Ring in the new year with a bang.
Experts have revealed the kinky trends that will spice up the bedroom in 2025, from “sobergasms” to edging.
In a blog post for the lubricant company Astroglide, sexologist and relationship expert Dr. Jessica O’Reilly explained that “multisensory integration” to engage all five senses will turn up the heat between the sheets.
For starters, setting the mood with ambiance and visual stimulation — like “dimmable lamps, colored lightbulbs or candles” — is the first step. O’Reilly also advised hanging erotic artwork or playing erotic videos to set the tone.
When it comes to the auditory element, put on a meticulously curated playlist, she wrote, and trigger the olfactory senses with scented candles, essential oils or incense.
“Vanilla, jasmine, peppermint and sandalwood are associated with heightened arousal,” she noted.
To “engage the sense of taste,” she advised introducing edible lubricants, body paints or aphrodisiac foods. Textures, she added can be integrated into the bedroom by way of sheets, clothes, accessories and more to create a tactile experience.
“Silk sheets, velvet cushions or textured blindfolds and restraints can provide novel sensations,” she said. “Incorporate temperature play with warmed or cooled objects to stimulate nerve endings.”
O’Reilly also says that edging, which she describes as a way to build tension to enhance arousal, can lead to a more “powerful” climax when it is eventually reached, although doctors have warned that putting off the big “O” too often can actually be detrimental to sexual health and lead to desensitization.
Earlier this year, chastity was named as the top fetish for 2025, as celebrities such as Julia Fox and Lenny Kravitz have revealed they abstain from sex.
But Annabelle Knight, relationship coach and Lovehoney expert, recently revealed that “sobergasms” — or sober sex — is an emerging trend for the new year.
“Gen Z’s love affair with sobriety is reshaping how we date and it’s making sober sex cooler than ever,” Knight told The Sun.
“Think first dates that swap cocktails for yoga classes, cooking workshops or even running clubs.”
She also claimed that women are going au natural, ushering in the return of the bush. Pointing to data from Lovehoney, fewer women are removing pubic hair.
“Body hair is back and it’s sexier than ever,” she said.
“It’s all about celebrating yourself as you are, every little hair included.”
Consent, she said, is also a turn-on.
“In the new year consent isn’t just necessary — it’s hot,” she explained. “Explicit consent is becoming a sexy must-have, with ‘permission play’ putting a playful spin on the process.”
Lastly, Knight also believes “ethical non-monogamy” is gearing up to become “the new norm.”
“From polyamory to open relationships, it’s all about clear communication and respecting boundaries,” she said.
“In 2025, more people will explore love and relationships in ways that work for them.”
