Nipple play is a sexual technique that involves stimulating the nipple and the surrounding areola for sexual pleasure. Nipples are made of erectile tissue, like a penis or [clitoris](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-the-clitoris), that stiffens and engorges upon arousal. The human nipple is a distinctly powerful erogenous zone, containing hundreds of sensitive nerve endings lying below the surface. 

Depending on nipple sensitivity, some people who participate in nipple play can achieve a nipple orgasm without any genital stimulation. Recent studies have shown that nipple play lights up the genital sensory cortex, the same pleasure centers of the brain as the clitoris and cervix. People of any sexual orientation and [gender identity](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide) can enjoy nipple play.

Many people find nipple play pleasurable because the nipples and the surrounding area are full of nerve endings. Use these tips to explore nipple play on yourself or your partner.

1. __Ask questions__. The feeling of pleasure in [erogenous zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-for-males) varies from person to person. Some people like a light touch, while others prefer intense touching. Talking first about nipple play to make sure you and your partner are on the same page. 
2. __Use your hands__. Find a level of touch that feels right for you or your partner. Try pinching the nipples, lightly caressing them, or rolling them back and forth between your fingers. You can give the nipples a light tug, and then increase intensity if your partner enjoys it. It might feel good to use your whole hand to apply firm pressure to your partner’s chest. Make sure your hands are warm before you play for a pleasurable sensation.
3. __Use your mouth__. Try stimulating the nipple area orally by licking and nibbling. If your partner enjoys the pressure, you can work your way up to biting. Start by gently biting near the nipple. If your partner likes it, you can roll their nipples between your teeth. Another strategy is to use your tongue to [make out](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-out) with their nipple; this sensation can be great [foreplay](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide).
4. __Try nipple clamps__. If your partner enjoys rougher nipple stimulation, such as having their nipples pinched or chewed, consider increasing the intensity with nipple clamps. Nipple clamps come in a variety of styles, including adjustable clamps. These are great for beginners because the pressure can be controlled. Consider playing with nipple clamps during masturbation to get comfortable with the sensation before using them with a partner.
5. __Add lubrication__. The addition of [lube](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube), massage oil, or lotion can add comfort to nipple play. 
6. __Try a feather__. If you enjoy soft, tickling sensations on your nipples, ask your partner to stroke your nipples with a feather. 
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
Learn how to stimulate the nipples and surrounding areola to heighten any sexual experience.

Learn how to stimulate the nipples and surrounding areola to heighten any sexual experience.

Nipple Play for Men: 6 Nipple Play Techniques

Nipple play is a sexual technique that involves stimulating the nipple and the surrounding areola for sexual pleasure. Nipples are made of erectile tissue, like a penis or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-the-clitoris' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-the-clitoris","linkCopy":"clitoris","category":null}'>clitoris</a>, that stiffens and engorges upon arousal. The human nipple is a distinctly powerful erogenous zone, containing hundreds of sensitive nerve endings lying below the surface. Depending on nipple sensitivity, some people who participate in nipple play can achieve a nipple orgasm without any genital stimulation. Recent studies have shown that nipple play lights up the genital sensory cortex, the same pleasure centers of the brain as the clitoris and cervix. People of any sexual orientation and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide","linkCopy":"gender identity","category":null}'>gender identity</a> can enjoy nipple play.

What Is Nipple Play?

Many people find nipple play pleasurable because the nipples and the surrounding area are full of nerve endings. Use these tips to explore nipple play on yourself or your partner.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Ask questions. The feeling of pleasure in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-for-males' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-for-males","linkCopy":"erogenous zones","category":null}'>erogenous zones</a> varies from person to person. Some people like a light touch, while others prefer intense touching. Talking first about nipple play to make sure you and your partner are on the same page. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Use your hands. Find a level of touch that feels right for you or your partner. Try pinching the nipples, lightly caressing them, or rolling them back and forth between your fingers. You can give the nipples a light tug, and then increase intensity if your partner enjoys it. It might feel good to use your whole hand to apply firm pressure to your partner’s chest. Make sure your hands are warm before you play for a pleasurable sensation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Use your mouth. Try stimulating the nipple area orally by licking and nibbling. If your partner enjoys the pressure, you can work your way up to biting. Start by gently biting near the nipple. If your partner likes it, you can roll their nipples between your teeth. Another strategy is to use your tongue to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-out' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-out","linkCopy":"make out","category":null}'>make out</a> with their nipple; this sensation can be great <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide","linkCopy":"foreplay","category":null}'>foreplay</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Try nipple clamps. If your partner enjoys rougher nipple stimulation, such as having their nipples pinched or chewed, consider increasing the intensity with nipple clamps. Nipple clamps come in a variety of styles, including adjustable clamps. These are great for beginners because the pressure can be controlled. Consider playing with nipple clamps during masturbation to get comfortable with the sensation before using them with a partner. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Add lubrication. The addition of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube","linkCopy":"lube","category":null}'>lube</a>, massage oil, or lotion can add comfort to nipple play. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Try a feather. If you enjoy soft, tickling sensations on your nipples, ask your partner to stroke your nipples with a feather. </li></ol>

6 Nipple Play Techniques for Men

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

Learn how to stimulate the nipples and surrounding areola to heighten any sexual experience.

Learn how to stimulate the nipples and surrounding areola to heighten any sexual experience.
