12 Nipple Play Techniques For More Intense Sex

6 min read

Nipple play can be incredibly hot and rewarding for both you and your partner. It works well both to kickstart arousal and to build on arousal that's already there during sex. Once you're turned on, your nipples become erect thanks to a release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. That release keeps flowing as long as the nipple area stays stimulated, which can translate into more intense orgasms and a sensation that your whole body was part of the climax.

Some women can actually orgasm from nipple play alone. When someone plays with your nipples, the brain lights up in much the same way it does when your clitoris and vagina are stimulated. Not everyone can climax from nipple play by itself, but it can absolutely enhance whatever other foreplay you're enjoying with your partner. All that build-up, for example, might lead into some sexy titty fucking.

There's more than one way for a partner to stimulate your nipples, and he might enjoy having his own played with, too. Below are several approaches the two of you can use, complete with technique tips. Try these on your partner, or invite him to use them on you.

1. Blowing

Blowing is a gentle way to kick off nipple stimulation since it eases into sensation slowly. Purse your lips to make your breath cooler, or get closer with an open mouth to make it feel warmer.

2. Kissing

There's a whole range of nipple-kissing techniques. Try brushing closed lips against the nipple first. You can also part your lips to draw the nipple in, then bring your tongue into play, teasing it gently.

Borrow a few techniques from this video and apply them to your partner's nipples.

3. Licking

Using just the tip of your tongue, trace circles around the nipple. Switch to broader lapping motions from time to time. While licking one nipple, use your hand to caress the other. Swap sides roughly every 30 seconds.

4. Sucking

After licking, wrap your lips around the nipple and suck rhythmically, gradually increasing pressure. Alternate between licking and sucking. If he's into it, you might even try breastfeeding play.

From there, you could try a gentle bite. Just be careful not to hurt him!

5. Biting

Biting isn't for everyone, but some people love the more intense sensation it brings. Start slow and gentle, holding the nipple lightly between your teeth while your tongue continues to lick it. As your partner gets more turned on, try biting down a bit and gauge the reaction, or simply ask if he's enjoying it and wants more.

6. Pulling

Once things start heating up, you can get a bit rougher, pulling or even twisting the nipples. You'll get horny fast doing this, so be ready to act on it!

7. Squeezing

Pinch the nipple between your thumb and forefinger and squeeze so it lifts slightly. Licking or sucking while you squeeze tends to feel especially good for your partner.

8. Pinching

Pinching builds naturally on squeezing. Hold the squeeze between thumb and forefinger, then add a touch more pressure and keep holding. If that's working for your partner, increase the pressure a bit further and hold again. When you release, the rush of blood returning creates its own distinct sensation. You can let go quickly or slowly, or mix up the pace between the two.

9. Using Clothespins

If pinching is a hit, clothespins might be worth exploring too. Point the clothespin upward and clip it over the whole nipple area, areola included. It may sting at first, and you might not love it right away. Clothespins are a low-cost way to test whether breast bondage appeals to you. More bondage tips here.

Wrapping a rubber band around the opposite end softens the intensity — the more wraps, the gentler the pinch. Unwind it, and the grip tightens back up.

Start by relaxing for a few seconds to see if you can tolerate the clothespin for a full minute. From there, you can leave it on longer if you like, even up to 15 or 20 minutes.

Just like with pinching, removing the clothespin creates its own sensation for your partner. The longer it stays clipped on, the more intense that release feels. Nipples usually end up tender afterward, and a feather stroke or ice cube can feel especially soothing at that point.

10. Using Nipple Clamps

Nipple clamps are a sex toy built to intensify nipple sensation. They function like clothespins but often come with extra features, delivering a blend of mild pain and pleasure at once. After a few minutes of wear, the area tends to go a bit numb, and just like with clothespins, the real sensation hits when the clamps come off.

Nipple clamps also make it easier to fine-tune pressure compared to clothespins. One style resembles tweezers with a metal ring that slides along the arms to adjust grip, ranging from light pressure to a much firmer pinch. Some clamps even include a built-in vibrator for extra sensation while clamped, or you can hold a separate vibrator against a standard clamp for a similar effect.

Learn about different types of nipple clamps in this post.

11. Caressing

Start by caressing or massaging the area surrounding the nipple rather than touching it directly. Experiment with different pressure levels, including circular motions. Teasing the surrounding skin before making contact builds anticipation. Once you do touch the nipple, vary your pace between slow and fast.

Caressing and massaging benefit the whole breast, not just the nipple. Tell your partner if you enjoy having your entire breast fondled during foreplay. Some women prefer a lighter touch early on and something rougher as orgasm nears, and sensitivity can shift depending on where you are in your cycle.

We've got plenty of advice for a sensual massage!

12. Using Hot and Cold

Experiment with temperature by rubbing an ice cube against the nipples for a few seconds, or introducing warmth by dripping melted candle wax onto them. You can even borrow some of these oral sex techniques and apply them to nipple play for a fresh sensation.