History of the Rabbit Vibrator
You’ve probably heard of the rabbit vibrator…it’s a vibrating sex toy for vulva owners that includes a penetrative aspect that can resemble a dildo attached to a “rabbit ear” attachment consisting of two nubs that stimulate the clitoris. Vibrators are a vital self-pleasure tool for women, and the rabbit is one of the most beloved genres.
Rabbit vibrators provide a more intense feeling than a clitoral vibrator or dildo since rabbits offer simultaneous stimulation of both the clit and vagina, offering the possibility of a blended orgasm. While the original rabbits functioned primarily with rotating pearls, they’ve evolved significantly since then. Today, they have their own category on many retail sites in a range of styles.
But where exactly did the rabbit come from? The history behind this is an intriguing one that has brought women into their sexual power over the years, moving sex toys from taboo to accepted in society and cementing this dual stimulator as an essential for self-love and self-care.
The birth of innovation
In 1983, Vibratex became the first sex toy manufacturer to offer vibrators with both internal and external parts to the United States.
In the past, these were always two separate toys, but after creators realized it could provide double the pleasure with its all-around stimulation for women who can’t get off on penetration alone, it changed the entire market and became an instant classic.
These toys were often designed in vivid colors and animal shapes as a loophole to get around obscenity laws in Japan, where these vibrators were manufactured. Although vibrators like the kangaroo and the turtle all had a penetrative aspect, it was the rabbit that stole the heart of the public with its adorable appearance that was instantly appealing to women compared to the more phallic offerings at the time. The toy was named the Rabbit because it was a lucky charm in Japan and because founder Shay Martin was born in the year of the rabbit.
Apart from the “cute” factor, much of the toy’s success was because the brand’s Rabbit Pearl vibrator starred in one of the most famous TV shows of all time, and got shoutouts from well-known celebrities.
Becoming a pop culture icon
The Rabbit, which was sold at sex toy retailer Babeland, skyrocketed in popularity after Sex and the City featured the best-selling Rabbit Pearl by Vibratex. It was an edgy decision for a TV show to push the boundaries by discussing a sex toy on TV, and it opened the door for sexual wellness to become more integrated into the mainstream and media.
In the episode, Miranda introduces shy Charlotte to the Rabbit vibrator. As a result, she goes to the store to buy one, saying,
“Oh, it’s so cute! I thought it would be scary and weird, but it isn’t. It’s pink! For girls!”
The normally-conservative Charlotte gets so obsessed with the toy that she spends all her time in bed with her Rabbit Pearl, cancels plans, and stops going to work. As a result, her friends staged a “Rabbit intervention.”
These iconic scenes put the Rabbit on the map and caused them to sell out. Not only did Vibratex’s model become insanely popular, but it increased by 700% in sales over the following years.
Additionally, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria mentioned the Rabbit in a 2005 interview with SELF magazine, revealing she gifted it to all of her friends. Years later, in 2006, Oprah endorsed it in her magazine as the “Rolls Royce of sex toys.”
Evolution and technological advancements
In 1997, the Rabbit vibrators were upgraded and sold as the Rabbit Habit, which contained a battery pack and controls integrated into the toy’s base. This was a major upgrade from the controls being a separate attachment with a cord, allowing for tangle-free pleasure that lets you focus on what counts in the heat of the moment.
In 2008, JimmyJane came out with their “Iconic Rabbit,” which was a sleeker interpretation of the toy, and they weren’t the only brand to do so.
After going viral on Sex and the City, copycat rabbits started popping up everywhere, and more women figured out how to use a rabbit vibrator to achieve the best orgasms of their lives. They became even more well-known after the online shopping boom, allowing people to buy these toys from the privacy of their homes.
After the brand was renamed “CalExotics,” a more compact and travel-friendly version of the rabbit was developed in 2009, known as the Rabbit Dancer. Then, in 2015, the packaging was revamped so consumers could easily differentiate between the different models. There were starter and intermediate levels, as well as advanced and pro. The advanced had thrusting capabilities, whereas the intermediate had waterproof features.
Eventually, they became wireless and were produced in battery-powered or rechargeable versions.
Cultural impact and empowerment
Becoming a star in pop culture in the 90s, this toy has evolved significantly and is an emblem of sexual empowerment and freedom for women over the decades. Today, conversations about sex are a lot more open, but things weren’t always this way, and they certainly wouldn’t have been without Vibratex’s toy and the pop culture recognition it received.
In 2008, Alabama Attorney General Troy King attempted to enforce his state’s ban on sex toys since he believed they were “immoral.” Fortunately, the rabbit vibrator survived this undeserved attack. It continued to thrive and sell out online.
The rabbit’s portrayal in Sex and The City was a game-changer, and starring in the media put a much-needed spotlight on a once-taboo topic. Allowing women to observe a normally proper character explore and experiment with her sexuality allowed female pleasure to be destigmatized in public. Rather than being seen as something dirty, it was now a form of self-care that allowed vulva owners to take charge of their orgasms.
This spawned many generations of women who may have been nervous to do the same but felt emboldened thanks to Charlotte and her crew. The show helped move vibrators into a luxury market rather than being perceived as seedy, showing women that it was a smart move to invest in their pleasure.
The rabbit today
Today, this sex toy is just as popular as it was in previous decades, if not more. In the 80s and 90s, the rabbit was very expensive, but now it’s available at a range of budget-friendly price points. Although the original Rabbit featured beads or “pearls” that rotated and added stimulation, they soon evolved to include a range of impressive features.
Now, the best rabbit vibrators come in different sizes, aesthetics, and materials with a variety of vibration or thrusting patterns, rhythms, and speeds. Some smart rabbits can even be programmed, app- or remote-controlled and can be synchronized to music, whereas others have warming capabilities.
The new generation of these toys are more eco-friendly and have better longevity. The battery pack has been swapped for a rechargeable design, and plastic has been switched out for smoother silicone with higher-quality, quieter motors. Rabbit ears have been added to the design of other toys, such as cock rings and bullet vibes.
Today, it’s still the best toy to externally and internally stimulate, with a new focus on achieving G-spot stimulation. Thicker silhouettes have given way to toys like the Thicc Chubby Bunny, while options from brands like Vive Taka even have a climax button feature that sends the motor into overdrive, putting you over the edge for a stronger orgasm. It’s paved the way for toys like the California Dreaming L.A. Love, which mimics oral sex with its clitoral stimulator while an internal aspect penetrates the wearer.
Conclusion
The Rabbit has seen many reimagining over the years, and despite facing strife in many moments, it’s remained a much-loved classic. Whether you love the OG Rabbit Pearl or other dual stimulation vibrators today that it’s inspired, it’s clear that this toy isn’t just a device that can provide external and internal stimulation to women.
It was a maker of history, a staple of empowerment, and an item that gave way to more technologically advanced versions over the decades, such as the Brazzers Thumper Vibrating Rabbit with over 50 vibration patterns, and the app-controlled Satisfyer Monoflex White.
The rabbit encourages experimentation alone with a partner, and while the features might be a little more complicated than your average bullet vibe, it can be used in a multitude of ways to help you own your sexuality. We have the Rabbit to thank for changing the cultural commentary around sex toys for women and bringing the discussion into the daylight.