From ‘permission play’ to ‘sobergasms’ – the biggest trends to follow for more and better sex in 2025
BRITS will be having sex very differently in 2025, experts predict.
You don’t need to wait until the new year though, as a quiet revolution in how we approach bonking has been gaining traction throughout this year.
Sexual tastes are evolving, particularly when it comes to Gen Z-ers reading erotic fiction and women of all ages ditching the razor to embrace pubic hair.
In the era of X’s (formerly Twitter) #CancelPorn movement and various university studies suggesting that Gen Z is having less sex than millennials and boomers, a shift in sexual attitudes is undeniable.
Of course, 2024 has thrown up controversial content creators like Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips still ringing the bell on proud promiscuity and traditional porn.
But as far as experts are concerned, including Lovehoney sexpert Annabelle Knight, 2025 is set to be a year of sexual awakenings.
Interestingly, experts predict that technology will likely weave its way further into our bedrooms, as cultural taboos around orgasms and pleasure will continue to unravel.
Fabulous takes a look at the biggest sex trends in 2025, and you can probably start implementing some of them now…
SOBERGASMS
Sobergasms – having sex and achieving orgasm without alcohol helping you along the way – is top of the list for 2025.
“Gen Z’s love affair with sobriety is reshaping how we date and it’s making sober sex cooler than ever,” explains Annabelle.
“Think first dates that swap cocktails for yoga classes, cooking workshops or even running clubs.
“It’s all about being fully present, emotionally and physically.”
Lovehoney data backs it up. A survey from the brand found that while 64% of the UK public have had drunk sex, this number drops to just 49% of those aged 18 to 24, signalling a shift in attitudes.
And Gen Z are also the most likely age group to be teetotal, with 15% choosing to be so, further cementing mindful dating and intimacy as commonplace in 2025.
BUSH IS BACK!
Lazy girls, this one is great news for you.
“Body hair is back and it’s sexier than ever,” says Annabelle.
“Women are ditching the razor (and outdated beauty standards) and embracing natural grooming choices.”
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Research by sex toy brand Lovehoney showed a major shift in 2024, with fewer women under the age of 24 feeling pressured to always remove pubic hair.
“It’s all about celebrating yourself as you are, every little hair included,” Annabelle adds.
Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Ashley Graham have long been leading the way on embracing pubic hair, with the former revealing in an interview with Glamour that she “has a full bush”.
UP THE DUFF
“Can I have sex while pregnant?” This query has been soaring throughout 2024, with tens of thousands of mums seeking specialist advice from charity National Childbirth Trust. And the answer is yes, you absolutely can.
Fleur Parker, an NCT Practitioner and antenatal educator, says: “Many people approach sex during pregnancy with caution and may experience changes in their sex drive and sex life as a pregnancy progresses.
“But the most important thing to note is that sex during pregnancy is generally safe and will not harm your baby.”
“While an orgasm might occasionally trigger Braxton Hicks contractions later on in pregnancy, it’s nothing to worry about as lying down and relaxing can help them go away,” Fleur continued.
“In fact, you might find that you experience more intense orgasms during pregnancy, thanks to increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity.”
She added that “comfort during sex becomes crucial” as your body adapts to pregnancy, so you’ll need to explore different positions that reduce pressure on the abdomen.
CONSENT IS (STILL) SEXY
Years in the wake of the #MeToo movement, explicit consent is gaining traction as a must-have in the bedroom.
And new research from Lovehoney found that it’s actually a TURN ON.
A quick, “can I do this?” or, “would you like this?” shows intention, and modern Brits are very much into it.
The coming year is one of enthusiastic, confident and oh-so-sexy consent taking centre stage
Annabelle Knight
“In the new year consent isn’t just necessary – it’s hot,” says Annabelle.
“Explicit consent is becoming a sexy must-have, with ‘permission play’ putting a playful spin on the process.
“The coming year is one of enthusiastic, confident and oh-so-sexy consent taking centre stage.”
LET’S GET FLUID
Sexual tastes are evolving, especially when it comes to ethical non-monogamy.
This was tipped in data from Google at the end of 2023, which found that some members of younger generations growing up in a digital world are turning their backs on conventional romances and seeking something more open and free.
And following boxer David Haye, model Sian Osbourne and Saturdays singer Una Healy proudly showcasing their throuple, the practice may only get bigger in 2025, if you’ll pardon the pun.
“Ethical non-monogamy and flexible dynamics are becoming the new norm,” says Annabelle.
“From polyamory to open relationships, it’s all about clear communication and respecting boundaries.
“In 2025, more people will explore love and relationships in ways that work for them.”
EROTIC READS
If you haven’t been living under a rock this year, you’ll have seen everyone from nurses and shop assistants to influencers and celebs reading Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) book series on their work breaks.
It may have been published back in 2015, but thanks to BookTok, it’s become a cultural phenomenon.
According to Annabelle, 2024 was the year of the ‘romantasy’ genre, and plenty of British are now using steamy literature to get their sexual kicks.
Lovehoney research found that searches for ‘smut books’ skyrocketed by 78% between May 2023 and May 2024, with ACOTAR leading the charge
Another Lovehoney survey revealed that 34% of 25 to 34-year-olds and 23% of 18 to 24-year-olds enjoy erotica during their solo sessions.
So, it’s clear that romantasy and spicy reads aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. This might just be the new era of Fifty Shades of Grey.
FRIENDSHIP FIRST
In 2024, single people became exhausted with meeting someone attractive only for it to fizzle out pretty quickly.
As a result, they’re going to slow things down in 2025 and form friendships as prerequisites to romance, according to the experts at dating app Happn.
Research from the app found that 88% of UK Singles think friendship is equally or more important than love in a relationship.
Meanwhile, 81% believe that being friends first creates a solid foundation for a long-lasting romance
“The friendzone can truly be the springboard for true romance,” says dating expert Claire Renier.
“This desire for stability is driving singles to view dating from a fresh perspective with shared values, honesty and transparency, building on the friendship within a relationship, and fostering deeper connections.”