What are strapons made of? Our guide to materials and textures

Whether you have sensitive skin or a particular pleasure preference, find the perfect strapon for queer sex here.

What are strapons?

Strapons are a type of sex toy that typically consist of a dildo and a harness that helps to secure the dildo to the body. Strapons are designed to allow hands-free penetrative sex and can deliver hours upon hours of pleasure. Although most commonly used by lesbian same-sex couples, anyone can enjoy the pleasure of penetrative sex with the right strapon.

There are many different types of strapons, depending on your budget and your needs. You can also find strapons that feature internal or external vibrators for additional pleasure.

In terms of sexual positions, you can try doggy style, missionary, cowgirl, and so many more. The more you practice, the more confident and accomplished you will become.

What are the best materials for strapons?

You can find dildos that are made from a wide variety of different materials, some of which are safe for use and offer maximum pleasure and others that should be avoided.

Some of the best (and safest) materials for strapons are as follows:

Silicone

Silicone is a popular material for dildos as it can help to make them more bendy and realistic. Although it can be more expensive than other dildo materials, it provides both safety and enhanced pleasure, so it is well worth the extra investment.

Opt for 100% silicone dildos if your budget allows, as these will feel super soft and have the most flexible texture out of all dildo types.

Stainless steel

For those that like a cold sensation, stainless steel dildos are considered to be one of the sexiest ones on the market and offer you just what you are looking for. Easy to clean and long-lasting, this is a great choice for queer couples that love to experiment in the bedroom (or any other room in the house!).

Borosilicate glass

Both non-toxic and nonporous, borosilicate glass does not change form in hot temperatures and is super easy to clean. Again, not the cheapest option available, but a glass dildo will last you for many years to come and bring you waves of unadulterated pleasure.

Lucite

Looking to strengthen your pelvic floor? Then a Lucite dildo is a perfect choice. Providing a uniquely firm texture, you can use Lucite dildos both for pleasure and to practice your Kegels. Also, this material is easy to clean.

What materials should you avoid?

There are a few materials, typically cheaper ones, that do not offer the safest and most enjoyable strapon experience. These are as follows:

Rubber

This is a common material used to make dildos as it is cheap. However, it can have a strong, pungent odor and can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. It is also a porous material which means that you need to use a condom to avoid the growth of bacteria and common vaginal infections such as thrush and BV.

PVC and vinyl

Both PVC and vinyl are cheap materials for dildos. However, they contain phthalates which are a type of chemical. PVC and vinyl make soft and affordable dildos, but they are not as safe or long-lasting as higher-quality materials.

Jelly

Jelly is an affordable material that also phthalates and offers a somewhat realistic feel. However, the chemicals in jelly can cause irritations such as itching, burning, and rashes.

What are harnesses made of?

Typically, the harness part of a strapon is made of either leather, nylon, cotton, or soft plastics. All of the above materials are body-safe, but many couples prefer leather as it is soft and does not chafe the skin. However, if you are a vegan queer couple, then you may prefer one of the other options for harness material.

You can also find strapons that do not require a harness. These are known as strapless strapons or strapless straps. Be warned: you need to have strong pelvic muscles to get maximum enjoyment from this type of strapon.

Porous vs. nonporous dildos

Porous dildos can harbor bacteria which can result in vaginal infections. It is also much harder to clean porous sex toys. This means that you should always use a condom when using a porous dildo for any form of queer penetration.

Nonporous dildos are a much safer option as these can be sterilized with boiling water or cleaned in the dishwasher. Nonporous sex toys also offer a smoother surface and are water-resistant.

How to clean your strapon

The way that you clean your strapon will be dependent on the type of material that it is made of. If your dildo is made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel and it doesn’t have an internal vibrating feature, then you should be able to clean it in the dishwasher. Alternatively, these can be cleaned by hand using a sex toy cleaner.

If your dildo does feature an internal vibrator, then simply wipe it down with warm water or a sex toy cleaner.

Cleaning your harness will also depend on what the material is made of. Nylon and cotton can be washed in a washing machine, whereas vinyl and soft plastics can simply be wiped down with soap and water.

Here at Wet For Her, we offer a wide range of high-quality straps for the queer community, and we only use the best materials for all our sex toys so that you can enjoy maximum pleasure and safety.

Browse our full selection of strapons, harnesses, and strapless dildos here and find the perfect addition to your sex toy collection – there is something for everyone. Whether you are new to strapons or you are a queer penetration pro, we have everything you need to take your sex life to the next level.