A new trend in sexual wellness is gaining popularity among women, with 63% embracing a technique called 'wrapping' for enhanced masturbation experiences. This method involves placing a layer of fabric between a vibrator and the clitoris, altering the sensation of vibrations to provide a more pleasurable or comfortable stimulation.
What Is Wrapping and How Does It Work?
Wrapping is a simple yet effective practice where fabric acts as an accessory to a vibrator, changing the way vibrations feel on sensitive areas. According to a survey by sex education site OMGYES, which polled 20,000 women, this technique can make vibrations feel softer, silkier, or more textured, depending on the material used. It's not limited to the clitoris; women can also apply it to nipples or other erogenous zones for varied sensations.
Why Wrapping Feels So Good
Many women find direct vibrator contact too intense or uncomfortable due to sensitivity. Sex expert Gigi Engle, author of 'Kink Curious,' explains that fabric creates a barrier that blunts the intensity, making the experience more enjoyable. 'A lot of people with vulvas can find a wand vibrator too intense against their clitoris,' Engle says. 'Fabric can soften the stimulation, which people really enjoy.'
Even for those who don't struggle with sensitivity, different fabric textures offer new ways to achieve orgasm. OMGYES experts note that vibrations can become 'silky, fluffy, pillowy, or fluttery' with wrapping. Preferences vary, with some women favoring coarse fabrics like towels for added friction, while others prefer smoother materials like silk for a slippery softness.
Popular Fabrics for Wrapping
OMGYES recommends several fabrics to try, each offering unique sensations:
- Silk: Provides a smooth, low-friction feel.
- Jeans seam: Targets pressure and vibrations precisely.
- Thin cotton: Makes vibrations feel softer and warmer.
- Fur: Offers a silky sensation up close or a ticklish feel with light touch.
- Towel: Creates texture and friction when rubbed across the skin.
- Knotted rope/coarse fabric: Directs pressure and vibrations effectively.
- Lace: Provides sudden sensation changes due to gaps in the fabric.
- Velvet: Feels soft and fuzzy, with variations in different directions.
- Corduroy: Offers a fuzzy but firm texture, with ridges that can add extra pleasure.
Benefits of Wrapping Beyond Pleasure
Wrapping isn't just about enhancing sensation; it also simplifies cleanup. Engle highlights that using a duvet, T-shirt, or even a condom over a vibrator means less frequent washing, as the fabric prevents direct contact with the vulva. 'Sometimes the thing that can stop you from masturbating is the hassle of cleanup,' she says. 'Using fabric can mean you don't have to clean your vibrator every time.' This can help maintain a regular masturbation routine without the deterrent of post-use chores.
Related Techniques: The Front-Wedgie
Another technique mentioned by OMGYES involves keeping underwear on during masturbation, specifically pulling the front up toward the belly button to create gentle pressure. This 'front-wedgie' method makes the clitoris and lips snug and contained, forming a harder surface that vibrates differently, enhancing the experience for some women.
Wrapping is part of a broader trend in women's sexual health, with other techniques like 'outstroking' and 'accenting' also gaining attention. As more women explore these methods, they're finding personalized ways to enjoy masturbation with greater comfort and variety.
