Buying a dildo can bring up a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a little uncertainty, and that’s completely normal. Whether you’re exploring solo pleasure, looking to enhance partnered intimacy, or simply learning more about your body, the first step is understanding what’s out there and what feels right for you.
There’s no single “best” dildo. There is only the one that matches your comfort, anatomy, and desires. With so many shapes, materials, and features available, it helps to start with the basics: how to choose the right style, what materials are body-safe, and which designs work best for different experiences.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying a dildo, from size and texture to cleaning and care, so you can shop with confidence and curiosity.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Dildos: What They Are and How They’re Used
- Dildo Materials: Feel, Safety, and Care
- Size, Shape, and Features: Finding What Fits You
- Matching Your Dildo with Lubes and Accessories
- First-Time Tips and Comfort Advice
- Product Highlights + Recommended Picks
- Dildos for Couples: Shared Play, Double the Fun
- How to Shop: Online vs In-Store Experience
Understanding Dildos: What They Are and How They’re Used
So, what exactly is a dildo? A dildo is a penetrative toy designed to bring pleasure through movement, pressure, and sensation. Unlike vibrators, dildos usually don’t buzz or pulse. Instead, they rely on the natural rhythm and control of your own touch (or your partner’s). This makes them an incredibly versatile toy for exploring what kind of motion, depth, and intensity you enjoy.
Dildos can be used vaginally, anally, or externally, either solo or with a partner. They come in every shape imaginable: straight and slim, curved for internal stimulation, or sculptural and abstract for aesthetic appeal.
SAFETY TIP: All anal toys should have a flared base. This is essential for you and your partner’s safety.
For many beginners, the simplicity of a dildo makes it an ideal starting point. There’s no need to worry about settings or buttons. It’s a straightforward chance to explore your body’s natural responses at your own pace.
Dildos also make great companions to other toys. Pair one with a clitoral vibe or use it during partnered play to add new layers of sensation. And yes, people of all genders and orientations use dildos. They’re tools of pleasure, not labels.
Related Posts:
The Best Beginner Sex Toys (And How To Choose Yours)
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Dildo Materials: Feel, Safety, and Care
When it comes to buying your first dildo, material matters just as much as shape. The texture, firmness, and even temperature of a toy can completely change the experience. Material also determines how easy your toy is to clean.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common dildo materials you’ll find:
Silicone: Soft, Flexible, and Body-Safe
Silicone is the gold standard for most high-quality toys. It warms quickly to your body temperature and offers a lifelike feel without being porous.
- Pros: Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, easy to clean.
- Care: Wash with a delicate toy cleaner or with warm water and mild soap.
- Lube match: Use only water-based lubricants to avoid surface damage.
PVC: Firm, Affordable, and Easy to Maintain
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) toys are a popular choice thanks to their firm, flexible feel and realistic textures. They’re widely available, come in all shapes and sizes, and deliver great value without compromising sensation.
- Pros: Durable, budget-friendly, and responsive to body temperature.
- Care: Since PVC is a porous material, thorough cleaning is essential. Use a dedicated toy cleaner like Alchemy Cleanse or Hung Fresh before and after each use to keep it fresh and body-safe.
- Lube match: Works well with both water-based and silicone lubricants.
Glass: Smooth, Firm, and Visually Stunning
Glass dildos’ rigidity provides precision control, and they’re perfect for temperature play.
- Pros: Non-porous, easy to sterilize, excellent for temperature play.
- Care: Use warm water and soap or boil briefly between uses.
- Lube match: Compatible with all lube types.
To keep any toy in great condition, clean it before and after every use, and store it in a lint-free pouch away from direct sunlight.
Related blog post:
The Lube Guide: Choosing Between Water-Based, Silicone, And Hybrid Formulas
Size, Shape, and Features: Finding What Fits You
Your first dildo should feel comfortable, not intimidating. Think of this as finding your fit. It’s like choosing your first pair of good jeans.
Size:
Start small. A length of 4–6 inches and a slimmer girth (around 1 inch in diameter) is often ideal for beginners. As you get more comfortable, you can explore different shapes and sizes. Remember: pleasure isn’t about “bigger,” it’s about what feels good for your body.
Shape:
- Straight: Great for beginners who want a classic, easy-to-handle design.
- Curved: Perfect for targeting internal pleasure points like the G-spot or prostate.
- Tapered: Eases insertion and helps with comfort.
- Bulbed or beaded: Adds rhythmic stimulation as you move.
Texture:
Smooth dildos glide easily with lube and are great for gentle exploration. Once you’re ready for more sensation, explore ridged or spiraled textures that add friction and intensity.
Design Styles:
- Realistic dildos: Shaped like anatomy, sometimes with veins or lifelike contours.
- Abstract/modern designs: Sculptural and discreet, often designed with aesthetics in mind.
Base + Features:
- Flared base: Essential for anal play (prevents over-insertion).
- Suction base: Great for hands-free positioning on walls or shower tiles.
- Harness-compatible: Works with strap-ons for partnered or pegging play.
When shopping, consider how and where you’ll use your toy. A suction-cup silicone dildo might be perfect for solo play at home, while a smaller, harness-compatible design might suit couples exploring together.
Related blog posts:
Guide to Harnesses and Strap-Ons
The Male G-Spot: Prostate Toy Essentials
Matching Your Dildo with Lubes and Accessories
The right accessories make all the difference in your experience. Start with a water-based lubricant, the go-to choice for most materials, especially silicone. A good lube reduces friction, enhances sensation, and keeps things comfortable for both solo and partnered play. For example, a soft, cushiony formula like Alchemy’s Love Water complements any beginner-friendly silicone dildo beautifully.
After play, toy cleaner and storage bags keep your toy fresh and ready for next time. From Dillio’s sleek silicone offerings to Icicles’ sculptural glass designs, most come with care recommendations, so follow them to keep your toy body-safe for years to come.
SAFETY TIP: If your toy is made of glass or metal, you can also experiment with silicone lubes for an even silkier glide. Always double-check compatibility, as silicone lube and silicone toys don’t mix well.
First-Time Tips and Comfort Advice
Your first experience should feel relaxed, curious, and comfortable. Start by choosing a smaller size and using plenty of lube. The goal isn’t performance; it’s sensation and self-discovery.
Take your time. Explore how different angles or movements feel, and don’t worry about “doing it right.” There’s no rulebook here; only what feels good to you. If something doesn’t feel great, pause, breathe, and readjust. Most people find it helpful to start with external play before any penetration, getting familiar with sensation and arousal.
After you’re done, rinse your toy with warm water and toy cleaner, dry it, and store it safely. Building aftercare into your routine keeps your body and your toy in great shape.
Remember: pleasure is personal. Some people love realistic textures; others prefer abstract or curved designs. You might love your first pick for years or decide to try something new later. Every experience teaches you a little more about what your body enjoys.
Confidence grows from curiosity, not perfection.
Product Highlights + Recommended Picks
To help narrow your search, here are a few beginner-friendly options that span materials, shapes, and styles:
Soft Silicone Starter: Neo Silicone Dual Density Cock With Balls
Smooth, flexible, and forgiving — perfect for first timers who want comfort and control.
Glass Curves: Gender X Lustrous Galaxy Wand
Offers firmness and precision with a touch of temperature play. Try warming it under water or cooling it down for sensation contrast.
Harness Hero: Dillio Platinum Curious Five
Designed for versatility — solo, partnered, or strap-on compatible. Great for experimenting with new dynamics.
Ultra-Realistic: King Cock Elite
Crafted to mimic the look and feel of the real thing, this line offers lifelike details, dual-density silicone, and a natural firmness that moves with your body. Perfect for anyone who wants an authentic, body-inspired experience.
Non-Realistic / Fantasy: Creature Cocks
Bold shapes, vibrant colors, and imaginative designs that break away from realism. These bedroom beasts are ideal for those who like to mix pleasure with high fantasy.
Each one offers a different feel, so think about what excites you. Consider softness, weight, texture, and visual appeal. Browse our full range online or visit in-store to compare designs across brands.
Dildos for Couples: Shared Play, Double the Fun
Dildos aren’t just for solo exploration! They can also open new ways to connect with a partner. If you’re curious about shared penetration, mutual stimulation, or creating something uniquely yours, here are a few creative options worth considering.
Double Dildos:
Designed for simultaneous use, double-ended dildos let partners experience penetration together. They’re often flexible enough to move with both bodies, creating a rhythm that feels natural and connected. They’re an exciting choice for couples looking to experiment with synchronized pleasure.
Clone Kits (Clone-A-Willy & Clone-A-Pussy):
These DIY kits turn intimacy into a hands-on project. Clone-A-Willy captures every detail of a penis, while Clone-A-Pussy molds the unique contours of a vulva. Both result in body-safe silicone replicas. They’re playful, personal, and surprisingly romantic: part art project, part erotic keepsake. Whether you’re creating a long-distance stand-in or just indulging in curiosity, clone kits are a fun reminder that sex toys can be just as much about creativity as they are about pleasure.
How to Shop: Online vs In-Store Experience
Buying your first dildo can feel personal, and where you shop can shape the experience.
Shopping online offers privacy, a full range of brands and styles, and plenty of customer reviews to guide your choice. It’s discreet and convenient, with shipping that keeps things low-key. You can compare sizes, materials, and price points without leaving home. This might be ideal if you’re still figuring out what you like.
In contrast, shopping in-store opens up a sensory experience that can’t be replicated digitally. You can feel textures, test flexibility, and get personalized recommendations from our knowledgeable staff. Many stores even have size and material samples available to handle before purchasing.
Or how about this? Combine the best of both worlds: browse online, then visit in-store to get hands-on before you buy. Whether you’re drawn to something sleek and minimal or more artistic and adventurous, we make the process seamless to ensure you get the product and experience that fits you best.
Conclusion
Choosing your first dildo isn’t just about finding a toy, it’s about learning what brings you pleasure. There’s no right or wrong choice, only what feels right for you.
Whether you explore online or in person, our team is here to guide you with information, care, and plenty of options to explore.
Explore beginner-friendly dildos online or visit us in-store to find your match. Your next favorite experience might be moments away.
