Ah, another day, another sex trend... But it seems this newest one has come with quite an important warning.
Sex trends come and go and there's no doubting that today in 2025, there's something for everyone - whether that's Gen Zers throwing it back with older trends or couples trying out the rare 'cuckolding' bedroom habit.
There's absolutely no place for kink-shaming in this era, but that doesn't mean there aren't warnings when it comes to such trends.
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Being comfortable and safe are the most important elements of enjoying sex with partners, and this certainly rings true for those wanting to explore the new 'castlecore' trend.
'What is castlecore?' I hear you ask
Castlecore is an emerging trend inspired by the Medieval era, and it usually focuses on clothing and home interior. But it seems many have been incorporating the castlecore aesthetic in the bedroom, too.
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According to a new report by the UK's biggest sex toy brand Lovehoney, in 2024, there was a breakout of customers experimenting with corsets and dildos inspired by fantasy creatures, such as dragons, which has been linked to the castlecore trend.
"Fantasy lets people explore their deepest desires without the limits of reality," Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney’s sex & relationships expert in the UK, said of the growing trend.
"It's the ultimate 'what if' that can help you experience something that pushes the boundaries of pleasure and imagination. Let’s face it, reality can be a bit dull sometimes, so who wouldn’t want to dive into a world filled with sexy fairies and forbidden romance?"
Being safe when experimenting with the castlecore trend
But it turns out that the castlecore trend may not be as harmless as it sounds, as a warning has been issued over items such as corsets and certain sex toys.
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Lovehoney described how tight corsets 'inspired by mythical Medieval beings' can be among those taking part in the castlecore sex trend.
However, when tied too tightly, corsets can cause breathing difficulties and can reduce lung capacity, irritate skin, and weaken back and chest muscles used to being supported, NYAM Center for History reports.
Digestive issues can also be experienced, so it's important to make sure that if you opt to wear a corset, it's not tied too tightly and enables space for movement and breathing.
A word of caution for those wanting to use sex toys
Corsets aren't the only cause for concern though, as sex toys of a certain shape or material should also be used with caution.
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According to a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, nearly 4,000 people are hospitalized with foreign objects in their rectum each year, with 55 percent of the objects being 'sexual devices'.
Experts warned to the Daily Mail that people should also check what kind of lubrication is compatible with the material of their sex toy before using, as well as ensuring they're following instructions and safety advice that comes with said toy.
Being comfortable and safe is vital when experimenting with any kind of sex trend, so make sure to take note of the above if you're wanting to indulge in the world of fantasy!
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Emily Puckering