12 Best Nipple Clamps for That Extra Pinch of Excitement

Why do people use nipple clamps, you ask? As double board-certified gynecologist Monica Grover, DO, MS, tells us, nipple clamps work by restricting the blood flow to the nipple, thus creating a numb-meets-pleasurable-meets-painful feeling. Some people find the stimulation uncomfy or unarousing, while others don’t enjoy or even experience the pain-pleasure sensations associated with BDSM-esque sex. However! Before you think nip stim is just for people who enjoy chains and whips, Grover says anyone who “enjoys a little pain with their pleasure” might be into nipple clamps, so keep an open mind.

Naturally, you'll want to make sure you actually *enjoy* nipple play before diving into the clamp life. To test it out, ask your partner to try biting, sucking, and massaging your nipples, or give ’em a pull or pinch yourself. While clamps will feel more intense than using your hands, you should get a general idea of the sensation because, as sex educator and Babeland brand manager Lisa Finn explains, “Blood gets trapped in the nipple tissue, making it super sensitive to the touch.” This = a crazy, erotic experience for some...as long as you handle clamps with caution. Speaking of which...

As with anything sexual, consent is crucial. If one of you isn’t into the whole clamp idea, nix it. There are plenty of other things to try that can stimulate the nipples like kissing, flicking, or pulling. And it’s also totally normal if you don’t like playing with your partner’s nips or having your nipples played with. But if you do decide to utilize clamps, then make sure to establish a safe word (like “pineapple” or “red”) before you start clamping all over. Since clamps can cause a bit of pain, paying extra care and attention to your partner’s needs is crucial.

Before just clamping away, clinical sexologist and cofounder of the Swann Center, Dr. Valerie Poppel, says it’s a good idea to warm up the nipples by kissing, sucking, massaging, or otherwise playing with the area. This helps get them aroused and ready for action. Next, you’ll want to place the “jaws” of the clamp on the nipple or on the areola, depending on what type of sensation you’re looking for. Finn recommends starting with the clamps at the back of the nipple (against the areola), since pinching the tip of your nipple right out the gate may be too painful at first.

Also, despite the name, you never want to just suddenly clamp the jaws shut. “Determine where you want the pressure to be, then slowly close the clamp,” Queen explains. Once it’s on, you can always adjust the tension accordingly. You can also try adding stimulation to your partner’s nipples while the clamps are attached, too. Pro tip: Close the clamp on the nipple while the wearer is breathing in, and let go on the exhale. This helps with that initial zap and gets the blood flow moving immediately.

Oh, and aftercare is also important, especially if sexual power dynamics are at play. Rub some ice, lotion, or aloe on your partner’s nipples after clamping, spend some time chatting or cuddling, and soak up those feel-good, post-banging vibes.

There are several different types of nipple clamps out there, and the type you choose will def depend on your experience level. Adjustable nipple clamps (such as tweezer clamps, alligator clamps, four-point clamps, and nipple lassos) are best for beginners, while non-adjustable clamps (like clothespin clamps, magnetic clamps, and clover clamps) are better suited for more experienced users. A few tips for getting the best bang for your nips:

Consider your nipple size and sensitivity

Start by identifying two things: How big are your nipples? And how much pressure do you enjoy? As Queen explains, "Some clamps cover a wider surface area and might be preferred by people with bigger nipples." The size of the clamps also affects sensitivity. "Thin or small tips on clamps focus the pressure down to one small spot instead of spreading it out," she adds.

Find the right weight

Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the weight of the toy. Typically, tweezer clamps are best for newbies not only because they're adjustable, but because they're nice and lightweight. If you’re just starting out, gravitate toward those before graduating on to something with more oomph. On the other end of the spectrum, Poppel says heavier clamps can add a pleasurable tugging sensation. If you’re more experienced (or like a lil extra *ouch*), try something with a thicker chain or additional weight for some added stimulation.

Check out the material

As with anything you plan on using in an intimate way, make sure the materials used won't irritate your skin, especially if you have any allergies. The best nipple clamps tend to be made with nickel-free metal and included silicone- or PVC-coated tips, which will save your delicate nips from scratches or infection.

• Carol Queen, PhD, is an author and sex educator, as well as the staff sexologist at Good Vibes.
• Monica Grover, DO, MS, is a double board-certified gynecologist for VSPOT Medi Spa in New York, NY.
• Lisa Finn is a sex educator and brand manager for Babeland.
• Dr. Valerie Poppel is a clinical sexologist and cofounder of the Swann Center in Dagsboro, DE.

Pleasure is hiiiighly diverse, and what rocks the world of one person may not be powerful enough to thrill another. That's why we rounded up a whole range of highly-rated nipple clamps, from gentle pinchers for beginners to seriously robust clamps that'll leave your legs quaking.

Here at Cosmo, we have v high standards when it comes to sex toy recs. Every one of our round-ups adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes toys for all budgets and bodies. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to do it yourself.