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How to
How to use a strap on
So, you are interested in harnessing up and penetrating a partner? Or maybe your partner is getting ready to penetrate YOU! Get some tips on how to do that below!
Wearing a harness can be a bit intimidating at first, despite how simple it may appear. While the concept and intended function is the same across all harnesses, there is variation on how some work.
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First, find the right equipment that suits your needs. Most basic harnesses these days fit a wide range of bodies and accept a lot of dildos/attachments. A basic harness is identified by having a waist strap and thigh straps that meet at central location and an o-ring. However, there are a lot of specialty harnesses that may be sized or intended for a specific purpose. Also, some do not have changeable o-rings that limit the size of attachments that can be used. It is easy to determine, just look for the ring and see if it is held with some sort of fasteners like snaps. Below are some easy instructions for using a basic harness (see further down for other styles of harnesses).
Attachments/dildo for a standard harness with o-ring: Any with flared base or suction cup (see here). A dildo with testicles can work, but are not recommended. A lot of dildos come with some sort of base or suction cup, so pick your favorite one (or more!) in the perfect size, shape, or color. Just be sure to match the diameter of the dildo to the diameter of the ring in the harness. Many harnesses come with one ring, but different sized rings can be purchased separately (like this example from Sportsheets). Rings can be slightly bigger than the dildo's diameter as long as they are smaller than the base.​​​​​
​Attach dildo: Fold suction cup/base as much as possible and slide one end into and behind ring. Then, bend the other end under and through the ring and let go. This technique is best suited when already wearing the harness or there is limited accessibility behind the ring. Another technique is loosening the straps running through backer from behind the ring. Once enough space is made, put toy through ring until base rests against ring. This is an easy method when not wearing the harness or there is ample accessibility behind the ring. ​​​​
​Put on harness: The most common harness designs are waist and thigh strapped, similar to a climbing harness. The best way to get started is to place the harness on a flat surface and loosen the straps. Arrange the straps such that it is more clear what goes where. You should be able to discern two smaller circles where you legs would go and one large circle for the waist. Step into the the leg straps, grasp the larger waist strap and pull the harness up. Tighten the straps to a comfortable level that also firmly draws the dildo against your body. This will keep it in place during use. Now you ready to use your harness!​​​​
© Sportsheets
​Removing and cleaning: When you are ready to remove the harness, simply loosen the straps and push the it down like a pair of pants. The dildo is easily removed by simply reversing the above methods. If your harness needs cleaning, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions or take note of what the harness is made of. Many harnesses come in fabrics that are easily washed, some even in the washing machine. ​​​​
​​Specialty harnesses:
Vac-u-lock - This is a strap on system made by Doc Johnson. Its key design element is the harness has a ridged Vac-u-lock plug that fits into a hole in a specifically designed dildo. This attachment method makes for easy on/off use of dildos. Newer designs of the harness now allow for the use of either the Vac-u-lock system or the more common o-ring setup.
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Body Dock - Body Dock was created by Pipedream and features a versatile suction cup plate for dildo attachment. It comes in several versions and is very simple and easy to use. The majority of dildos come with suction cups and are quite strong if pushed firmly into place.
Fixed attachment - Some harnesses feature a very specific attachment like a vibrating toy, a plug, a double ended dildo, or others. These harnesses are what they are and no other attachments can be used with them. Be sure to inspect harnesses before buying if you want them to be more versatile.
Strapless strap on - While these are not harness, the strapless strap on accomplishes the same goal. Shaped like a tipped over "L", it is worn by inserting the shorter, bulb shaped portion vaginally. This creates stimulation for the wearer when thrusting back and forth and a more personal connection between partners. The downside is the toy is more challenging to stay inserted/worn. Once engaged with the receiver, this can be alleviated a bit by the toy's weight being supported by both partners' bodies.​
Hollow strap on - These types of harnesses can be both interchangeable or fixed. Hollow strap ons are intended to be worn over the penis to give the wearer a different shape and size, provide the ability to have intercourse when having erectile issues, or enable longer penetrative sessions for the wearer (climax prevention).
