From novelty shops to mainstream wellness, design and materials evolve

Sex toys have evolved from battery‑powered novelties to mainstream wellness products that reflect broader conversations about consent and pleasure. When Amanda Chatel began reviewing gadgets 16 years ago, most were phallic shapes made from hard plastic and powered by AA batteries. Today many devices are rechargeable via USB and made from medical‑grade silicone, nickel‑free stainless steel, glass or ABS plastic. Companies emphasise inclusive design and ergonomic shapes that target external stimulation rather than focusing solely on penetration, acknowledging that most women do not climax through intercourse alone.

App control and body-safe brands reshape pleasure industry

Women‑led brands like Dame and Unbound are leading the shift toward products that can be used solo or with partners and are less intimidating for first‑time users. The rise of app‑controlled toys allows partners to coordinate experiences across distance, and some devices include sensors that adjust vibration patterns based on touch or biofeedback. There are also discreet wearables designed to be worn under clothing and products that replicate oral sex using pulsing air. In a feature for Wired, Chatel recommends several devices for different preferences, including the travel‑size Le Wand Deux, the We‑Vibe Sync 2 couples’ vibrator and the finger‑mounted Dame Fin. While privacy concerns remain—some manufacturers have faced lawsuits over data collection—firms are improving security and urging users to check privacy policies. Chatel argues that normalising sexual wellness and encouraging innovation empowers people to explore their bodies and relationships with greater confidence.