When a position has been around as long as 69 has, it’s bound to inspire a slew of iterations — some of which resemble the original, and others of which no longer look like it at all. We humans are a pretty inventive bunch, and one of the things we’re best at is coming up with new ways to get it on and celebrating the spirit of reciprocity. So it should come as no surprise that we’ve collectively dreamt up enough 69 spinoffs to comprise an entire genre of 69 sex positions.
“69 is one of the most iconic sex positions out there, and it’s easy to see why it’s stayed so popular,” Lisa Finn, sex educator at Babeland,tells SheKnows. “Unlike most oral positions that focus on pleasuring just one partner at a time, 69 lets you both give and receive simultaneously. Whether it’s part of foreplay or the main event, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing you’re getting your partner off while they’re doing the same for you and of course, there’s always the potential for the often-sought-after tandem orgasm.”
What also makes 69 so hot, says Finn, is the intimacy it creates. “Having your partner’s face so close to your genitals can feel vulnerable, but that vulnerability often adds to the eroticism. It invites you both to stay fully present, tuning in to each other’s bodies and reactions, remaining engaged with your partner’s pleasure while experiencing your own,” she explains. “69 can create a playful mix of surrender and active pleasure-giving, creating a deep sense of connection that requires a mindfulness we may not tap into with the standard one-at-a-time oral receiving / giving dynamic.”
And because no two bodies are the same, Finn says that experimenting with different variations of 69 can open up even more pleasure possibilities, including changing up the angles, adding other stimulation through hands or toys, or switching up roles to find what feels best for both of you. For a taste of what you can truly do with this versatile move, keep reading for our favorite 69-style sex positions.
Hucklebuck
What it is: The Hucklebuck is different enough to feel fresh, but not so out-of-the-ordinary that it feels overwhelming. Ask your partner to lie down on their back. Stand over them, with your legs straddling their shoulders and your toes pointed toward their feet. Then, crouch down as far as you can — until your genitals meet their mouth. Then, place your arms on their chest to steady yourself and lean forward until their genitals meet your mouth. From there, you can engage in all kinds of classic 69 fun (while seriously engaging your quad muscles).
Why it’s great: “If this position is your jam, chances are you don’t skip leg day—but with the Hucklebuck, you might want to,” says Angie Rowntree, founder and director of the sex-positive, ethical porn site Sssh.com. “It’s a slow burn of endurance on your quads (and your glutes, too, depending on how things go). With your rear view elevated and on full display, this variation of 69 could be a perfect fit for anally-inclined couples.”
Pisces
What is it: If you want to level up really quickly, try the Pisces — one of the boldest takes on 69 around. Ask your partner to sit down on the edge of your bed, with their feet touching the ground. Then, climb on top of them, so that you’re upside-down and facing them. If you can, wrap your legs around their neck, and wrap your arms around their butt. Their mouth should be able to meet your genitals, and your mouth should be able to meet theirs. Ask them to stand up, and once they have, you’ve successfully assumed the Pisces position. If you’ve managed it, you should be upside down hugging their torso, and both of you should have easy access to each others’ nether parts.
Why it’s great: “Not for nothing, this is an extremely acrobatic version of the 69, so anyone who would even want to try it is going to enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from the innate risk of being upside down and depending completely on your partner to not drop you,” Rowntree says. “If you want a 69 that ups the ante in terms of risk and literal rush-of-blood to the head, go on and defy gravity with a Pisces.”
Shining
What is it: Looking for something way more accessible? The Shining may be the 69 variant for you. The position is really just 69 turned sideways, which effectively maximizes comfort for everyone involved. No one has to worry about balancing delicately on top or being squished on bottom. All you have to do is lie side-by-side (and face-to-genitals).
Why it’s great: “This ‘sideways 69’ is a fun way to change up or delve into some nice lazy sideways sex,” Rowntree explains. “Partners who have joint issues or don’t like being on their back will find the Shining more comfortable for longer periods of time, plus it’s a little easier to make eye contact if you want as well. Feel free to prop yourselves up with pillows to make it even more sensual and adaptive.”
Amphibian
What is it: The most ambitious 69ers among us will surely appreciate the Amphibian, a 69 variant that calls for core strength, balance, and flexibility all at once. Ask your partner to sit down with their legs in front of them. Then, do a headstand, facing them, with your head in their crotch. You can wrap your arms around their legs to further stabilize both of you. And once you’re feeling steady, slide your legs into a split to offer your partner easier access to all the 69 fun that awaits.
(To be clear, this position does expect you to be able to go down on your partner while you’re in a headstand. And if you can manage that, props to you.)
Why it’s great: “Let’s be real: a headstand and oral happening simultaneously is not easily pulled off for long periods of time, plus there’s potential risk of neck or back injury if you should slip,” Rowntree says. “So, the benefit to this position might be just a confidence boost from knowing you can pull it off — even if you do end up laughing on the floor a few seconds later. It’s always important to remember your sense of humor during sex, so even if you came looking for a hot oral acrobatic fantasy, the real benefit to the Amphibian might be the memory you make. In any case, seeing you that way will surely prove unforgettable for your partner.”
Zombie
What is it: Consider the Zombie a variation on the Amphibian that doesn’t require you to be good at yoga. Ask your partner to sit down with their legs in front of them. Then, stand over them, with your legs on either side of their body and your toes pointed toward their feet. From there, bend over until your mouth can reach their genitals and their mouth can reach yours. You can bend your knees generously and place your hands on the ground to steady yourself. The Zombie still offers plenty of room for upside-down fun — without asking you to do the splits or perform oral sex while balancing in a headstand.
Why it’s great: “If your partner loves worshipping your bottom, the Zombie will be gold,” Rowntree shares. “This is a variation of the 69 that will make the bootylicious and booty-lovers out there quite happy — and it’s much easier to hold for longer periods of time. Plus, thanks to the angle of the position, which is very close to doggy-style, it’s easier to explore g-spot orgasms as well. While the Zombie still requires you to have some flexibility, you can enjoy the rush of some of the more acrobatic 69 positions without having to be suspended in mid-air or hold a handstand.”
Inventive 69
What is it: The Inventive 69 (yes, that’s genuinely its name) offers a simpler alternative who prefer their foreplay without a side of exercise. Ask your partner to lie down on their back. Then, lie on your back, but in the opposite direction of your partner. (So instead of both being face-to-face and toe-to-toe, both of you should be face-to-toe.) Pull yourself forward until your genitals meet their mouth, and straddle their face to offer them easy access. Pull your torso close enough to theirs that you can reach their genitals, as well. And let the fun go from there.
Why it’s great: “The ‘Inventive 69’ should really be the ‘Netflix and Chill’ of positions,” Rowntree says. “If you have a couch, you need only get frisky to pull this one off. With the one partner laying down comfortably on their back, they can pleasure you for longer periods of time, and you can edge them to perfection with a handjob and maintain hot eye-contact throughout. Eye contact is a plus for adults who miss the intimacy of seeing their partner’s face during a regular 69. If you love watching each other experience pleasure, this is not one to miss.”
The Tropical Zodiac
What is it: This is where a bedroom prop known as a sex swing can open new adaptive and fun possibilities. In this instance, one partner lays flat in the swing with the other straddling them. If you have more advanced rigging skills, you could try an upside-down variation or simply adjust the angle of the swing to maximize both fun and comfort for everyone involved. In any case, utilizing the swing to defy gravity and physical limitations puts your 69 action among the stars.
Why it’s great: Rowntree recommends this position for those who want the Pisces experience (at least in terms of a floaty, dreamy 69 position!) minus the risk of being dropped.
Snake
What is it: Those looking for a challenge will be delighted to learn of the Snake, a 69 position that requires immense strength and stamina from both you and your partner. Ask your partner to stand up. You should be standing up, facing them, several paces away. Then, do a handstand, and ask your partner to come close enough to help you balance. At this point, you should both be facing in the same direction (though they’ll be right-side-up, and you’ll be upside-down). From there, ask your partner to lift you until you can drape your legs over their shoulders. You should be high enough up that their mouth can meet your genitals and so that your mouth can meet theirs (if you turn around to face them). From there, both of you can use your arms to steady yourselves as you embark on one of the wildest 69 experiences you’ve ever had.
Why it’s great: Sexy and acrobatic, the Snake is a position you may not be able to hold for very long — and you shouldn’t given the amount of blood that’s going to rush into your head when you go upside down. We wouldn’t recommend giving it a go for longer than a minute! But this standing sex position provides another chance to show off your strength and flexibility with your partner before transitioning to a less demanding variation.
Exotic Foreplay
What is it: Exotic Foreplay offers a change of pace that isn’t particularly demanding. Start by getting on your hands and knees, and ask your partner to stand over you, straddling you, with their toes pointed toward your feet. From there, ask your partner to bend over until their mouth can reach your genitals. And be sure they’re squatting low enough that when you’re turned around, your mouth can meet theirs.
Why it’s great: This 69 variant requires a little effort from both parties, to be sure, but it still doesn’t call for immense strength or flexibility and offers a stable base to work from.
American Pie
What is it: The American Pie is an excellent choice for those craving a challenge—but not an incredibly daunting one. Start by asking your partner to kneel, and then to lean back as far as they can — until their hands comfortably reach the floor. You should stand behind them, facing the same direction they are. Then, bend over them as far as you can, until your hands touch the floor and your mouth reaches their genitals. If you can, lift your feet off the ground and wrap your legs around your partner’s neck. (But if you can’t, you can assume some sort of American Pie/Zombie hybrid that doesn’t require you to balance on your arms while performing oral sex.)
Why it’s great: Flexibility is the name of the game with this arching 69 position, which asks for major vulnerability from the partner on the bottom — they’ll be totally exposed and at your mercy, which makes it all the more fun and intimate.
Golden Gate
What is it: Both effortful and impressive, the Golden Gate is a perfect choice for those looking for something a little demanding. Ask your partner to lie on their back. Then, kneel, facing away from them, with your legs straddling their shoulders. From there, lean back into a backbend, so that your arms are straddling their upper thighs and your mouth can reach their genitals. If you can, engage in 69 fun from there.
Why it’s great: Even if you can manage it for just a moment, achieving the Golden Gate will mean you’ve accomplished something most of us haven’t dared to attempt. It gives you all the benefits of a classic 69 with a little extra flexibility on top.
Yin-Yang
What is it: The Yin-Yang offers fun without asking too much of you—a surprisingly hard combination to find in the 69 sex position space. Lie on your back with your legs straddled, and pull your thighs in toward your chest as far as they’ll go (bend your knees as generously as you need to). Then, ask your partner to kneel over you, straddling your head, facing toward you. From there, they can lean forward until their hands touch the ground. At that point, they should be comfortably resting on their hands and knees, and you should still be lying down with your legs pulled toward your chest. Both of you should have all the access you need to engage in a little oral play from there.
Why it’s great: Talk about intimacy — as the partner on the ground, you are totally exposed and open to your partner. You also get to relax and get a nice hip stretch in (think the Happy Baby yoga pose) while you’re at it.
Pointer
What is it: The Pointer is a lot like the Pisces, except it doesn’t require your partner to stand (and it therefore doesn’t require you to be suspended in mid-air so far off the ground). Ask your partner to kneel. Then, climb on top of them so that your thighs can wrap around their neck, your arms can wrap around their butt, and your mouth can reach their genitals.
Why it’s great: The position is still incredibly demanding and a fun challenge, but it doesn’t require quite as much strength and balance as positions like the Pisces.
A version of this story was published March 2020.
Here’s 69 more (nice) sex positions for your bucket list:
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