What Are Vibrating Panties And How Do They Work?

A vibrating panty — also known as an underwear vibrator — is a type of vibrating sex toy that either fits inside a pocket sewn into the crotch of your panties or is held in place by your underwear during use.

Can’t believe such an incredible thing exists? Check it out:

Discreet and generally remote-controlled, they’re a popular way to stay dressed while getting your wank on — even in public.

Feel like having an orgasm, but also need to run a few errands?

Cozied up in your favorite reading chair but just not feeling stimulated enough — yet? 

The cure for what ails you might be a pair of vibrating underwear.

A vibrating panty can be used on erogenous zones that include:

• Vulva
• Clitoris
• G-spot (if it has an insertable shaft)
• Labia minora
• Any other erogenous zone if the vibrator is removed from the underwear

Panty vibrators are available in a variety of styles depending on the type of stimulation you’re looking for — and how you want to wear them.

We’ll explain everything you need to know about vibrating panties, but if you’re thinking about trying one, click here for our top recommendations.

In this article, we’ll talk about:

• What Is A Vibrating Panty
  • Selecting The Right Size
  • Our Top Recommendations
• Using A Vibrating Panty
  • For Masturbation
  • As A Couple
  • During Sex
  • Can It Be Inserted
• Are Vibrating Panties Safe
  • Cleaning

What Is A Vibrating Panty?

Vibrating panties come in an array of styles but they all involve holding a vibrator against your vulva using a pair of underwear.

They may slip into a special pocket inside the underwear (integrated) and are sold together as a set, or a panty vibrator may be designed to fit inside your existing panties (standalone) without slipping using clips or even magnets, as the We-Vibe Moxie does.

A word of advice?

If you’re above or below the “one size fits all” clothing range, standalone underwear vibrators are your best bet!

Some vibrating panties use remote controls so you or your partner can have total mastery of the timing, intensity, and patterns of vibrations from a distance.

Others may use apps as a means of control to achieve the same — often over very long distances.

A few panty vibrators — such as bullets that slip into the crotch — are controlled manually on the device itself, which means you’ll have to turn them on before placing them in your underwear.

Consider your preferences carefully before making your selection—unless you’re aiming for a collection.

Vibrating panties can offer features that include:

• Sexy underwear with the vibrator as part of a set
• Multiple vibration speeds, patterns, or pulsations
• Customizable vibrations
• Syncing vibration with music or ambient sound
• “Wings” or magnetic clips that hold the vibrator in place inside the crotch
• Remote or app control with a varied range of distance
• Remote controls that also vibrate (some models)
• A shaft for vaginal insertion (some models)
• Quiet and discreet operation
• Being waterproof
• Being rechargeable

There is a wide array of styles and control options depending on your preferences.

At first glance, appearance might not seem like an important factor in an underwear vibrator. After all, who’s going to see it?

You are!

If your panty vibe seems ugly, ridiculous, or comes in a color you hate, the sexiness factor can be severely diminished.

If feeling pretty makes you feel sexy, choose one that fits the bill.

Panty vibrators are generally fairly small so they may be somewhat less powerful compared to an industrial wand massager, but they’re incredibly versatile since they go with you — anywhere.

Although they’re on the small side, that does not necessarily mean they operate quietly.

If used in public settings, the ambient noise needs to be loud enough to mask any sound — or your secret will be given away.

The cost of vibrating underwear can vary considerably depending on the brand, design, and vendor.

We looked at the panty vibrators at Adam & Eve, who we trust after deep review, and found that panty vibes range from about $30 to $180 — so there’s something for every budget!

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Should You Purchase Your Normal Underwear Size When Buying A Vibrating Panty?

For the most part, you should select your normal underwear size when purchasing a pair of vibrating panties, however, they are not typically available in comparable sizing increments.

In terms of size and fit, you might be a bit frustrated or surprised by how the sizing actually works with this type of product.

Many are “one size fits most,” which can be a little misleading.

Additionally, some are offered in “one size” and “one size queen” options, with the latter being plus-size.

Many brands incorporate ties on the sides to accommodate a wider range of body sizes — making them far more versatile in terms of fit.

When in doubt about the way a vibrating panty may fit you, it may be best to opt for a standalone clitoral vibrator that is designed for use with the panties and lingerie you already own.

This ensures the last thing on your mind is how the bottoms will fit or look so you can focus on the right goal: Your sexual satisfaction.

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Our Top Recommendations

If you’re curious to try a panty vibrator but aren’t sure where to start, we highly recommend the picks below after testing them ourselves.

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How To Use A Vibrating Panty

You can use vibrating underwear at home or abroad — basically, anywhere you’d rock a pair of panties.

First and foremost, you’ll want to read the instructions. This is true of any sex toy you haven’t tried before.

Since most panty vibrators are remote or app-controlled, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of the settings — and how to navigate through them — before using them.

You’ll also want to ensure that the lube you selected is a good match for the materials your underwear vibe is made of.

Sound is going to be a factor with vibrating underwear.

If you’re going to be in a busy intersection or loud party, you can probably get away with a mid-range sound toy.

But if you’re headed to a library or a classroom — not so much.

Be aware of how loud your new vibe will be before you head out in the world, if you do.

You can also check out reviews from our panty vibrator experts to learn where it can be best used.

Like any new sex toy, give your new panty vibrator a good cleaning with mild soap and water before the first use — and after every use.

• How To Put On Vibrating Panties

For the most part, you’ll slide them on the exact same way you would normal underwear, although many products feature panties that tie at the hips for a more versatile fit.

In this case, the best thing to do is tie the sides loosely enough to fit over your hips, slip the underwear on, and then adjust the ties further until they fit snugly enough to hold the vibrator in place.

From there, insert the vibrator into the crotch — slipping it into the pocket designed to hold it (if it came with panties).

For a standalone vibrator that can be used with any pair of underwear, position it such that it makes adequate contact with your vulva, securing the vibrator in place with the magnet or clip if it includes one.

Watch our demo below for a step-by-step guide for attaching a magnetic panty vibrator to a pair of underwear:

You may need to turn the vibrator on its lowest setting just to make sure it’s making contact and providing stimulation right where you need it to.

If it isn’t, adjust it until it does.

At this point, you’re ready to go! Explore your vibe’s settings and have fun with it!

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How To Use A Vibrating Panty For Masturbation

For many users, the biggest draw of a panty vibrator is that it’s perfect for hands-free masturbation.

This means you can use your vibrating underwear while taking the bus across town, hitting a dance club with your partner, or even while doing your laundry.

Any activity that could be improved by sexual stimulation is fair game with a panty vibrator.

It’s often advisable to begin on a low setting and work your way up. This is an especially good idea if you’re a beginner vibrator user.

Try different vibration patterns to see what works best for you and prepare to make adjustments as necessary.

Expect a learning curve when using this type of vibrator to have an orgasm for the first time — and don’t get too discouraged if the maiden voyage of your underwear vibe isn’t a smashing, orgasmic success.

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​​How Can Couples Use Vibrating Panties?

First, decide who is going to be controlling your device — you or your partner.

For many people, going it alone is a good way to get started before using a vibrator with a partner.

By doing so, you can get a feel for the vibrator itself, become accustomed to the new panties (for integrated models), and practice walking around or doing normal activities while using it.

If you plan to use your new panty vibrator with a partner, have them read the instructions and experiment with the settings while it isn’t in use so they understand exactly how it works.

Discuss the types of stimulation you’re looking for and how to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.

It’s also vital that you and your partner have a safe word (or action, to signal from across a room) to communicate when you want everything to stop.

This is especially important when you’re wearing vibrating underwear in a public setting.

If stimulation becomes too intense (or even uncomfortable), a safe word or action will send a clear signal to your partner that it’s time to stop the stimulation.

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How Can You Use A Vibrating Panty During Sex?

Depending on the design and your position, it is possible to use a vibrating panty during sex.

These can be fun to wear during long makeout sessions or for some titillating edging together before you get to the sex.

You can also get a little creative.

For instance, one person can wear a vibrating panty while giving fellatio or cunnilingus to their partner at the same time.

During sex, you can also use standalone vibes meant for use in underwear, holding the vibrator against the clitoris by hand — this is especially true of bullet or egg-shaped vibrators.

In general, though, penetrative vaginal or anal sex can be a bit of a challenge while wearing an underwear vibrator unless it can be held in place by a pair of crotchless panties.

• Do You Need Lube With A Vibrating Panty?

It’s a good idea to use lube, even with a panty vibrator.

We get it.

You’re using a sex toy in public and the last thing you want is a visible wet spot that can be seen through clothing.

For best results, personal lubricant should be used with panty vibrators — even of the clitoral variety. If your natural lubrication is adequate, maybe go lightly with it — just a drop or two.

While you may not be inserting an underwear vibrator, friction reduction to avoid injury to the skin is still important.

Drag against the clitoris or vulva can lead to discomfort and certainly doesn’t enhance orgasm.

Many users of underwear vibrators swear by water-based lube.

It’s similar to what your body produces naturally and is compatible with pretty much every material that vibrators can be made from.

If you’re looking for something a bit more long-lasting, oil-based lubes can be a good alternative. Just beware of potential allergens and compatibility with your vibe of choice.

Silicone lubricants are also long-lasting, thick, and have great slip. However, they aren’t compatible with silicone sex toys.

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Can You Put A Panty Vibrator Inside You?

Usually, no.

As a general rule, vibrating panties aren’t meant for insertion unless they feature a shaft designed for G-spot stimulation.

Unless you’re using one specifically designed for that purpose, never insert a panty vibe anally or vaginally.

Panty vibrators tend to be small and can easily get lodged inside your vagina (or lost within the anus).

That’s not something you’ll want to explain to an emergency room nurse, plus it’s downright dangerous.

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Are Vibrating Panties Safe?

Yes, panty vibrators are quite safe. Folks, we wouldn’t recommend them if they weren’t.

Modern vibrating underwear is typically made from either ABS plastic or body-safe or medical-grade silicone — both of which are very safe in the absence of allergies.

We recommend avoiding sex toys made of cheap or dangerous materials, including:

• Jelly rubber
• Thermoplastic rubber or elastomer (TPE/TPR)
• Rubber
• Cheap non-ABS plastics
• Other porous materials

Remember, a sex toy is an investment in your health.

Treat this purchase the same way you would any medical device or anything else that touches the most intimate parts of your body.

A vibrating panty is also very safe to use while pregnant as long as you aren’t experiencing pregnancy complications and do not have a history of them.

If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor.

Some say regular vibrator use can desensitize your clitoris or vagina.

That’s not actually true under normal circumstances. Wank away, vagina-owners.

If you feel any numbness in your nethers, simply take a break from vibe use for a bit.

As hilarious as this is to contemplate, it’s really no different than when your foot falls asleep.

Give it some time and it’ll be just fine.

How Do You Wash Vibrating Panties?

The vibrator should be removed from the panties (detached, unclipped, or slipped out of the crotch pocket, if there is one) and the underwear should then be washed gently with mild laundry soap and water.

Some people prefer to wash their lingerie by hand, while others toss them into the washing machine on a delicate cycle.

Either method is fine.

In general, lace underwear will keep its fit and quality for longer if it is air-dried, rather than placed in the dryer.

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In Conclusion

Now that you know how versatile, fun, and titillating vibrating panties can be, you’ll no doubt want to give one a whirl.

Our Everything Vibrators guide has tons of information to start you on your vibrator journey.

If you’re in a hurry, our vibrator quiz can help you to narrow your options down, or you can simply take a look at our top vibrating panty picks.

The world of wearable panty vibes is vast and varied, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Yes — even you!