How to Wear FTM Gender-Affirming Prosthetics

by Laura

realistic penis pants

When your body doesn’t yet reflect how you feel inside, FTM (Female-to-Male) prosthetics prosthetics can be a straightforward and cost-friendly option. The first time you wear an FTM accessory may feel a bit daunting, but the LOVE Team is here to explain all in simple, practical terms.

Gender-affirming FTM prosthetics are mainly (but not only) phallic-shaped accessories designed to create the look of a realistic penis. They can mimic a natural penis for trans men, or be used by cis men who want to change the appearance or size of their own. Whatever the motivation, these devices help boost confidence for anyone who wants to live with a penis, or enhance the one they were born with. They can also serve as a way to get used to that experience before considering surgery. You can test what size feels right and, depending on the model, try out certain natural functions of a penis: using a Stand to Pee to urinate while standing for example, or having penetrative sex with realistic penis pants.

In this how-to guide, the LOVE Team is going to run through the different types of prosthetics available to give you clear advice if you’re just starting out, so you can enjoy a comfortable experience specially tailored to your needs.

How to Wear and Care for a Foam Packer Shell

The lowdown on shells

A foam packer shell is a discreet accessory that creates the outline of a penis at rest underneath your trousers. Unlike realistic phallic-shaped silicone packers, a shell doesn’t replicate every detail of a penis, it simply gives you the natural-looking bulge you’d expect from a male crotch. That little bit of shape can completely change how your body looks in clothes and help you feel more aligned with your true identity. Lightweight, affordable and low-maintenance, a foam packer shell is often the perfect place to start before trying other types of prosthetics.

How to wear one

Using a shell couldn’t be easier. Just slip your foam packer into snug-fitting underwear so it stays put. Some people go for briefs with a built-in pocket or a support harness designed specifically for this type of shell. It’s all down to personal comfort, so make sure to try different models until you find what feels right for you.

Cleaning and care tips

One of the best things about foam packers is how simple they are to clean. After each wear, simply wash the shell with warm water and mild soap, then leave to air dry so the foam lasts longer. As for storage, there’s nothing special required, just keep it in the same drawer as your everyday underwear, so it’s always ready when you are.

How to Wear and Care for a Packer

The lowdown on packers

A classic packer is a lifelike, phallus-shaped prosthetic designed to look and feel like a real penis. Most are made from soft, silky silicone, sometimes with varying densities to mimic the natural firmness of a penis at rest. More detailed than a foam packer, it will not only create a bulge in your trousers, but also replicate the shape and texture of a male member, often complete with squeezably soft testicles. The realism of this kind of prosthetic can make you more comfortable in everyday situations, whether you’re wearing your packer throughout the day or simply handling it in private. Some cis men also use packers to enhance their natural outline, especially at social events.

How to wear one

The idea is much the same as with a foam packer: just slip your packer into your underwear. Because classic packers can be a little trickier to position, many people prefer to wear briefs with a special pocket or a harness that will keep the item more secure and less prone to shifting around down there.

Cleaning and care tips

Packers are made from silicone, which is durable but needs proper care. After each use, wash the prosthetic with warm water and a mild soap, then let it air dry completely. If you plan on sharing it with a partner, you might want to sterilise it for added safety. Store your packer somewhere dry, away from sunlight and dust. A small storage pouch is ideal to keep it clean and extend its lifespan.

Our favourite packers


Basil supple uncut packer
In stock
New
£22.99
Marius realistic soft packer
In stock
New
£32.99
Amar XXL supple dark skin packer
In stock
New
£59.99
Super soft packer
In stock
£27.99

How to Wear and Care for Realistic Penis Pants

The lowdown on realistic penis pants

Realistic penis pants are silicone underwear with a firm, erect penis attached, often complete with lifelike testicles. Unlike everyday packers, these pants are made for penetration. They can suit transmasculine people in transition, cis women who want to penetrate a partner (whether in a lesbian relationship or during a pegging session), and cis men curious about trying a bigger, firmer erection. They’re versatile, designed to work for different bodies and different situations.

How to wear them

Wearing fake penis briefs is as easy as pulling on a normal pair of pants. The silicone will stretch to fit most body types. Some designs feature a second, inward-facing dildo so the wearer can also enjoy penetrative sensations during penetration. The first few goes might take some adjustment, so we suggest that you use your hands to guide the motion until the thrusting movements feels natural. Realistic penis pants can also be worn solo for a masturbation session , giving you a distinctly masculine-feeling experience.

Cleaning and care tips

As with any silicone prosthetic, cleaning is essential. Wash your pants thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap, paying particular attention to the dildo if you’ve been using them to penetrate a partner. Sterilising is strongly recommended, and becomes non-negotiable if you’re using them for both vaginal and anal play. Let them air dry fully before tucking them away somewhere clean and dry. Keep them separate from other silicone toys to avoid damaging the material.

Our favourite realistic penis pants


How to Wear and Care for a Stand to Pee (STP)

The lowdown on Stand to Pees

A Stand to Pee, or STP, is a prosthetic designed to let you urinate whilst standing up. Using an STP will allow you to feel like you have a natural penis while accomplishing the mundane task of peeing.

How to use and care for a Stand to Pee

Getting the hang of an STP can take a bit of practice. Positioning it and mastering the flow isn’t always second nature right away, so a little patience is part of the process. Rather than cramming all the details here, we’ve put together a special how-to guide that walks you through everything step by step, from using your STP confidently to keeping it clean. You can find it here: How to Use a Stand to Pee (STP).

How to Wear and Care for a Realistic Male Chest

The lowdown on realistic male chests

For trans men who want to flatten their chest, there are a couple of common options: binders, an article of clothing which compresses the chest, or TransTape, a skin-toned adhesive tape applied directly over the breasts. For a more defined look, you may want to consider a realistic male chest. Made of silicone, it mimics the shape of a masculine torso, complete with impressive pecs and sometimes even sculpted abs. When worn under a fitted tee or even on its own, it will create the look of a muscular chest, giving you a real sense of freedom in the upper body area.

How to wear one

You can pull on your male chest like a vest, although the snug fit can make putting it on (and especially taking it off) a little tricky. Dusting a fine layer of talc on your skin beforehand will help the silicone glide more easily and cut down on any uncomfortable friction. It will also reduce irritation during longer wear. Even though the silicone feels soft and comfortable, it’s best to take the chest off regularly so your skin can breathe and to give it a proper clean.

Cleaning and care tips

Cleaning is simple: wash with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid pairing it with very dark clothing (like denim or heavily dyed fabrics), which can leave stains on the silicone. If stains do appear, a special cleaning cream for silicone and TPE can help. For storage, a safe, protected space is fine, but placing it on a tailor’s mannequin will help preserve the shape over time.

We hope this guide will help you enjoy a positive first experience with your FTM accessory. Whether your goal is easing dysphoria, exploring new sensations or simply enhancing what you already have, these prosthetics can bring you closer to feeling at ease in your own body. If you’d like advice that’s tailored especially to you, the LOVE Team is always here to help.

Expert in the Psychology of Sexuality and Erotic Fulfilment

"Understanding your body is the first step to loving it."

An expert in psychology and sexuality, Laura Martin draws on years of experience to shed light on sexual well-being. From sexual health and dysfunctions to infections and the psychological aspects of desire, she takes on complex topics to give clear, accessible advice. Her aim is to make sexual health information easy to understand so everyone can enjoy a satisfying sex life.

Favourite toy: Kegel balls – to tone up my pelvic floor muscles!