Realistic penises

Firm inside, softer on the surface

The material decides how a realistic dildo feels long before the shape does. Solid silicone is smooth and slightly silky, and it holds its form. It is non-porous, so it washes clean and can often be boiled if the maker allows it. Dual-density models, which you'll find from Get Real and Baile, pair a firm core with a softer outer layer. Squeeze one and the skin gives a little while the shaft stays upright. Few toys get closer to the real thing.

Jelly, PVC and vinyl toys bend more and feel slightly tacky. They're pleasant to use, but they're porous, so a condom over the toy makes hygiene much simpler. Since July 2020, EU rules cap four phthalate plasticisers at 0.1 % of the plasticised material (REACH 2018/2005). That matters most for these softer plastics.

Every material starts out cool. A few minutes in your hands or under warm running water brings it closer to body temperature. Veins and a defined head also create more drag than a smooth toy, so be generous with water-based lube.

Reading the size before you buy

The centimetres in the product name almost always mean total length. Balls, a flared base and a suction cup take up several of them, so a 20 cm model has noticeably less insertable length. In practice, girth is what most people notice first. If you already own a toy that feels right, measure its diameter and use it as your reference.

Honestly, first-time buyers tend to overestimate. A moderate size you reach for again and again beats a 23 cm showpiece that stays in the drawer. Plenty of ranges, like Baile's Skin Touch, come in more than one length, which makes it easy to size up later.

Suction cups, balls and harnesses

• A suction cup grips best on smooth, non-porous surfaces such as tiles, glass or a gloss-painted door. Wet both surfaces first. Textured walls and bare wood won't hold.
• Balls give you something to hold, and together with a wide base they act as a stop. That's why a realistic dildo with balls or a flared base is the sensible choice for anal use.
• Many flat bases fit an O-ring harness. If you'd rather have a set that's ready to wear, look at our strap-on dildos.

A handful of models here also vibrate, such as the Seven Creations realistic vibrators, though most are classic dildos without a motor. Want a copy of one particular partner? A penis cloning kit lets you mould it at home. Whatever you choose, wash it with warm water and mild soap after each use, and put a fresh condom on it for each partner if you share it, as NHS 111 Wales advises.