Women's Favorite Sex Positions: What Really Works and Why

When it comes to what feels best in bed, preferences vary widely—but patterns emerge. Survey data and intimate conversations reveal that most women prioritize positions offering clitoral stimulation, emotional connection, and control over depth and angle.

This guide explores the most beloved positions, explains why they work, and shows you how to customize each one for your unique body and desires.

What Makes a Position "Favorite"?

Before diving into specific positions, understand what women typically value:

• Clitoral access: Direct or indirect contact with external nerve clusters
• Depth control: Ability to adjust how deeply penetration occurs
• Angle precision: Hitting internal spots like the G-spot or A-spot consistently
• Emotional intimacy: Face-to-face connection, eye contact, kissing
• Partner engagement: Both people actively participating, not one doing all the work
• Comfort sustainability: Positions that don't strain muscles or joints
• Orgasm likelihood: Configurations that align with individual arousal patterns

The truth: No single position universally satisfies all women. The "favorites" below represent common preferences—your body might respond differently, and that's perfectly normal.

Survey Insights: What the Data Shows

Multiple surveys from sexual wellness organizations consistently rank these positions among women's top choices:

Key finding: Positions allowing clitoral stimulation during penetration consistently rank highest. About 70% of women need external stimulation to reach orgasm, so positions facilitating this naturally win favor.

Position #1: Woman on Top (Cowgirl/Reverse Cowgirl)

Why It's Beloved

Taking the top spot gives you complete command over depth, speed, and angle. You can grind your clitoris against your partner's pubic bone, lean forward to target your G-spot, or bounce for dramatic friction—all while maintaining eye contact and intimacy.

Basic Technique

Your partner lies flat on their back. Straddle them with knees on either side of their hips. Lower yourself onto penetration (penis, dildo, or strap-on) at your preferred pace. From here:

• Grind in circles for constant clitoral pressure
• Rock forward-backward to change internal angles
• Bounce up and down for intense friction

Customization Tips

For stronger clitoral stimulation: Lean forward so your pelvis presses directly against their pubic bone. Add a vibrating cock ring for extra buzz.

For G-spot focus: Lean back slightly and rock forward with each movement. This angles penetration upward toward your front vaginal wall.

To reduce leg fatigue: Have your partner bend their knees and plant their feet, creating a supportive ramp for your back. Or switch to squatting (feet flat) briefly to engage different muscles.

Reverse variation: Face their feet instead of their head. This changes the internal angle dramatically and offers your partner a different view.

Common Challenge

"My thighs burn too quickly."

Solution: Alternate between grinding (less leg work) and bouncing. Take 15-second pauses to kiss or make eye contact. Build thigh strength with wall sits and lunges outside the bedroom.

Position #2: Doggy Style (Hands and Knees)

Why It Ranks High

This rear-entry position creates deep penetration that many women find intensely satisfying. The angle naturally targets the G-spot, and the primal, uninhibited feeling adds psychological excitement.

Basic Technique

Get on your hands and knees on the bed. Your partner kneels or stands behind you, entering from the rear. They control most of the thrusting while you adjust your back arch and hip position.

Customization Tips

For shallower penetration: Arch your back downward (chest toward the mattress). This tilts your pelvis and reduces depth.

For deeper sensation: Arch upward (back curved like a cat stretch) and push your hips backward to meet their thrusts.

To add clitoral stimulation: Reach between your legs with one hand or have your partner use their fingers. Better yet, hold a bullet vibrator against your clitoris while they thrust.

Comfort modification: Rest your upper body on a pile of pillows (sometimes called "lazy doggy"). This takes pressure off your wrists and shoulders during longer sessions.

Standing variation: Bend over the edge of the bed while your partner stands behind. This ergonomic height difference reduces their knee strain and changes the angle slightly.

Common Challenge

"I don't get enough clitoral stimulation in this position."

Solution: This position rarely provides direct clitoral contact, so manual or toy stimulation is essential. Communicate this need to your partner or handle it yourself—there's no shame in helping your body reach climax.

Position #3: Modified Missionary

Why It Endures

Traditional missionary gets boring, but modifications make it a favorite. Face-to-face intimacy, easy kissing, and the ability to wrap your legs around your partner create emotional connection. Plus, hand access to your clitoris is simple.

Basic Technique

Lie on your back while your partner positions themselves between your legs, supporting their weight on their arms. Penetration occurs at a relatively flat angle.

Customization Tips

Coital Alignment Technique (CAT): Your partner shifts their body higher (chest near your shoulders) and rocks their pelvis in grinding motions rather than thrusting. This creates consistent clitoral friction against their pubic bone—highly effective for orgasms.

Pillow under hips: Place a firm cushion or sex wedge under your lower back. This tilts your pelvis upward, helping penetration hit your G-spot more directly.

Legs on shoulders: Rest your ankles on your partner's shoulders. This deepens penetration and tightens the vaginal canal for increased friction. Use only if you're flexible enough to avoid hip strain.

Legs wrapped around: Hook your feet behind their lower back and pull them closer with each thrust. This intensifies impact and lets you control rhythm subtly.

Toy integration: Hold a wand vibrator between your bodies, pressed against your clitoris. The vibrations benefit both people.

Common Challenge

"My partner's weight crushes me."

Solution: Ask them to support more weight on their forearms or knees. If this persists, switch to positions where they don't rest on top of you (like woman on top or spooning).

Position #4: Spooning (Side-by-Side)

Why It's Comforting

Lying side-by-side creates gentle, intimate penetration perfect for slow, connected sex. Neither partner exerts much physical effort, making it ideal for lazy mornings, during pregnancy, or when energy is low.

Basic Technique

Both people lie on their sides facing the same direction (like nested spoons). The partner behind enters from the rear, wrapping their arms around the front partner's torso.

Customization Tips

For easier entry: The front partner lifts their top leg slightly or bends it forward. The rear partner scoots their hips closer to align penetration.

To increase depth: The front partner pushes their hips backward, meeting their partner's thrusts.

For clitoral access: Either partner can easily reach around to stimulate the clitoris manually or with a small vibrator.

Angle variation: The front partner leans their upper body forward (creating a 45-degree torso angle) while keeping hips aligned. This shifts internal pressure toward the G-spot.

Common Challenge

"Penetration keeps slipping out."

Solution: Use generous lubrication. The rear partner should keep movements small and grinding rather than long thrusts. This position works best for sustained, gentle connection rather than vigorous action.

Position #5: Edge of the Bed

Why It's Ergonomic

The receiving partner lies back at the bed's edge with their legs dangling or propped up. The giving partner stands on the floor, using their legs (not arms) to support their weight. This setup reduces fatigue for both people.

Basic Technique

Lie on your back near the edge of the bed so your hips align with the mattress edge. Your partner stands between your legs, holding your thighs or ankles for leverage while thrusting.

Customization Tips

Leg positioning options:

• Feet on their chest: Offers stability and moderate depth
• Legs spread wide: Creates maximum openness and deep access
• Ankles on their shoulders: Tightens the vaginal canal; great for hitting the G-spot

For clitoral stimulation: You have both hands completely free. Use fingers, a bullet vibrator, or ask your partner to reach down and stimulate you manually.

Height adjustment: If your partner is shorter, have them stand on a sturdy box or footstool. If taller, you can scoot higher onto the bed.

Pillow support: Place a cushion under your lower back to elevate your pelvis slightly, changing the internal angle.

Common Challenge

"The height doesn't work for my partner."

Solution: Experiment with different furniture heights—try a desk, kitchen counter (cleaned first!), or ottoman. Every couple needs to find their Goldilocks surface.

Less Common Favorites Worth Trying

Standing Positions

One partner stands while the other wraps their legs around their waist (requires strength) or the receiving partner bends over furniture. These work best for spontaneous moments but tire quickly.

Seated Positions

The receiving partner straddles the giver's lap while they sit in a chair or on the bed edge. Similar to woman on top but with built-in back support for the seated partner.

The Bridge

The receiving partner lies on their back and lifts their hips high (like a yoga bridge pose) while the giving partner kneels and enters. Intense for the core but creates unique angles.

Remember: "Favorite" is personal. Some women love positions that others find uncomfortable. Experimentation reveals what works for your unique anatomy and preferences.

Enhancing Any Position: Universal Tips

Communication Is Non-Negotiable

Before, during, and after sex, talk openly:

• "Can you angle left a bit?"
• "Faster/slower/stay exactly like that."
• "Let me add a toy for clitoral stimulation."

Your partner can't read your mind. Clear feedback transforms okay sex into amazing sex.

Incorporate Toys Strategically

Sex toys for women aren't replacements for partners—they're enhancements. A bullet vibrator on your clitoris during penetration often makes the difference between "nice" and "explosive."

Prioritize Foreplay

Most women need 15–30 minutes of arousal before penetration feels truly pleasurable. Extended foreplay increases natural lubrication, relaxes muscles, and primes your body for orgasm.

Use Quality Lubricant

Even when naturally wet, extra lubrication reduces friction and increases pleasure. Water-based formulas work with all toy materials and clean easily.

Don't Chase the "Perfect" Orgasm

Some sessions end in explosive climaxes. Others feel connected and pleasurable without orgasm. Both experiences are valid. Pressure to perform kills arousal—focus on sensation and connection instead.

Troubleshooting Common Position Problems

"None of These Positions Make Me Orgasm"

Reality check: Only about 18% of women orgasm from penetration alone. Most need direct clitoral stimulation. Add fingers, tongues, or vibrators to any position—this isn't "cheating," it's honoring your anatomy.

"My Body Doesn't Bend That Way"

Flexibility varies. Skip positions that cause pain or strain. Modify with pillows, adjust angles, or choose entirely different options. Pleasure shouldn't hurt (unless that's consensually desired).

"I Feel Self-Conscious in Certain Positions"

Start with positions offering more coverage (spooning, modified missionary) until confidence builds. Dimming lights or wearing lingerie can help initially. Remember: your partner is focused on pleasure, not judging your body.

"My Partner Seems Bored"

Ask directly: "What would make this better for you?" Maybe they want faster movement, different angles, or more vocal feedback from you. Guessing wastes time—communication solves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most women prefer positions with clitoral stimulation?

Yes. Research consistently shows that about 70% of women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm. Positions allowing easy clitoral access (woman on top, modified missionary with hands or toys) rank highest in satisfaction surveys.

Can the same position feel different with different partners?

Absolutely. Penis or toy size, shape, and curvature affect which internal spots receive pressure. Partner height, strength, and rhythm preferences also change the experience. A position that felt mediocre with one partner might be incredible with another.

Is it normal to have just one or two favorite positions?

Completely normal. Some people enjoy variety; others perfect a few positions that reliably deliver pleasure. Neither approach is better—honor what works for your body and relationship.

How do I tell my partner I want to try different positions?

Frame it positively: "I read about this position and thought it might feel amazing for both of us. Want to experiment?" or "I love what we do, and I'm curious about trying X to see if it hits different spots." Avoid criticizing current practices.

Should I fake enthusiasm for positions my partner loves but I don't?

No. Honest communication builds better sex lives. Say something like, "I know you enjoy X, and I'm happy to do it sometimes, but I really love Y and Z. Can we rotate between all three?" Compromise works both ways.

What if I can't orgasm in any partnered position?

Many women orgasm more easily during solo masturbation than partnered sex—that's common. Understanding your body's specific needs through self-exploration helps you guide partners. Orgasm isn't the only measure of great sex, but if it's important to you, toys and extended foreplay often bridge the gap.

Final Thoughts: Your Preferences Matter Most

The "best" position is whichever one makes you feel amazing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Survey data provides starting points, but your unique anatomy and desires deserve exploration and respect. Communicate openly with partners, experiment without judgment, and remember that preferences can evolve over time.

What felt incredible last year might feel different now, and that's part of the journey. Ready to enhance your experiences even further? Explore our collection of sex toys for women to discover tools that complement your favorite positions perfectly.