Guest written by Rain Andersen (@wearenotfriends_) a veteran sworker with nine years in adult entertainment and five years working for Lovers.

Make every day a “Hump Day.”

QUICK LINK:

1. Dry Humping: The Trend Explained
2. The Definition of Grinding
3. What are Grinding Saddles?
4. How Do I Use a Grinding Pad?
5. The Best Sex Toys for Humping & Grinding

Dry Humping: A Trend Unraveled

Many people’s experiences with manual stimulation begin with grinding. This is a natural and healthy way that we develop an early understanding of sexual touch. In many people’s experiences, humping and grinding is quickly established as a sexual touch, and a safe way to explore new forms of intimacy. It can even lead to people’s first experience with orgasm.

The nostalgia that grinding products bring people offers some comfort in an era that feels plagued with uncertainty. It’s not uncommon for people to feel soothed by memories of their youth- particularly when these memories have a positive outcome. Companies have used nostalgia as a component of their branding in order to activate this feeling in consumers, as seen in products like Spotify Wrapped, the renaissance of vinyl records, and Y2K-inspired clothing.

While grinding products are relatively new to the industry, people have been humping and grinding on top of sex toys for decades. Magic wands and panty vibrators have long been favored for scootching and bootching across your mattress, but saddles and grinding pads have facilitated new ways to experience external pleasure- one that appeals to all bodies. 

What is Grinding?

Grinding is the process of rubbing and creating friction around the external areas of the genitals. Sometimes referred to as dry humping- grinding is characterized by someone who may pump their hips or press their lower body firmly against another individual or object.

What Are Grinding Saddles?

Grinders, saddles, and riders are just a few of the terms that have been used to describe this new and innovative style of sex toy. Products that fall under this category are designed for humping, rubbing, and grinding against. These external, and often two-dimensional products, appeal to all people- praised for their accessible and gender-neutral design. Many grinding products come equipped with a remote that allows users to control their device from close range.

Grinding toys can be used independently, as a form of foreplay, or in tandem with other external sex toys. When you look at grinding toys, you may notice that they incorporate curves, textures, and materials designed to let the body rock or bounce against its surface. These features help give a grinder its shape and hold it in place as you "ride."

How Do I Use a Grinding Pad?

While dry humping may not be an original concept, it is yet to be explored by many sex toy manufacturers. There have been many interpretations of grinding products- some of the most notable including Pelle Silicone Grinders, the Bump’n Joystick, and Banana Plant’s BumpHer Covers. From wearable panty vibrators to textured mats of jelly, their intended use is the same:

If you have a mat grinder, place it on a flat and sturdy surface. If you have a wearable grinder, fix it to the inside of your underwear. Mat-style grinders often require us to get onto our knees in order to support our movements. If you have this style of grinder, consider placing it on a piece of sex furniture like the Liberator Rocking Pulse Mount, that can keep this product elevated between your legs. Always remember to add support and cushion around and beneath your knees when using a grinding product. 

The Best Sex Toys for Humping and Grinding

Calexotic’s Lust Rider, ($150)

Ride to the finish line on this remote-control massager, contoured and textured with high-quality, body-safe silicone. This vibrating, waterproof, saddle features two, powerful motors, and 12 vibrating functions. Control each motor independently for a totally customized grinding experience, unlike anything you've experienced before.

Ruby Glow Grinder ($59)

The Ruby Glow offers a multitude of ways for riding yourself to orgasm. Made of body-safe silicone and ABS plastic, the Ruby Glow is strong and durable, while also lightweight and comfortable. Experience the full scope of this ride-on sex toy when you place the charging cradle on a sturdy surface and straddle the Ruby Glow. Held in place by your pubic bone, the vibrating pads are driven by dual motors delivering deep rumbling stimulation where you need it most. 

Wear your pleasure anywhere with the We-Vibe Moxie. This beautifully designed panty vibe offers discreet vibrations for the ultimate hands-free play! The Moxie fits perfectly in the lining of your panties with a magnetic clip that holds it in place, no matter what activities are in store! The deep, rumbly vibes can be controlled with a remote or phone app. Hand control over to your partner and they can enjoy cycling through the 10 vibration settings to find what will take you to nirvana!

Slay Vibrator,($42)

The Slay Vibrator is a palm sized sex toy designed with pleasurable ridges and flexible wings. Offering over 10 powerful settings, the Slay Vibrator can be laid over the vulva or placed at the base of the penis for a leg quivering experience. Ambiguous, versatile, and travel-friendly, the Slay Vibrator is a fan-favorite, made from velvety body-safe silicone.

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Further Readings:

Dry Humping - The Good, The Bad, & The Ridiculous: Mel Magazine
A Woman’s Ode to Dry Humping: Urban Daddy
Why Nostalgia is the Megatrend of 2020: Screenshot

WITH PLEASURE,

LOVERS