Essential Scissoring Guide: Scissoring Tips and Positions

Scissoring (also known as tribbing, tribadism, or frottage) refers to a sexual technique in which a vulva owner rubs their vulva against their partner’s body for sexual pleasure. While scissoring is typically associated with queer women or lesbian relationships because it offers stimulation to the clitoris, anyone can practice the technique, regardless of their genitalia, gender identity, or sexual preferences. Many people confuse the overarching concept of scissoring (which includes various positions) with a particular sex position that is also often referred to as “scissoring” or “classic scissoring.” In the classic scissoring position, each partner spreads their legs and brings their genitals together—one partner usually on their back and the other on their side—forming a shape similar to two open pairs of scissors being brought together.

Here is a breakdown of four common scissoring positions:

1. 1. Classic scissor: In the classic scissoring position, each partner spreads their legs and brings their genitals together, with one partner usually on their back and the other on their side. They can then grind and gyrate their hips to stimulate their genitals, with or without the use of penetration or sex toys.
2. 2. Upright scissor: The upright scissor is similar to classic scissoring, but instead of both partners lying down, one partner sits upright with their legs spread, while the other lies down and scoots in to bring their genitals together. The benefit of the upright scissor over classic scissoring is that the upright partner has more control and stability, guiding the couple for maximum pleasure.
3. 3. Missionary scissor: For missionary scissoring, one partner lies on their back with their legs spread, while the other partner lies in between their legs so that both partners’ genitals are touching. Either partner can move their hips for genital stimulation.
4. 4. Genitals to thighs: Genital-to-genital contact is not necessary for scissoring. Instead, have one partner sit or lie down while the other partner straddles one of their partner’s thighs. Both partners can grind or rub their genitals on each other’s upper thigh for external stimulation in this position.

If you want to explore a scissoring position or two with your sexual partner, here are a few tips to make the process more enjoyable:

1. 1. Use lube. While many scissoring positions emphasize external genital stimulation rather than penetrative sex, using lube while grinding is optimal for reducing chafing. Adding lube to your scissoring session can also increase the pleasure of the stimulation by adding a smooth, silky feeling during humping. Learn about the types of lube and how to choose the right kind.
2. 2. Include toys. Using different sex toys for additional stimulation can enhance scissoring positions. Some vulva owners use double-ended dildos in genital-to-genital contact so that both partners experience penetration during the position. You can also use a vibrator during scissoring for increased internal or clitoral stimulation.
3. 3. Use scissoring as foreplay. While many people can achieve orgasm during scissoring positions, others may find it challenging. If you’re having difficulty focusing on pleasure or finding the right angle, consider using a scissoring position as foreplay before other sex acts like penetrative or oral sex.
4. 4. Practice safe scissoring. Since scissoring often includes genital-to-genital contact, it can facilitate the exchange of bodily fluids and transmission of sexually transmitted infections and diseases. If you’re engaging in scissoring with a new partner with an unknown sexual history, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself. Consider using a barrier between your and your partner’s genitals—such as underwear, a dental dam, or a cut-open condom—to help reduce your chances of transmission.

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