Novice butt plug users or those looking to upgrade their collection need to get one with the appropriate size. It could be the difference between an enjoyable and a disappointing experience. The fear of a larger size and what it entails is what keeps some folks from using butt plugs or anal sex toys altogether. Others learn the hard way. In this post, we discuss butt plug sizing and how to go about selecting the right size for your play preferences and experience level. You will discover that many terms and aspects to consider including diameter, insertable length, material, flared base, set of progressive sizes, and working up gradually.
Table of Contents
Key Aspects of Sizing
Anal penetration is a little different than vaginal sex. Our anus does not lubricate like a vagina. The proper plug size and shape can increase or decrease safety, pleasure, and ease of insertion and removal. A plug that is too large or too small for your comfort or experience level is a recipe for a painful, damaging experience or one you do not want to repeat. You want a butt plug that is snug and pleasurable but not uncomfortable. The size of the toy is most important. A good fitting butt plug should feel fuller without straining. It is not uncommon to be full but not over-stretched. As noted before, all butt plugs should have a flared or widened base. This is how it should come from the factory. Some are tapered while others are more jewel shaped. Never purchase a butt plug without a safety feature like a flared base. The base will prevent it from slipping in too far where it cannot be retrieved. This is the most important feature to pay attention to when considering a butt plug.
Size Chart and Measurements
Diameter is the width of the plug measured at the thickest point, which is also called the width. It will be represented on product descriptions as in inches or millimeters. Most butt plugs have diameters that range from half an inch (1.27 cm) to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) or more. Beginners are suggested to start with plugs around half an inch to one-inch diameter. Intermediate sizes are ones that are 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54 to 3.81 cm) wide. Advanced users are the ones who can use plugs over one and a half inches. Insertable length is the length of the plug that will be inside your body. Beginner plugs are usually 2.5 to 4 inches (6.35 to 10.16 cm) long, while intermediate toys are between 3.5 to 5 inches (8.89 to 12.7 cm). Advanced butt plugs can be even longer. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need an over-sized toy. You can feel very full and stretched from a smaller plug if it is bulbous or weighted.
Plug Shape
The size of a butt plug is also a factor in shape and design. The form of the toy will affect how it feels during insertion, wear, and removal. The tip or end of the plug is most important. Bulbed tips are considered most suitable for beginners. A bulb gives the feeling of being full. You may prefer plugs with multiple bulbs which provide more stimulation as you move. A tapered tip, which is smaller than the base, is also recommended for beginners. Some butt plugs have slim necks, which are inserted easily. This is a design feature that helps you retain the toy during wear. Once inserted, the slim neck allows your body to hold the plug in place with less struggle or discomfort. This is especially desirable for longer wear. The base is always flared or T-bar to prevent slippage during wear or removal. There are variations of shapes within the same design. A base can be T-bar or round or jewel shaped.
Shape options are available for the stem or neck portion. Stick is the most basic, which means it has a uniform diameter from end to end. Flat, flared, or curved is another option. Choose a flat or narrow flared base if your preferences involve more discreet or longer wear time. Textured base with ridges, bumps, or nubs provide added stimulation. However, these are better for more advanced or experienced users since the extra features make insertion and removal a little more difficult.
Start Small & Work Your Way Up
If you are a newbie to anal stimulation, it is best to start small and work your way up over time. Do not make the mistake many make of beginning with a plug size that is too large or ambitious. They are alluring and appealing but they are going to cause overstretching, potential for tearing or loss of confidence if you are not ready. The opposite is true for someone who has tried a little too much too fast. You are bound to feel defeated or want to avoid all sizes and styles. Start small and remain consistent with a short wear time until your body adjusts. Once you are ready for a new experience, go up a size and start again. You can find many options that come in sets of three to five. Each is a little larger than the last and are often recommended for beginners or people new to a certain style of butt plug.
Material and Safety
The material used to make the butt plug will also affect how the toy feels as well as the ease of cleaning. Silicone is the best material for butt plugs. Silicone toys are body-safe and hypoallergenic, easy to clean, durable, and are soft but firm. Silicone also feels great as it warms to your body temperature and provides consistent pressure. Hard plastic, glass, and metal butt plugs are also body-safe and ideal for those who want intense sensations and temperature play. These hard materials provide a slick feel but a solid pressure that can be overwhelming due to the lack of give. These plugs are recommended for intermediate or advanced users. Jelly and TPE are other materials but they are porous and not always body-safe. Check the packaging for assurance of phthalate-free. If you are not sure, then use a condom over the toy.
Be sure to always use toys that are made from body-safe materials and are non-porous. Do not purchase toys without clear identification of the materials or toys that are of unknown brand. Cheap knockoffs from third party vendors should also be avoided. Inferior materials increase your risk of infection, tearing, irritation, and physical damage.
Measure Yourself
You do not have to eyeball it or guesstimate your starting size. You can use your fingers to measure a proper starting size. One finger is about 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in diameter and two fingers inserted side by side are around 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches (3.17 to 3.81 cm) depending on the size of your hand. If one finger is comfortable you may want to start with a plug that is one inch in diameter. If you can easily fit two fingers then you may be able to go one and a half inches. Move at a pace that is comfortable for you. Remember to always warm-up and never force a toy.
Use Enough Lubricant
Lubrication is crucial. Lubricant minimizes the risk of tears or friction during insertion, wear, or removal. The anus does not self lubricate like a vagina. Use a quality lube and apply it to the toy and yourself liberally. Apply more as necessary during use. We recommend water-based lubricants as they are compatible with all materials and easy to clean. Silicone lube should only be used if the packaging of the butt plug indicates it is safe to use with silicone lube.
Safety
Safety is of paramount importance during all types of play. When choosing a butt plug, there are certain features to pay attention to. The base is most important. As noted above, it should be flared to prevent the toy from being lost inside the rectum. Another safety feature is smooth seams. The surface of a body-safe butt plug should be free of sharp edges or rough areas. Mold lines can be smoothed with mild dish soap or abrasive-free cleanser. Check your plug before use and discard it if you find any rough or jagged edges. Avoid toys that are made from porous materials or are not labeled as body-safe. Quality is also very important and goes hand-in-hand with safety. Cheap toys from questionable sellers will not last long and may break or cause damage during use. They are also more likely to cause infection. Choose quality, brand-name items from reputable vendors and stores.
Plug Wear and Comfort
We previously discussed wear time during plug selection. If you plan to wear it for longer periods of time such as during extended foreplay, light physical activities such as household chores or even discreet public wear, then you will want to consider ergonomic plugs with a long slim neck. The base should also be shaped in a way that is comfortable and designed to sit comfortably inside you without sliding or falling out prematurely. The base will often be flared or flat with a slim neck. A beginner should wear a plug no longer than 15 to 30 minutes. As you become more experienced, your time will increase to 1-3 hours. Weighted butt plugs or vibrating models may not be suitable for all-day wear as they may be too stimulating or bulky.
Gender and Anatomy
Anal play is for everyone regardless of gender identity or anatomy. People with prostates will want to pay special attention to plugs that provide upward or internal pressure toward the front wall. Prostate stimulation can be greatly increased by targeting the gland. Prostate pleasure plugs are often curved and include vibration for optimal stimulation. Men or women without a prostate will still enjoy feeling full and having pressure on the perineum. Experimenting with a partner or during self play is the best way to find out what feels best.
When To Move Up In Size
A key sign you can move up in size is a sense of ease. A plug that currently fits you comfortably should slip in and out with little resistance. Wearing it for extended periods is easy with no discomfort or pain. Craving something a little bigger, heavier or a more intense feeling is also a sign you can try a bigger toy. Your body is unique and while some users will move up in size faster, others will need more time or effort. Never feel the need to skip a size to get to the ideal diameter or insertable length you want. Make the transition slowly and allow your body to adjust at each level. Increase wear time as you feel comfortable.
Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid include the failure to warm up. Start with your fingers or a smaller toy. Skipping lubricant is another common error as it increases the risk of tearing and friction during insertion and removal. You may also ignore the base of the toy. As stated before, the plug must have a flared or wider base to prevent it from getting lost inside. Purchase the wrong material for your needs and experience level, which can lead to infection or irritation. Always check the label and clean a plug before use to make sure it is safe to use. The last mistake is overestimating your body’s ability to handle an oversized toy. Just because you enjoy using other toys or have been penetrated vaginally does not mean your body is ready for a two-inch plug with a heavy glass base.
Conclusion
The right butt plug size for you is one you are comfortable with. This is especially true for beginners or people with little or no anal penetration experience. Start small, with a three-quarters to one-inch diameter and a short insertable length of about two and a half to three and a half inches. Focus on other key factors such as material, shape, and overall comfort. Be sure to always use plenty of lubricant. Warm up and never skip the safety features of a good plug, including the flared base. Work up slowly and be mindful of your body and needs when it is time to move up in size. Choose a higher quality plug in the next diameter up. Advance slowly so you can gain more confidence. This will allow you to experiment with other features like vibrating or textured butt plugs in your preferred size.
