How Nipple Play Can Feel Amazing During Sex - Cosmopolitan

Nipples and boobs are unique and amazing things. But when it comes to the bedroom, they aren't just there to become erect and look super hot, oh no. They're often overlooked during sex and that should be a criminal offence because they can provide so much joy, even leading to nipple orgasms. IKR.

The nipples are brimming with nerve endings, making them two of the most sensitive and reactive parts of the body. So it's well worth lavishing some extra attention and experimenting with them during foreplay and sex. When we're aroused, they fill with blood and can tolerate stronger stimulation the closer to orgasm we get. Obviously, as we're all different and our bodies have totally different thresholds when it comes to sensitivity, it's always best to start slowly with nipple play and gradually increase the intensity.

Five tips for nipple play

To get you started, Lovehoney sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight has provided five tips to take nipple play to the next level.

It's all in the tongue action

“Easily your greatest friend when it comes to nipple play,” Annabelle starts. “Nipple play is like cunnilingus. You have to find the right speed, pressure and moves.”

Annabelle explains there are different tricks to licking the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple). She says to begin tracing little circles around the nipple, then move into a slow flicking motion using your tongue. To cover more nipple surface, simply use the flat part of the tongue to change things up. Oh, and don’t forget to pay attention to BOTH nips.

Experiment with temperatures

Adding ice is a genius way to send chills throughout the body and cause an instant nipple erection. “Try experimenting with warmer temperatures too,” says Annabelle. “Dripping warmer candle wax on the nipples can really enhance nipple play.” Candle wax not really your thing? Perhaps try warm water, or blowing closer to the nipples to keep your breath warm. Blowing further away with a more powerful exhale will help to release a cooler breeze.

Sucking nipples

Gently sucking the nipples rhythmically can do the trick, but Annabelle recommends experimenting with nipple suckers. “They are a fab way to temporarily get larger, more reactive nipples,” she explains. “Also known as pumps or vacuums, nipple suckers act like little mouths which gently increase the blood flow and cause the nipple to become more pert.” The fun starts when you take them off – with the nipples super-sensitive, get your partner to stimulate them by licking, kissing, flicking, gently biting, whatever turns you on.

Experiment with temperatures using ice

Clamping or pinching nipples

Just like suckers, nipple clamps can increase blood flow and aid sensitivity – can you see a trend beginning to form here? Blood flow is key to sensitivity. “While worn, they make a pinch-like sensation on the nipple which, depending on the style of clamp you choose, can be anything from gentle to super intense,” Annabelle says. This is clearly not for everyone, particularly if you have super-sensitive nipples. Perhaps ease your way in by gently pinching with your fingers to see if it’s something you’re into before making a big purchase.

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Annabelle continues, “The real party pleaser comes after removal. Blood rushes to the area and the nipple becomes ultra-sensitive.”

Here's our guide on how to use them for the first time.

Use balms and gels

In each nipple you have around eight hundred nerve endings, which is pretty darn incredible! “Gels and balms contain active ingredients causing the nerve endings to become more receptive to touch and therefor more receptive to sexual arousal,” says Annabelle.

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Paisley GilmourFormer Sex & Relationships Editor

Paisley is the former Sex and Relationships editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She covers everything from sex toys, how to masturbate and sex positions, to all things LGBTQ. She definitely reveals too much about her personal life on the Internet.

Chloe Bowen

Chloe Bowen is Cosmopolitan UK’s former Features Intern. She holds undergraduate and masters degrees in journalism, and ever since joining the Cosmo team, Chloe writes about everything from sex and dating to mental health, culture, body image and books. In her spare time, she’s likely to be cooking up tasty vegan food, in a yoga class, binge-watching crime documentaries or going on long walks with an over-priced oat milk flat white.