If you’ve been with your partner for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve developed something of a routine when it comes to sex. Maybe your brain isn’t a catalogue of 900 different sex position names with instructions on how to do them, but you generally know what works for you both and what to expect. Knowing exactly how to get yourself off is great, but throwing down in the same spooning-to-doggy routine every time you do the dirty can get repetitive. Keeping your sex life exciting can be tough, but it’s important to make sure you’re happy with that area of your relationship. If you or your partner start to feel bored, it can affect your bond.
How do you keep the spark alive? Part of it involves keeping things interesting in your sex life — and one of the easiest ways to do that is by trying new locations and new positions. “Trying different positions implies a sense of curiosity and comfort in a sexual relationship, and some let you feel things differently,” Carol Queen, Ph.D., sex educator and staff sexologist at Good Vibrations, tells Bustle. “Don’t think you have to try them all on one date (unless you’re with someone who is as eager to do that as you might be),” they add. “Many people find there are several positions that become their go-tos, and they leave others on the table — that’s OK! But it’s great to try a variety because that’s how you discover which suits you and your partner/s best.”
So, here are 31 sex positions — thirty freaking one. Use them as you please, whether you do a month-long challenge or just want a database of sex positions to have on hand. These are the best sex positions you can try with a partner — or two.
1Modified Doggy
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a favorite — it’s got the intensity and G-spot stimulation of doggy, but it’s a more intimate variation. “If a receiver doesn’t love doggy, it’s often for two reasons — penetration in this position might be too deep for them, or they feel like it’s not intimate enough,” Queen tells Bustle. “The closer body contact of this position can help with both, plus it’s very easy to go to or from classic doggy in this position.”
2In A Chair
How to do it: While your partner sits in a chair, lower yourself down while facing them. You can bounce or grind on them, and it’s a great position for dirty talk.
Why it’s worth a try: An easy way to mix things up, this position has a kinky feel while still being super easy. “Choose a stable, sturdy chair, please,” urges Queen.
3Cowgirl (Or Rider)
How to do it: Straddle your partner and slowly lower yourself down. You can lean forward and rest your weight in your hands or lean back instead, whichever is more comfortable.
Why it’s worth a try: You get to be in total control in this one. You can go for some clitoral play or just enjoy setting the pace and providing much of the movement. “This can help build arousal higher for those who are accustomed to lying prone, on the bottom,” Queen says. “[This is] one more reason why so many cowgirls (or cowfolks) find it easier to orgasm in this position.”
4Reverse Cowgirl (Or Reverse Rider)
Why it’s worth a try: It’s got all of the benefits of regular cowgirl, but with a kinky twist.
5The Voyeur
Why it’s worth a try: Hey, if you’re going to mix it up, mix it way up. “Some people like watching, some like being watched! Ask each person what it is they enjoy out of their position and how they’d like to interact while in it,” says Jean. “Perhaps across the room doesn’t feel as intimate as right underneath both of your bodies.” A third party totally changes the dynamic.
6Weak In The Knees
Why it’s worth a try: Just go for it. “Face sitting is all the rage these days, but as playful as it may seem, this is a form of breath play! Be conscious of how many air pathways are being blocked and establish non-verbal communication (like pinching or multiple taps on the other person’s body) to signal when they need more air,” offers Jean. This is a position that is carnal in all the best ways. It’s really intimate but also really sexy.
7X Marks The Spot
Why it’s worth a try: It’s an unusual position where you both get a great view of what’s happening. Plus, by playing around with how you cross your legs, you can mix up the intensity. “Crossing your legs tighter can add pressure that might feel really good,” notes Queen. “And if you think it could feel even better, this is an excellent position to add clit play.”
8Doggy With Vibrator
Why it’s worth a try: It’s all of the G-spot stimulation and clitoral stimulation all at once. “This might be a great one to try wearable vibes with; face-to-face positions can sometimes shift or dislodge them, but this is less likely to do that,” Queen tells Bustle.
9Three-Legged Dog
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a tricky position, so you’ll feel great when you nail it. “Standing sex gives you a whole new angle, but it can also activate muscles you aren’t used to using,” notes Jean. “Don’t be afraid to pop a leg or two into an over-the-door sex swing for support.” Plus, once you get the hang of it, it will be perfect for quickies.
10The Bridge
How to do it: With your feet flat on the bed, lift your hips into the air. Your partner should be on their knees and can use their hands to help guide you. “This position requires far less muscular strength than balance oriented ones,” explains Jean. “Our hips are a strong part of the body. While it may be tempting to focus on up-and-down or in-and-out, try also experimenting with side to side and ‘around-the-world’ hip swings.”
Why it’s worth a try: A great view, clitoral stimulation, and a glute workout — what more do you need?
11Missionary
Why it’s worth a try: It’s the old standby — and it deserves a spot on your sex bucket list. “People think of this as vanilla, but eye contact and dirty talk put the lie to that,” says Queen. Intimate, intense, and with plenty of ways to mix it up, there’s a reason missionary is a favorite.
12Spoon
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a great position for the morning or when you’re feeling lazy — it’s cozy and intimate, but you can still get G-spot and clitoral stimulation. Queen says spooning is also “a much more accessible position for people with chronic pain or other mobility issues.”
13The Butterly
Why it’s worth a try: “This position is great for the giver because they can use momentum to generate movement by pulling their person’s hips into them,” Jean adds. It’s unusual and it offers a great view for both of you. Plus, your partner does most of the work.
14Doggy Style
Why it’s worth a try: If a vibrator isn’t your thing, there’s no reason you can’t just stick with plain ol’ doggy. “Doggy style is one of the most versatile and adjustable positions out there for both parties,” says Jean. It’s intense and amazing.
15One Person On Top
Why it’s worth a try: You’re still in control, but it’s a quieter and more intimate option than traditional cowgirl.
16Coital Alignment Technique
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a great, missionary-type position for an orgasm since it ensures you’ll get clitoral stimulation. “The combination of penetration, grinding, and squeezing — and releasing — can lead to powerful orgasms,” sexologist Jess O’Reilly previously told Bustle.
17Sideways Straddle
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a great way to mix things up — you get to be in control and they get an amazing view of you.
18Doggy Oral
Why it’s worth a try: Mixing it up with some oral sex can be just as intense as penetration. This position allows each partner to provide undivided attention and focus on pleasuring the other while they can relax and enjoy it.
1969
Why it’s worth a try: You’re both enjoying yourself, but in this 69 variation, you can stay there way longer.
20The Cross
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a relaxing option that’s still unusual. Once you get it lined up properly, you can both just lay back and enjoy the ride.
21Lotus
How to do it: Your partner should sit down cross-legged, then you can lower yourself onto them. Once you’re comfortable, then you can wrap your arms and legs around them for a more intimate feel.
Why it’s worth a try: Once you get into it, it’s a relaxed and comfortable position that’s perfect for grinding and deep penetration. “Lotus is also a really intimate and connected position — great for slow sex, eye contact, [and] upper-body touch,” Queen tells Bustle.
22Advanced Crab Walk
How to do it: While your partner sits in the crab position, scoot your way over to them. Once you’re comfortable, lift one leg at a time over their shoulders. Take your time. If needed, you might benefit from using a sex pillow or cushion so you’re not doing a tricep workout the whole time.
Why it’s worth a try: This is a sex position with a really unusual twist. If you can nail it, you’ll feel like a rockstar — or at least a professional gymnast.
23The Splitter
How to do it: Starting in missionary, your partner can sit back on their heels and then rise up while you rest one leg on their chest.
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a great twist on missionary that should feel intense and still give you room for clitoral play. “This is a great move for those looking for deeper penetration,” adds Jean. “The elevated hips allow for deeper play and you can use the upright leg as a fulcrum to either control the depth or change the shape of the pelvic floor as it contracts.”
24Face-To-Face
How to do it: Lie facing each other on the bed and make sure your hips are slightly higher than your partner’s. Then, hike one leg over their hip while you guide them inside of you. “You can look into each other’s eyes to heighten intimacy and experience the feel-good pleasure of full body contact,” says sex coach Amy Levine.
Why it’s worth a try: It’s an incredibly intimate position that feels like a hug, and once you get it right, you should be able to relax into it for as long as you like.
25The Plow
How to do it: While in missionary, lift your knees onto your partner’s shoulders. If you’re not very flexible, then take it one leg at a time.
Why it’s worth a try: It makes missionary so, so much more intense. “This is great for those that want to flaunt their breasts and experience G-spot stimulation simultaneously,” notes Levine. “It’s also helpful if you’ve had a long day and want to relax since it requires [the penetrating partner] to do most of the movement.”
26Double Dip
How to do it: Think of it like doggy style, but with an added partner lying underneath. Make sure you mix it up so everyone gets some attention. “If you’re looking to do a penetration conga line, this is one that looks like it’s going to be much more difficult than it is,” says Jean. “Have the middle person first penetrate the bottom person before the caboose joins in. The caboose will likely dictate the rhythm, but it rumbles through the line like a wave!”
Why it’s worth a try: If two is good, three is better. There are different variations on how you can do this one. “This one is a safer sex challenge if the top plans to penetrate both bottom and middle,” says Queen. “Make your safety plans upfront!”
27Sofa Brace
How to do it: On a sofa, rest your weight on the arm while your partner comes up behind you. “Check the stability of the sofa before you get busy,” warns Queen. “We don’t want it falling over backwards from the power of your thrusts.”
Why it’s worth a try: It’s like doggy, but more snug. Plus, the support of the sofa can make it feel less intense.
28Advanced Missionary
How to do it: It’s missionary — but with a toy to really intensify the feeling. You can definitely apply this to other modifications of missionary and other positions altogether (duh!). Try a vibrating cock ring or couples toy.
Why it’s worth a try: Using a sex toy is a great way to have more orgasms during sex with a partner.
29Bent-Over Standing
How to do it: Legs slightly apart, bend over while your partner enters you from behind. It’s another position where you might want to stay near the wall or a bed so you don’t topple over. Having something like a handrail to hold on to definitely helps.
Why it’s worth a try: If you get it right, it should be really intense, with great G-spot stimulation.
30Backwards In A Chair
How to do it: Back to the chair. This time, face away from your partner and lower down — they can help guide you — and play around between bouncing and grinding. Again, to echo Queen’s words of wisdom, use a sturdy chair.
Why it’s worth a try: It’s a kinky twist on the chair option, and it can feel like a more controlled version of reverse cowgirl. Plus, you can play with your clit while having your G-spot stimulated.
31The Tag Team
How to do it: It’s the butterfly position with someone straddling your face. There’s a lot happening in this one, but it’s all good.
Why it’s worth a try: Go big or go home. “For those who like to be overwhelmed with sensation and bodies, or if you just enjoy feeling a part of a team, this one has your name on it,” says Jean. You can get the intensity of stimulation and clitoral play, all while giving oral.
