So you’re looking for a dildo? Well, you’ve come to the right spot! Dildos are toys designed for insertion. They’re one of the most versatile toys on the market–they can be used solo, with a partner, hand-held, with a harness, vaginally, anally, they can vibrate, and so on! Babeland carries a huge variety of dildos for this reason, so that we can find the right toy for you and your needs.
When picking a dildo, here are some things to consider*:
*Remember, if the dildo is for partner play, the person being penetrated should have the say in the size and shape.
MATERIALS:
- Dildos can come in a variety of materials–silicone, stone, metal, glass, and crystal (just to name a few)–to offer a variety of different textures and sensations.
- While silicone is the most popular material for dildos, there are lots of benefits to having a more rigid material, such as stimulating the G-spot or prostate with a firmer toy, or simply aesthetics!
- Keep cleanliness in mind! Non-porous materials such as platinum silicone, stainless steel, or glass can all easily be cleaned for safer shared use with a partner, or when your toy is used both anally and/or vaginally. If you are not sure whether or not the material of your toy is porous, use a condom to be safe, changing whenever it is being used with a new partner or body part.
SIZE:
Insertable Length:
- Length means how long your dildo is, and is usually shown twice: the total length (or just length), and the insertable length.
- Total length is the actual dimensional length of the entire toy, whereas insertable length is the size of the toy beyond the base or balls--the part that will actually go inside of the body during penetration. Insertable length is usually the key in finding the right (excuse the pun) fit.
- If this dildo is going to be used with a partner, keep in mind your + your partner’s bodies, as well as positioning and how much extra length you may want to accommodate your body’s shape if the dildo is being worn in a harness.
Girth:
- Girth is how thick your dildo is, measuring by diameter.
- Keep in mind the role of density when thinking about girth–a firmer silicone will feel girthier than a softer silicone, since it doesn’t have that much “give” when it’s inside the body. This will be true of the other firm materials too, like metal or glass.
LOOK & FEEL:
Texture & Density:
- Texture and density help describe the feel, appearance, and consistency of any given material.
- When it comes to textures, there are so many to try–wavy, rippled, veiny--and they can feel especially great as the dildo is thrust inside the body, stimulating internal hot spots with each movement. Some folks aren’t too into textures and like it smooth–to each their own!
- Density refers to the rigidity or softness of the material itself. While some materials like steel and glass are one density across the board, other materials like silicone have a range--from squishy flesh-like density that offers more give in the body, to firmer silicone that has less malleability and offers a more rigid sensation. There are also dual density dildos that have a softer outer silicone layer and tip with a firmer inner core–a design usually featured in realistic dildos.
Representational / Realistic or Non:
- Representational or Realistic are terms used to refer to how much your dildo looks or feels like an anatomical (or “flesh”) penis.
- There are many reasons someone may use a dildo, whether it’s as a sex toy, or for gender affirmation. When picking out your dildo, think about using and/or wearing it.
- Do you want it to look and feel like a flesh penis? Do you want it to be sort-of realistic–maybe realistic in skin tone but not in texture, or realistic in texture but not in skin tone? Do you want balls? Do you not want it to look anything like a penis at all? Or maybe you are fantasizing the glittery appendage of a sexy alien?
- There’s no wrong answer! Think about what turns you on or fits your needs.
Vibration:
- Vibration adds another layer of sensation to your dildo by giving it the ability to--well, vibrate!
- Many dildos feature a hole at the base where a bullet vibrator can be inserted, and some even have the motor built right in.
- A great hack if you want your dildo to vibrate but it doesn’t have that feature: get a vibrating cock ring, and place it towards the base of your dildo for some added buzz!
BASES:
- The base is the flared, non-insertable end of a toy.
- If you are going to use your dildo as a strap-on, make sure there is a base on your toy so that it can be fastened into your harness.
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Some bases are designed to lay flat against the body in a harness, and some are contoured to add more stimulation if a person with a vulva is wearing the strap!
(If you choose the flat-based kind, check out this nifty silicone Bumpher that can be added to your dildo’s base when you want some extra sensation.) - If your dildo is going to be used anally, it needs to have a base -- in fact, for ANY anal play with a toy, a flared base is a requirement in order to anchor your toy outside of the body for safe retrieval.
- Some bases have suction cups, which are great if you’re looking to have hands-free play--especially on smooth surfaces such as shower walls, or hardwood chairs. You can even add a suction cup to your dildo’s base if it doesn’t have one with this double-sided suction attachment.
SPOT-ON STIMULATION:
G-Spot / Prostate Play:
- Dildos with a pronounced head or heavier curve will usually yield better results for G-spot or prostate play, since those hot spots tend to react positively to pressure and/or angled stimulation, which targets them directly.
- Double-ended dildos (or simply, double dildos) are dildos that have a second head where the base of the toy would have been.
- Double dildos are fantastic for partner play where both partners are looking to experience penetrative play at once, or for those looking to play with double penetration.
- Some work best when stabilized with a harness, while others are designed to be used person to person.
Now that you know about some of the features that make different styles of dildos unique, think about how these elements incorporate into your play- how do you want to use your toy, and what qualities are the most important to you? Maybe you’re super specific about what you want your dildo to look like, maybe you’re only concerned about size, maybe you don’t care as long as it’s purple!
Not sure about size? Try to picture a toy or a partner’s fingers or penis you’ve enjoyed in the past, for comparison. Some first-time users get a smaller and a larger one to try out; others just buy a different size next time. Bigger isn’t always better! But if you disagree with that statement… you know who you are!]
Penetration play can be fun and erotic for people of all genders- and if you’re down to explore, a dildo can be a great pick for you!
Let’s get started- 
