When it comes to pleasure, nipples are often overlooked, yet they are a source of sexual enjoyment for a lot of people. In one study, it was found that around 52% of men and 82% of women found nipple stimulation arousing.
In the evolving landscape of sex tech, nipples are finally getting the attention they deserve, with innovative designs and smart technologies transforming how we experience nipple stimulation.
Despite their long-standing history and the variety of available options, nipple tech remains a largely untapped area of pleasure. This category of sex toys offers something for everyone, from the curious beginner to the seasoned enthusiast.
So let’s demystify these toys and delve into the all-important health and safety, helping you to take your nipple play to new pleasurable heights.
Why use a nipple clamp?
While it might seem pretty obvious to some, it’s important to consider all of the benefits and reasons you may want to use nipple clamps.
“The nipples are a common erogenous zone regardless of someone’s sex or gender,” says Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Fleshy and AASECT-certified sex educator and sex/love coach.
“There are many different ways to stimulate the nipples. Some people who are more sensitive enjoy gentle grazing or licking, while some like squeezing, pinching, sucking, or even biting. Nipple clamps are more for the latter group, who like firm nipple stimulation or even pain — although some are adjustable so that there’s as little squeezing as possible,” Weiss added.
Weiss explains that nipple clamps can be used to create a sensation for users to get off on; play a part in a dom/sub power dynamic; and provide a pleasurable visual.
Dr. Warisha Fathima of Allo Health, a sexual health clinic in India, says, “Using nipple clamps can significantly enhance sexual arousal and pleasure, especially for those who enjoy sensory play. The pressure and slight pain can increase endorphin levels, offering a pleasurable experience. Nipple clamps can be a playful addition to foreplay or sexual intercourse, offering a different kind of stimulation. For those into BDSM, the use of clamps can also fulfill a psychological thrill of pain and pleasure dynamics.”
There are many reasons to use nipple clamps, including the fact that they can allow us to explore “hands-free nipple play,” says sexologist Carol Queen.
With effective nipple stimulation and arousal, one can enhance their experience of orgasm, or even achieve nipple-induced orgasms.
Whether looking for a new way to play or increase your pleasure, nipple clamps can be a great addition to the toolbox.
Nipple clamp history
Before we dive into today’s clamps, let’s look back to see where, when, and how they started.
“Historically, the use of nipple clamps can be traced back to various cultural and medical practices where they were used to stimulate endorphins for pain relief or arousal,” explains Dr. Olivia Lee, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and relationship scholar specializing in the integration of sexuality and technology at Doll Authority.
“In the late 1700s, they were described in a book written by the French author, Marquis de Sade where he depicted their use with other sex toys in BDSM experiences,” added Suki Dunham founder and CEO of OhMiBod.
“Historically, [nipple clamps] have roots in BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism) cultures, where they were utilized for pain play and sensory stimulation. Over time, their acceptance has grown, and they are now a popular tool for varied sexual experiences, not confined to any single community,” said Dr. Fathima.
Nipple clamp design & technology
People have played with these tools for a long time now, so how are today’s models designed?
Many design elements go into nipple clamps, and while all bodies, regardless of gender, have nipples, “it is important to understand that all nipples are not created equal. Some are big, some are small, so it is important to design the product to accommodate different bodies,” said Dunham. Not to mention, each person may have different levels of sensitivity.
The cornerstone of the best nipple clamps is the ability to tailor to an individual’s body.
When designing nipple clamps, the team at Lovense makes sure that its nipple products are “able to fit as many users as possible,” says another representative for Lovense.
The company also prioritizes “adjustable tightness for different preferences,” and they make clamps that don’t fall off and offer features such as being “app controlled for more possibilities,” the rep added.
Things to look out for
Dr. Fathima walks us through what buyers should look for in a new pair of nipple clamps.
Materials: You should choose clamps made from non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials like stainless steel, silicone, or nickel-free metals. Hypoallergenic, non-porous materials help reduce the risk of infection by not promoting the growth of bacteria.
Adjustability: You want to ensure the clamps have adjustable settings so that you (and your partner/s) can control the pressure, avoiding discomfort or potential harm.
Comfort: Look for clamps with padding or rubber tips to protect the skin and enhance comfort during use.
Dr. Lee added that anyone interested in nipple toys should also consider “any special features such as vibrations or connectivity options” as it’s important “that [they] allow for precise control over pressure, to suit personal tolerance and safety.”
Different types of nipple clamps
Dr. Fathima and Weiss explain there are six main types of nipple clamps:
- Clothes-pin-style. This type is made of metal and mainly for advanced users who like more intense stimulation.
- Tweezer clamps are the most common and adjustable type.
- Clover clamps are known for a very firm grip and are generally more painful.
- Magnetic clamps are also intense because they use magnets to bring the ends together. These are best for advanced users. Dr. Fathima added that some magnetic clamps can be “gentler than other types … [and] easy to use.”
- Alligator clamps. This type can have a more intense grip and are usually used by those who have some experience. They often have rubber tips to protect the skin.
- Adjustable Clamps. These are great for beginners because it’s easy to control the pressure. These toys typically come with screws or sliders to adjust the tightness.
| Clamp Style | Adjustability | Material | Intensity | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes Pin |
None | Metal |
Medium to High | Moderate | Experienced users |
| Tweezer |
High | Metal/Silicone |
Medium | Simple | Beginners & Intermediate |
| Clover |
None | Metal |
High | Moderate | Experienced users |
| Magnetic |
Moderate | Metal |
Medium to High | Very Simple | Intermediate & Advanced |
| Alligator |
Moderate | Metal/Rubber |
High | Moderate | Experienced users |
| Adjustable |
High | Various | Low to High Adjustable | Very Simple | Beginners |
Safety considerations
Before we jump into some of the most titillating nipple clamps on the market, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about health and safety, in particular, electric stimulation.
“Stimulation should ONLY be applied below the waist…As electro stimulation involves passing an electrical current through the body, it’s not safe to play anywhere near the heart or head as it could interfere with their natural electrical rhythms,” explains Claire Blakeborough with Cyrex Ltd and ElectraStim.
“Running a current across the chest, as would be the case with nipple play, is especially risky as it directly stimulates the heart area. As such, in order to ensure everyone’s safety, ElectraStim does not recommend electro nipple play,” Blakeborough added.
So if you’re looking for electric stimulation, make sure to follow safety guidelines and avoid electric nipple play.
Other nipple clamp safety measures often depend on the type of clamp being used.
“If the user is wearing clamps that restrict blood flow to the nipple then they should be worn for a limited amount of time,” said Dunham. “Some recommend no more than 10 minutes at a time, however some people may think 30 seconds is all that makes sense for them.”
To finish off our safety lesson, Dr. Fathima explains that in order to avoid injuries users should:
- Start gently to gauge tolerance levels. Start with less pressure and increase gradually.
- Not leave clamps on for too long (generally no more than 10-15 minutes) to avoid nerve damage.
- Immediately remove them if there is excessive pain or discomfort.
- Always use nipple clamps consensually, ensuring all parties are comfortable with their use.
“When removing clamps of any kind, the clamps should be removed by opening them up and removing them. It is not recommended that you tug or pull them off,” added Dunham.
How to introduce nipple clamps to a partner
“If you are planning on using nipple clamps with a partner, I would recommend first using them on yourself,” suggested Weiss. “Use them with different levels of firmness, figuring out what feels best for you, and experiment with combining them with different sensations.”
Weiss advises to “see how it feels when you have the nipple clamps on while touching your clitoris or running your hands over your breasts. Adding lube to the nipple clamps is also great for helping them slide on more easily and feel more comfortable.”
Once you’ve tested what you like, you can communicate that to your partner.
Today’s most innovative nipple clamps
Now that we know what to look for and how to use nipple clamps, here are a few of today’s most innovative options.
Lovense Gemini
With these clamps, consenting public play is the name of the game.After researching the nipple clamp market, “we decided to design a product to be adjustable for different sizes and clamp tightness,” Carrie G. with Lovense said.
“From user requests, public play with this type of toy was a commonly mentioned usage scenario, so we tried to craft the design to suit this request. We included a bra clip as well as a string necklace so the user has options.”
“You could also sync to your favorite music,” a Lovense representative added. Talk about feeling the music. “Users can sync to their favorite songs via the Lovense Remote App, and at the same time, Gemini can be long-distance controlled, so it’s perfect for the couple play too.”
By researching and hearing out consumers like you, the Lovense team created these clamps that encapsulate innovation and adjustability.
Ohmibod Sphinx Vibrating Nipple Clamps
App-controllable and vibrating? Say no more.Dunham offered insight into the design of these bad boys, “We wanted these not only to have the features needed to function correctly for their intended use case, but we also wanted them to feel sensual and stylish like a piece of jewelry…something you might slip on after you put on a sexy piece of lingerie for example.”
This state-of-the art toy is the epitome of look good, feel good.
“Sphinx not only has a different approach relating to how it is worn since we designed it to be worn like a piece of jewelry, but it is also App-controlled making nipple play a possibility for people even when they are physically apart since the Sphinx can be controlled from anywhere,” Dunham added.
With these, pleasure knows no bounds. Although miles apart, you and your partner are as connected as ever.
Lovehoney Tease Me Adjustable Nipple Clamps
These clamps are “good for beginners because they’re very adjustable, with the loosest setting allowing them to go around your nipples with you barely feeling anything, and they’re coated in plenty of silicone so that they’re soft and comfortable. The hearts on the ends are also cute,” said Weiss.
This option is a safe and comfortable way to spice things up. At your own pace, you can slowly but surely build up intensity if that’s what you want. With great adjustability comes great pleasure.
Nipple and Clit Clamp – Unbound Babes
This clamp combo offers a new level of stimulation, minus the tech, it honors comfort and adjustability with silicone clamp tips and a clasp to easily detach the bottom portion from the top.
It’s affordable, adjustable, and sexy. What’s not to love?
Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps
This option provides a fantastic vibrating and adjustable experience. If this is the sort of stimulation you’re looking for, then you found it.
They are not app-controlled but prove themselves as an affordable and equally pleasurable choice.
Heated Vibrating Nipple Teasers
These clamps bring the heat. Heated, vibrating, and adjustable, this option is a triple threat suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
“Heated nipple clamps add an additional sensory dimension by incorporating warmth, which can intensify feelings of pleasure. They are particularly favored by those who enjoy varied sensory inputs, enhancing the overall erotic experience,” Dr. Lee added.
Embracing the pleasurable world of nipple clamps
There are a plethora of options out there. “While today’s market offers a variety of nipple clamps with advanced features, the core purpose remains the same: to enhance sexual pleasure through sensory play,” Dr. Fathima reminds us.
Get to know yourself, your body, and the sensations you want to experience. You are empowered to use any sort of nipple clamp or none at all, but always go back to consent and communication.
“As with any sexual activity, mutual consent, communication, and precaution should guide your choices… This conversation is not just about understanding a product but embracing the diverse ways individuals explore pleasure and intimacy safely and healthily,” Dr. Fathima added.
With a foundation of mutual understanding and clarity, we can explore what the world of nipple clamps has to offer.
“Nipple clamps were an interesting sex toy category to tackle. I think this category has been overlooked in general for a while now,” Dunham said.
With this information, you can buy your own set of nipple clamps tailored to your wants and place in your sexual exploration journey. Yes, innovative options are intriguing, but it might be best to warm up to clamps with a more basic pair.
We can grow alongside innovation, but we have to plant the seed first and tend to it. Let’s not drown a seedling in buckets of water. Let’s tend to our bodies and train ourselves to grow at a slow and pleasurable rate.
So go forth, and clamp up.
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