it has a flared base.
• Check O-rings, buckles and elastic for wear before each session.

Harnesses for couples and solo play

If you would rather buy the harness and dildo together, start with strap-on kits. Wearers with a penis should look at hollow strap-ons, couples who want to skip the straps at the strapless strap-on range, and anyone who wants two toys at once at double penetration strap-ons. The whole category is in strap-ons.