The Beginners Guide to Dildos: Materials, Shapes, and Finding Your Perfect Fit

Dildos are one of the oldest and most versatile types of sex toys, offering pleasure through penetration, massage, and anatomical exploration. Whether you are shopping for your first toy or looking to expand your collection, understanding the different materials and shapes available is key to finding your perfect companion.

1: Exploring Dildo Materials

The material a dildo is made of affects its safety, texture, temperature, and maintenance. Always look for "body-safe" materials, meaning they are non-porous and free of phthalates and other harmful chemicals.

Safety Note: Always avoid materials listed as "Jelly," "PVC," or "Vinyl" as these are porous, difficult to clean, and often contain phthalates, which can leach into the body.

2: Understanding Shapes and Types

Dildos come in an incredible variety of shapes, each designed to target specific areas or provide unique sensations. The key characteristics are the curve and the tip.

1. Realistic vs. Non-Realistic (Phallic)

• Realistic: Designed to mimic the look and feel of a penis, often featuring detailed veins, foreskin, and a slight softness (usually TPE or softer silicone).

• Non-Realistic (Phallic): Smooth, brightly colored, or abstract shapes that maintain a basic penis-like structure. These prioritize texture, material, and safety over appearance.

2. G-Spot and P-Spot Specific

• G-Spot Dildos: Feature a prominent, upward curve near the tip. This curvature is specifically designed to hit the G-spot (an area on the anterior/front wall of the vagina).

• Prostate (P-Spot) Massagers: Generally shorter, with a pronounced curve or bulb near the tip, and often angled slightly forward. They are inserted anally and target the prostate gland, which is located on the anterior/front wall of the rectum.

3. Anal and Beginners

• Anal Dildos: Must have a flared base or T-bar handle that is significantly wider than the shaft. This flared base is a mandatory safety feature to prevent the toy from being completely swallowed by the rectum. They are often firmer and smoother than vaginal dildos for easier insertion.

• Beginner Dildos: Typically have a gradual taper (they get wider slowly) and a moderately rounded tip to allow for comfortable stretching and acclimatization.

4. Specialty Dildos

• Strapon/Harness Compatible: Features a flared base that fits securely into a harness to facilitate partner play.

• Double-Sided/Double-Penetration: Long dildos with a penetrable end on both sides, allowing for simultaneous internal play in two orifices or shared partner play.

• Dildo Attachments: Toys designed to fit onto a vibrating wand or handle, turning a standard dildo into a vibrator.

3: Finding Your Perfect Fit

The "perfect fit" is highly personal and depends on your anatomy, experience level, and desired sensation.

1. Length and Insertable Length

Dildos are measured by total length, but the insertable length (the distance from the base to the tip) is what matters.

• For Beginners: Start with an insertable length of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). This allows you to explore without overwhelming your internal space.

• For Experienced Users: Lengths up to 8 or 9 inches are common, but remember that the vaginal canal and rectum are only about 4 to 6 inches deep before they meet the cervix or sigmoid colon.

2. Diameter and Girth

This is often the most critical factor for sensation. Diameter is measured across the shaft; girth is the circumference around the shaft.

• Average / Common: 1.25 to 1.75 inches (3.2 to 4.4 cm) in diameter.

• For Beginners: Starting at 1.0 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3.2 cm) allows your muscles and tissue to relax and stretch comfortably.

• Focus on G-Spot: A wider diameter or a pronounced bulb/curve is needed to create the internal pressure required to stimulate the G-spot.

3. Texture

• Smooth: Easiest for insertion and cleaning, provides consistent friction. Ideal for anal use.

• Veined/Textured: Designed to increase friction and provide additional sensory input along the walls of the canal.

• Tapered: A shaft that gradually increases in width, excellent for warming up and stretching.

4: Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of your toy and ensures sanitary use.

1. Cleaning: Always wash the dildo immediately after use. Use warm water and a dedicated sex toy cleaner, or a mild, unscented soap (like antibacterial hand soap). Rinse thoroughly.

2. Drying: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or allow to air dry completely.

3. Storage: Store silicone dildos separately from TPE/TPR (Cyberskin) toys, as silicone can degrade the porous materials. Use a designated cotton or cloth pouch and keep the toy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

4. Lubrication:

• Silicone, Glass, Metal, Stone: Safe with any lubricant (water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based).

• TPE/TPR (Cyberskin): MUST only be used with water-based lubricant, as other types will damage the porous material.

Choosing a dildo is an exciting step toward sexual exploration. By prioritizing body-safe materials and selecting a shape and size that appeals to your curiosity, you can easily find a toy that delivers immense pleasure.

Ready to explore? We offer a carefully curated collection of dildos in all the major styles, including curved glass dildos, massive dildos, strap ons, and fantasy dildos. Find your next adventure today in our full catalogue here.