Why Are Squishy Sex Toys So Popular Right Now?

  By

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

A woman hugging squishy toys

I firmly believe that squishy sex toys are not just some trend. Far from it. Starting last year, they have quietly elbowed themselves into the shelves, into the bedroom, and into the hands of even this skeptical sex toy tester.

My name is Sandra Larson, and I have professionally tested sex toys since 2016 for My Sex Toy Guide, the website you are right now reading. Over the years, I have seen fads come and go. But this one? It looks like it’s sticking (or should I say squishing) and I believe there are many reasons for that, which we will explore in this article.

The Squish Factor: Why It Feels So Damn Good

Let’s start with what I believe is the main reason: they feel so damn amazing!

I mean not in that sterile synthetic way. But in a soft body hugging, sink-into-it way that makes your brain whisper: “Is this what heaven feels like?” (Well, that was a small exaggeration but you know what I mean.)

Silicone has until now been the gold standard for safety and softness. But squishy sex toys take everything one step further with their low-density or dual-layer silicone that mimics real flesh pretty well. The products we have tested here at My Sex Toy Guide have this nice texture that actually molds to your body and even moves with it. It does this when you ride them, grind against them, or even hug them.

That’s it. That’s the main draw.

From Stiff to Supple: The Sensory Shift

I remember back in the 2000s when most sex toys were so stiff. Not firm. I mean actual stiff, like “I’m afraid I’ll bruise something” stiff. But starting about ten years ago, consumers have started to demand more natural sensations, something with a bit of a give, a little bit of flex, and a bit of…squish.

After testing some of these products, I gotta say that there’s something deeply soothing about the tactile feedback. I think it’s best described as one of these slow-motion videos of people squeezing slime or memory foam. You just can’t look away, right? And your brain releases a little hit of dopamine every time one of these things bounces back.

Imagine this dopamine hit happening during an orgasm. Exactly. Now we’re talking.

But Why Now?

You might be wondering: why does this trend pop up right now? Well, here is my very unscientific theory based on reader feedback: We’re collectively touch-starved after the pandemic so many have found a craving for gentle, intentional contact. I am not talking just sex but softness, care, and even playfulness.

I also believe the pleasure culture is quietly shifting. People want less porn performance and more presence, sensations, and slow exploration.

And squishy toys give us all that.

I also believe there’s an emotional component. We think of sex toys as mechanical or purely physical, but our minds don’t work that way. They associate texture and sensation with memories, feelings, and needs. And soft toys hit that emotional sweet spot very well.

I’ve seen this shift happening with my clients, too. Ten years ago people were less intentional. Now they are not just chasing the most intense orgasm but also a need to enjoy the journey from start to finish. And sometimes that starts with something that feels like a gentle yes.

The Toys Everyone’s Talking About

Alright, with that out of the way, let’s name a few products that are on my desk right now.

  • Tantus Super Soft C-Rings: These popular rings are both stretchy and snug, making them super comfortable for longer sessions.
  • Blush Novelties Aria Vibrating Dildos: These babes have a dual-density silicone design with soft exteriors and firmer cores, which means you get both squish and structure (yay!).
  • Kiiroo’s interactive strokers: Kiiroo’s sleeves are softer than other models. On top of that, they have some nice VR tech for a fully immersive experience.
  • Fantasy creatures from indie makers: I’m not naming names (you’ll have to explore a bit). But have you even lived if you never tried a squishy tentacle dildo?

And here’s the thing: the above products don’t just feel soft. They’re designed with softness in mind. The density, the flexibility, and their response to pressure. The end result is something that feels both responsive and a bit sentient.

Don’t like any of the above models? No sweat. Shop around for labels saying “dual-density” or “soft-core.” That means they typically have a firmer inner core and more squishy exterior.

So what about the price? Well, to be honest, because of the material they may be a bit pricier than the standard silicone models. But you can still find a few decent options for below $30.

Reader Experiences That Surprised Me

Reading emails from our readers is one of the favorite parts of my job. And they do a good job keeping me grounded.

Take Drew, for example, who emailed me after trying a squishy stroker for the first time: “I never realized how much tension I held during solo play. The softness lets me relax more. I had the strongest orgasm I’ve had in months!”

And then we have Sierra, a long-time reader. She tried a squishy dildo after using rigid glass and metal toys forever: “Ok I admit. I cried a little. That probably sounds dramatic but it reminded me of what my body used to feel like before trauma made everything tense. It was the first in a loong time I didn’t flinch.”

These stories do matter. A lot. Because it’s just not a material thing with squishy sex toys. It’s more how materials make us feel: safe, welcomed, and present in our bodies (again).

First-Time Squish? Here’s What to Know

Never tried them before. No sweat, here are a few steps to get you going in no time:

  1. Warm it up. Run the toy under warm water for 30 seconds. This makes it even softer, making it feel downright luxurious.
  2. Lube is your friend. A water-based lubricant brings out more of the texture, especially for models with soft ridges or dimples.
  3. Start with something mid-sized. A squishy toy gives you permission to take your time, so choose a size that excites you (and not being intimidating).
  4. Most of all, let your body respond without rushing. Squish invites slowness, and sometimes that’s what real pleasure is about.

They’re Not Just for Vaginas and Penises

Do you want to hear another misconception? That squishy toys are only for vaginal penetration or penis stroking. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

You see, the body has many erogenous zones that will benefit from the softness of these products:

  • Anal play is especially good because a softer toy helps reduce anxiety and relaxes the body.
  • Gender-affirming play can be a game-changer with these toys because trans and non-binary users may want a gentler experience that feels affirming and not clinical.
  • Non-penetrative use (AKA humping or grinding) may feel a lot nicer with a plush surface.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Don’t Overthink It

So Sandra, is it hard to clean them because of all that softness?

Nope. Squishy sex toys are as easy as firmer silicone models to clean (as long as you stick to non-porous materials). Just use warm water, gentle soap, and air dry afterwards. Done.

One word of warning though. Please make sure to store them properly because the material may pick up a lot of lint. Dedicated toy storage bags are the best for this job.

Is It Just a Fad?

No I don’t think so. To be honest, I think we are just scratching the surface of this niche.

Because at the end of the day, humans crave softness and squishiness. And as more talk about sex toys as tools for healing, exploration, and comfort (not just pleasure), the demand for kind, responsive textures is only going to grow.

And we here at My Sex Toy Guide are going to be all over this trend and testing all the products we can get our hands on.

Happy vibing!

Sandra

Sandra Larson
Follow me
Latest posts by Sandra Larson (see all)
Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.