Anatomy of a Strap-On

Let's take a deep dive into the functional anatomy of strap-on harnesses. 

One thing we know for sure, folks of all backgrounds, interests and genders enjoy using penetrative toys hands-free. This is what makes strap-ons enduring best-sellers and so widely popular among a huge diversity of users! 

First Focus:

Traditional Harnesses.
Learn the parts that make it all work!

O-Ring:
The O-ring is vital to the function of the strap-on harness because this is the feature that secures the dildo for hands-free use. The O-ring should generally fit the circumference of the toy you plan to use (it doesn't have to be exact, but the better the match the better). 

Fastener:
Some mechanism for holding the O-ring will present on the vast majority of harnesses. In this case pictured here, it's snaps. You may also find velcro or the O-ring might also be permanently sewn in.

Driver's Pad / Centerpiece:
This is the central section of material that is located over the wearer's crotch area. Typically, as is pictured here, the waist straps and leg straps are centrally affixed to this Centerpiece. This area provides lots of aesthetic enrichment and balances the dildo against the wearer's body.

Leg Strap:
Leg straps will be adjustable to accommodate varying leg sizes. You will want your leg straps to fit snug around your bottom at whatever angle is most comfortable for you! Note that many harnesses have leg strap slides (see illustration below) that make changing the angle the straps traverse your backside totally adjustable. Use this feature to create the most comfortable and flattering lines! 

Waist Size Adjustment:
Here is where you can secure the harness around your hips/ low waist. Please note, the vast majority of harnesses are not designed to fit around the natural waistline. Most are worn significantly lower than that so that the base of the dildo is in line with the wearer's pubic bone. Utilizing the dildo for thrusting from this position is much more ergonomic because you can use hip thrusting vs. lower back flexing to create the most pleasurable movements. 

Second Focus:

Strap-On Harness Variations.

There are many kinds of harnesses- all with pros/cons that might make one a much better option than another for any given user!

Traditional Harness: 
These are of the type you have already seen illustrated here. These harnesses are primarily defined by the fact that they have waist-straps and leg straps that connect to a Centerpiece. That Centerpiece then utilizes a Fastener of some sort (typically snaps or Velcro®) to secure the O-ring. While these harnesses may be made with a variety of different materials and have different cosmetic features- they all function the same way. 

Convertible Harness:
These harnesses might, at first glance, look very similar to at Traditional Harness but there is one important difference. The waist straps and leg straps connect directly to the O-ring and bypass the Centerpiece (which in this case is more often referred to as the "Driver's Pad").

As a practical matter this might be advantageous for a couple reasons: 

1. The limitations of the size dildo you can use are only limited by the size of your O-ring and NOT limited in any way by the size of the hole in the Centerpiece or the placement of the Fasteners that actually hold in the O-ring on a Traditional Harness. 

2. When the waist straps and leg straps are connected directly to the O-ring, there is one less degree of separation between the harness wearer and the dildo (remember, this design bypasses the Centerpiece). Many users experience a feeling of better control and unison between themselves and the dildo. 

Another important feature of the Convertible Harnesses to note is that some DO come with a "Driver's Pad" and others leave that off completely. Typically, the Driver's Pad is removable regardless. This allows users to play with double-dildos or dildos with contoured bases designed to pleasure the vulva area of some harness wearers. 

Underwear Style Harness:
Perhaps the easiest to care for and put on/take off are these underwear-style strap-on harnesses. For folks that don't want to fuss with straps, these could be your new go-to option. Available in a wide variety of sizes and styles from briefs & boxer-briefs, to lingerie-inspired looks, these harnesses are definitely tempting! 

It is vital that users purchase the correct size to best fit though because there is typically no adjustability! Each Underwear Style Harness listing includes an accurate, manufacturer-supplied size chart. Take the time to get current and accurate measurements to reference against the size charts. This way you can be confident you are purchasing the best size for you! 

Third Focus

Other Harness Attributes To Consider

Besides the functional anatomy of strap-on harnesses there are other important attributes you may want to consider as well. These are the most commonly asked about:

Material:
Harnesses are typically made from leather, natural fiber fabric, synthetic fabrics or a combination thereof. Your choice will be of more or less importance based on your needs for vegan products and/or based on your preferences for cleaning options and durability. Be sure to read the product care and attributes sections of each product listing! 

Budget:
Many of the Convertible Harnesses are made from synthetic fabrics and they tend to be very affordable! Many of the Sportsheets® brand Convertible Harnesses are great quality, extremely size adjustable, and sell for around thirty dollars. 

Many Traditional Harnesses are handmade by artisan leather workers and these command a higher price generally speaking. Similarly, many of the Underwear Style are likewise sewn in the US by craftspeople and therefore they too command a higher retail price. 

No matter which options you choose at Smitten Kitten (budget-friendly or splurge-worthy) we promise they will ALL work well and are each functionally sound and a great value for what you are getting! 

Size/Fit:
The fact is that bodies vary widely in not only size but also proportion. Not all harnesses will work well on all bodies regardless of the garment's level of adjustability. That's why we specifically stock harnesses designed for Plus-size and large bodies. Be sure to consult the size charts and, when in doubt, contact us! Our Sex Educator Sales Associates are great and we can help you find the right harness for YOU! 

Fourth Focus

Choose The Dildos You Want To Use in Your Harness

If you are like most folks, you will want to have a few different harness compatible dildos on hand. Let's just say, it's better to have the dildo you want (or your partner wants/needs) when you want it, because the alternative is pretty disappointing! 

Compatibility:
When it comes to choosing dildos for use in a strap-on harness the first priority to consider is compatibility. For a dildo to be useful in any of the above harness-types it will need to have a flared based that is sturdy enough to hold it in place with a well-fitting O-ring.

In addition to observing if the base is flared, you can find out if a particular dildo is harness compatible by reading the product description and attributes in each listing! If you are ever unsure or have a specific question, just contact us! 

Length:
Length is extra-important when it comes to using a dildo hands-free in a strap-on harness.

Here's why: When you harness a dildo you loose (at least) .5" to an 1" of usable depth! That means a 6" long dildo is practically only good for 5" of insertable use! By the time you add bellies, bottoms, angles of penetration and other variables- a dildo that is the perfect length for hand-held use is suddenly way too short!

Using a dildo that is too short will greatly increase the likelihood that it will accidentally slip out during use. We'd suggest erring on the little-bit-longer than you would generally consider when purchasing dildos for use in strap-ons. 

Girth:
If you or your partner are beginners with penetration (or with strap-on based penetration), it is a very common mistake to purchase dildos that are a little too girthy. Our best advice: When in doubt or waffling between two size options, go for the narrower one.

If you want to learn more about dildos specifically, read our blog, "Smitten Kitten's Hassle-Free Guide to Dildos."