What Is Dry Humping — And How To Do It

Dry Humping Vs. Other Sexual Contact

The biggest difference between dry humping and other forms of sex is the lack of penetration.

People who dry hump typically wear clothes that cover their genitals. That could be anything from a pair of thin, silk undies to a full layer of denim.

Dry humping can technically be done in the nude, but this removes the protection that comes with layers of fabric.

Although many view dry humping as sex play or a precursor to intercourse rather than sex itself, others prefer it to penetration.

While people often dry hump each other, a person can also dry hump alone as a form of hands-free masturbation.

This looks different from standard masturbation because there’s no skin-on-skin contact or penetration from fingers or a sex toy, such as a vibrator.

Solo dry humping might involve pressing your clothed genitals against a pillow, piece of furniture, or even a stuffed toy, which can also be part of a plushie fetish for those that have one.

Speaking of fetishes, dry humping is also a popular activity among the Furry community — those who identify with (or see themselves as) anthropomorphic animal or cartoon characters.

While many Furries have penetrative sex or “yiff” (a term based on the sound foxes make when mating), others dry hump in their fur suits to get their kicks.

Why Does Dry Humping Feel Good?

Dry humping creates friction, pressure, and warmth on your genitals and can be an exciting source of sexual stimulation for that reason.

The friction caused by dry humping can, however, lead to chafing if you’re not careful.

My best advice?

Try sticking to soft and smooth fabrics against your skin (think silk or very soft cotton underwear) and don’t hump so vigorously that you rub yourself raw.

Benefits Of Dry Humping

Although sex can be amazing and there are plenty of activities to explore with your clothes off, dry humping offers a number of benefits that include:

• You don’t need a partner to enjoy it, as it can be done alone using a pillow or other object
• The activity can be incredibly erotic with a partner (especially if you’re trying to see how long you can both “last” before going any farther, if you choose to)
• There’s little risk of STI transmission between partners
• Unintended pregnancy is also unlikely between heterosexual partners

People with a clitoris may be particularly partial to dry humping, which can provide more consistent stimulation than penetrative sex without being over-stimulating.

As we talk about in this article, dry humping is often an early form of hands-free masturbation explored during a person’s youth.

Finally, dry humping is a great alternative to penetrative sex if you’re at all concerned about:

• Contracting or spreading STIs.
• Getting pregnant or impregnating someone else.
• Having sex in general — whether you’re abstaining from the activity, have physical limitations that prevent you from engaging in it, or simply don’t want to have penetrative sex.

Is Dry Humping Safe?

Yes, dry humping is safe overall. There are some caveats, though.

Dry humping can help you avoid STIs and pregnancy if you have adequate layers of clothing on.

But if you’re naked or wearing thin or easily moveable layers, such as underwear only, the risks of dry humping are higher because bodily fluids may leak through and around them.

Even if you aren’t having penetrative sex, skin-to-skin contact can lead to the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV).