Five years ago, we brought you the top ten most popular sex positions (see below). Not that there's anything wrong with good-old missionary sex, but if it's always your go-to position, you might benefit from a bit of creativity in the bedroom. And we're not saying you have to go crazy or anything, but if you're not at least exploring what's out there, you could be selling yourself short.
We’d like to think everyone loves a classic. But when it comes to sex, we’re not talking about the simplicity of debates over timeless classics like chocolate or vanilla, or crust or no crust on your sandwich. Sex is defined by so much more than what moves you made (or… laid?) in the bedroom. Some might call missionary sex a classic. Others might say the pretzel dip has classic written and drippin’ all over it (definitely keep reading if you're curious). We’re talking about being completely aware of how “classic” sex positions definitely deliver on the oohs and ahhs, but being open to the idea that your bang is bound to benefit from exploring new sexually satisfying positions is never, ever a bad idea.
So, say it with us: V-A-R-I-E-T-Y. Grab yourself a pen and get ready to take some notes, because your sex life is in for some serious inspiration. Read on for our round-up of the classic top ten most popular sex positions, plus 2023’s latest sex positions to try, which will surely become your new favorites, too. Snag some gynecologist-approved condoms and water-based lube, and get ready for a good time.
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2023 Sex Positions To Try
We love to continually learn about and talk about sex. And, recently, we’ve been inspired. Here’s our 2023 Insider.com roundup of 10 more sex positions to consider trying out.
#1 Helicopter
Both partners get on their hands and knees with their butts facing each other. The penetrating partner gets their arms in push-up position,lifts their legs off the ground, and inserts their penis or strap-on.
#2 Standard Amazon
The penetrating partner lies on their back with their knees bent up to their chest. The partner being penetrated faces their partner, then squats down to mount the penis or strap-on, whether vaginally or anally.
#3 Wheelbarrow
The receiving partner gets on all fours, facing away from their partner. The penetrating partner stands up and lifts up their partner's lower body, holding onto their hips while penetrating them. Since the wheelbarrow requires some strength on both partner's ends (the penetrating partner needs to be able to hold up their partner, and the partner being penetrated needs to be able to hold their weight on their arms), it can double as a calorie-burning sex position.
#4 Piledriver
The partner being penetrated starts lying on their back, then lifts their legs up and backwards so their groin is straight up in the air. Depending on this partner's flexibility, their legs may be bent and upwards, or they may be all the way behind their head. The penetrating partner bends their knees to squat down, entering their partner. The piledriver position is ambitious but worth the effort since it puts the penetrating partner in a position to directly hit the G-Spot and have direct access to the clitoris.
#5 Four on the floor (seated)
The penetrating partner sits on a chair or couch, and the receiving partner sits on their lap to mount them facing away, reverse cowgirl style. Then, the receiving partner leans forward into a stretch with both of their hands on the floor. In this position, the receiver's butt cheeks will naturally spread a little, granting their partner easier access to the erogenous zones of the anus and perineum.
#6 Pretzel dip
The partner being penetrated lies on their side with their top leg spread, either held up in the air or wrapped around the other partner's waist. Both partners should be facing each other. The penetrating partner straddles the receiving partner’s bottom leg and then penetrates. This fun sex position switches things up with a unique angle of entry and allows for eye contact.
#7 Ballet partner
Both partners stand facing each other. The receiving partner balances on one leg while wrapping their other leg around their partner's thighs or waist depending on flexibility and uses their arms to hold on for support as the penetrating partner enters. This is a great position for a quickie in a confined space.
#8 Downward Dog
The receiving partner gets into the downward dog yoga pose, making a triangle shape with their body with their hands and feet on the floor. The other partner stands behind and penetrates. Not only will this position give you a great stretch, but inversion poses like this one may also give you a little head rush that can add to your pleasure.
#9 Scissoring
Both partners lie back, facing each other, intertwining their legs while rubbing their genitals together. While many people think this is just a sex position for two people with vulvas, scissoring is for anyone. Regardless of if there is penetration or not, there will be simultaneous genital stimulation that both partners can enjoy.
#10 Sideways 69
Both partners lie on their sides, head to foot, and then align themselves so that each partner's face is in line with the other partner's genitals. This 69 position variation is perfect for couples who enjoy both giving and receiving oral sex. It can be more comfortable for you than traditional 69ing since it's easier to catch your breath and you avoid the potential discomfort of having all your partner's body weight on top of you.
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10 Most Common Sex Positions in 2018
#1: Missionary with a pillow
Like we said, there's nothing wrong with the default missionary position (we can't think of a better way to warm up) but there's a way to spice it up. Before you lie on your back, place a pillow under your hips and have your lover assume the position between your legs with their body parallel to yours. Elevating your hips with a pillow completely changes the angle of your pelvis, which leads to deeper penetration and increased clitoral stimulation. Plus, you get tons of eye contact, so if intimacy is what you crave, intimacy is what you'll get.
#2: Doggy style
If you haven't voluntarily gotten down on all fours yet, you don't know what you're missing (and no, taking it from behind doesn't have to mean back-door action, though it certainly could). Doggy style is actually one of the most foolproof positions to get into because it requires little flexibility, strength, or stamina. With you on all fours, both parties have control over rhythm, speed, and depth, and as an added bonus, this is the perfect position for you to lend yourself a hand for added clitoral stimulation.
#3: Spooning
Lazy girls, rejoice: you don't even need to get up for this one. When lying on your side in a spoon position (if you've already been cuddling, you literally don't have to move), your partner penetrates you from behind. The best part is you both have full access to your breasts and clitoris. Afterwards, you can even fall fast asleep in the same position–it just doesn't get better than that.
#4: Reverse cowgirl
Own your sexy with this playful position. With your partner lying on their back, straddle their hips as you face away from them. Lower yourself onto your cowboy (or girl) and get to grinding. Here, you're in total control. Like it faster? Get to work. Need some clitorial action? Go for it. Your partner will just be glad for the view.
#5: The loveseat
Have your lover sit at the edge of the bed or couch or on a chair, then sit on their lap facing away. Plant your feet on the ground and lower yourself onto your partner's penis or strap-on. Now bounce up and down and grind side to side and around. It's like a lap dance, but better. You can experiment with movement and speed while your partner hangs on (to your breasts, butt, hips, or whatever else).
#6: The lotus
This one requires some flexibility from both parties, but trust us, it's worth risking a cramp for. Have your partner sit with their legs crossed, then lower yourself into their lap as you wrap both legs and arms around their body. Rock back and forth together and prepare for total bliss. Plus, between all the hugging and kissing, you'll swear you've never felt closer to your partner.
#7: Standing up
Perfect for that I-have-to-have-you-now moment, this position requires nothing and can be performed anywhere, any time (discretion advised, of course!). Just jump into your lover's arms and hold on. Disclaimer: this position also requires a fair amount of strength and stamina from both of you, so tread with caution. Have your partner prop you up against a wall for added support.
#8: The butterfly
This position is great for deep penetration. Lie on your back (hips at the edge of the bed) while your significant other stands in front of you. As your partner enters you, you're free to lay back, relax and enjoy, or join in on the action. For even more stimulation, rest your ankles on their shoulders and lift your hips a few inches off the bed. This gives you a totally new angle and creates even more stimulation.
#9. The couch cowgirl
This position doesn't take much physical effort from either party, but gives you all the control and your partner gets full access to your clitoris and breasts. Have your partner sit down on the couch with their feet on the ground. Straddle their lap facing them with your legs on either side. Cuddle close or lean away for new sensations. Bonus: this is an easy way to go from Netflix to chill to home base without having to leave the living room.
#10. The bridge
A popular move in Pilates, the bridge exercise is known to give you a more sculpted behind. It's the one where you lay on your back, bring your heels close to your butt, and press up to lift your hips high into the air. Now, do that and have your partner assume the position between your legs. From there, your partner can grab your hips for leverage as they thrust into you. It's the perfect position for deep penetration and hitting that enigmatic G-spot. Remember, whatever position you venture to try, communication is critical. Express your likes, dislikes, boundaries, and concerns. Always practice safe sex so you can worry less and focus on good foreplay and penetration. Shop LOLA's amazing sex products, including our condom subscription service and our water-based lubricant.
Remember, whatever position you venture to try, communication is critical. Express your likes, dislikes, boundaries, and concerns. Always practice safe sex so you can worry less and focus on good foreplay and penetration.
Shop LOLA's amazing sex products, including our condom subscription service and our water-based lubricant.