Dildo guide: what they are made of, how much really goes in, and how to choose

If you're thinking of buying your first dildo or simply want to expand your collection, you're surely wondering what makes this toy so special. Dildos have long been one of the most versatile and beloved sex toys, capable of offering both internal and external pleasure. Their design is not limited to a single shape or size, meaning there's a perfect dildo for every taste and preference. Whether you're looking for something realistic, with exciting textures or a minimalist design, the options are almost endless.

When you think about the history of dildos, you'll be surprised to discover that their use dates back thousands of years. In the Hohle Fels cave, a 28,000-year-old siltstone phallus was found, demonstrating that the pursuit of pleasure is as old as humanity itself. In ancient Greece, olisbos were popular among women, showing that even then, female sexual pleasure was valued. This rich history tells us that dildos have not only been fundamental in the past but continue to evolve and adapt to modern needs.

Today, the sex toy market is booming. Dildos, as an essential part of this market, have seen innovations in materials, shapes, and functionalities that make them more accessible and attractive than ever.

When you choose a dildo, you're choosing a toy that has been tested and perfected over millennia. Whether you're looking for a companion for self-pleasure or to enjoy with a partner, dildos offer an experience of exploration and discovery that remains unparalleled in the world of sex toys. Remember that pleasure is personal and finding the right dildo is part of that exciting adventure.

There is a dildo for every taste, body, and level of experience. Here's a summary of the main types:

The measurement that decides the purchase, and the label it hides behind

This is the part of the page you will not find in another dildo guide, because it comes from counting our own catalogue listing by listing rather than repeating general advice. We sell 394 dildos in this store today and we opened all of them, field by field. Two things came out of it, and the first one is good news.

A dildo has two lengths, and most listings do not tell you which one you are getting

The total length is the whole object, tip to base. The insertable length is what actually goes in, and it is the one that decides whether the toy works for you. The difference is the base: the suction cup, the safety flare, the handle.

Of our 394 dildos, 104 publish a length and say it is the insertable one, and 103 publish a total length. 82 publish both, and in those the difference between the two is 3.5 cm on average, with cases up to 14.0.

And here is the large group, which is the one that matters: 174 listings publish a measurement without saying which of the two it is. It appears simply as "Measurements". So the commonest case in this category is not a missing number. It is a number that does not say what it measures.

The practical consequence is that 3.5 cm. A dildo advertised at twenty centimetres and one advertised at sixteen can be the same size inside, if the first is measuring the whole object and the second only the part that goes in.

Where the label is present you can rely on it, and that is worth explaining because it changed today. Our specification tables are no longer written by anyone: the system draws them from a per-product data registry with fixed keys, so when a listing says "Insertable length" it is because the value arrives labelled that way at source. While writing this page we found 171 listings where that word had been chosen by our own writing system rather than by the manufacturer, and they were corrected the same day.

And 95 publish no length at all

95 of our 394 dildos publish no measurement at all, and 75 publish no specification table of any kind. That is the other real gap, and it clusters in the listings that arrive as marketing copy rather than as structured data. If a product page shows you a photograph, a paragraph of adjectives and no measurement, that is what has happened, and the honest thing is to ask us rather than guess.

And the number arrives under nine different labels

If you have ever looked at the specification table on a product page you will have noticed the field is not always called the same thing. We counted nine names for the same two facts across this catalogue: insertable length, insertable dimensions, insertable size, insertable measurements, total length, measurements, length, size and diameter. They are not nine facts. They are two facts scattered across nine labels, and the label is the only thing telling you which of the two you are reading.

Nobody did this on purpose. It is what happens when product data from twenty manufacturers enters one catalogue through different routes and nobody unifies it. We mention it because it is our job and because knowing it lets you read any listing, ours and anyone else's: look at the field name before you look at the number.

Three units in the same category, and sometimes in the same field

The other thing that will catch you out is units. Our measurement fields carry centimetres, millimetres and inches, and a handful of listings carry two units in the same value, as in "13cm / 5". That last one is the same figure written twice, not a length and a width, and it is an easy misread: a listing that says 13 cm and 5 is not describing something five centimetres wide.

Millimetres are the ones to watch, because a value like "140 mm" looks small next to a neighbouring listing that says "18 cm" and is in fact almost the same size. And an inch measurement, "5.3 inches" or "4.5 Inch", is roughly two and a half times the number you are reading if you take it for centimetres. When two listings look wildly different in size, check that they are speaking the same unit before you conclude anything.

Diameter is the other number that decides, and in some ways it matters more than length. 119 of our 394 dildos publish it. If you are moving up from something else, diameter is what to look at: a couple of centimetres of extra length are barely noticeable, and half a centimetre of extra width is very noticeable indeed. The table below sorts both figures by material.

The same 394 listings, sorted by which LABEL carries the number they publish. The median difference can only be computed on the ones that publish both, and it is exactly the margin of error you carry when you compare a listing that gives the total against one that gives the insertable.

The supplier's carton, dressed up as a specification

One more thing about measurements, because it is worth learning to spot and it is not unique to us: you will see the same on almost any shop in the sector.

For a long time 309 of our listings published a dimensions field that did not describe the toy: it described the carton it arrives in. A value like 115x75x300 mm is the packaging, passed straight from the supplier's data file into a field that looks exactly like a specification.

That is now fixed, and it is worth saying so: today those 309 listings publish that value under its own label, "Packaging dimensions", separate from the measurements of the product. Same number as before, no longer in disguise. We mention it because the pattern is alive on almost every shop in the sector and now you can spot it: three numbers separated by an x in millimetres are a box, not a toy.

And a consequence you can see in the figures above: once the carton stops being counted as if it were the product, the real measurement gap in this category becomes visible, and it is 95 listings out of 394 with no measurement at all.

The materials on our shelf, counted one by one

Nearly every dildo guide in circulation says the same thing about materials: silicone good, glass good, PVC bad, avoid it. It is a table that gets copied from site to site, and it has an obvious problem when a shop publishes it, which is that we sell several of the materials that table tells you to avoid. So instead of repeating it we counted our own shelf, and what comes out is both more useful and more honest than a traffic light.

The distinction that actually matters is not good or bad, it is porous or non-porous, and it is a physical property of the material rather than an opinion about the brand. Silicone, glass, metal and hard plastics have a closed surface: soap and water, and boiling water or alcohol when you need it, and whatever was on them is gone. TPE, TPR, PVC, latex and skin-imitating blends are open structures. They absorb, and no domestic process sterilises them. The table below puts each family on its side of that line, with its median price and how much of it publishes what.

Silicone, the largest family and the default answer

117 of our 394 dildos are silicone, more than any other family, and its median price is the highest of the large ones. You are paying for something real: it is the only soft material that can be boiled, it does not degrade over the years and it does not react with skin. If you are buying one dildo and do not want to think any further, buy silicone. Its one known incompatibility is silicone lubricant, which spoils the surface over time; water-based lubricant is fine.

TPE and TPR, the second group and the one that causes most confusion

82 of 394 listings, at a median well below silicone, and here is the catch: they feel very similar. TPE is soft, pleasant and realistic, which is why almost every skin-imitating dildo uses it. It is also porous, so it cleans on the surface but does not sterilise. That does not make it a bad product; it makes it a one-owner product, with a condom if it is shared. With that condition met a TPE dildo is a perfectly sensible buy. It is also one of the families that publishes a length most often: 78% of the TPE listings do, against 73% of the silicone ones.

PVC and jelly: cheap, porous, and a piece of information that is missing

61 of 394 listings mention PVC or jelly. It is the most affordable family and the one with the worst reputation, almost always because of phthalates, the plasticisers that make the material soft. The standard advice is to choose the ones declared phthalate-free, and that is where we hit a limit worth flagging: the listing does not carry that declaration in a form we can count, so we cannot tell you how many make it.

Which means the usual advice, as it is normally given, is close to unusable in practice, and not only in our shop: if the manufacturer does not put it on the listing, there is no way for you to know by looking. We would rather say that than pretend the information exists. What you can do instead works just as well and is the same routine as for TPE: a condom, one owner, soap and water after every use, and replacement when the surface starts to turn tacky or change smell, which is the sign the material is breaking down. On those terms a PVC dildo is a perfectly usable toy at a price no other family touches.

Latex and rubber, and what the listing tells you

Some of our dildos name latex, rubber or caoutchouc in their material field, and the two are worth separating: latex has one property no other material on this list shares, some people are allergic to it, and rubber is not latex. Latex allergy is common, it shows up as irritation, itching or hives where the material touched, and in sensitised people it can be considerably more than an annoyance.

Since September the listing tells you where it is declared: what contains latex is marked «Contains latex», and what the manufacturer declares free of it is marked «Latex-free». In this family that is a handful either way, and for the rest nothing is declared in either direction: if you are allergic, check the material field or ask us before you buy. And if you have never checked but you react to gloves or to conventional condoms, go for silicone, glass or TPE.

Glass, and why it has its own page

5 of 394 listings, and a completely different experience: rigid, smooth, sterilisable without limit, and it holds temperature, which is the main reason people buy it. The borosilicate glass used in these toys is the same as laboratory glassware and does not break in normal use, though it is worth inspecting after a drop. Its median diameter is narrower than silicone's and none of ours carries a suction cup.

The silicone-versus-glass comparison deserves more room than it gets here, so it has its own page: silicone or glass, which to choose, with the two families set against each other and three picks from each. If you are torn between those two materials, that is the place. This page is the one you want if you do not yet know which family to start with.

And the listings that do not say what they are made of

116 of our 394 dildos do not declare a material we can identify. Some leave the field empty, which is an omission; others fill it with something that is not a material at all, which is filled in and tells you nothing. When a listing does not name the material, the honest reading is that you do not know, and the sensible move is to ask before buying: for one product on one day that is a question we can answer, even though a page about a whole category cannot answer it for you.

The 394 dildos in stock today, counted on our live catalogue. Each listing counts once, under the first material it names, so the rows add up to the total. "Can be boiled" is about porosity, not durability: a TPE dildo can outlast a glass one and still be impossible to sterilize. Price level: median per material, silicone = 100. The prices in your shop are on each product page, in your currency.

What a dildo costs, and where the money goes

The first thing that surprises you when you count the whole category is how narrow the price band is. There is a wide gap between our cheapest and our dearest dildo, but the vast majority sit in a small stretch, and the median price of the category is at the low end of what most people expect. A dildo is not an expensive purchase.

Material moves the price, and not the way you would guess

Looking at the price level by family in the table above, silicone is the dearest of the large families and PVC the cheapest, with TPE and latex in between. That tracks what each material costs and how long it lasts. What does not track intuition is glass: it reads as a luxury product, it is the material that cleans best and lasts indefinitely, and its median sits below silicone's. If you want something that will never degrade and you do not mind that it is rigid, glass is the best relationship between what you pay and what you keep in the whole category.

What is worth paying more for, and what is not

Within a family, price differences are mostly size, finish and brand. A large silicone dildo costs more than a small one because it contains more silicone, and there is no trick there. What is worth looking at carefully is the jump that sometimes comes with the word realistic: dual density, a firm core inside a soft outer layer, adds real cost and is a difference you can feel; the cosmetic detail of veins and colouring is not.

And an observation that comes from the data rather than from opinion. We call a listing complete when it publishes the three things that decide: material, insertable length and diameter. In our sample the cheapest third has 18% complete listings and the dearest third has 23%: the price does not save you from reading the listing. If you are choosing between two similar products, the one that tells you what it is made of and how much of it goes in is the better purchase, whatever the other one costs.

Suction cup and harness, the two extras that really change the use

Of everything a listing can advertise, only two things substantially change what you can do with the toy, and both are easy to check before buying.

The suction cup

186 of our 394 dildos have one. It is the most useful extra in the category and the most underrated: it sticks the toy to a smooth surface and frees both hands, which is the difference between one position and several. It works on tile, on glass and on genuinely smooth surfaces; it does not work on painted walls or porous wood, however much the manufacturer's photograph suggests otherwise.

It is worth knowing that suction cups are not equally good across families. A soft silicone base seals better than a rigid plastic one, and weight matters: a large, heavy dildo will peel itself off however good the cup is. If the suction cup is the reason you are buying, choose a medium size rather than the largest.

Harness compatibility

Far fewer, and it is worth understanding why: to work with a harness a dildo needs a wide, flat base, wider than the harness ring, and that rules out most designs. A suction cup often doubles as a harness base, but not always, and ring diameters vary between models.

If you are buying both, the practical advice is to buy them together or check the ring measurement first: it is the most common mistake in this purchase and it is entirely avoidable. And if you are unsure, write to us with the specific harness model. That is exactly the kind of question that takes a minute to answer about a specific product and that a general page cannot answer for you.

What you almost never need

This category has extras that sound good and add little. Vibration in a dildo is one: 21 of 394 listings declare modes or speeds, which is almost none, because a dildo is not built for that and anyone who wants vibration buys something else. Water resistance is a different case: 86 of 394 listings declare it, which is more than a quarter, and it still matters less than that suggests. In a toy with no motor there is nothing inside to get wet, so the relevant question is not whether it is submersible but whether the material survives hot water, which is the material question all over again.

Six dildos that tell you what you are buying

One per material, and the rule is the same in every card: among that material we take the ones that publish an insertable length, then the ones that also publish a diameter, and of those the cheapest. A family with fewer than three listings is not eligible, because it represents nothing. No opinion of ours enters the choice.

If this is your first one

Everything above condensed into what to do, for someone who has decided to buy and does not want to read a table.

Start smaller than you think

It is the most repeated advice and the least followed. One thing we can tell you with the figure in front of us: the median insertable length of what we stock is set by the catalogue, not by your body, and a catalogue is filled by the products that stand out in a photograph. There is no reason to treat that median as a benchmark for anything. For a first dildo, choose below it and pay most attention to the diameter, which is what you actually notice: two more centimetres of length change almost nothing, half a centimetre of width changes a lot.

Silicone, and the material question is settled

It is the only soft material you can boil, it does not degrade, and it has no contraindication beyond silicone lubricant. If you are buying one, buy silicone and stop thinking about it. If budget decides, a TPE from a listing that publishes its insertable length is a perfectly reasonable purchase, on the condition that you treat it as yours and use a condom if it is shared.

Choose a listing that tells you what you are buying

Between two similar products, take the one that publishes material, insertable length and diameter. Not because the product is better, but because you know what is arriving. It is the rule the six cards below are chosen by, and it is a rule you can apply in any shop.

And what you need that is not the toy

Water-based lubricant, which works with every material on this page and turns an awkward first time into a good one. Time, which is free. And for any anal use, a wide base or a suction cup without exception: it is the one rule in this category that admits no nuance, because the rectum has no end stop and a toy without a base can be lost inside. If the dildo you like has no wide base, it is not for that.

With so many options, it's normal to feel a little lost. These six criteria will help you decide:

If it's your first time using a dildo, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process. Before you start, relax your pelvic floor; this will help make the experience more comfortable and pleasurable. Arousal is key, so take time to stimulate yourself externally. You can start with your fingers to get things going. The idea is to feel completely at ease before introducing the toy.

Lubrication is absolutely critical. If your dildo is silicone, make sure to use a water-based lubricant to avoid damaging the material. With glass or metal toys, you can use any type of lubricant. Don't skimp on the amount and don't hesitate to reapply as many times as you need during the session. Good lubrication not only enhances the sensation but also prevents irritation.

When you're alone, there are several positions you can try. Lying on your back with your knees bent is one of the most common. You can also experiment by riding a suction cup dildo on a chair or the floor. Doggy style or even standing in the shower are other interesting options. The important thing is to find the position that is most comfortable and pleasurable for you.

With a partner, communication is your best ally. Talk to your partner about what you like and what you don't. Incorporating a dildo during oral sex or as part of foreplay can be very exciting. You can also let your partner control the depth and pace, which can add an extra level of excitement and connection.

If you have a glass dildo, you can play with temperature to vary the sensations. Submerge it in warm water or cool it in the refrigerator for about five minutes. Remember, never put it in the freezer, as extreme cold could be harmful to you and the toy.

For anal use, it is essential that the dildo has a wide base to avoid accidents. Always use a generous amount of lubricant and start with a small size. Don't rush; the body needs time to adapt. If you plan to switch from anal to vaginal use, always change the condom to maintain proper hygiene. Patience and preparation are key to a safe and pleasurable experience.

If you want to keep your toys in perfect condition, cleaning and maintenance are essential, both before and after each use. It's important to wash your dildos not only to keep them in good shape but also to protect your health. Before using them, ensure they are clean to avoid any risk of infection. After use, it's crucial to clean them to remove any residue that might have been left. This routine will help you enjoy your toys safely and prolong their lifespan.

When you choose dildos made of non-porous materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel, you have several options for cleaning them. You can use warm water and mild soap as a standard method. For deeper disinfection, boil the toy for 3 to 5 minutes or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. You can also use a 10% bleach solution, ensuring you rinse well afterwards .

If your dildo is made of porous materials like TPE or PVC, it's best to stick to water and soap. These materials are more susceptible to bacterial build-up, so it's advisable to use a condom over them every time you use them. Additionally, you should consider replacing them every 6 to 12 months to maintain safety and hygiene .

For storing your toys, it's ideal to use individual fabric bags to prevent contact with other materials. Different materials together could react chemically and get damaged. Ensure you store your dildos in a cool, dry place. Be attentive to signs of wear, such as a sticky surface, discolouration, cracks, or a bad smell, which indicate it's time to replace them. Maintaining this routine will help you enjoy your toys safely and pleasurably.

Questions about size and material, with the figure attached

The listing says 20 cm. Does 20 cm go in?

Usually not all of it, and the field name settles it. If it says "Insertable length", yes: 104 listings do, and that value arrives labelled that way at source. If it says "Total length", take 3.5 cm off, which is the average difference in the 82 that publish both. And if it says "Measurements" on its own, which is 174 of them, you cannot tell: treat it as the whole object.

Why do you not always publish the insertable length?

Because the supplier only labels it that way for some products, and we no longer put that word ourselves on a value that arrives unlabelled. 104 of our 394 publish it, 174 publish a measurement without specifying and 95 publish none. If you need the insertable length of a product that does not publish it, ask us: we can often measure it or request it.

What is the most popular size?

We would rather give you a better reference than that: the median insertable length of what we stock, and the median diameter by material, are both in the table. A first dildo below that median is the choice fewest people regret. What we will not do is turn a sales figure into advice about your body.

Is TPE dangerous?

No, it is porous, which is a different thing. It cannot be sterilised, so it is a one-owner toy with a condom if shared, and it gets replaced when the surface changes in texture or smell. On those terms it is a perfectly usable material, and it is 82 of our listings. If that routine sounds like a nuisance, silicone avoids it entirely.

I am allergic to latex. What do I avoid?

The 44 listings whose material names latex or rubber. They carry no allergy warning of their own, so the check is yours to make in the material field, and if it is not clear, ask us. Silicone, glass, metal and TPE contain no latex.

Can I boil my dildo?

Silicone, glass and metal, yes, for a few minutes, and that is how you actually sterilise one. TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly and latex, no: heat deforms them, and there is nothing to sterilise in a material that absorbs. For those, soap and water, dry it completely and store it separately.

Which lubricant should I use?

Water-based with everything on this page, without exception. Silicone lubricant degrades silicone toys over time, and those are 117 of ours; oil-based degrades latex and ruins condoms. If you are only going to keep one bottle in the house, make it water-based.

Do I need a suction cup?

186 of our 394 dildos have one and it is the most useful extra in the category, though not essential. For anal use, a wide base is not an extra: it is compulsory, with or without a cup.

Are the figures on this page the same in Ireland?

Yes. The Irish store serves the same catalogue from the same listings, so every count here applies there unchanged. Only the currency differs.