The clitoris is an often misunderstood and curiously overlooked character. Beyond its adorable, bean-like appearance awaits a remarkable and expansive organ that exists solely for pleasure. 


Whether you're exploring the clit solo or with a partner (perhaps you are the partner) getting to know it better by learning new ways to stimulate the clitoris is a surefire way to discover profound insights in your own pleasure practice. Spoiler: Orgasms ensue.

What is the clitoris?

The clitoris is the unsung hero of sexual pleasure. Located at the front end of the vulva, this wishbone shaped organ is made of erectile tissue and something like 10,000 nerve endings on average. Its sole purpose? Pleasure.


And what you see externally, tucked under the clitoral hood, is only the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Part of the vulva, the clitoris extends beneath the surface, curving around the vaginal opening with a pair of crura (winglike features) and vestibular bulbs which can swell or become engorged during arousal. Cliterate have developed some excellent resources to help inform and educate more people about the clitoris. While we've outlined the general idea of a clit, each one is different in shape, size and proportion; making sensation unique to its owner. 

Wait, where is the clitoris?

Look, we understand that there might be some confusion around finding the clitoris or in navigating this elusive organ. For the record, the clit commonly sits above the vaginal opening, protected by the outer labia, atop the inner labia, and is partially covered by a protective fold of skin called the clitoral hood. Some bodies will have a prominent hood, others a more discreet one, but for the clit-owner, there's usually a sensation difference between the hood and the head of the clit itself. 

Close up of an orchid flower

How might you stimulate the clitoris?

How much time do you have? There are so many ways to pleasure the clit. From gentle touch to tongues and sex toys, here are tips for stimulating this love button.


  1. Touch (Fingers, Hands, Body Contact)

    Light strokes, a gentle caress, a circular motion. Sometimes the best way to approach the clit, isn't even going head-first, but simply applying a little pressure over the top of clothing (e.g. underwear, etc.) and working your way closer to the skin. Add lube to enhance sensation and keep things slick.

    Partner tip: Check in. If you're exploring your partner's body (especially for the first time), ask them about the sensation and pressure to ensure you're attuned to their sensitivity and arousal. A simple "Does it feel good when I touch you like this?” can be so horny.

  2. Oral (Cunnilingus)

    Teasing licks, subtle suction, or steady tongue patterns, oral stimulation is intimate, warm, and incredibly effective. Consider all the different ways there are to use your tongue, from flickering movements to broad strokes, applied pressure at the tip versus using the flat, etc.

    Pro tip: Go for consistency over speed. Porn is a damn liar when it comes to eating pussy; it's not all speed and heavy breathing. Think about building a steady rhythm, and tune into your partner if you're the one giving them head.

  3. Vibration

    Clitoral vibrators offer reliable (when charged!) and focused stimulation. They also give you the option to explore intensity and pattern, with most offering a handful of speeds and vibration types (low and rumbly or high-pitched and pin-pointed). Some app-controlled vibrators even let you program unique settings or control the device remotely.

    For solo or partnered play: Vibrators aren’t a crutch, they’re a bonus. In fact, adding a vibrator to your partnered play can elevate or deepen the sensation of other stimulation, which is magic for arousal.

  4. Air Pressure Toys

    Air pressure toys deliver contactless pleasure using gentle suction and air pulses. They’re quiet, discreet, and known for delivering intense, focused orgasms, similar to that of oral sex. It can be challenging to find the right fit depending on the size, proportion and shape of the clit. But, once you find it, the sensations are quite literally breathtaking.

    Curious first-timer? If you've never used one of these toys before, it helps to try it out on your own first before bringing it into your partnered play.

  5. Indirect Contact

    Sometimes, stimulating everything but the clit can be the biggest turn-on of all. Gently caress the thighs, run your mouth over their hips, stroke their lower belly, and tease the labia to build anticipation.

    Think slow. Think soft. Think: whole-body pleasure. 


This organ was destined for pleasure. 

Some folks swear by the clitoral orgasm as a mainstay of their pleasure practice, whereas others prefer deeper, more internal sensations – the preference is entirely yours. No two orgasms are the same. There's always time to explore and enhance your pleasure at your leisure.