The sex toy industry has emerged as one of the most feminist-friendly areas of consumer culture. While other industries slap on pink packaging and call it empowerment, this one is being rebuilt by women and nonbinary designers. Its not just cute branding. Its structural, sensory, and deeply intentional.The Legacy: When Pleasure Became a ProblemThe problem with poor-quality sex toys runs much deeper than just flimsy plastic. Its a whole legacy of erasing cultures and traditions that traces back to the Dark Ages, when the Church came to power, eradicating the pagan religions, the femme gods of fertility and pleasure, and shame became institutional. Female sexuality was cast as sinful, silence became survival, and pleasure was pushed out of public life.By the time vibrators hit the market, the damage was done. These toys werent made for real people they were loud and rigid. Designed by men, for well, also men. They ignored anatomy, clit stimulation, disability, and comfort entirely.They werent tools of empowerment. They were built to be hidden, not celebrated.Now, were finally channeling back in. Its not just about better toys its about reclaiming the conversation.Women Took the Blueprint BackThen something quietly revolutionary happened: women started designing sex toys.Instead of just being consumers or product testers, they became inventors, founders, and engineers. They asked questions the industry hadnt considered:Why does this only have one vibration setting?Can we talk about pleasure like adults instead of using weird code words?What about people who cant hold a toy for long?Why is something so intimate made out of toxic materials?The result? A generation of female-founded brands that didnt just change sex toys they changed the entire tone of the conversation.Power Players Who Didnt Wait for PermissionLets name names not just to celebrate them, but to show how different this movement looks in practice:Dame ProductsCo-founded by sexologist Alex Fine and engineer Janet Lieberman, Dame centers real users in every design. The Eva is a hands-free clitoral vibe that stays in place during partnered sex no straps or fuss. The Pom is soft, bendy, and pressure-sensitive, mimicking the feel of fingers. Their toys dont overdo the tech they just get you off in ways that make sense. UnboundUnbound made sex toys part of everyday style and conversation. The Puff is a compact air-pulse toy that looks playful but packs serious power. The Palma ring is wearable, elegant, and built for surprise mid-day orgasms (if thats your vibe). Theyre bold, cheeky, and never apologizing for pleasure.CraveThe Vesper is jewelry that vibrates a stainless steel necklace thats both statement piece and clitoral vibe. Its discreet, powerful, and symbolic of Craves mission: turning sensuality into self-expression.Lora DiCarloKnown for the CES-banned-then-reinstated Os, this brand blends robotics with body-aware design. Non-phallic and science-backed, their toys mimic human touch proof that innovation and inclusivity can coexist.This isnt just marketing. These companies have transformed the user experience by prioritising anatomy, agency, and aesthetics.This isnt just marketing. These companies have transformed the user experience by prioritising anatomy, agency, and aesthetics.The Retail Side: Whos Actually Carrying the Torch?Its one thing to design great products. Another thing is to make sure people can actually find and trust them. Jess Weaver, Head of Marketing at EdenFantasys, explains: We see customers actively seeking out brands they connect with products that match their values, not just their budget. And honestly? They want to feel like the product gets them.Users can read honest reviews that arent filtered through shameInclusive language is the norm, not the exceptionBody-safe materials are a baseline requirement, not a premium featureIts Better But Not PerfectThe sex toy industry has come a long way. Feminist values are shaping design and messaging, but..some gaps remain, real inclusivity still takes work. The Wins:Design with intention: Better shapes, stronger motors, no more awkward seams or toxic materialsInclusivity: Acknowledging queerness, disability, neurodivergence, and more in product design and brandingCustomer power: Shoppers are voting with their wallets prioritizing transparency and valuesThe Still-Messy Bits:Price tags: Premium, woman-designed products arent always accessible. Affordability is still a major gap.Faux-feminism: Some brands copy feminist aesthetics but still operate with the same old priorities.Representation: Theres still a long way to go when it comes to visibility for trans and nonbinary creators in product leadership.Pleasure Is Political This Industry Knows ItThe sex toy industry didnt just evolve it was reclaimed. Built by those who were once excluded, it now centers real bodies and genuine needs.You can see it in the products and the messaging. Retailers like EdenFantasys arent just keeping pace theyre helping lead the change, making space for feminist brands to thrive.So, how feminist is the sex toy industry?Feminist enough to change how we talk about pleasure.Feminist enough to reshape how we experience it. This isnt just progress. Its a new standard.The post How Feminist Is The Sex Toy Industry? Hot Take Actually, A Lot first appeared on Lesbian.com.