
How to choose a dildo? Wow, that’s a tough question to answer. There are so many dildos to choose from it can be overwhelming! From glass dildos to realistic nine-inch dildos, which one should you buy? For starters, you can think about your preferences. Maybe you like something easy to clean or perhaps you like something cheap? But to help you even better, we’ve compiled a list of criteria to consider. Hopefully, this list can make the selection process easier and more advantageous for you.
What You’ll Learn:
- Factors to consider when choosing a dildo
- Different types of dildo materials and how safe they are
1Size

You might be thinking right now, “I want a really big dildo.” Honey, the bigger isn’t always the better. In choosing the right size, you should totally consider what’s already been in your vagina or ass. Don’t try to go wilder and wider. Trust me, you want your vagina or ass to remain intact after this.
Look back to the most pleasurable sexual experience you’ve had whether solo or with a partner. What was pleasurable about it? Was it the sensation of fullness, being stretched by something larger or was it about the pleasure that came from stroking your g-spot? Now take a ruler. Look at how wide 1 inch, 1.5 inch or 2 inches are. They may not be wide enough for you but now I want you to measure your carrots, cucumbers or zucchinis to get a good idea how that linear width translates to the circumference (for the love of god, please don’t get the idea of using these vegetables for masturbation, okay?)
If you like the feeling of fullness, then I suggest you start with 1.5 inches at most. If you feel like the feeling of it hitting a certain spot and especially if you’re a beginner in sex and sex toys, just go for the ones with the 1 inch or 1.25 inches diameter.
2Material

In choosing the perfect dildo, the material is important. Yes, the sex toy market has been creative with their dildo-making business. But most dildos are made from four main materials: jelly or elastomer, silicone, softskin or acrylic or glass. Each kind has its own advantages and disadvantages. The more you learn about each one, the easier your choice will be.
Jelly or Elastomer
Jelly dildos are cheap which makes them an affordable option for those who’ve never tried dildos before and would like a “tester” version. They vary in quality and price. The downside is that they’re very difficult to clean since they’re quite porous. As such, it is highly recommended that you use a condom every time you play with a jelly or elastomer dildo. Aside from this, they’re also too flexible and you might be the type who wants it rock solid inside you. This kind of dildo also smells strongly of plastic when they’re new. But of course, that would go as soon as you’ve used them enough.
They don’t last that long, though. Thus, they’re the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for something that won’t last forever and you want something inexpensive. They’re really just “tester” dick wands.
Softskin
If you want to choose a realistic dildo, softskin is the one for you. As what its name suggests, this is made from remarkably realistic material and it feels frickin’ amazing. It’s got the right blend of firm and flexible similar to a real penis. So it really feels like a real dick.
Cleaning it is a different story, though. Like the jelly one, softskin is hard to clean. It is porous, so you really need to use it with a condom. And even after you wash and dry it, it gets sticky. To deal with this, you have to store your softskin dildo in a plastic bag or you can dust it with cornstarch.
If you opt for cornstarch, the easiest way is to put the dildo in a paperbag and put a spoonful of cornstarch then shake it up. Just be sure to wash it off before using it again. Cornstarch absorbs lubrication and it gets gritty. You don’t want that in your pussy, girl. Another word of advice: Never use talcum powder as a substitute for cornstarch. Talcum powder has been linked with ovarian cancer.
Silicone
Silicone dildos are definitely the most popular type of dick wands. They’re flexible and quickly adapt to body temperature. They also come in different shapes and textures from simple ones to curved, bumpy or vibrating.
Its popularity also comes from its easy-to-clean feature. Unlike the other dildos, silicone ones are non-porous and hypoallergenic. It is also quite durable. So even if it’s a bit pricey, it would last long if you use it and maintain it carefully enough. Make sure that the surface doesn’t get punctured. Once that happens, the rip will spread until your toy falls apart. Buh-bye thousand pesos. Make sure that you keep your toys away from sharp fingernails, edges of counters and yes, pets!
To clean your silicone dildo, soap and water will be okay. If you want to bring it up a notch, you can put it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. You can also use 10% bleach in cleaning it for 15 minutes. Please know that no matter how easy-to-clean silicone dildos are, wiping it with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide will not disinfect it.
Glass and Acrylic
If you’re like me and you like some good hard solid dick inside your vagina, then choose a glass or acrylic dildo. It is the perfect one for you. Glass or acrylic dildos are really firm. Thus, many people prefer the slightly smaller size because the firmer it is, the bigger it feels. As much as you think you want it big, you don’t wanna wreck your vagina, amirite?
Most acrylic or glass dildo are handheld only. They don’t have a wide base, they are not mountable or you can use them with a strap-on, So if you’re feeling lazy, maybe you should try another type. If you have a partner though, then this is a great choice. They’re also very easy to clean like silicone ones. Soap and water are good enough for this kind of dildos. However, acrylic ones can’t be washed in warm or hot water ‘cause it can cause micro-crack on the surface and may cloud the toy. On the other hand, glass can take the heat. This means they can be boiled or put through the dishwasher and they’re really durable and resist breakage.
3Shape

Once you’ve figured what size and what material you want, you can decide about the shape. Do you want your dildo to hit the G-spot? Then your dildo should have a curved tip. Do you want a shape that goes larger to slimmer? Or do you want the shaft to be curved or straight? Figuring out what you want your dildo to accomplish will help you decide the kind of shape you should choose.
4Texture

Like how you’d prefer textured condoms, the same goes for dildos. Some dildos are smooth. They’re easy to insert even without the help of lube. However, some people prefer dildos with texture. They give off a different kind of pleasure. Textures include ripples, swirls, bumps, ridges, veins, and more. If you think your experience might be improved by a bit of extra texture, then choose a dildo with ridges and nubs or other textures.
5Base

It may not seem significant at first. But the base of a dildo can affect how you use it. If your dildo doesn’t have a flared base then you can’t use it for anal penetration or with a strap-on. Many dildo users also swear by the good handhold provided by a flared base. Better handhold means harder thrusting capabilities. Other dildos are completely hands-free via suction cups. It would really depend on how you’re planning to use it.
6Features
When picking a dildo, think about the features that matter to you. Do you want something simple, or a little extra fun with vibrations, a thrusting shaft, or a rotating tip? Are you in a long-distance relationship and want them to control the toy during virtual play? Maybe you have a fantasy you’re ready to explore. Ask yourself these questions, as they’ll help you figure out what really excites you.
7Budget
At the end of the day, it often comes down to this: your budget. You can make a wishlist of all the features you want, but you still need to pick something that won’t break the bank.
Yes, there are buy-now-pay-later apps or credit cards to save the day, but don’t push yourself to splurge on a dildo if it’ll stress your wallet. There are tons of high-quality toys in a reasonable range, like the ones from Dakila, that still deliver the fun without the guilt. Treat yourself, but treat your finances kindly too.
Watch & Read
Still not sure which dildo is the perfect match for you? These guides have got you covered:
How to Use a Dildo for Beginners: Types of Dildos, Basic Techniques, and More
Ika from Lauvette breaks down everything you need to know about dildos, including the different types. Seeing each type visually can help you figure out which toy fits your preferences.
[Watch Here]
How to Use a Dildo
Need a quick refresher? This guide covers how to use dildos in different ways to help you get the most out of your toy..
[Read Here]
How to Use a Dildo for Men
For guys who are new to dildos, this guide is for you. It might give you more insight into picking the right toy.
[Read Here]
Summary
- Dildos come in all shapes and sizes, so decide what you really want first. Trust us, your wallet and your peace of mind will appreciate it.
- Factors to consider include size, material, shape, texture, extra features, and budget.
- No matter what you choose, make sure it’s made from body-safe, easy-to-clean materials like silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel.



