📐 Size Play

How I Rate Size Play Toys

At larger dimensions, details that don't matter on a standard toy become critical. I score on silicone quality (platinum-cure only, no exceptions at these sizes), firmness options (soft is almost always the right call), sizing progression (does the brand offer the same model in multiple sizes so you can work up?), and measurement honesty.

Mr Hankey's leads the category because they publish circumference at multiple points and offer 4-6 sizes per model. That kind of transparency lets you plan a progression without guesswork. SquarePeg Toys earns their spot through SuperSoft silicone that compresses more than any other material on the market, making scary-looking dimensions much more manageable in practice. Bad Dragon offers small/medium/large with customizable firmness for every design. All three take material safety seriously, which matters more in this category than anywhere else. Full scoring system on my testing page.

Types of Size Play Toys

How to Size Up Safely

Progression is the whole strategy. Start with something around 5-6 inches circumference (roughly 1.7 inches diameter). Use it regularly until it feels easy. Then move to 7 inches, then 8, and reassess from there. Jumping two sizes at once because you're impatient is how injuries happen.

Firmness selection matters exponentially at larger dimensions. A firm 8-inch-circumference toy is a completely different proposition than a soft one. Soft silicone compresses during insertion, so a toy that measures 8 inches around might compress to 6 going in, then expand once inside. SquarePeg's SuperSoft compresses the most dramatically. Bad Dragon soft (firmness 3) and Mr Hankey's soft option work similarly, though neither is as squishy as SquarePeg.

Lube strategy changes at these sizes. Regular water-based lube dries out too fast for extended sessions. Thicker gel formulas like Sliquid Sassy hold up better. Some people in this community swear by J-Lube (a veterinary powder mixed with water) for its long-lasting slipperiness and low cost. It's messy to clean up, but for dedicated sessions it's hard to beat. My lube guide covers all the options. And always use body-safe silicone at these sizes: porous materials trap bacteria in the micro-abrasions that larger toys are more likely to cause.

What to Avoid

• Rushing the progression. Your body adapts, but it needs time. Weeks between size increases, not hours. Pain is not part of the process; discomfort and fullness are normal, actual pain means stop.
• Firm silicone at large sizes unless you know exactly what you're doing. Soft or medium-soft is the right call for almost everyone. Hard firmness at XL dimensions doesn't flex with your body and risks real injury.
• Cheap large toys from unknown brands. At these sizes, material safety is critical. Porous TPE in a large toy creates more surface area for bacterial growth and chemical contact. Platinum-cure silicone only.
• Brands that only list length without circumference. Length alone tells you almost nothing about how a large toy will actually feel. Mr Hankey's lists circumference at multiple points, which is the standard you should expect.
• Thin water-based lube for extended sessions. It dries out in minutes. Use a thick gel formula or J-Lube, and reapply whenever friction increases. Running out of lube mid-session at larger sizes causes microtears.

How do I safely start with larger toys?

Patience and lube. Lots of both. Start with a toy that's just slightly above your current comfort zone and use it regularly before moving up. Work up over weeks, not hours. Soft firmness is way more forgiving than firm for this, and a good water-based lube (like Sliquid H2O) applied generously makes a huge difference. Your body adapts, but it needs time. Rushing causes injuries. Read my lube guide for specific product recommendations.

What firmness for size play?

Soft or medium-soft. Hard firmness at large sizes is uncomfortable and risks injury because it doesn't flex with your body. Most experienced size players prefer the softest available option from whatever brand they're using. SquarePeg's SuperSoft is the squishiest silicone on the market and a favorite in this community. Bad Dragon soft (3 firmness) is also a solid choice.

Which brand has the most accurate measurements?

Mr Hankey's lists circumference at multiple points along each toy, not just the widest. That matters when you're sizing up, because a toy that's 8" circumference at the tip but 10" at the base is a very different experience than one that's 10" throughout. Bad Dragon measurements are generally accurate too. Avoid brands that only list length without diameter or circumference.

Is silicone lube okay for size play?

Not if your toys are silicone, which most of the best size play toys are. Silicone lube degrades silicone toys over time. Stick with water-based lube and reapply as needed. For longer sessions, a thicker water-based gel formula holds up better than thin liquid lube. J-Lube is popular in the size play community but requires careful mixing and cleanup.

How do I store large silicone toys?

Individually, in fabric bags or wrapped in lint-free cloth. Silicone bonds to silicone when stored touching, which can ruin the surface of both toys. Large toys are heavy, so don't stack them. Keep them out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. A dedicated drawer or storage box is ideal. And clean them thoroughly before storing, as residue can degrade the material.

Can size play cause permanent damage?

When done correctly with body-safe materials, adequate lube, and gradual progression, no. Your body is more adaptable than you think. The risks come from rushing (microtears), using porous or toxic materials, not using enough lube, or ignoring pain signals. Pain is not part of the process. Discomfort and fullness, sure. Actual pain means stop. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

How long does it take to move up a size?

Varies wildly by person. Some people move up one size in a few weeks of regular practice. Others take months. There's no schedule you should be following. Use the current size until it feels comfortable and easy, then move up. If the next size feels like a struggle, you're not ready. Go back down and keep practicing. This isn't a race, and there's no prize for speed.

What's the difference between SquarePeg and Bad Dragon for size play?

SquarePeg's SuperSoft silicone is the squishiest on the market. Their toys compress dramatically, which makes a toy that looks intimidating much more manageable in practice. Bad Dragon offers more design variety and their soft firmness is less extreme than SquarePeg's SuperSoft. For pure size progression, SquarePeg is more forgiving. For interesting shapes and textures at large sizes, Bad Dragon has more options.