Dildo Buying Guide: Materials, Sizes & Suction Cups

A dildo is one of the simplest toys there is — no motor, no batteries — yet the choices around material, size and base shape make a real difference to how one suits you. This guide walks through those choices in plain language so you can pick a first dildo (or a better next one) with confidence. Nothing here is explicit; it is practical buying advice.

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What a dildo is (and is not)

A dildo is a non-vibrating toy designed for internal stimulation. Because there is no motor, everything about the experience comes from its material, shape, size and base — which is exactly why those four things are worth understanding before you buy. You can see the full spread of styles in the dildos collection; the notes below will help you make sense of it.

Material: the first decision

Material affects feel, firmness, cleaning and lifespan, so start here.

• Body-safe silicone is the most popular choice: non-porous, body-warming, with a little give that many find comfortable and lifelike. It is easy to clean and lasts for years. Pair it with a water-based lube, as silicone lube can degrade a silicone surface over time.
• Glass (borosilicate) is non-porous, firm and smooth, and takes temperature well — it can be gently warmed or cooled. The glass dildos range shows how sleek and easy-care glass can be, and it works with any lube.
• Stainless steel is non-porous, firm and weighty, offering a very different, substantial sensation and near-indestructible durability.

Avoid porous jelly or novelty blends for something you will use internally and keep long-term — they cannot be fully sterilised.

Size: aim lower than you think

Size is where first-time buyers most often overspend on the wrong toy. A few honest pointers:

• Girth matters more than length for most people's comfort. A slimmer toy is far more beginner- friendly than a long one.
• Start modest. It is easy to size up once you know what you enjoy, and much harder to enjoy a toy that is too much, too soon.
• Consider firmness alongside size. A softer silicone toy of a given size feels more forgiving than a rigid glass or steel one of the same measurements.
• Read the full dimensions, not just the headline length — insertable length and diameter tell the real story.

Whatever the size, take it slowly and use plenty of lube. Comfort is the whole point.

The base: this is what unlocks how you can use it

The base is easy to overlook and genuinely changes what a dildo can do:

• A flared or suction-cup base lets the toy stand on a flat, smooth surface for hands-free play. Suction-cup dildos stick to tiles, a wall, the floor or the base of a shower, which opens up positions your hands alone cannot.
• A harness-compatible base (usually a flared design) works with a strap-on harness for partnered play. If shared use appeals, the strap-ons collection covers the harness side of that.
• A simple tapered base is fine for handheld use and is common on glass and beginner toys.

If you are unsure, a flared or suction-cup base is the most versatile, because it covers both hands-free and (with the right harness) partnered use.

Shape and texture

Beyond size, dildos vary in shape:

• Straight and smooth designs are the simplest and a sensible first choice.
• Curved designs are angled to reach internal areas some people particularly enjoy.
• Textured designs add ridges or contours for extra sensation — often better appreciated once you know your preferences.
• Realistic designs mimic anatomy; abstract designs do not. This is purely down to taste.

Lube and care, briefly

• Use a water-based lube with silicone (silicone lube can degrade it); glass and steel work with any lube.
• Wash before and after use with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, then air-dry fully.
• Store non-porous dildos in their own pouch, away from heat and sunlight.

A quick way to choose your first

Choose a non-porous material, start smaller than you expect, and pick the base that matches how you want to use it. Get those three right and a dildo is one of the most straightforward, satisfying toys to own.

Frequently asked questions

What size dildo should a beginner buy?

Start modest — girth matters more than length for comfort, and a slimmer toy is far more beginner- friendly. You can always size up later. Read the full insertable length and diameter rather than just the headline number.

What is the best material for a dildo?

Body-safe silicone is the most popular for its non-porous, body-warming, forgiving feel. Glass and stainless steel are also non-porous, firmer, and take temperature well. Avoid porous jelly for internal, long-term use.

What does a suction-cup dildo do?

A suction-cup base sticks to a flat, smooth surface — a wall, floor, tiles or the base of a shower — so the toy stays put for hands-free play. Many suction-cup bases are also flared, so they can double as harness-compatible.

Can I use any lube with a dildo?

With glass or steel, yes — any lube works. With silicone, use a water-based lube, because silicone lube can degrade a silicone toy's surface over time.

Curved or straight — which should I choose?

Straight, smooth designs are the simplest first choice. Curved designs are angled to reach internal areas some people particularly enjoy. If you are unsure, start straight and explore curves once you know your preferences.