Learning how to put on a strap onfrom selecting appropriate harness size and dildo compatibility to adjusting leg and waist straps for secure, comfortable fitenables confident penetrative play for all genders and orientations.
Understanding putting on a strapon involves recognizing harness types (jock-style, underwear-style, thigh harnesses),how to put on strap on dildo through O-rings or attachment systems, positioning for optimal thrusting angles, and troubleshooting common fit issues like slippage or pinching.
This guide covers complete strap on instructions including harness selection,step-by-step wearing process, adjustment techniques, choosing compatible dildos, cleaning requirements, and realistic expectations about learning curves for effective strap-on sex.Let's explore mastering strap-on harness application for pleasurable partnered play.
Who Benefits from Strap-On Guidance?
Understanding strap-on usage helps various people:
- Couples exploring penetrative play regardless of gender combinations
- Those interested in pegging (strap-on anal penetration)
- People wanting hands-free penetration control
- Anyone seeking role reversal in sexual dynamics
- Couples where one partner lacks erectile function
- Those wanting to understand equipment before purchasing
- Beginners feeling intimidated by strap-on setup
- Users troubleshooting fit issues with current harnesses
According to information about sex toys, strap-on harnesses enable penetrative sex independent of biological anatomy, expanding intimate possibilities for diverse relationship configurations and gender expressions.
Understanding Strap-On Components

What you're working with:
The Harness
Primary component:
- Worn around waist, hips, and/or thighs
- Holds dildo in position
- Made from leather, nylon, fabric, or silicone
- Adjustable straps for fit customization
Types: Jock-style (most common), underwear-style, thigh harness, strapless (held internally).
The Dildo (Strap-On Penis)
Attachment toy:
- Must have compatible base (flared or O-ring compatible)
- Various sizes, shapes, materials
- May be realistic or abstract design
- Some include vibration features
Compatibility critical: Dildo base must match harness attachment system.
O-Ring System
Common attachment:
- Rubber or metal ring in harness front panel
- Dildo base pulls through ring
- Friction holds dildo in place
- Interchangeable rings for different dildo sizes
From Jissbon: While strap-on harnesses expand play options, sex toys for couples include various options for shared pleasure and exploration.
Types of Strap-On Harnesses

Design options:
Jock-Style Harness
Characteristics:
- Waist strap with two leg straps
- Creates triangle shape
- Most stable, adjustable
- Leaves buttocks exposed
- Best for vigorous thrusting
Best for: Beginners, pegging, anyone wanting maximum stability.
Underwear-Style Harness
Characteristics:
- Resembles briefs or shorts
- Full coverage front and back
- Less adjustable than jock-style
- Comfortable for extended wear
- May feel more natural/less "strapped in"
Best for: Those wanting comfort over maximum adjustability; extended foreplay before penetration.
Thigh Harness
Characteristics:
- Straps around one thigh
- For oral sex positioning or unique angles
- Face-sitting compatible
- Not for standing/vigorous thrusting
Best for: Creative positioning; oral combined with penetration.
Strapless Strap-On
Characteristics:
- Bulb inserted into wearer's vagina
- External shaft for partner penetration
- No straps required
- Requires pelvic floor strength to hold
- Often less stable than strapped harnesses
Best for: Experienced users with strong pelvic floor; those wanting more intimate connection.
How to Put on a Strap On: Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed wearing process:
Step 1: Prepare Harness and Dildo
Before putting on:
- Lay out harness with straps unbuckled/loosened
- Select dildo with compatible base
- Have O-ring that fits dildo base (if applicable)
- Check all buckles and straps function properly
Step 2: Insert Dildo into Harness (If O-Ring System)
Attaching dildo:
- Place O-ring in harness front panel pocket
- Fold dildo base in half (if flexible silicone)
- Push half through O-ring from back to front
- Unfold other half through ring
- Pull dildo forward until base flush with O-ring
Tip: Slightly wet dildo base with water makes insertion easier.
Step 3: Step Into Harness
Initial wearing (jock-style):
- Hold harness with O-ring/dildo panel at front
- Step into leg straps one leg at a time
- Pull harness up to hips
- Position O-ring panel centered over pubic area
- Don't buckle yetposition first
Step 4: Adjust Waist Strap
Waist positioning:
- Pull waist strap snug around waist/hips
- Typically sits at or just below hip bones
- Should feel secure but not painfully tight
- Buckle or velcro waist strap
- Test: should not slide down with gentle tugging
Step 5: Adjust Leg Straps
Leg positioning:
- Position leg straps around upper thighs
- Pull snug but allow comfortable movement
- Too tight: restricts thrusting motion
- Too loose: harness slides during use
- Buckle both leg straps
Test fit: Do a few practice thrusts. Harness should stay in place without shifting significantly.
Step 6: Position Dildo Angle
Angle adjustment:
- Most harnesses allow dildo to point forward or slightly up
- Slightly upward angle often best for G-spot or prostate contact
- Experiment with positioning before partnered play
- Some harnesses have adjustable angle systems
How to Put on Strap On Dildo: Troubleshooting Fit
Common issues and solutions:
Harness Slides Down During Use
Problem: Waist strap too loose or positioned too high.
Solution: Tighten waist strap; position at or below hip bones (natural body shelf); consider adding suspender-style straps if harness offers.
Leg Straps Chafe or Pinch
Problem: Straps too tight; positioned wrong; material quality issue.
Solution: Loosen slightly; adjust position (mid-upper thigh, not directly in crease); wear thin athletic shorts under harness; consider harness with padded leg straps.
Dildo Feels Unstable or Wobbly
Problem: O-ring too large for dildo base; harness too loose overall.
Solution: Use smaller O-ring matching dildo base size; tighten all straps; ensure dildo base fully through ring.
Dildo Points Wrong Direction
Problem: O-ring position incorrect; body shape doesn't match harness design.
Solution: Adjust harness height on body; add padding behind O-ring to change angle; try different harness style; some harnesses offer angle adjustment features.
Choosing Compatible Dildo for Harness

Selection considerations:
Base Compatibility
O-ring harnesses:
- Dildo must have flared base at least 1.5 inches diameter
- Base should match or slightly exceed O-ring size
- Too small: dildo pulls through during use
- Too large: won't fit through ring
Fixed harnesses:
- Check specific compatibility with harness model
- Some use snaps, buttons, or other attachment systems
Dildo Size Selection
For beginners:
- 5-6 inches insertable length
- 1.25-1.5 inches diameter
- Start smaller than you think necessary
- Easier to upgrade than manage too-large toy
For anal play: Start even smaller (4-5 inches, 1-1.25 inches diameter).
Weight Considerations
Dildo weight:
- Heavy dildos (glass, steel) can pull harness down
- Silicone balanced weight
- Lighter dildos easier for extended sessions
- Consider wearer's comfort holding weight
Strap-On Harness Comparison Table
|
Harness Type |
Stability |
Adjustability |
Comfort |
Best For |
|
Jock-style |
Excellent |
High |
Good |
Vigorous thrusting, beginners |
|
Underwear-style |
Good |
Medium |
Excellent |
Extended wear, comfort priority |
|
Thigh harness |
Medium |
Medium |
Good |
Oral + penetration, creative angles |
|
Strapless |
Fair-Good |
N/A |
Variable |
Experienced users, intimacy |
Using Strap-On: Basic Technique
After putting on properly:
Starting Position
For first time:
- Receiving partner lies on back with legs elevated
- Provides clear sight lines for wearer
- Easier to control depth and angle
- Communicate constantly
Thrusting Motion
Movement technique:
- Use entire body, not just hips
- Rock forward from legs and core
- Gentle at first, build intensity gradually
- Check in frequently with partner
- Adjust based on feedback
Remember: You can't feel what partner feelsverbal communication essential.
Adjusting During Sex
Mid-session modifications:
- Tighten straps if harness shifting
- Change positions if angle uncomfortable
- Add more lube frequently
- Take breaks as needed
Cleaning and Maintaining Strap-On Equipment
Hygiene essentials:
After Each Use
Harness cleaning:
- Remove dildo from harness
- Wipe harness with damp cloth
- Spot clean with mild soap if needed
- Air dry completely (24 hours)
- Machine wash fabric harnesses periodically (check care label)
Leather harnesses: Use leather cleaner; condition periodically.
Dildo Cleaning
Sanitizing dildo:
- Wash with toy cleaner or mild soap
- Rinse thoroughly
- Silicone: Can boil 3-5 minutes for sterilization
- Dry completely before storage
- Store separately from harness
Storage
Proper storage:
- Hang harness or lay flat in dry location
- Store dildo separately in breathable bag
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Inspect regularly for wear or damage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put on a strap on harness?
Put on strap on harness by: laying out harness with straps loosened, attaching compatible dildo through O-ring if applicable (fold base in half, push through ring, unfold), stepping into leg straps, pulling harness up to hips with O-ring panel centered, adjusting and buckling waist strap at or below hip bones for stability, positioning and buckling leg straps around upper thighs comfortably snug, and adjusting dildo angle. Test fit with practice thrustsharness should stay secure without sliding. Tighten or reposition if shifting occurs.
How do you attach dildo to strap on?
Attach dildo to strap on by: selecting O-ring that matches or slightly smaller than dildo base diameter, placing O-ring in harness front panel pocket, folding flexible dildo base in half, pushing half of base through O-ring from back to front of harness, unfolding and pulling other half through ring, and pulling dildo forward until base sits flush against O-ring. Slightly wetting base with water makes insertion easier. For fixed-attachment harnesses, follow manufacturer's specific instructions (snaps, velcro, or other systems).
What size strap on for beginners?
Beginners should choose strap on with: 5-6 inches insertable length dildo, 1.25-1.5 inches diameter, adjustable jock-style harness fitting waist 24-48 inches (most adjustable range), compatible O-ring for chosen dildo base, and body-safe silicone dildo with flared base. For anal play, start even smaller (4-5 inches length, 1-1.25 inches diameter). Choose harness one size larger if between sizes. Start smaller than seems necessaryeasier to upgrade than manage too-large toy causing partner discomfort or wearer control issues.
Why does my strap on keep sliding down?
Strap on slides down due to: waist strap too loose, waist strap positioned too high (above hip bones), leg straps insufficiently tightened, dildo too heavy for harness design, wrong harness size for body, or harness stretched out from use. Solutions include tightening all straps, positioning waist strap at or below hip bones (natural shelf), using smaller/lighter dildo, sizing down harness, or adding suspender-style support straps if harness offers. Jock-style harnesses typically more stable than underwear-style for vigorous activity.
Can you use any dildo with strap on harness?
Not all dildos work with all harnesses. For O-ring harnesses (most common), dildo must have flared base at least 1.5 inches diameter that fits through O-ringtoo small falls through during use, too large won't fit. Base should match or slightly exceed O-ring size. For fixed-attachment harnesses, only compatible dildos work. Suction cup bases often work well. Realistic dildos with testicle bases may not fit O-rings. Always verify base compatibility before purchasing. Some harnesses include multiple O-ring sizes for dildo variety.
How tight should strap on harness be?
Strap on harness should be snug enough to prevent shifting during thrusting but not painfully tight or restrictive. Waist strap: should stay in place with moderate tugging, not slide down. Leg straps: comfortable around upper thighs allowing full range of motion, not cutting into skin or restricting blood flow. You should be able to fit one finger between strap and skin. Too loose: harness slides, dildo feels unstable. Too tight: chafing, pinching, restricted movement. Practice thrusting motions after putting onadjust if harness shifts significantly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to put on a strap on properly through selecting appropriate harness size, attaching compatible dildo securely through O-ring or fixed system, positioning harness at optimal body locations with waist strap at or below hip bones, and adjusting all straps for stability without discomfort creates foundation for confident, enjoyable strap-on play.
While putting on a strapon involves learning curve including troubleshooting common fit issues like sliding or chafing, mastering strap on instructions through practice, clear communication with partners, and patience during initial attempts leads to satisfying penetrative experiences for all genders and orientations.
Whether exploring pegging, role reversal, or hands-free penetration options, proper harness application and compatible dildo selection remain essential for pleasurable, stable strap-on sex.
If you're exploring toys for shared pleasure beyond strap-on play, sex toys for couples include various options designed for partnered exploration and mutual satisfaction.




























