The 13 Best Standing Sex Positions to Try With Your Partner
Sometimes there's simply no time to find a bed.
WHEN YOU'RE HAVING sex outside the bedroom, you need to get creative. Tried and true positions like missionary and doggy aren't as comfortable when you don't have a bed. So, you might need to add a few standing positions into your repetoire. They're helpful for when you're in the mood for a quickie wherever you and your partner desperately need to get it on (not to mention that standing sex is straight-up hot).
However, there is one drawback that makes standing sex positions a little trickier: height differences. For some, this will optimize pleasurable angles. For others, it will make the positioning a bit awkward, and even downright uncomfortable.
With that in mind, if you notice that a position on this list isn’t working for you because of height (or strength), go ahead and skip it. We assembled a range of positions, at least some of which will hopefully work for you! So get up off the bed, stand tall, and get to business.
At Men’s Health, we aim to describe sexual experiences as inclusively as possible. While many of the positions on this list have traditionally been associated with penis-in-vagina sex, they can be adapted by couples of all genders and sexual orientations and identities. We encourage readers to modify any position to suit their bodies, preferences, and needs. To avoid making assumptions about gender or anatomy, we use non-gendered language throughout this article. The “giving partner” or “giver” refers to the partner doing the penetrating, whether with a penis, a strap-on, or even fingers. The “receiving partner” or “receiver” refers to the partner being penetrated vaginally or anally.
Stand and Deliver
How to: The giver stands at the edge of a bed or desk while the receiver lies back and raises their legs to their chest. The receiver’s knees are bent as if they're doing a "bicycling" exercise. The giver grabs their partner’s ankles and enters them. The giver should thrust slowly, as the deep penetration may be painful for the receiver.
Benefits: This position allows for deep penetration and the ability to manually stimulate your partner's clitoris during penetration.
Standing O
How to: The giving partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, who is standing upright. Then, with one of the receiver's legs draped around the giver's shoulder, they orally stimulates their partner.
Benefits: If the receiver has a vulva, this position is great for manual and oral stimulation (so both fingering and sucking on your partner's clitoris). If the receiver has a penis, well then, they're just getting a sexy blowjob with their hands tied behind their head!
Yourself on the Shelf
How to: The receiving partner perches their butt right on the edge of the bed. The giver enters them while standing. Then the receiver can wrap their legs around the giver while the giver wraps their hands around the receiver’s back for extra support.
Benefits: This is one of those positions that's hot simply because you can pull it off. It also allows for great eye contact and deep penetration.
The Butter Churner
How to: The receiver lies on their back with their legs raised over their head. Then, the giver squats over their partner, slowly dipping their penis or dildo in and out of them.
Benefits: This position allows for very deep penetration too.
The Ballet Dancer
How to: Partners stand facing one another. The receiver raises one of their legs, wraps it around the giver’s buttocks or thigh, and pulls the giver into them.
Benefits: This is a great option for quickies in small spaces and outdoor sex. Also, it's a great position for making out.
The Iron Chef
How to: A variation of The Ballet Dancer in which the receiver raises their legs up and wraps them around the giver’s butt or thighs. Your kitchen counter is the perfect height for this standing-to-seated appetizer.
Benefits: It's a great sex position for a quickie with deep penetration.
Standing Wheelbarrow
How to: The giver enters their partner as they would in a standing, rear entry position, but instead, the giver lifts the receiver up by the pelvis. The receiver then grips the giver’s waist with their legs.
Benefits: This is another fantastic position for deep penetration. The top can grab the bottom by their hips and forcefully thrust with the Standing Wheelbarrow.
Standing Dragon
How to: The giver stands and enters the receiver from behind as they pose on all fours on the edge of the bed and arch their back to lift their buttocks.
Benefits: Some people find this position more comfortable than regular doggy style.
Restroom Attendant
How to: After slipping into a bathroom, the receiver looks into the mirror while the giver enters them from behind.
Benefits: Doing it in front of the bathroom mirror will tap into your voyeuristic side. It's also a fantastic position for anal sex.
Couch Surfer
How to: The receiving partner bends their body over the arm of a couch as the giver enters them from behind. The receiver can grind on the firm but cushy arm for multiple forms of stimulation with minimal effort.
Benefits: With the bottom's behind raised by the couch's armrest, their butt is naturally tilted upward, allowing for deeper penetration. It's like using a sex pillow or another piece of sex furniture, except you don't have to buy anything.
The Quickie Fix
How to: The receiver bends at the waist and rests their hands on a piece of furniture, their knees, or the floor for support. The giver enters them from behind and holds their hips for support while thrusting.
Benefits: There's great thrusting power from this position. It's also incredibly hot for quickie sex—the giver can easily lift up their partner's skirt and go to town.
The Elevator
How to: This oral sex position really needs no explanation. The giving partner drops to their knees and goes down on the receiving partner.
Benefits: If you're on the receiving end, there's something hot about having your partner look up at you as you get blown!
Zachary Zane is the author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto and co-author of Men’s Health: Best. Sex. Ever. He is currently Grindr’s sex and relationship expert, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Washington Post, Cosmo, GQ, Playboy, and more.
Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S., is the fitness editor at Women's Health, as well as a certified strength and condition coach and group fitness instructor. She’s reported on topics regarding health, nutrition, mental health, fitness, sex, and relationships for several years. You can find more of her work in Men’s Health, HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.
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