Everyone has their mental list of best sex positions they revert to when they want to guarantee intimacy with a partner, an orgasm, or just a good time. You know what feels good, but exploring new moves can help you add to this collection and give you the chance to discover something new.
If you're in a relationship, it's easy to fall into a routine with sex. We have routines for our skincare, wardrobe, and eating habits, so it's fair we'd slip into doing the same thing over and over again in the bedroom too. The same tends to go for our masturbation habits and it's even completely natural to opt for tried and tested, safe positions at the beginning of new relationships.
"Trying something new in the bedroom every once in a while is a great way to spice up your relationship," says Annabelle Knight (opens in new tab), a sex and relationship expert with qualifications in counselling and psychosexual therapy. "The classic positions, like where the woman is traditionally on top, are ideal for super-connected lovemaking. After you have done plenty of eye-gazing, you can fall on top of your partner for maximum skin contact. The same goes for positions where the man is traditionally on top for the same reasons."
Whether you're a fan of these close positions, want to opt for an exciting angle like the butterfly sex position with the help of your best sex toys, or you want to discover something totally new, we've got all the positions for your bedroom bucket list with advice from top sex coaches to help you along.
The best sex positions for women
1. Woman on top
How to do it: Have your partner sit down on a chair or lie down on the bed, straddle their waist with your knees bent and thighs facing up on either side.
Why it’s great: This is one of the best sex positions for feeling closer to your partner as you can focus on their face and create even more intimacy. It also puts you in control of how fast or slow you want to go if you're the partner on top, says Knight.
Make it sexier: Woman on top is great for G-spot stimulation but if you want more intensity and have the flexibility to do so, elevate your legs over your partner's shoulders and try the edge of heaven sex position. It has that name for a reason, after all.
2. Kneeling lunge
How to do it: "Both partners perform lunges on opposite sides as they lock together in penetration," says sexologist, sex and relationship coach, Ness Cooper (opens in new tab). "They support each other and connect through the closeness of the position."
Why it's great: "It's all about embrace," she says. "Although some coordination is needed, and communication is always important, both bodies should support each other once in the position for an intensive erotic and intimate embrace."
Make it sexier: If you're struggling to get this one due to mismatched heights when lunging, "add positioned pillows to help each other out," says Cooper, who is also the founder of The Sex Consultant (opens in new tab) and a partner of Lovehoney (opens in new tab).
3. Eyes wide open
How to do it: This is very similar to the pretzel sex position as you face your partner, with your legs draped over theirs. Stare into each other’s eyes and synchronize your breathing. After a few minutes, move to sit on their lap and straddle them. Start with kissing and light touches before taking things further.
Why it’s great: If you’ve ever been curious about tantric sex, this is one of the best sex positions to try. Moving slowly with purpose, and not rushing to take each other’s clothes off and orgasm, will make your climax all the sweeter. "The advantage of this position is you can enjoy intimacy and foreplay and then have intercourse as an added extra," says Knight.
Make it sexier: For a true tantric experience and to make your orgasm even more intense, spend more time on foreplay. Set aside a few hours for you and your partner to really indulge in your time together. Light candles, put on your favorite music, use sensual oils to massage each other, and take things super slow. Tantric play doesn’t have to lead to penetrative sex, but if you choose to, being present in the moment and moving slowly will make it even more pleasurable.
4. Missionary
How to do it: Lie on your back with your partner on top of you, facing you. Easy!
Why it’s great: It often gets a bad rep for being a little boring and it's unlikely to be star player you're sexting or dirty talking, but Missionary is ideal for going back to basics and learning how to have better sex, or if you want something simple that still feels good. You might not want to try unusual sex positions all the time, and that’s more than ok. Sticking with Missionary and adjusting your leg positioning, wrapping them around your partner’s waist, or bringing one leg on top of their shoulder, can really take pleasure to a whole new level.
Make it sexier: If you and your partner are into the idea, add a blindfold to make it even sexier. "By using a blindfold you’re depriving yourself of sight and amplifying your other senses. This can give you an even greater, more powerful orgasm," says Dr Andrea Pennington (opens in new tab), author of The Orgasm Prescription For Women, self-love, and resilience expert.
5. Doggy style
How to do it: Another easy one, says Cooper. "To perform this sex position, the receiver needs to be on all fours while the individual penetrating from behind kneels over their partner slightly as they thrust."
Why it's great: Doggy style is one of the most popular sex positions, she explains. "It allows for deep penetration and stimulation of the clitoris. Couples can also add their best vibrator to this position easily, and stimulate other erogenous zones such as the breasts."
While doggy style is seen as quite an intense position for the bottom partner, that doesn't mean they don't have control in the thrusting. "Both partners can control the movement of their pelvis in this position," she says.
How to make it sexier: If you want to intensify the position and go deeper, the bottom partner can move from being on all-fours to leaning on their elbows. To spice things up a bit, position a mirror in front of you - both partners will then be able to see the other (and themselves) during sex, where otherwise they wouldn't be able to.
If you tend to experience pelvic pain or joint discomfort during sex, you can also add pillows to support the different areas of the body like the knees. Or you can put the pillow under your stomach, which is more of a speed bump sex position, but it may be more comfortable. "It might be the solution needed to fully enjoy doggy style."
6. Cowgirl
How to do it: "The partner on the bottom lies down on a bed or another flat surface with their legs stretched out, while the partner on top straddles them and pulls them inside as they sit down," says Knight.
Why it's great: "The cowgirl is one of the best sex positions because it works for everyone, regardless of what position you're in as the top partner experiences intense G-spot stimulation and can incorporate some manual stimulation of the clitoris in there too if they want," she says.
Make it sexier: This position looks very similar to the standard woman on top move. However, there's one key difference. "The person on the bottom gets a full view of their partner above them and everything that comes with as they're lying down. This means they can also hold and caress their partner's erogenous zones with an arm outstretched, and you both have the chance for some seriously steamy eye contact. Make the most of that."
7. The lazy man
How to do it: Have your partner sit on pillows on the floor with their legs outstretched. Lower yourself onto them, sitting upright with your feet on the floor. Press through the balls of your feet to control your movement.
Why it’s great: "As well as being one of the best lazy sex positions, this works great if you need to be quiet. There is less thrusting and therefore less noise, and it’s more bobbing up and down," explains Knight. Being on top also allows extra control, and facing your partner means you can kiss and touch.
Make it sexier: During sex, transition into a slight variation of the Lazy Man aptly called The Spider. Lay back and rest on your elbows with your hips between your partner’s legs. This allows your partner to do some of the work, rocking back and forth inside of you, and it’s the perfect moment to slip a bullet vibrator or hand between your legs. And if you like this angle, try the closed missionary sex position next for another fun twist on a classic.
8. The Broken Eagle
How to do it: To finesse the broken eagle, the receiving partner has to lie on their front with one leg straight, stretched out behind them, while the other is bent like it's an eagle's broken wing. The partner on top then slides in from behind, using their bodyweight to prop themselves up.
On the bottom, the partner can either reach their arms out ahead of them or keep them by their sides.
Why it's great: The broken eagle sex position is basically like doggy style - except with even less work involved for the partner on the bottom. It's also one that's bound to offer more intense orgasms as the position forces pressure onto the pelvic area.
Make it sexier: Start using the broken eagle sex position during foreplay. Arrange yourselves in the position and then have the top partner kiss, suck, and blow down the bottom partner's back, across their shoulder, and the nape of their neck.
9. Spoon facing
How to do it: While in Missionary position, roll onto your side so your partner is facing you. You can both bend your arms, resting on your elbows to support your upper bodies.
Why it’s great: This position encourages slower, quieter thrusts, says Knight. "If anyone were to interrupt you it would look like you’re just having a cuddle under the covers," she adds. Plus, the skin-on-skin and eye-to-eye contact create even more intimacy.
Make it sexier: Experiment with your leg positioning, wrap your outside leg around your partner's waist, or prop it up on your opposite shin for more intensity. "Spooning is the perfect position for slow and gentle sex," says sexologist and psychosexual therapist, Kate Moyle (opens in new tab). "If you add in clitoral stimulation with a bullet vibrator for example, you increase your chances of having a blended orgasm. This is where you have a G-Spot and clitoral orgasm at the same time or just after each other. And the beauty is, you’ll be wrapped in your partner’s arms when that happens."
10. The wheelbarrow
How to do it: "This is one for those with strong arms," warns Moyle, who is also sexual wellness brand LELO (opens in new tab)'s sex and relationship expert. "Place your forearms flat on the ground and elevate your pelvis and thighs. Your partner will then penetrate you from behind holding your hips, which will allow you to wrap your legs around their waist."
Why it’s great: While it's unusual, this is one of the best sex positions for G-spot stimulation, and it's fun to try. You might have a few false starts and fall a couple of times, but just laugh it off and try again. While calorie burning shouldn't really be the aim of your play, much like the flatiron sex position, it's sure to get you sweating.
Make it sexier: Don’t be afraid to laugh! Sex should be fun, and sometimes it can be funny, too. Having a laugh and trying something unusual in the bedroom is a great way to break the ice if you want to re-establish the spark, or add more laughter to your relationship.
11. The butter churner
How to do it: Lay on your back on a sofa or at the end of your bed with a pillow between your shoulders. Then raise your legs up and over your body, so your ankles are above your head. With your partner standing over you, they can hold your ankles and squat slightly from above to penetrate you.
Why it's great: The butter churner sex position is a great position for anyone with a good range of flexibility and it's especially a great one for anyone who is working with a slightly smaller penis or sex toy as it allows for a direct angle of penetration. "It might take time to get the angle right, but it's worth it for the fun of trying a new sex position and it's great for G-spot stimulation," says Moyle.
Make it sexier: While it might be a bit much for some people, it would be so easy to incorporate one of the best bullet vibrators into the mix here, allowing for dual stimulation of the G-spot and the clitoris.
12. The Amazon
How to do it: The Amazon sex position is a little complicated to get into - but it's so worth it. The partner penetrating lies on their back and pulls their knees into their check. Then, the partner on the top kneels facing them, placing themselves with their legs on either side of the bottom partner's. It should look a little something like the squatting position, which allows the top partner to use the penetrating partner's thighs for support.
Why it's great: The Amazon sex position is great one for any couple. "It requires a penetrating and receiving partner so would work well for different sex couples, or for two vulva owners with one wearing a strap on," says Moyle, highlighting the Amazon as one of the best lesbian sex positions.
Make it sexier: Looking to adjust to make it easier (and sexier)? The partner on top in the squat position can take some of the strain off their legs by moving onto their knees over their partner.
13. The 9 to 5
How to do it: The receiver leans against a table or desk, perfect for anyone with a home-office set-up, and they're penetrated from behind by their partner.
Why it's great: "This position offers the perfect angel for those who enjoy deeper penetration and allows for support for those wanting to go a bit faster," says Cooper. Plus, it'll take you out of your comfort zone by bringing sex out of the bedroom and possibly even out of the house with need for a desk or table. If you're looking for how to make sex better, the 9 to 5 could be the answer.
Make it sexier: It's easy to stimulate the clitoris in this position as well, especially if you use a small toy. Ideal for anyone who enjoys easy dual stimulation. "This position can also be done with the penetrating partner sitting on a chair, like an office chair with an adjustable height," she says.
14. The butterfly
How to do it: Lay on your back at the edge of the bed with your partner standing over you. Prop your legs up on their chest or hook them around their shoulders, then have your partner hold your hips to elevate you slightly before they penetrate you.
Why it's great: "The butterfly sex position is one of the best sex positions for deep penetration," says Plumb. "It'll give you a new and sexy angle of each other, while also feeling amazing." If standing becomes uncomfortable for your partner then can move their knees onto the bed for extra support, while still staying in the same position.
Make it sexier: If you and your partner are interested, incorporate some BDSM for beginners into your play to take the power element of this sex position to the next level. Your partner could try tying your hands with rope or blindfolding you as they explore your erogenous zones. Communication, enthusiastic consent, and understanding is (as always) absolutely key here. Before trying any BDSM play you should always discuss your boundaries with your partner and agree on a safe word that can be used to stop play at any time.
15. Coital alignment technique
How to do it: The coital alignment technique was made famous by the Sex / Life Netflix series but the position has actually been around for a while. Get into the missionary position to begin with but have the top partner positioned a little higher than usual - their chest should be parallel to your shoulders. The top partner now enters but just with the tip of their penis or the sex toy, with the shaft resting against the vulva to allow for some penetration alongside clitoral stimulation.
Why it's great: By altering the angle of the penetrating partner away from the traditional missionary position, couples can prioritize clitoris stimulation - which most women need to be able to orgasm, according to research by Concordia University (opens in new tab).
The coital alignment technique is a great one if you're looking to have simultaneous orgasms with your partner because of this, as they are still experiencing some stimulation.
Make it sexier: If you're using a sex toy with a same-sex partner, you could always incorporate some masturbation techniques into the mix to make sure orgasms happen for everyone. Using a vibrator, the penetrating partner can stimulate themselves at the same time.
16. Reverse cowgirl
How to do it: Have your partner lie flat on the bed or sit on the edge. Straddle your partner with your back facing them, and place your hands on their knees for support.
Why it’s great: While this is one of the best sex positions for anyone, it's especially good for those who are pregnant. "What’s possible and not possible changes throughout pregnancy," says Moyle. "For some people, positions where they’re on top can help them feel more in control of the depth and speed of penetration," Kate says.
Make it sexier: “You may also find you get tired quicker in this position, so don't be afraid to mix things up,” she adds. If the reverse cowgirl is getting too much for you, change the position to something a little easier like the snow angel sex position. It's not only for those who are pregnant as you essentially reverse the position, but it's a great one for everyone else.
If you want to stick with reverse cowgirl, Moyle suggests propping a chair up in front of you to hold onto for added support as you get to it.
17. Seashell
How to do it: This isn't a position for the faint hearted - you'll need plenty of flexibility to make the seashell work. The bottom partner lifts their legs up and as close to their head as possible, while the penetrating partner is on top resting on the underside of the bottom partner's legs if needed.
Why it's great: Anyone who prefers to stimulate their own clitoris during sex with a partner will love this one. As the top partner is resting on the bottom partner's legs, which are up in the air, there's plenty of room to manoeuvre a small sex toy or vibrator for additional vibrations down below.
How to make it sexier: You can quickly switch up this position to allow for more manual stimulation by incorporating some elements of the coital alignment technique, another one of the best sex positions on our list. "The top partner can shift their weight up so only the tip of the penis or sex toy is inside the bottom partner and the shaft stimulates the vulva," says Knight. "Or, if you want more G-spot stimulation, the top partner can shuffle down so the tip reaches this point on the internal wall a little easier.
18. Spooning
How to do it: Lay down with your partner slotted in nicely behind you as if you’re about to cuddle. Experiment with leg positioning to find a spot that feels pleasurable and comfortable for you.
Why it’s great: "Spooning is another great position for navigating around a bump and it allows for clitoral stimulation," says Moyle. This is one of the best sex positions while pregnant, particularly in the last trimester, because it’s doesn't involve much movement and has your partner doing most of the work so you can reposition yourself into a spot that’s comfortable for you.
Make it sexier: Introduce a vibrator into the mix for extra clitoral stimulation. While you can start your spooning session at any point and then add in the vibrator, it’s better to be prepared. "It’s sexier to make sure you have the vibrator easily in reach so that you don't have to scrabble around for it and interrupt your enjoyment," says Moyle. Blindfolds can also increase pleasure, plus adding lube can make things more fun, too. "A finger vibrator can be especially helpful if you're using the best lube," Moyle adds, "There's nothing more distracting than someone losing their grip or slipping just as you edge towards orgasm."
19. The solo front-facer
How to: This position is basically the speed bump but for solo action. Find somewhere soft and comfortable with enough space for you to lie down and where you can move your hands freely underneath you. Position your sex toy of choice between two pillows and then lie on your front over the pillows, using the sex toy to stimulate you.
Why it’s great: The best sex positions don’t always have to involve a partner! This particular position is great for female masturbation. Lying on your front gives easy access to your clitoris and G-Spot. "On your front is a great position for female sex toys," says Moyle. "It’s a position rarely depicted in porn for women, though, because it doesn’t reveal much to anyone watching, and not because of a lack of pleasure." Not only do the pillows prop up the toy so you can go hands-free, but they can also create the sensation of being with a partner, which can boost your imagination and, in turn, help you orgasm.
Make it sexier: Just because you’re on your own doesn’t mean you have to miss out on foreplay. "Using one of the best body wand massagers first, such as Lelo Smart Wand will give you an all-over body massage," says Moyle. "This won't just help you relax but can build up desire and arousal by teasing. Running along the inner thighs, the lower back, and buttocks can build up anticipation, which is our most natural aphrodisiac." Keeping your eyes closed the whole time can really help when it comes to imagination. When you can’t hold off anymore and roll into The Solo Front Facer position, you’ll have major body tingles when you eventually orgasm.
21. Lotus sex position
How to do it: The lotus is one of the most famous face-to-face sex positions - and it's so easy to do. "The partner on top in the lotus sex position should climb on top of the cross-leggeder, who is sitting cross legged on the floor, and wrap their legs around their waist," says Knight. "The bottom partner can then enter easily from this point."
Why it's great: You're in charge. If you're sitting astride your partner, you can control exactly how fast or slow you want the movement and whether it's the traditional grinding motion the lotus position calls for - or more of a classic up-and-down movement. Whatever works for you.
Make it sexier: The top partner can lean back as their legs provide the perfect anchoring hooked around their partner's lower back. This offers a unique alternative angle for penetration and allows the bottom partner access to the nipples, arms, and shoulder areas of the top partner, which are just three of many erogenous zones.
22. The spray and pray
How to: Firstly, check your sex toy is waterproof - then step into the shower and turn on the water. Use the sensation of water to mix it up. "You can swap between using the showerhead targeted at your clitoris and your sex toy, or use them simultaneously together," Moyle suggests.
Why it’s great: If you think about some of the best movie sex scenes, everything is so much sexier when water is involved. Not only can the steam and heat help you feel aroused, but being in the safety of an enclosed shower can help you lose your inhibitions, especially as the noise of the water can disguise the sound of your sex toy.
Make it sexier: Playing around with temperatures can really help when it comes to sensations. Try blasting some colder water onto your clitoris or nipples and see how it can increase sensitivity. You can also invite your partner to join you for some added watery fun. Exploring all their erogenous zones with both the showerhead and a bullet vibrator at the same time while they are facing away from you could be a huge turn-on. Just be careful when using lube, it can make things slippery.
23. The vibrating reverse cowgirl
How to: Adopt the traditional Reverse Cowgirl position with your partner lying on their back, and you straddling on top facing away. Make it a “vibrating” ride by grabbing hold of a vibrator. You could also pass them the toy, one of the best wand vibrators would work best in this case, to massage down your back during sex, or stimulate your clitoris.
Why it’s great: "Not only can a vibrator be used for clitoris stimulation on the riding partner, but you can also use it on a bottom partner, for example if they have a perineum or testicles, for additional sensation," says Moyle. "It’s a great way for couples to explore giving control to the other. Plus, if one person can’t see when the sex toy will be used, it can also add to the suspense of not knowing what's going to happen next."
Make it sexier: When it comes to this position, the more sex toys, the better. Adding a cock ring to the session can make it even sexier. "A cock ring that stretches around the penis or dildo is great," says Moyle. "It also offers great clitoral stimulation if worn during sex, particularly when the woman is on top." It's a hands-free sex toy so you’re still free to touch your partner, and you don’t have to think about changing the settings - just enjoy.
24. The sitting up sizzler
How to: Forget simply lying on your back when you masturbate. Instead, sit up on your knees and lower yourself onto your G-spot vibrator or dildo instead. It’s one of the best sex positions to try alone if you want deep penetration. But, make sure to use plenty of lube!
Why it’s great: The Sitting Up Sizzler is the best for hitting the G-spot and feeling in control. "Sitting up on your knees and lowering yourself onto a sex toy can be a great way for vulva and vagina owners to mix it up at home," says Moyle. "Using a sex toy with a suction base, like your best vibrator or dildo, so that it can be secured to a surface can be beneficial. Or, standing it up between two pillows can be helpful if you're on your bed."
Make it sexier: Try The Sitting Up Sizzler in front of a mirror. By sitting up on your knees, you’ll be able to look directly in front of you. Try imagining you're being watched or starring in a film, anything that will help turn you on. Some women find even just looking at their facial expressions during masturbation can help drive them to orgasm.
25. The Chairman
How to do it: Similar to the Reverse Cowgirl, have your partner sit on the edge of the bed or on a chair, with you sitting on top of them facing away.
Why it's great: When it comes to the best way to have sex when on your period, Moyle says no positions are off-limits, however, we recommend The Chairman position for comfort, intimacy, and pleasure during your period. "Not everyone wants to have sex while on their period and that's more than okay," says Moyle. "But, if both partners are comfortable it can have some great benefits, like helping relieve cramps, extra lubrication, and increased sensitivity."
Make it sexier: If you're concerned, you can lay a towel on the bed underneath your partner. Moyle also suggests propping a mirror up in front of you so you can watch things play out and make this position even sexier.
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