Textured or Smooth Dildos? Ribs, Veins and Things You'll Feel All Night

You're browsing dildos with a glass of wine, and it turns out you have strong opinions about veins. Fair enough. Something is going inside you tonight, and you're allowed to be fussy about the feel of it.

A smooth dildo glides in with nothing to catch on. A textured one drags ribs, ridges or veins along every sensitive bit of you, in and out, until you can feel each one. Both are great. It just depends what you're after when you lie back and close your eyes.

Smooth: pure, slippery fullness

You open the drawer, look past that wild toy you bought last month and reach for your smooth one again. You know the curve, you know how it feels, and you know how fast it gets you there. That's a favourite, not a failure of imagination.

With no ribs in the way, all you feel is the shape and the stretch. A smooth toy can take long, slow, deep strokes without overdoing it, which is great if you're sensitive or planning to take your time. And not everyone wants something that looks like a cock. Your dildo doesn't need a backstory.

The REALROCK Non-Realistic 17 cm is a clear, simple shape on a suction base. It's easy to stick down and easy to enjoy.

Ribs: you'll feel every single one

This is for when you want more going on. Ribs drag across your G-spot on every stroke, and that feeling can build fast. They also change completely between a slow stroke and a hard, quick one, so you'll be busy finding out which you like better.

The Colours Ribbed 6" brings a ribbed silicone shaft, powerful vibrations, a wireless remote and a sturdy suction cup base. Stick it to a chair and let someone else work the remote, and it's going to be a very good night.

Veins: for when you want the real thing

Lightly raised veins are nothing like deep ribs. They're more of a subtle, realistic drag, and a defined head adds a good pop as it goes in and out. Realistic doesn't always mean heavily textured, so look closely at photos, but remember a picture tells you more about the look than the feel.

You can love the look of a cock without wanting every vein to introduce itself. Our dildo buying guide can help you compare shapes.

Firmness changes how it feels

Ribs on a firm dildo stay firm, and you'll know all about them. On a soft toy, they give and feel gentler. So the same texture can feel completely different on two toys that look alike. Think about their size and spacing as well.

If you'd like a soft surface with some backbone underneath, read our dual-density guide. Softness and ribs are separate choices.

Keep your usual size at first

You went looking for a ribbed dildo in your usual size, and half an hour later you're eyeing one twice as big because the colour's nice. Steady on. If texture's the new bit, stay near a size you already enjoy, and remember to include the ribs and bumps when you check the width. Our size guide shows you how, and the dildo range has plenty to choose from.

Lube up, wash up

Texture needs lots of lube. Dry ribs tell you nothing about whether you like ribs, and everything about needing more lube. Use water-based on silicone, and stop if it hurts or irritates. If it's still too much, a smoother toy may be your thing, and you don't owe a toy a second chance.

For anal use, go with a toy made for it, with a wide flared base. Afterwards, get in between all those ridges and let it dry properly. Our toy cleaner vs soap guide has the options.

Be picky about this. You'll be feeling your decision in a very intimate way.