Article: Choosing The Right Dildo

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Aug 10, 2026

Choosing The Right Dildo

How to Choose your next Platinum Silicone Dildo

(Material, Size, Shape & Feel Guide)

Finding the right dildo can feel overwhelming – with so many to choose from with different angles, shapes and sizes, how do you decide what you want from your next purchase? A tapered or straight shaft? Knotted? Smooth or textured? What makes the head ‘pop’? Fantasy or Realistic? Where are you on your journey?

You have already come to the right place – At John Thomas Toys every dildo is made from FDA-approved platinum silicone, hand-poured into full copper moulds (no seam lines or glued halves). It costs significantly more to produce than TPE or PVC, but the safety, longevity, and feel are unmatched. This is the only material we use because we refuse to compromise. With so many reviews highlighting the quality – our reputation speaks for itself.

Here you will find a helpful guide on our products and what you might choose next.

Start with Material: Why Platinum Silicone Wins

Not all “silicone” is equal. Many cheaper toys use tin-cured silicone, silicone blends, TPE, TPR, or PVC. These can be porous (trapping bacteria and odours), contain fillers or phthalates, degrade over time, or carry chemical smells. Platinum-cured medical-grade silicone is the gold standard:

Completely non-porous — bacteria and fluids stay on the surface, making thorough cleaning easy.
Hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, latex-free, and odourless.
Extremely durable — it won’t stain, shrink, peel, or break down with proper care.
Heat- and cold-safe (warm or cool it for temperature play) and dishwasher-safe (top rack or boil for sterilisation).
Body-safe for long-term internal use.

Many of our reviews comment on the ‘feel’ and ‘texture’ of our toys! From your very first toy with us, you will notice the difference. If you are new to John Thomas Toys, why not try our Selection Box – it’s a great way to trial our products at an amazing price.

Size: Length, Girth, and What Actually Matters

Size is highly personal. Everyone is on a journey and it is important to know where you are on yours! What your current maximum girth and insertable length is, if your focus is on stretching for girth or looking for deeper penetration. Your two measurements that you need for every toy are: insertable length (the usable portion) and maximum circumference/girth (the measurement around the shaft at its widest points).

Beginner / Novice

· Diameter: 0.8 – 1.27 inches (2 – 3.25 cm)

· Circumference: roughly: 2.5 - 4 inches (6.35 – 10.15 cm)

· Insertable length: 3–6 inches (often shorter is fine)

True starter sizes are closer to a finger or two – this is for all types of dildo, stretcher and butt plug. Our JTT SMALL sizes are based on these dimensions, however, it is important to note that some of our toys are designed for experienced players so the small will start larger as they are not designed for beginners. Chubby Cedric is a perfect starter dildo. While Rhino is everyone's go to butt plug.

Intermediate

· Diameter: 1.25–2.75 inches (3.2–7 cm)

· Circumference: roughly 3.9–8 inches (10–20 cm)

· Insertable length: 5–8+ inches

This is where many people settle for regular play once they’ve trained up gradually. It is a popular landing spot delivering pleasure, a feeling of fullness and a range of smaller and slightly larger sizes. Spock's Cock is a spectacularly sensual toy and perfect for the next step. While Conka is a highly sensual butt plug - starting in ultra small making the medium or large perfect for the intermediate. Try our medium selection box when you are ready to move on from beginners.

Advanced

· Diameter: 2.23 – 3.5 inches (5.6 – 8.9 cm)

· Circumference: roughly 7–11 inches (17.8 – 28 cm)

· Insertable length: 7–10+ inches

Advanced does not necessarily mean big, but it does mean you know what you are doing and what sizes are working for you. This is where you will have learned what toys are best for you in what firmness’s and for what type of play. Alpha Male is the ultimate Advanced Dildo with its epic proportions. For stretching and anal depth play, Mr Michelin is a proven winner with countless 5 Star reviews. For those seeking the ultimate fantasy - we have both the Kraken AND the Leviathan - both have incredible texture and will stimulate beyond your wildest dreams. Enjoy!

Extreme / heavy stretch or depth play

· Diameter: 2.5+ inches

· Circumference: 10+ inches

· Insertable length: 12+ inches (or more for colon depth training)

Important Note: We have started low here as Extreme means different things for different people. Most of our 'extreme' players are at 14 inches circumference and aiming for more. Whilst many would consider this impossible and for many it is - we advise that only those with good practice and patience aim for these kind of sizes. Depth is something different also - you may see our Colon Snake going up to 45 inches and wonder how this is possible! With great patience and lots of practice! But we do not recommend aiming for these kind of sizes if your body just isn't allowing it - not everyone's anatomy is the same - remember that.

Many of our designs go well into these extreme sizes - into double-digit lengths and significantly larger girth! This is because we specialise in extraordinary sizes for those who want depth training, stretching, or intense fullness – taking extreme play to their own limits, and everyone’s limits are different.

Tips for choosing size:

Measure any toys or objects you already enjoy (circumference is often more important than length for the feeling of fullness).
Consider your anatomy and preferred type of play (vaginal, anal, prostate, G-spot, etc.).
Start smaller if you’re new or returning after a break—you can always size up later.
Read the full specifications on each product page (we provide detailed measurements because transparency matters).

Remember: a well-designed medium-sized dildo that hits the right spots will usually feel better than an oversized one that causes discomfort.

Shape & Design: Realistic, Fantasy, Curve, or Stretcher?

Shape is a significant factor and may alter the dimensions that you are considering. For example, a straight shaft or very slightly tapered will work correctly with the dimensions we have given above. But if you go for a seriously tapered design such as Twisted or Kraken, you may go slightly larger to use it for training. You might also choose a toy with knots that aid your progression such as Meastro or Thruple! This is where you compare the dimensions on the ‘first knot’ and ‘last knot’ against your personal maximums – most would choose the middle knot as their maximum size if they are training or the last knot as their maximum size if the toy is to be used for the final part of play session.

The shape of the toy determines how the toy interacts with your body:

Realistic designs with natural head, veins, and shaft detailing will generally be straight shafted – their maximum dimensions should correlate with your own maximum dimensions, and these can be used on bounce chairs, fuck machines and with partners safely. Kaichou
Curved shafts that target the G-spot or prostate more effectively should also have their maximum sizes correlating with your maximum dimensions for best results. These should never be used with bounce chairs or fuck machines and should only be used with a trusted partner. Xtro
Textured surfaces (nodules, ridges, twisted, or smooth) for extra stimulation may work better slightly below your maximum dimensions – this will allow for full sensation of the textures and shapes. Original Tentacle
Bulbous or tapered stretchers and depth trainers with progressive sections – provided the first knot or section is smaller than your maximum dimensions, these can be purchased with larger maximums than your own and used as training toys and marking your progression. Always be aware that they are larger than you can currently take and never try to bottom out too soon – enjoy the journey. Meastro
Fantasy shapes (tentacles, mythical, abstract) for visual and sensory novelty. These are generally your end toy or ones you are using for content creation. You want to have these at your maximum dimensions so that you can enjoy them to the fullest and carry out that fantasy or create that content. Always ensure you have worked up well to the toy – bearing in mind these are at your maximum dimensions and must be used safely. Once you have surpassed these toys though, they can still be used as openers or just for fun. Sea Gorgon

Also pay attention to the base: a flared or sturdy base is essential for safety (especially anal play) and for hands-free or strap-on use. Many John Thomas Toys designs are Vac-U-Lock™ and O-ring compatible, giving you more mounting and harness options.

Is a Flared Base Enough?

Whilst all good toys should be designed with a flared base, sometimes, it isn’t enough for the person. If the toy is smaller than your maximum and you are more ‘prepared’ than you thought – it can be impossible to stop a toy disappearing inside you – and once it’s past your inner sphincter there is no easy return. This is where ‘0’ rings or securing ropes are your friend and can be used not just with your strap ons or with partners! It is always best practice to secure your toy with a rope (around the bottom return) or an O ring (ideal on conical toys) to a firm base when using solo.

Firmness: Soft vs Medium (and Why It Matters)

We offer clear firmness options so you know exactly what you’re getting:

Soft (Shore A-15): More flexible and forgiving - great for beginners, longer sessions, or when you want a gentler “give.”
Medium (Shore A-20): Firmer structure that holds shape better for thrusting, targeting specific spots, or more intense pressure.

Some limited pieces go even softer. Firmer isn’t always better—choose based on the sensation you want and how your body responds. Soft can feel more realistic and comfortable for many people; medium delivers more precise pressure.

But the most important thing to remember is that size can change the overall ‘forgiveness’ of a toy. This means a tall thin toy in Medium firmness can feel the same as a shorter fatter toy in soft! Just because the Shore Rating is the same – does not mean they all feel the same. Consider the size and dimension of your toy and how you wish to use it when choosing the firmness. If you toy is straight shafted and to be used on a fuck machine, you may want medium for a steady play. If your toy is shaped, with knots then you may want soft to ease the use. If you are training, you may want medium to help push your limits. We have had a very interesting case at John Thomas Toys where a customer purchased a Gooseneck in soft and was thoroughly disappointed, wrote a disparaging review as to how useless the toy was and how wrong all the reviews were. He did, thankfully, give the toy another try after reading reviews and understanding how others used the toy – it is now one of his favourites! Many people will have the same toy in two different firmness’s and use them differently.

Texture, Colour & Extra Features

At John Thomas Toys we have all these preferences covered with a huge range of toys in all sizes, colours and textures.

Smooth for easy insertion and a clean feel. Try our Lars or Hopper.
Textured (skin-like, nodules, ridges) for additional stimulation. Try our Greedy Filler or Spock’s Cock.
A wide range of solid colours and hand-poured fusion effects (each one unique). Try our Daddy’s Cock in GLAMOUR or Beastli in Kinglor.
All* include a free storage bag and come with our lifetime warranty.

Care & Longevity Tips

Platinum silicone is low-maintenance:

Clean with mild soap and water, toy cleaner, or boil/dishwasher – silicone is safe to put in your dishwasher and is a great way to clean thoroughly. Always clean your toy as soon as you open it! It will have residue on it from release agent and handling, so you should always clean thoroughly before use.
Use only good quality water-based or hybrid lubricants (silicone lube can degrade silicone over time).
Store in the provided bag or a clean, dry place away from other materials that might react. Ensure the toy has been properly cleaned AND is fully dry before storing – damp toys will harbour bacteria and may also cause discolouration.
Warm or cool the toy before use for temperature play.

With proper care these dildos last for years.

Putting It All Together: Your Decision Checklist

Confirm 100% platinum-cured food or medical-grade silicone.
Check insertable length and circumference against what you already enjoy.
Decide on shape/curve/texture for the type of stimulation you want.
Choose firmness that matches your preferred feel.
Look for a safe, usable base and any compatibility features you need.
Read real measurements and reviews.

Whether you’re after something approachable and realistic or an ambitious depth trainer or stretcher, the right dildo should feel exciting, comfortable, and body-safe.

Ready to explore? Browse the full collection of hand-crafted platinum silicone dildos at John Thomas Toys. Every piece is designed and manufactured by us with the same uncompromising standards: medical-grade material, detailed craftsmanship, and a focus on pure, high-quality pleasure.

If you have questions about sizing, firmness, or which design might suit you best, our team is happy to help - discreetly and with absolute honesty. Your perfect match is waiting.

Click on these links to take you straight to your desired collection:

All Dildos in Clearance

Orange Colour Combinations

Green Colour Combinations