Everything You Need to Know About Dry Humping

Dry humping refers to grinding erotically without penetration. When done well, it can deliver sensations similar to other sexual activities and be pleasurable for both partners.

Keep reading to discover techniques, positions to try, and extra tips.

Is it safe?

Generally, yes — dry humping is relatively low risk. There’s no pregnancy risk, but you can still contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you’re not careful.

STIs can spread via bodily fluids or through skin-to-skin contact.

Discuss STI status with your partner before getting intimate so you both know the risks and can make safer choices.

Being informed lets you figure out how to practice dry humping or other activities more safely.

It doesn’t have to be awkward

Don’t dismiss dry humping before you try it.

It might not always look polished or glamorous, but it can be intensely satisfying.

Yes, there may be some awkward twisting and your partner might accidentally tumble you off the mattress, but like any new exploration, it’s largely what you make of it.

Try not to let unnecessary concerns or assumptions get in the way of what can be a seriously hot experience.

How you do it depends on what you want

How you approach dry humping — from how much clothing you keep on to how far you go — depends on what you’re aiming for.

You can stay fully clothed or wear underwear; you can be standing, sitting, lying down, or even upside down if you’re particularly flexible.

There’s no single correct method. It’s all about rubbing against yourself or a partner in a way that produces enough friction for the genitals.

You can do it solo

One perk of dry humping is that you don’t need a partner.

There are lots of ways to enjoy it alone. The trick is to find something soft and smooth enough to rub against without any sharp surfaces or risk of injury.

That could be a pillow, a plush toy, or upholstered furniture.

Or with a partner

Mutual enjoyment is the priority, so coordinate movements that feel good for both of you.

You might rub genitals against a thigh, butt, or another area that provides pleasure.

If you’re using dry humping as foreplay, savor the tease and gradually transition to other sexual activities you both want. If you prefer to keep things clothed, that’s fine too.

Be mindful of avoiding fluid exchange and aware of any direct skin-to-skin contact.

What you wear matters

Certain garments work better than others.

Avoid zippers and belt buckles to reduce the chance of injury.

Other suggestions:

• Choose thin, silky fabrics for greater sensation and smoother movement — the thinner the material, the more you’ll feel.
• Pick something loose enough to accommodate an erection comfortably.
• Tuck underwear fabric between the labia so the clitoris gets more stimulation.

So does the position

Friction levels will vary by position. Some setups are preferable depending on whether you’re alone or with someone else.

Partner positions to try:

• Missionary. One person kneeling between the other’s legs and doing most of the rubbing can create plenty of friction for either genital configuration.
• Cowgirl or reverse cowgirl. Straddling the other person while they sit or lie down — regardless of which way you face — allows both partners to get solid friction.
• Side by side. Face one another, entwine legs, and grind. This position lets you both press your genitals against the other’s thigh for doubled pleasure.

Solo positions to try:

• Rub against a pillow. Lie on a pillow or hold one between your legs and grind. Variations include straddling a corner pillow or stacking several pillows and riding the pile.
• Straddle an armrest. Best for those with vaginas but adaptable for others — sit astride the arm of a sofa or chair and move back-and-forth or side-to-side until it feels right.
• Between the mattress and box spring. For people with penises, the space between a padded mattress and box spring can be used to create friction. Position yourself carefully and use gentle thrusting motions.

Get your hands involved

Sexual pleasure goes beyond the genitals — use your hands to explore your own or your partner’s body.

A hand trailing down the spine or two hands grabbing a bottom can greatly increase the sensation.

Handy tips for solo or partnered dry humping:

• Squeeze nipples and breasts. This enhances pleasure and also provides visual stimulation your partner may enjoy.
• Guide them with your hands. Dry humping can require some experimentation. Use your hands to direct your partner toward what feels best.
• Caress thoroughly. Glide your hands over your body or theirs — when aroused, light touches are amplified.

Or bring toys into play

Adding sex toys can elevate dry humping whether you’re alone or with someone else.

Ways to incorporate toys:

• Use a strap-on. Strap-on vibrators come in many sizes and can be worn with a harness or special underwear; there are also leg-strap vibes and strap-on clitoral stimulators.
• Hold a vibrator. A vibrator can be used between you and your partner or against other erogenous zones like nipples.
• Wear a penis ring. A vibrating ring under clothing is an easy way to boost stimulation and help maintain an erection.
• Tuck a vibrator in your pillowcase. This is an effortless way to intensify pillow humping.

Orgasm is achievable

Like masturbation or intercourse, dry humping can provide enough stimulation for orgasm.

Sexual tension can build and culminate in an intense release if you allow it to. Once you find a movement or position that works, keep going and see where it leads.

Be mindful of bodily fluids — STIs remain possible

Contact with another person’s fluids increases STI risk.

Some infections — for example, genital herpes, HPV, and pubic lice — can spread via skin-to-skin contact.

Keeping clothes on and using condoms or dental dams reduces the chance of transmission.

Pregnancy, however, isn’t a concern

If there’s truly no penile-vaginal penetration, pregnancy cannot occur. Keeping garments on will prevent that risk.

If you might go further, have condoms available

If there’s any chance you’ll transition from dry humping to penetrative sex — or if clothing is flimsy and could shift — keep condoms handy.

It’s wiser to have protection available and not need it than to be caught without it.

The bottom line

Dry humping can be a lower-risk, enjoyable alternative to intercourse and a playful way to enhance foreplay. Done well, it can offer as much pleasure as other sexual activities.

For related topics, you may also find helpful information on boob sweat and dry sauna benefits.