Nipple Play 101

March 21, 2026

Everyone has nipples; and yet I feel like nipples are under-appreciated when we’re talking sex toys. So let's change that.

Nipple sensitivity:

Like I said everyone has nips but not all nips are created equal. In terms of actual nerve endings; there's actually not much of a difference across genders; everyone has more or less the same number. >However; AFAB people and trans women who have been on HRT for a while typically experience more sensitivity because ✨hormones✨.

What are Nipple Clamps:

It's in the name really; they’re clamps for your nipples. But why? Firstly the pinchy sensation feels nice. There are a bunch of different styles of clamps that provide different feelings depending on personal preference. Typically clamps give you the means to control how hard they grip via a little dial, so you can make it as gentle or firm as you like.

These metal peg style ones tend to be more firm and don't really provide much opportunity for adjustment. Find them here

Many nipple clamps are adjustable via a screw that is located on either the handle-side of the hinge OR the nipple side of the hinge. Location of the screw might be more important than you realise.

If the screw is on the nipple side: you can loosen the grip of the clamps (ideal for beginners and sensitive nips
If the screw is on the handle side: you can increase the tightness of the clamps (ideal if you like it TIGHT)

Most nipple clamps have some kind of tip/stopper on the nipple side - it might be rubber, pvc, or silicone depending on the brand and design.

If you remove this tip/stopper, the arms underneath are often ridged with teeth (like an alligator teeth clip).

Then there are clover clamps which have no adjustable screw - they tighten under pressure or when they are pulled, e.g. if you attach a weight or tug on a string/chain you attach to them.

Tweezer or loop clamps are often aesthetic and have pretty things/dangles attached to them. (Like these ones seen below) They’re not designed for sensation as much as prettiness. You can adjust them by sliding a keeper so that they fit snuggly. If you over-tighten them seeking sensation, they have a tendency to loosen or jump off at inopportune times!

PUMPS

Nipple pumps are designed to increase blood flow temporarily (i.e. while they are in use), causing nipples to swell which can increase sensation and darken their colour. Like all things suction, they work best with a bit of moisture to help set the seal - a touch of water-based lube is your best bet but why not use a flavoured lube for extra deliciousness?!

Screw-type pumps are easiest to control and offer the greatest volume for suction, but can be a bit bulky or complicated if you’re just starting out.

Bulb Suction: Lots of people like to start with bulb suction nipple pumps because they’re smaller and can be applied easily with one hand. You can control the suction by how much you depress/squeeze the bulb *before* applying to the nipple.

N.B. - If you increase the pressure too rapidly or use too much suction, they can cause bruising. ALSO if you have piercings, suction can cause bleeding or spotting from your piercings.

Honestly if you have nipple piercings be cautious with any kind of nip toy that could irritate your piercings (which are famously finicky piercings on a good day)
As someone who recently got horizontal barbells these loop style ones send a cold shiver down my spine, because I had a vision of putting them on behind the piercings which could easily lead to snagging them. Super cute low sensation option for those without piercings however!

Funtasia

VIBRATING NIPPLE CLAMPS

If you enjoy things that go bzzzzzzzz there are PLENTY of vibrating nipple clamps available. Battery operated or rechargeable, remote-controlled, hard-wired - So Many Options!

They are inherently a little heavier than standalone nipple clamps coz of the motor but this varies greatly between brands & types depending on what the power source is and where it is - e.g. clamps with a wired remote often weigh less than wireless coz the power source is in the remote.

Check out the range of Vibrating clamps we have here!

OTHER

Tulip by Nusensuelle is promoted as “equally thrilling when used for areola play or as a tip teaser”. It has three silicone petals that the vibrations travel through, surrounding the nipple with sensation.

Some other toys that work well for nip play

Feather vibrators are designed for whole-body use. Some have separated filaments which offer a sharper, more intense sensation; others are all of a piece.

The flickering modes of air pulse toys can be delicious, especially when combined with sensation-enhancing lubes (chilling, warming) or the liquid vibration gels.

KINKY

You can up the intensity with your imagination and a little help from us ;)

N.B. - Wartenburg wheels & vampire gloves are SHARP. It is easy to accidentally scratch or pierce the skin causing spotting or light bleeding. We recommend that you only ever use these products with 1 partner coz blood, ya know?

Conclusion

So basically there are a bunch more options for nips beyond a bit of a pinch or a suck, so get creative.

Funtasia Sexperts (With At Least 4 Nipples Between Us);

Penny and Verin (P ‘n V)

4 min read