69 Sex Positions You Need to Try

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In the wonderful world of sex and sex positions, there’s getting down and then there’s getting down. For connoisseurs of a good sensual romp — we’re talking about our true believers, scholars, and geeks when it comes to sex and sexuality — there’s always a sexy new position, sensation, or experience to try out with your partners for any occasion (some new sex toys can heat things up too). There are plenty of ways to make sure that no two nights in are exactly the same, whether you’re playing solo or with a partner or two.

Don’t get us wrong; we’re always down for a casual quickie or some moderately augmented missionary to give a quick O, but why not branch out and take things to a whole new level? After all, your sex life is a living, breathing and evolving thing that deserves a bit of TLC to keep you and your partner(s) entertained and satisfied. Sometimes all it takes is a brand-spanking-new position to get the party started and to reignite some important conversations about what feels best in the act. (And remember, it’s okay if those things change or if you just want to test something out!) Speaking of spankings, you can throw one of those in for good measure too, if that’s what you’re into.

We also know you’re busy and you don’t want to waste that precious alone time researching impossible pretzel-like contortions to try out (though workout recovery can double as sex recovery if your back is paying for your creativity and ambition in the bedroom).

So to help inject some creativity into your sex life, we’ve compiled 69 fun positions we think you should try ASAP (along with some sweet and guaranteed-to-please old faves). Ironically, good old-fashioned 69 isn’t on this list — but don’t worry, we’ve got a separate run-down of different ways to 69, too.

So here you go: 69 (nice) sex positions to try out. Be safe, be smart, and have fun!

A version of this story was originally published in July 2016.

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Modified Coital-Alignment Technique
The pressure and friction of Coital Alignment Technique (CAT) positions elevate the face-to-face set-up beyond just your typical missionary. The recieving partner lays back and the penetrating partner enters from above, offering the benefit of getting some grinding clitoral stimulation along with the internal stimulation you can control with shallow or deeper thrusts.
Doggy Style
Doggy style is a classic for a reason! Bestial and intense, there are a lot of modifications to give the giver and reciever something they’ll enjoy. Entry from behind and the openness of the hips give a good shot at G-spot penetration. The penetrating partner is standing or kneeling with their hands free to roam, grope, and grip to their heart’s content.
Pushing Tush
Butt-lovers rejoice! The Pushing Tush sex position helps both the penetrating and recieving partner play around with the back door, and it’s a great choice if your partner has expressed interest in playing around with anal penetration in a less-intimidating way. For added fun, you can add some toys (a good lube is your best friend here!) for something extra powerful.
The Butterfly
Another way to modify missionary with a bit more power, the Butterfly sex position involves having the recieving partner lay back on a slightly elevated surface (bed, table, countertop, go off!) tilting their hips upward and offering cervical stimulation and free hands for clitoral activities.
Countertop
For that sweeping-off-the-countertop (or desk) hot sex moment that you’ve totally fantasized about, the Countertop sex position can utilize just about any flat surface that is the right height for the penetrating partner. Take turns controlling the depth of penetration (the receiving partner can adjust their legs at their partners shoulders as well) and you’ll both be seeing stars.
Happy Scissors
Another one that is excellent for any flat surface, the sweet, wide-open energy of the Happy Scissors sex position is totally erotic. Again, the penetrating partner can adjust depth depending on how they support the recieving partners legs. It also gives access to other erogenous zones down the legs and feet, for folks who are into that.
Uncloak the Clitoris
The Uncloak the Clitoris sex position is here to remind you that you’re never too cool for hand stuff. Another reminder: the vast majority of people with vulvas can’t orgasm from penetration alone (which is totally fine — and orgasm isn’t the point of good sex anyway!). But if you are looking to help your partner get off, keeping your hands free to give their clitoris some love is an expert move.
The clit is a super sensitive part of the body with more than 8,000 nerve endings in the tip alone, so giving it some gentle — and ideally, lubricated! — swirls, circles, and strokes is the easiest way to up your game as a lover. Just ask your partner what they like best!
Rocking Horse
The Rocking Horse will become your new fave for G-spot stimulation and intimate eye-contact. In this position, the receiving partner sits between the penetrating partner’s legs, with the receiving partner’s legs just short of wrapped around them (but you can modify for that if you want to go full Koala!). Both partners rock into each other, which gives you a lot of room to control the depth of penetration while also holding each other super close.
Seated Scissors
Getting the receiving partner on top is a great way to give them a boost of control (and to give the penetrating partner a hell of a view). In the Seated Scissors position, the partner recieving can straddle the penetrating partner with one leg between theirs and one outside their hip, allowing some extra angles and creative ranges of motion while also giving some additional grinding options for clitoral stimulation.
Baring the Scepter
If you don’t have a cool penis ring on hand, never fear! Baring the Sceptor is a position that can elicit that same intense reaction for partners with penises. Simply form a ring with your thumb and forefinger around the base of the penis, pull down so the skin of the shaft is taut and enjoy the increased sensitivity and sensations that follow. If you can keep your hand there during intercourse, it’s a sure way to level-up penetrative sex.
Spooning
Lazy lovers, we see you and hear you. Particularly on slow mornings, there are few things that hit like a morning tussle with your partner. Spooning (yes, like the cuddling position) can easily become a top-10 favorite sex position when the penetrating partner steps up into the big spoon role and enters the partner being penetrated from behind. Hands remain free for touch and clitoral stimulation and mouth remains free for kisses and dirty talk.
And, best of all, when you’re all done there’s not much else to do but snuggle up and fall back to sleep for a few. (But remember to pee after sex. Nobody wants a UTI over here.)
Hands Behind Ankles
Entering into the kinky portion of our list, Hands Behind Ankles is a position that requires a comfortable pair of cuffs, a good deal of flexibility, and some pre-game discussion. Make sure the partner being cuffed is comfortable, sort out safe words (a red, yellow, green stoplight system is cool but stopping when you hear “stop” is always a good place to start, NGL) and plan out some cozy aftercare.
Now on to the position: Sort of a Yoga meets hogtie move (unless you get a set up of cuffs that accomodate ankles, I suppose), you’ll want to have the partner being penetrated/cuffed lie down with their belly to the floor and bend their legs up. Reaching back for their feet, attach the cuffs around the wrists so they sit behind their ankles. With a little careful maneuvering, have the penetrating partner slide in between your back and ankles. (Or, when in doubt, bust out a toy!) With the penetrated partner’s hips open, the stretch also brings a bit of extra blood to your pelvis allowing for a highly stimulating experience.
Self-Loving (On Your Knees)
Whether you’re flying solo or are showing your partner some of what you like, a solid go-to masturbation position (like grinding on a firm pillow or a toy) can be an excellent way to heighten pleasure. Straddling said pillow (or your lover’s thigh, go off) makes this position is great for people with vulvas to get the friction they really want.
The Kinky Missionary
Maybe one of the first positions you’d think to try when breaking out the restraints, the Kinky Missionary is your standard missionary sex with some added bondage. You’ll want to restrain your partner to a bed (check under-mattress restraint sets or headboard-friendly cuffs if you’re looking for beginner-friendly gear) and approach missionary as you normally would.
There are plenty of ways to embrace the power play here, so take some time to talk to one another about what would feel the most exciting (and don’t hesitate to troubleshoot and adjust as you go, especially if its your first time adding this kind of play to your sex life!)
Queening in Bondage
You may know this position by its other less SFW name — “face sitting” — but Queening in Bondage is when a partner recieves oral stimulation while resting on or above their partner’s mouth. Adding restraint play to this is yet another way to up the sensation and intensity of the scene or sexual encounter, allowing the receiving partner to really own the power of the pose (as pictured here) or offering an equally sexy subversion if you switch places.
Your weight can mostly held by your knees and thighs, so don’t get too wound up about “crushing” your partner — just make sure they feel comfortable communicating how much pressure is good from you on top!
Standing Room Only
Standing sex positions can be an incredibly hot way to change things up if you and your partner find yourself in the same old positions time and time again. It feels intuitive for the partner who wants to be cuffed to also be partner recieving — but not a requirement necessarily! Just make sure the partner recieving can adjust their leg; slung around the waist, butt, or thigh is a good place to start, but the un-cuffed partner should help support to get the optimal angle.
Just check in and make sure restraints aren’t too tight and that you switch things up when and if your cuffed partner gets tired (it happens!). Also: A solid pair of over the door cuffs (these from Unbound are comfy and cute!) will be your best friend here.
Standing Up Full-Frontal
Something that almost always seems like a better idea in theory? Shower sex. It’s ideal for early morning quickies and keeping things clean, but depending on the shape of your shower and tub, and whether there’s a possibility of roommates walking in on you (oops), this position can sometimes throw you for a loop. But if you lock your door and schedule some quiet time, it’s definitely do-able.
One position is ideal if you have a bench or a wider rim of your tub — have the penatrating partner keep both legs on the ground (they do need to keep their balance game together here!) while the partner being penetrated takes them from the front, lifting one leg up to wrap around their partner or to rest on the side of the tub. Just add water.
Soap’n’Grope
Shower sex is meant to be a hands-on activity, clearly — so the Soap’n’Grope variation of a standing position allows the penetrating partner to do a bit more exploring. The partner being penetrated should brace themselves on an available wall as the penetrating partner enters from behind. It’s easily the dirtiest way to have good, clean fun.
Side Rear-Entry
Any pregnant woman will appreciate the Rear-Entry Side Position, a nice relaxing way to have a roll in the hay. It’s also just one of the snuggliest positions around for all kinds of bodies — and excellent for morning sex. Have the penetrating partner enter from behind and snuggle up close with your knees touching, with your hands free to hold one another or play with other erogenous areas along the way.
Queen Takes King
For Queen Takes King, you’ll use your favorite chair (or any available surface) and have the receiving partner straddle the penetrating partner’s lap. The receiving partner can situate themselves however it feels comfortable, but feet planted on the ground is a nice way to start. From there, they can rotate, bounce, and grind to their heart’s content.
A Lazy Grind
You don’t need to work hard to feel amazing in bed, and the Lazy Grind is proof. Sitting with your heads opposite one another, you can straddle one another’s legs for some penetration or any other kind of rubbing.
Backseat Driver
Fooling around in the car… it’s like high school all over again. Hop in the back of the car for Backseat Driver and lower down one of the front seats to maximize your space, then the receiving partner can hop on facing forwards or backwards. Just don’t get caught!
Belt Bondage
More fun in the backseat? Yes please. Play around with a seatbelt for a built-in handcuff prop, then get as creative as you want from there.
Seated Rear Entry
If you really don’t want to get caught, the Seated Rear Entry is the car-sex move for you. It’s the most subtle way to have some fun in the back (or front!) seat. Simply have the receiving partner sit on the penetrating partner’s lap, facing forward, and start grinding away.
Yab-Yum With a Twist
Yab-Yum With a Twist takes a traditional Tantric sex and makes it perfect for the front seat of the car. Instead of having the penetrating partner cross their legs, they’ll sit upright with the receiving partner on their lap. The special part of this position is how close you’ll feel to your partner. Sitting face-to-face and breathing each other’s breath promotes serious romance, no matter where you’re at.
Trunk Space
Doggy style in the car? Yep, you heard us right. Lowering one seat gives the penetrating partner room to lean over the receiving partner and provides plenty of leverage to push in deep, plus lots of opportunities for touch and hand play.
Over the Hump
An interpretation of doggy style for one? Yes, please! Slip a pillow or two under your stomach and hips for support and use your hands or a toy (or both!) to light things up.
Superstar
If you’re looking for a hot self-lovin’ moment, the Superstar is where it’s at. Kneel on a soft surface with your torso upright, opening your knees to a comfortable position. Use your arm for support or lean against a wall and experiment with angles to find the explore the sensation.
The Solo Snake
The Solo Snake is ideal for getting hot, hot, hot as you grind against a hand or a vibrating toy. Your own body weight is what makes this position feel oh-so-good; the extra friction really increases your sensitivity.
Layer Cake
The Layer Cake is an intimate grinding move allows for maximum clitoral stimulation, and believe us, you’ll see why. The receiving partner can lie flat on top, either facing towards or away from the penetrating partner (both are equally fun), and grasp the edge of the bed to get some friction going. And this position is nothing if not versatile! The penetrating partner can also be on top, using their arms to pump and grind.
The Reverse Slither
The Reverse Slither position is a whole new way to take it from behind, including plenty of opportunities to stimulate the breasts and clit. The rear-entry position is always exciting, and your heads are right next to each other, the perfect spot for kissing or some dirty talk.
Stacked Snakes
With penetration and pelvic grinding, Stacked Snakes truly combines the best of both worlds. The receiving partner slips a hand under their body for some self-touch while the penetrating partner provides the extra weight and thrusting from behind. Another plus: both partners get to lie down, making this position the ultimate lazy pleasure.
The Splitting of Bamboo
With the Splitting of Bamboo, classic Tantra meets modified missionary, plus blindfolds to make things even hotter. The receiving partner lies on their back with one leg on their partner’s shoulder and the other stretched out (we promise it doesn’t require as much flexibility as you think). The penetrating partner straddles the receiving partner’s leg, providing plenty of skin-on-skin contact to make the blindfolds extra titillating.
The Private Dancer
The Private Dancer is perfect for that ultra-sexy lap dance you’ve always wanted to give. The penetrating partner gets blindfolded for this one, putting the power all in the hands of the receiving partner they slide down onto their partner’s lap. From there, it’s all about grinding and leaning to find the ultimate sensation.
X Marks the Spot
Kinky spread-eagle sex makes for a triple-X finish. Get creative with this position: blindfold your partner, then use comfortable restraints to tie their wrists or ankles to the bed. Then you can kiss, lick, and touch your partner to your heart’s content, making penetration optional (but extra fun).
Rock ‘n’ Roll
The blindfolds that both partners (!) use in this move will remove every last inhibition. The receiving partner is on top this time, with their heels planted on the bed for leverage and the perfect angle. Just make sure you get into position before slipping on the blindfolds.
Cowgirl or Cowboy
We recommend the Cowgirl/Cowboy for the anal first-timer, since the receiving partner controls the pace and depth of penetration. You’re also face-to-face with your partner, allowing for lots of intimacy as well as easy communication.
Opening Up
Mixing things up keeps “me time” interesting. For Opening Up, sit on a chair with your ankles wound around the legs, opening up your legs and slipping a hand in between. Bracing your legs against the chair gives you plenty of leverage and support as you experience some new, spine-tingling sensations.
Doggy-Style
Doggy-style is a classic anal move made even more pleasurable with lots and lots of lube. The key here (and with all anal positions) is staying relaxed and making sure your partner is on the same page with the depth and penetration of the move.
Face to Face
This steamy move offers extra intimacy during the act and can be adapted for anal sex. You and your partner can experiment with plenty of touching and kissing as you set the rhythm together.
Missionary With a Twist
Craving yet another way to kick missionary up a notch? Make it anal. Make sure the receving partner’s hips are nice and open for this Missionary With a Twist, because their knees will be folded up by their armpits — but we promise the depth and sensation will be totally worth it.
On the Stomach
Another position made for anal newbies, On the Stomach is a great option for deep, gentle penetration. The big plus? The receiving partner gets to relax on their stomach, with some support from a pillow or blanket under their head. The chill position helps both partners get comfortable, which is a surefire way to make anal more comfortable and pleasurable.
Spooning With a Twist
Spooning is a pretty traditional move, but it also makes for a great backdoor position. Once again, the comfort and intimacy of the position can help both partners get relaxed while feeling close and connected. Bonus: both partners have their hands free to feel each other up.
The Circus Freak
OK, the receiving partner will need need some flexibility to master this position, but we promise the effort is worth it. For this position, both partners stand facing each other while. the receiving partner stretches one leg straight above the penetrating partner’s shoulder. It’s a challenging position, butthe intimacy and depth of penetration will have you coming back for more.
Froggie-Style
While Doggy-Style might get old, Froggie-Syle will always keep things spicy in bed. While the penetrating partner kneels behind, the receiving partner crouches in front of them like a frog about to jump. It might feel a little strange at first, but you’ll love how easy it is to adjust the depth by leaning forward or back, and how quickly you can switch to other positions and keep the fun going.
Lap Dance
Look, there’s a reason so many of us have lap dance fantasies. This position is a sexy and fairly simple way to get both partners turned on fast while giving the receiving partner lots of control, which always makes things extra steamy.
The Yogi
Otherwise known as upside-down doggy-style, you might want to practice this one a few times. (Wink!) You’ll want a firm surface for this one (aka the floor) to give the receiving partner plenty of support to push off of. They’ll mimic the wheelbarrow yoga position by pushing off the ground with arms and feet and arching their back, providing a perfect angle (and a super hot position) for the penetrating partner to enter.
Inverted Missionary
Further proof that missionary can is even more sexy and interesting with a reverse cowgirl on top. The receiving partner can lean forward and back to control the penetration and create some delicious drag.
The Cowpoke
The Cowpoke those hot-and-heavy bedroom moments when you’re in the mood to ride. It might take a little practice to master this position, which requires the penetrating partner to lie on their back with their legs pulled in to their chest. The receiving partner squats on top of him and rests on the back of his legs. Start slow, be patient, and enjoy just how deep this position can really get.
The BBQ Quickie
Looking for a summer-friendly sex moves or two? Sneak off to a private place and pull up your skirt for this simple move, where the receiving partner leans over a table or bed and the penetrating partner enters from behind. You don’t even have to take off your swimsuit top.
The Lounging Lioness
If you can steal a private moment on the deck chair, the Lounging Lioness is a super-hot position to try. The receiving partner lies on top with their legs closed, providing added pressure as well as a tighter sensation for the penetrating partner. Poolside pleasure for two, coming right up.
The Pouncing Panther
OK, this is really just Doggy-style, but location is everything. To really spice it up for the summer, the receiving partner can put a pillow under their stomach with an icepack wrapped in a towel to keep them cool and experiment with some light temperature play.
The Teddy Bear
This romantic and intimate position will really make you sweat on a hot summer afternoon. The penetrating partner kneels down (think marriage proposal position) while the receiving partner straddles them to bounce and grind away. You’ll get plenty of kissing and eye-gazing to make it super pleasurable.
Closed for Business
Getting oral with your legs closed turns arousal up to 11. This position puts all the pressure right where you want it, so if an intense orgasm is what you’re after, you’ll want to give it a try.
In High Heels
Bring your fantasy to life in this hotter-than-hot standing move. If the receiving partner is the one wearing the heels, they’ll be at the exact right height for deep penetration when they lean over a bed or table.
The Drop Box
The Drop Box is consideredd one of the best positions for the female orgasm (and your partner will probably enjoy it too). The receiving partner has the option of either wrapping their legs around the penetrating partner, resting their legs on their shoulders, or having them hold their legs in the air — they’re all hot, trust us.
The G-Whiz
Either variation of the G-Whiz allows for maximum stimulation. The penetrating partner can either lift their partner themselves (giving them great access to a very sensitive area), or the receiving partner can lie on a few pillows to achieve the same effect. Either way, you’ll be coming back to this hot and accessible position again.
The Tilt-a-Whirl
With the right rhythm and balance, the Tilt-a-Whirl will have you seeing stars in the best way possible. This G-spot-friendly position starts with the penetrating partner sitting with their feet on the floor and the receiving partner sitting on their lap, face-to-face. Hold each others’ arms as you lean back and start grinding. It’s a trust exercise, a core workout, and a sexy position all in one.
Beach-Safe Doggy-Style
Here you go: an easy way to get it on on the beach without getting sand in those crevices. Simply lay out your towel, slip the relevant parts out of your swimsuits, and have some nice sweaty fun.
In the Water
In the Water is a super-sexy sex on-the-beach move, because no one knows what’s going on below the surface. Before you get busy, just make sure you choose a safe body of water (think: no parasites, predators, or strong currents).
On a Beach Ball
Yep, turns out a beach ball can turn into the bouncy sex prop you never knew you needed. It provides lots of soft support to the receiving partner, who leans their body over the ball while the penetrating partner enters from behind. Bonus: suspending yourself above the ground reduces the risk of sand getting into uncomfortable places.
Reverse Cowgirl
From the bedroom to the beach, the reverse cowgirl position translates perfectly. It’s another one that protects the receiving partner from getting sand all over, while giving the penetrating partner the hottest view from behind.
Standing Up
This position is basically beach sex 101: Just pull your swimsuit to the side and get busy. For this on-your-feet move, find a secluded, wind-protected area, lean up against a sturdy support, and enjoy some intimate time in the sun.
Under a Blanket
Keeping beach sex under wraps can make it even hotter. Doing it under a blanket is best if you try a simple but sexy spooning position and wrap your arms around each other. Just remember to wait until the beach clears out for the day!
Field Goal
This football-themed position is sure to score you points in bed. The receiving partner lies on their back with their hips on their partner’s lap in “field goal” position, providing the perfect opening for penetration. (Touchdown arms optional.)
Fumble
This is the one time when fumbling in the end zone is actually a good thing. This position is all hands in the best way — between the legs, sliding down the belly, all over the chest, etc. Pull your partner close and enjoy.
Wide Receiver
Make like a wide receiver and let him be the one to score the points this round. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs elevated and spread wide. Their partner has plenty of room for oral, penetrative, or manual sex — or all three, if they’re a real all star.
Bend Over, Baby
This shallow-penetration position makes a smaller penis feel just right. Bent over at a 90-degree angle, the receiving partner can experiment with tilting their pelvis to find the perfect hot spot.
Scissors
If your partner has a thicker penis, the Scissors position is the way to go. You’ll lie on your sides, facing each other, with your heads on opposite sides of the bed. The receving partner straddles one of their partner’ and slips one leg up to open up and allow for penetration. The friction and the hot position will keep you both feeling fireworks from start to finish.