Never underestimate the power of nipple play — it rarely disappoints.
“We’re so programmed to think the pelvic zone is best for sex,” explains Dr Holly Richmond, a somatic psychologist and certified sex therapist, but there are so many benefits to bringing in other areas—namely your breasts—to the pants party. Research shows that stimulating multiple body areas at once — for example, your clitoris, cervix and yes, nipples — lights up an area of the brain that heightens all of the individual sensations you feel. The result? A stronger, more colourful orgasm.
What’s more, orgasming vaginally isn’t a breeze for everyone. If you’re dealing with a painful condition (such as endometriosis), heaps of stress, or trauma, showing love to your nipples — a major erogenous zone covered in super-sensitive nerve endings — can be a preferred way to get off. You can also nix the performance pressure that often comes with fixating on what’s between your legs, says Richmond. Twisting, rubbing, clamping, pulling, or nibbling (by a partner, of course) your nipples can even lead to a standalone nipple orgasm that won’t disappoint. Trouble in the O department or not, nipple play during sex is your chance to double your pleasure and your fun.
Sounds like your kinda romp? Thought so. Read on for the best sex positions for nipple play, to treat your girls like the stars that they are. They’re so much more than a supporting role — now show ’em some love.
This position is a prime choice if you want to get a good rub on your nipples, says Richmond. When you touch your chest to your partner’s, your nipples will graze theirs as you thrust or grind on their lap. Working with a height difference? No problem. Take advantage of it by having your partner suck on your nipples if their face meets up with your chest instead.
Do It: Your partner sits on a chair or the edge of the bed; you face them, seated on their lap.
2 Doggy Style
If you haven’t banked on a rear-entry sex position and having your partner reach around to play with your nipples, you’ve been missing out. Next time you give it a go, have your partner gently flick your nipples or massage them with oil or lube.
Do It: Get on all fours, then have your partner kneel behind you, with their upper body straight up or slightly draped over you.
3 Pretzel Dip
“Side-lying positions are great for nipple play,” says Richmond. For this move in particular, she suggests reaching down and stimulating your own nipples. You might even experiment with temperature by rubbing ice on your nips, or keep it simple by gently twisting them. And if your partner can handle multiple duties at once, since you’re face-to-face, tell them how you’d like them to take over.
Do It: Lie on your left side; your partner kneels, straddling your left leg and curling your right leg around their right side.
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4 G-Whiz
If you want to stimulate your nipples but also want to focus on other erogenous zones at the same time, give the G-Whiz a whirl. How, you ask? Grab some nipple clamps and latch them on so you can reach down and stimulate your clitoris with your hands instead.
Do It: Lie back with your legs resting on each of your partner’s shoulders.
5 Cowgirl
Since this position frees up your hands, take the opportunity to get a little more adventurous. Try attaching tape to your nipples and peeling it off as your arousal starts to surge. Or to show your partner’s nipples some love, reach down and stimulate theirs with a feather tickler.
Do It: You kneel on top, pushing off your partner’s chest and sliding up and down their thighs. You can relieve some of your weight from their pelvis by leaning back and supporting yourself on their thighs.
6 The Caboose
This one’s a little advanced, Richmond warns. But if you can handle it, opt for The Caboose so you and your partner stimulate your own nipples.
If solo stuff isn’t for you two, have your partner reach around and lightly graze their fingernails against your nipples instead. They might even reach down to stimulate your clitoris with one hand and your nips with the other. Just make sure you’re both leaning up against a headboard or wall so you can keep your balance.
Do It: They sit on a bed or a chair; you back yourself into their lap and spoon each other while seated.
READ MORE: What Is Orgasm Denial? Sex Experts Explain 5 Ways To Try This Type Of Power Play
7 Scoop Me Up
This is a move you can whip out any time of the day, but it’s a great one for morning sex. If you and your partner are just waking up but want to get it on before work, start off with some nipple play to get each other going. Reach around to grab onto your partner’s nipple and help get them in the mood for the main event. It’s an incredible male erogenous zone, too.
Do It: Both of you lie on your sides, facing the same direction. You bring your knees up slightly while your partner slides up behind you.
8 The Chairman
Take this position to a chair so you can both lean back on something and use your hands, well, everywhere. A few ideas: Use one hand to stimulate your partner’s perineum, the area between their penis and anus (or their clitoris, if your partner is female) with one hand, and use the other to stimulate their nipples or your own. You could also have your partner massage one or both breasts as you ride them. This position promises a whole medley of pleasure that will have you coming back to this move again and again.
Do It: Your partner sits on the edge of the bed and you sit on them, facing away.
9 Spork
Richmond’s all about this position, since you and your partner can easily play with each other’s nipples simultaneously with your free hands. Plus, if you bring your chests close enough, the movement from grinding or thrusting will cause your nipples to rub against your partner’s, freeing up your hands. That allows you to run your fingers through your partner’s hair or pull them in for a kiss.
Do It: While you lie on your back, raise your right leg so they can position their body between your legs at a 90-degree angle and enter you. Your legs will form the tines of a spork.
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10 Table Top
The Table Top position guarantees nipple play will be exactly what you want, since it’s ideal for pleasuring yourself. While your partner’s busy with your other half, go crazy on top. Use a small vibrator on your nipples, clamp them, or warm them up with some heated oil to make the massaging a little slicker. So. Many. Options.
Do It: You don’t have to do this one on a table — any surface that hits your partner at crotch height will do. Have them enter you or grind against you while you’re sitting or lying at the edge of a table, counter, or maybe even your bed.
This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com.
