In the media, sex dolls are generally depicted as blow-up dolls: plastic, unwieldy, and identical. But there are so many more options these days, and many dolls are customizable. We’ve put together a crash course for your edification and enjoyment; read on to discover the creative, colorful world of sex dolls!
Silicone Sex Dolls:
Softer and more realistic than their plastic counterparts, silicone sex dolls have a skin-like feel and offer a wide range of options for the look. Many companies offer posable dolls; these dolls have metal skeletons and removable facial features, so you can adjust her expression as well as her bodily arrangement. A lot of prep time is involved before a person can have sex with the doll; her skin must be powdered, and she should be warmed with an electric blanket and lubricated to avoid chafing.
TPE Sex Dolls: Similar to silicone in look and feel, TPE is softer and more pliable than silicone. It tends to take impressions of whatever it touches, including clothing. TPE dolls are generally posable, with metal skeletons like silicone dolls, which makes them a bit heavy; though many TPE dolls are smaller and lighter than their silicone counterparts. TPE has a very realistic feel once warmed; the softness which leaves it susceptible to imprinting also makes it mold slightly to its partner. One downside of these dolls for those who enjoy dressing up their dolls is that the TPE gets stained by dye very easily, so white clothing is the most practical.
Cloth and Stuffed Sex Dolls:
Unlike the Silicone and TPE dolls, stuffed sex dolls bring animation to life, rather than aspiring to realism. These dolls come in a wide range of styles, primarily anime-style girls. They have slits for vagina inserts, so you don’t have to worry about ruining the material. These dolls are perfect for anyone with a plush or anime fetish, or anyone who finds themselves a little uncomfortable with the uncanny valley aesthetic. At the moment, dolls sold in the United States do not have skeletons, and so they are not posable. However, that makes them lighter and easier to store (or hide) than their silicone/TPE counterparts.
Blow-Up Sex Dolls:
The classic inflatable girlfriend hasn’t changed much. They are still generally made from PVC, though many companies offer solid silicone head, hands, and feet. These dolls are useful for people who have extremely limited storage space, but are a little too pragmatic for those who are looking for the pseudo-companionship that comes from having a toy. Blow-up dolls are strictly masturbatory in nature; and while they are the most inexpensive option, they do not fulfill the same range of needs that the other dolls on this list do.
The world of sex dolls is constantly upgrading and expanding. Prototype sex doll robots complete with A.I. are right around the corner, and cuddly plush toys feed the human need for snuggles. The range is constantly widening as technology improves, and the available options will continue to grow.
