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Nipple play is probably underutilized by most, but it's a technique that can intensify satisfaction and orgasms as a whole, especially with the use of the right sex toy. Nipple clamps are designed for this specific purpose. They provide constant but comfortable tension that stimulates the nipples, sending signals to the brain to produce oxytocin, which ultimately leads to us being more relaxed, fully aroused, and getting to have that big finish quicker.
To form a more complete picture of what nipple clamps are and how "nip stim," as it's been affectionately dubbed, can elevate any sexual encounter, Men's Journal spoke with Shan Boodram, a certified sex educator and intimacy expert. Boodram filled us in on what it takes to get the most out of solo and spicy sessions with your partner(s) and how nipple play, nipple clamps, and toys in this space can enhance foreplay, sex, and intimacy.
With her help, and after scouring sexually adventurous Reddit subgroups, we've determined that the best nipple clamps you can buy right now are Cal Exotics Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps. These vibrating nipple clamps are packed with user-friendly features, including adjustability, a soft-touch rubber coating, and a non-intimidating design for all experience levels.
Best Nipple Clamps Overall: Cal Exotics Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps, $26
Cal Exotics Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps in Pink.
Courtesy of Lovers
Cal Exotics Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps have a lot going for them and are well-suited for users of any skill level. They feature a spring-hinge design that's fully adjustable thanks to a screw pin that allows users to easily and comfortably find their ideal compression. A rubberized coating also makes them smooth to the touch, allowing the experience to be that much more enjoyable. A vibration function provides further nipple stimulation with the press of a single button on the end of the nipple clamp. One shopper who used them said, “I think the silicone gives it a softer touch and better quality. The vibrator itself isn't too loud, has a good vibration tempo, and is adjustable!” Cal Exotics lets you play right away by including two sets of batteries.
Best Adjustable Nipple Clamps: Lovehoney Tease Me Adjustable Nipple Clamps, $17
Lovehoney Tease Me Adjustable Nipple Clamps.
Courtesy of Lovehoney
A more traditional approach to nipple clamps, Lovehoney Tease Me Adjustable Nipple Clamps are a fan favorite. “I've tried several different types of clamps, including suction, and so far, these are my favorite,” said a user who rated them five stars. These tweezer-style clamps aren’t intimidating and are great for all levels of BDSM play. Crafted from metal with silicone tips, they allow users to adjust the squeeze, then flick or tug. There's also a matching clitoral clamp for those who enjoy sets.
Best Nipple Clamps to Gift: XR Brands Heart Padlock Nipple Clamps, $23
XR Brands Heart Padlock Nipple Clamps With Chain.
Courtesy of Babeland
If you’re looking for a set of nipple clamps that make a fun gift for her, XR Brands Heart Padlock Nipple Clamps are it. They're more akin to traditional clamps: The adjustable screw lets you easily adjust the tension for more or less pressure. This particular model creates a better grip than most others thanks to the vinyl-coated tips, which are also more comfortable than just cold metal.
Best Nipple Clamps With Chain: Unbound Babes Nipple & Clit Clamp, $35
Unbound Babes Nipple & Clit Clamp.
Courtesy of Unbound Babes
If your partner gets off on clit clamps, spring for a set like Unbound Babes Nipple & Clit Clamp. One user said it “makes me feel like a priestess when I’m getting down to business, and that’s priceless.” The gold-plated multi-chain drapes across the body like body jewelry. Each clamp has adjustable silicone caps to ensure comfort, and the clit clamp is detachable if you or your partner only wants to wear the nipple clamps.
Best Vibrating Nipple Clamps: Zalo Nave Vibrating Nipple Clamps, $79
Zalo Nave Vibrating Nipple Clamps in Green.
Courtesy of Zalo
Zalo Nave Vibrating Nipple Clamps are our favorite buzzy nipple clamps. The set has three clamp tip sizes depending on preference. Eight vibration patterns are controlled with the remote or via Bluetooth through the brand's app from anywhere in the world, making it among the best long-distance sex toys. Each clamp is made from velvety silicone and has a specifically designed Softek surface coating. Pro tip: These can also function as a vibrator to stimulate other parts of the body.
More Nipple Clamps We Recommend
Best Nipple Clamps for Men & Women: Cal Exotics Nipple Play Vacuum Twist Suckers, $39
Courtesy of Bellesa Boutique
Want something with a kick? Cal Exotics Nipple Play Vacuum Twist Suckers produce extremely pleasurable suction. Think of them as adjustable nipple clamps on steroids. A good option for men and women, these tubes have a broad, circular opening that's ideal for engulfing the entire nipple but can handle other parts of the body, too, like the clitoris. All you have to do is twist it clockwise and allow the plunger to rise and draw air up, creating a vacuum seal that will bring you to your knees. After giving these nipple suckers a five-star rating, one shopper wrote, “Love them! And we've found that it's great for a lot more than just the nipples.”
Best Nipple Clamps for Beginners: lvhua Nipple Vibrator Clamps, $26
Courtesy of Amazon
With 2,000 sold just in the last month, lvhua Nipple Vibrator Clamps are a brilliant buy for beginners. Meant to be worn and completely controlled by a wireless remote, these clamps are suitable for solo or partner play. Lightweight but incredibly strong for their size, there are 10 distinct vibration modes at three different levels of intensity. They're also made from liquid silicone and are ultra-elastic to mimic the feel of skin. These are discreet enough to be worn under a bra should your partner want to engage in some risqué fun away from home; they can run up to an hour on a full charge.
Best Nipple Clamps Under $20: Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers, $13
Courtesy of Lovehoney
Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers are a wonderful option for figuring out whether you like nipple play, even if you or your partner are sensitive. At under $20, the price is also extremely reasonable. Place a little lube on the bottom to help create better hold; otherwise, just squeeze the air out, cover the nipple, and let go. They're made of smooth silicone, so it’s easy to vary the amount of suction and pop them off quickly if needed. One buyer said, “My man says these make my nipples like game controllers.” So these are lots of fun for a gamer, too.
Best for BDSM Nipple Clamps: Sex & Mischief Amor Collar With Nipple Clamps, $26
Courtesy of Lovers
A five-star fave at Lovers, Sex & Mischief's Amor Collar With Nipple Clamps had one happy customer writing, “The adjustable clamps are more useful than expected." The toughness of a faux leather collar is a fun juxtaposition with the daintiness of the heart-shaped O-ring and beaded chains. The traditional rubber-tipped clamps have tension adjustments.
Best Basic Nipple Clamp: Spartacus Alligator Nipple Clamps, $17
Courtesy of Amazon
Spartacus Alligator Nipple Clamps are the tried-and-true favorites among the Reddit BDSM community. So many Reddit users recommended these, not just for first-timers but also for seasoned users. Start slow and work your way up with more localized pressure by turning the tiny thumbscrews. Sometimes you don’t need bells and whistles on the way to O-town. Simple is sensational, too.
What Is a Nipple Clamp?
A nipple clamp is a device for sexual pleasure that pinches, squeezes, and tweaks the nipples. They're usually tiny enough to discreetly stash in the nightstand and come in a variety of shapes and mechanisms.
Clamps can fall into three categories: clover, tweezer, and clothespin (the most popular). Within these categories, you'll find different types of vibrating nipple clamps, easily adjustable types, and even some with chains. There are also such things as nipple suckers that create a vacuum seal around the nipple to create pressure. While clamps can cause a high level of pain (if that’s what you’re into), their primary function is pure erotic stimulation.
The Benefits of Using Nipple Clamps
The goal of nipple clamps is to heighten total-body sensations by stimulating the nipples. “Nipples, on most bodies regardless of gender, are densely packed with nerve endings, making them highly sensitive to touch, pressure, and temperature," Boodram explains.
"These nerve endings send signals to the brain when stimulated, triggering sensations of pleasure or discomfort, which is why it’s important to ask your partner how they feel about nipple stimulation, especially considering women’s sensitivity can vary drastically depending on their hormonal levels."
Boodram even broke down the science for us about why nipples, of all body parts, are a common erogenous zone. "Within the sensory cortex, [which is] the section of the cerebral cortex responsible for receiving and interpreting sensory information from different parts of the body, genitals and nipples are physically beside each other. Fun fact: Another neighbor of the genitals is the feet, which might explain why many have a foot fetish, but that’s another topic for another day," she says.
As for men's nipples, Boodram notes that, while they don't serve a reproductive function, their sensitivity can still contribute to sexual arousal and pleasure.
How to Use Nipple Clamps
Like prostate massagers, anal beads, and sex swings, nipple clamps have the potential to strengthen sexual relationships. “Toys can definitely bring couples closer together if they’re introduced as an enhancement rather than a replacement,” Boodram says.
As a sexpert, she stresses the importance of communicating with your partner to ensure everyone is comfortable and shares a tip for making things even more enjoyable: lube. “Incorporating [nipple clamps] usually means extended play, and lube goes a long way in making that experience run smoothly.”
She recommends K-Y Yours+Mine Couples Lubricant on the nipples with suction toys because the pulsations and pull produce perfect stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nipple Clamps
How do you use nipple clamps?
Using nipple clamps can be as easy as squeezing them and letting them squeeze you back, but it depends on the type. Most nipple clamps will have a spring hinge you'll need to squeeze when applying. Other styles may utilize a vacuum suction or even magnets to produce nipple stimulation. Some are more unique, like Zalo Nave Vibrating Nipple Clamps, which come with four attachment tip sizes that produce different intensities of pressure.
Do you need to use lubricant with nipple clamps?
Boodram recommends using lubricant with nipple clamps to make them more comfortable and also to potentially heighten the experience with temperature stimulation. “If you want to try stimulating the nipples, try different variations of touch and temperature because nipples are highly sensitive," she says.
Do nipple clamps hurt?
If pain is what you're after, then nipple clamps can absolutely produce that. Otherwise, it's all about elevating the stimulatory experience to a pleasurable level. Since nipples are crammed with nerve endings, they're very sensitive to touch. The key is communicating what's most comfortable for your nipples and making sure your partner respects that, especially if you've put them in charge.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve been covering sexual wellness and reviewing sex toys for more than five years. I've tested products from some of the most popular brands in the space, including Bellesa, Sweet Vibrations, and MysteryVibe, and have worked with industry experts to learn about the ins and outs of sex toys. With many hours of testing toys, lubricants, condoms, and many more types of adult products, I've learned what works, what doesn't, and what people need to know.
I spoke with Shan Boodram, a certified sexologist, dating coach, and relationship expert, with an M.S. in Psychology, to gain a better perspective on arousal, intimacy, and health as it relates to nipples. She's also the host of The Marriage Pact on Roku. Boodram has been tapped by several TV shows to share her wisdom, like Peacock’s Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen, as well as MTV’s Catfish. As a member of the American Sexual Health Association, she takes the information she shares seriously, and she knows how to help you make sex better and your connections deeper.
