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Physical effort: High Inverted

Lace Tie: inverted standing cunnilingus

The Lace Tie is an acrobatic oral sex position. The giving partner stands and holds the receiving partner upside down against their body, so the receiving partner's vulva is at the level of the giver's mouth and their legs rest open over the giver's shoulders. It is a form of inverted cunnilingus that requires a lot of strength and balance from whoever holds, and trust from whoever is upside down. It is best kept short, done over a soft surface and only by people who feel confident lifting each other.

Also known as: Lace · Inverted standing cunnilingus · Upside-down oral sex

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Illustration of Lace Tie: Inverted standing cunnilingus: the giver stands holding the receiving partner upside down, with the receiving partner's legs open over the giver's shoulders.
Anatomy and biomechanics

The giving partner stands with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, both arms wrapped firmly around the receiving partner's waist and back. The receiving partner hangs upside down along the front of the giver's body, front to front: their head is down near the giver's knees, arms hanging loosely or holding the giver's legs, and their legs are spread in a V over the giver's shoulders with the feet pointing up. The vulva is at the level of the giver's face, who stimulates it with the lips and tongue. The giver controls everything: support, pace and how long it lasts. The giver's lower back and arms carry the full weight, and the receiving partner's head and neck are close to the floor, so a fall can be serious. There is no eye contact.

Why this position works

It is a spectacular, playful way to give oral sex, which some couples enjoy precisely for the challenge and the feeling of complete surrender. The receiving partner's open legs leave the vulva and clitoris fully accessible, and the inversion can feel intense for some people. However, the effort and the need for safety usually keep it brief: many couples use it as a moment of play before moving on to something more comfortable. Sensations vary from person to person.

Vigor and Energy Sensory Exploration Difficult High Mobility Required Maximized Clitoral Stimulation Non-Penetrative Interaction

Variations of this position

Variation 1: the receiving partner keeps their shoulders on the bed

The receiving partner keeps their shoulders and upper back on the bed while the giver, standing, lifts only the hips.

Only the height of the lift changes: the receiving partner's shoulders, head and upper back stay on the mattress, and the giver holds just the hips and legs. The weight carried is much lower, the head is not hanging and the risk of falling almost disappears. The oral contact is the same.

  1. The receiving partner lies on their back across the bed, hips at the edge.
  2. The giver stands at the edge and places the receiving partner's legs over their shoulders.
  3. The giver lifts the hips with both arms until the vulva reaches their mouth, while the shoulders stay on the bed.
  4. Lower the hips back onto the bed whenever either of you needs a break.

Variation 2: the receiving partner rests their hands on the floor

The receiving partner places both hands flat on the floor, arms straight, to take part of their own weight.

Only the receiving partner's arms change: instead of hanging, they push against the floor like in a handstand. This shares the weight between the giver's arms and the receiving partner's hands, protects the head from a fall and lets the receiving partner signal or come down more easily. It demands strength in the receiving partner's arms and shoulders.

  1. Place a mat or a cushion on the floor below where the receiving partner's hands will go.
  2. From the basic position, the receiving partner reaches down and puts both hands flat on the floor.
  3. They straighten their arms to take part of their weight, keeping the head off the floor.
  4. The giver keeps holding the waist firmly the whole time.

Variation 3: the giver rests their back against a wall

The giver stands with their back against a wall while holding the receiving partner upside down.

Only the giver's support changes: leaning the back and shoulders on a wall stops them from swaying backwards and takes some of the load off the lower back. The giver can hold the position more steadily, although the arms still carry the receiving partner's weight.

  1. The giver stands with the back and shoulders against a wall, feet slightly forward and knees soft.
  2. Lift the receiving partner as in the basic position, ideally from a bed placed next to the wall.
  3. The giver keeps the receiving partner pressed close to the body.
  4. Come down as soon as the giver's arms tire.

✓ Tips
  • Only try it if the person holding can lift the other's weight comfortably, and do it next to a bed or over a mat in case of a slip.
  • Get into position from the edge of the bed: the receiving partner lies on their back with hips at the edge, and the giver lifts them slowly by the waist (variation 1 is the halfway point).
  • Keep it short: being upside down sends blood to the head. Agree on a signal to stop and come down slowly if there is dizziness, pressure in the head or neck pain.
  • The giver should keep the knees slightly bent, the back straight and the receiving partner close to the body, and stop as soon as the arms or lower back tire.
  • A latex or polyurethane barrier (dental dam) on the vulva reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections during oral sex.
Interaction type
Oral sex on the vulva, with the receiving partner held upside down by the standing giver
Active anatomy
Mouth and tongue
Receptive anatomy
Vulva and clitoris
Main stimulation
Oral sex on the vulva and clitoris, with the receiving partner held upside down
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous?

It carries a real risk of falling and hitting the head, and it loads the lower back of the person holding. It is only for people with strength and confidence, over a soft surface and for a short time.

How do we get into position safely?

Start with the receiving partner lying on the edge of the bed. The giver stands, places the receiving partner's legs on their shoulders and lifts slowly by the waist. To come down, reverse the steps back onto the bed.

Is there a less demanding version?

Yes: keep the receiving partner's shoulders and back resting on the bed (variation 1), or let them put their hands on the floor to share the weight (variation 2).

How long can someone stay upside down?

Only briefly. Come down at the first sign of dizziness, headache or discomfort.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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