A rising bedroom trend called “shallowing” is gaining popularity among couples and solo participants alike — and it’s being praised by women for its pleasurable experience.
Often referred to as “outercourse,” shallowing involves gentle sexual play around the vaginal opening, with little to no deep penetration. While the concept isn’t new, the term “shallowing” was only introduced a few years ago. Since then, its popularity has grown steadily, particularly after luxury sex toy brand LELO named it one of 2024’s top sexual wellness trends.
Its appeal goes beyond headlines and hype. A 2021 study by Indiana University School of Medicine and the research platform OMGYES surveyed more than 4,000 American women between the ages of 18 and 93. The results revealed that 84% of respondents reported enhanced sexual pleasure from shallow stimulation and outercourse techniques.
But the interest in sexual experimentation doesn’t end there.
According to a new analysis by FetishFinder, which examined Google search trends, people are exploring new sexual positions to keep things exciting in the bedroom. Traditional positions like missionary seem to be falling out of favor, with more adventurous moves gaining traction.
The top-searched position was the “bear hug,” which involves partners engaging in intimacy while standing and embracing tightly. This position saw a dramatic 623% increase in search interest over the past year.
Other trending positions include the controversial “filthy Sanchez,” which involves smearing bodily fluids on a partner’s upper lip — a practice many would find more offensive than erotic.
Coming in third was the “anvil,” which requires one partner to lie on their back with their legs overhead while the other kneels in front of them during intercourse. The anvil position experienced a 275% rise in online searches.
These trends reflect a growing curiosity about sex and pleasure, as individuals and couples alike seek new ways to connect, experiment, and enjoy intimacy — whether it’s through shallow touches or bold new positions.
