03-06-2025
'Shallowing' is new bedroom trend that men and women across the country are trying
People are discovering a new sex trend which they say takes sex 'to the next level'.
'Shallowing', sometimes referred to as 'outercourse' involves light stimulation of a woman - without having full sex.
Named one of the top sex trends for 2024 by sexual wellness brand LELO, and is said to lead to particularly powerful orgasms - something proven by a 2021 study focused on understanding how women increase pleasure during penetrative sex.
In 2021, the Indianan University School of Medicine and OMGYES surveyed 4,270 women across the world, as well as 3,017 American women aged 18 to 93, and found almost 84 per cent of women orgasm more frequently - or increase their pleasure - through shallowing.
But shallowing isn't the only trend that is shaping people's sex lives this year.
In January, Dr Olivia Lee, the Relationship Scholar in Residence at Doll Authority, revealed seven sex trends for 2025.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said: 'From fashion to travel, many of us are eagerly anticipating the trends that may – whether we realise it or not – influence our choices throughout the year.
'However, it doesn't end there; several exciting and unexpected sex trends are also on the horizon, and it looks like 2025 is going to be very kinky.'
Several of Dr Lee's predictions were based on the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) - including AI sexting, and AI-enhanced sex dolls.
Meanwhile, the expert predicted that people will be more 'kink centric' this year.
'"Freak Matching" whereby people choose to date those who share similar quirks, including sexual preferences, will be a popular trend,' she told MailOnline.
'For example, if you find feet erotic or enjoy sex doll companions, finding a partner with this shared passion is likely to become a priority during the year ahead.'
With AI becoming more and more engrained in our day-to-day lives, Dr Lee predicted that many people will begin striking up relationships with AI companions.
'AI sexting utilises deep learning systems that imitate erotic human conversations,' she explained.
'Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology, these chatbots can understand your tone, style, desires, and deliver incredible realism.
'This is set to become a core 2025 trend, with many favouring the reliability of this efficient sexting option – especially if they're busy young professionals prioritising speedy responses.'
Many people think of sex dolls as static objects but Dr Lee explained that, thanks to AI, they are slowly becoming fully interactive companions.
'[This] will allow dolls to respond to a user's mood, interests, and emotional needs,' she said.
'At we're on the cusp of launching our own AI-enhanced doll line; models designed not only for physical intimacy, but meaningful, personalized companionship that can adapt, learn, and grow with their owner over time.
'They'll be able to remember conversations, log your preferences, show emotion, and more, creating an incredibly life-like experience that's never been seen before.'
Dr Lee equally said that sexual wellness is likely to become more normalised in 2025.
'As sexual wellness becomes increasingly normalised, more individuals will view intimate products and services as tools for self-care, emotional well-being, and healthy curiosity,' she said.
'With AI-driven guidance, people can work through anxieties, improve communication skills, and strengthen their sense of self, making sexual wellness products feel as natural and beneficial as any other aspect of personal health.'
This year will see more openness to non-traditional relationship structures, Dr Lee added.
'From long-distance couples using immersive VR and AI to polyamorous households with interactive dolls, these technologies will encourage conversation around consent, boundaries, and communication,' she said.
While polyamory is the practice of having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at the same time, Dr Lee predicted that there will be a rise in solo polyamory this year.
'This is the practice of having more than one partner or relationship, however it negates the notion of polycules, or other multiple people-centred relationship groups,' she explained.
'Instead, solo polyamorists focus on their partnerships alone; they do not cohabitate or reproduce and prioritise their own independence.'
Sexual transparency will be a 'big part' of 2025, Dr Lee explained in January.
'Daters are realising just how important it is to be open about their sexual fantasies, desires, and preferences; especially if you're looking to determine compatibility,' she said.
'In a world where taboos surrounded kinks and fetishes are lessening, we're discovering a pride in our quirks and aren't afraid to share them. Why not cut to the chase?'
Finally, Dr Lee predicted that 2025 will see lots of people slowing things down and choosing quality over quantity.
'Steering away from casual encounters, more of us will be looking to build long-term, meaningful connections; when dating, looking beyond appearances to find intentional love, not just lust,' she said.
'As these preferences change, we will see daters becoming more willing to work on their relationships and build strong foundations. We might have been wondering where romance had gone, but it's finally on its way back!
'This is aided by technological innovations; sex dolls, for example, provide synthetic companions and sexual gratification that fulfils immediate needs, thus allowing users to pursue more emotional, deep-rooted human bonds.'
