Sex Shops in Chicago — 2025

Chicago's sexual wellness landscape reflects the city's progressive approach to health and self-care. From Andersonville's inclusive boutiques to upscale shops in Wicker Park, the city offers diverse options for exploring intimacy products, educational resources, and relationship enhancement tools. Whether you're seeking beginner-friendly guidance, luxury items, or specialized products, these retailers prioritize customer education and comfort.

Finding the right shop means considering factors like staff expertise, product quality, inclusivity, and the overall shopping experience. The best retailers treat sexual wellness as an integral part of overall health—complementing the medical foundations that support confidence and performance.

1. Early to Bed — Andersonville's Welcoming Pioneer

Early to Bed has anchored Chicago's sex-positive retail scene since 2001, earning a reputation as one of the most approachable and educational adult retailers in the Midwest. Located in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood, this woman-owned shop deliberately avoids the dark, intimidating atmosphere of traditional adult stores, opting instead for bright lighting, organized displays, and knowledgeable staff who prioritize sex education over sales pressure.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The shop's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond LGBTQ+ friendliness to accommodate all experience levels. First-time shoppers appreciate the judgment-free environment and staff willing to answer questions about product materials, body safety, and functionality. The curated selection emphasizes body-safe materials—medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, and glass—over cheaper alternatives that may contain phthalates or other questionable substances.

Specialties:

• Body-safe toys and accessories with detailed material information
• Extensive lubricant selection, including organic and pH-balanced options
• Educational books and guides on sexual wellness
• Bondage and BDSM introductory products with safety information
• Gender-affirming products and packers
• Regular workshops on topics from toy care to communication skills

Target Audience: Beginners, couples, the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone seeking an educational approach

Price Range: $15-$300 for most items; custom or luxury pieces are higher

Location: 5138 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640.

2. Taboo Tabou

Taboo Tabou is now an online-only boutique. They advertise the best prices in Chicago across a curated catalog of lingerie, erotic toys, clothing, BDSM gear, footwear, and more—making it easy to shop discreetly with a broad selection and quick checkout.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

• Online convenience with Chicago roots, plus an in-person option via The Alley’s limited selection
• Emphasis on value pricing while keeping recognizable brands and body-safe materials
• Wide range that covers solo play, couples, lingerie, and kink basics in one store

Specialties:

• Lingerie (including corsets) and intimate apparel
• Erotic toys (vibrators, wands, couples’ toys)
• BDSM gear and accessories
• Footwear and festival/clubwear
• Lubes, body care, and giftable sets

Target Audience: Value-focused shoppers, couples, and gift-buyers who prefer online ordering with a local pickup/browse option.

Price Range: Budget to mid-premium (~$10–$300+, varies by category).

Location: Online only (Chicago-based).

In-person note: Select lingerie, corsets, and more from Taboo Tabou inventory are available at The Alley, 2620 W Fletcher St, Chicago, IL 60618.

3. Leather 64Ten — Specialized Leather and Fetish Gear

Leather 64Ten serves Chicago's leather, kink, and BDSM communities with specialized products and expertise rarely found in general adult retailers. The Rogers Park location stocks genuine leather goods, fetish wear, and safety equipment for serious practitioners rather than costume-quality items. This specialization makes it invaluable for community members seeking authentic gear and knowledgeable guidance.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The shop prioritizes education around safe and consensual practices within BDSM and kink communities. Staff members often participate in Chicago's leather community and can provide guidance on proper equipment use, safety protocols, and care for leather goods. Beyond retail, the shop serves as a community hub, hosting events and providing resources for people exploring alternative relationship structures and practices.

Specialties:

• Genuine leather restraints, harnesses, and accessories
• Fetish wear and specialty clothing
• Impact play equipment with safety information
• Leather care products and maintenance guides
• Community event information and resources
• Custom leather work and special orders

Target Audience: BDSM practitioners, leather community members, experienced kink enthusiasts

Price Range: $25-$600+ for custom leather pieces

Location: 6410 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626

4. Pleasure Chest — Chicago's Chain Retailer with Local Presence

Part of a small chain with locations in select cities, Pleasure Chest's Lakeview location offers an extensive selection and extended hours that accommodate various shopping preferences. The store balances accessibility for beginners with comprehensive inventory for experienced shoppers, making it a versatile destination for a diverse customer base.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The breadth of selection distinguishes Pleasure Chest from smaller boutiques. Shoppers find everything from beginner-friendly products to specialized items, often with multiple options at different price points. The extended hours provide convenience for people who prefer shopping during less busy times, and the Lakeview location's proximity to public transit increases accessibility.

Specialties:

• Comprehensive toy selection across all categories
• Extensive lubricant and intimate care products
• Lingerie and intimate apparel in various sizes
• DVDs and educational content (where applicable)
• Novelty items and bachelorette supplies
• Pride and LGBTQ+-focused products

Target Audience: Broad audience, from beginners to experienced shoppers

Price Range: $10-$400, covering budget to premium options

Location: 1448 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park)

5.Men’s Room — Northalsted (Boystown) Fashion & Fetish Boutique

Men’s Room is an LGBTQ-owned boutique on Halsted that blends sex-positive retail with fashion, grooming, and fetish gear. Beyond toys and lube, you’ll find leather, harnesses, underwear, and accessories curated for queer and kink-friendly shoppers in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Staffed by a community-rooted team, the shop offers knowledgeable guidance across toys, leather/fetish wear, and personal care. It also features an in-store barbershop and stays open late—making it an easy, discreet stop for after-work or night-out pickups.

Specialties:

• Vibrators, lubricants, and wellness essentials
• Leather gear, harnesses, and fetish accessories
• Jockstraps, underwear, and clubwear from queer-favorite brands
• Grooming products and barbershop services
• Queer-inclusive sizing and fittings

Target Audience: LGBTQ+ shoppers, kink-curious beginners, and anyone seeking fashion-meets-fetish curation with practical toy selection.

Price Range: Budget to premium (broad range across toys, apparel, and leather).

Location: 3343 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 (Northalsted/Boystown).

BlueChew: The Medical Foundation for Sexual Confidence

Sexual wellness products from Chicago's specialty retailers address one dimension of intimate health—but performance concerns often require medical solutions. Approximately 30 - 50 million American men experience erectile dysfunction, with prevalence increasing significantly after age 40. While pleasure products enhance experiences, they cannot address the physiological factors that affect erectile function.

Telemedicine Solutions for Chicago Residents:

BlueChew provides prescription ED treatment through a convenient telemedicine platform, eliminating in-person visits to Chicago clinics. Licensed physicians evaluate your health history through a confidential online consultation, then prescribe compounded ED medications that contain the active ingredients sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Brand-name ED treatments also use the active ingredients sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.

How BlueChew Works:

The platform offers multiple compounded medication options tailored to different needs and preferences:

• SIL: 30 mg or 45 mg sildenafil, from $2.94/chew, works in 30 minutes, lasting up to 6 hours
• TAD: 6 mg or 9 mg tadalafil, from $3.57/chew, effective within 30 minutes, lasting up to 36 hours
• VAR: 8 mg vardenafil, from $4.33/chew, takes effect in 30 minutes, lasting up to 6 hours
• DailyTAD: 9 mg tadalafil plus 7 essential vitamins, $2.22/chew, lasting up to 36 hours
• MAX: 45 mg sildenafil + 18 mg tadalafil combo, $5.63/tablet, lasting up to 36 hours
• VMAX: 14 mg vardenafil + 18 mg tadalafil combo, $5.63/tablet, lasting up to 36 hours
• GOLD: sildenafil, tadalafil, oxytocin, and apomorphine sublingual tablet, from $6.94/tablet, lasting up to 36 hours

Chicago-Specific Advantages:

The chewable format offers practical benefits for Chicago's active lifestyle. Monthly subscriptions ship directly to your door with plain packaging, eliminating pharmacy visits and ensuring a consistent supply.

Complementing Physical Products:

Think of BlueChew as addressing the medical foundation, while products from specialty retailers enhance the experience. A high-quality product from Early to Bed or Taboo Tabou works best when you have confidence in your physiological response. BlueChew's prescription treatments ensure reliable erectile function, while sexual wellness products add variety, sensation, and exploration to intimate experiences.

Affordability and Accessibility:

BlueChew's subscription model provides predictable monthly costs significantly lower than traditional ED medications purchased through pharmacies. The online consultation eliminates specialist copays and office visit fees, making medical treatment accessible for Chicago residents regardless of insurance coverage. Most plans start at $25 monthly with medication included.

Choosing the Right Shop for Your Needs

Chicago's sexual wellness landscape offers options for every comfort level and interest area. Consider these factors when selecting where to shop:

• Comfort Level and Experience: First-time shoppers often prefer Early to Bed's educational approach or G Boutique's appointment-based privacy. Experienced buyers might appreciate Pleasure Chest's extensive selection or Leather 64Ten's specialized inventory.
• Product Priorities: Body safety advocates should prioritize retailers emphasizing medical-grade silicone and phthalate-free materials. Luxury shoppers gravitate toward Taboo Tabou's curated high-end selection. Budget-conscious buyers find a better range at stores with multiple price points.
• Community and Education: Shops hosting workshops, community events, and educational programming provide value beyond retail transactions. These resources help shoppers make informed decisions and explore interests safely.
• Inclusivity Matters: LGBTQ+-friendly shops create welcoming environments for all customers regardless of orientation or gender identity. Staff training on diverse needs ensures appropriate product recommendations and respectful service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are products from sex shops body-safe?

Product safety varies significantly between retailers and manufacturers. Reputable Chicago shops like Early to Bed and Taboo Tabou prioritize body-safe materials, including medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, glass, and ABS plastic. Avoid products made from jelly rubber, PVC, or materials with strong chemical odors, as these may contain phthalates or other potentially harmful substances. Staff at quality retailers can identify body-safe options and explain material properties. When shopping online, look for detailed material information and body-safe certifications.

Q: Do I need a prescription for products at these shops?

Sexual wellness products sold at Chicago's specialty retailers do not require prescriptions—they're available to adult customers without medical authorization. However, if performance concerns involve erectile function, prescription medications like BlueChew's compounded treatments address the medical aspects that physical products cannot. Licensed physicians determine prescription appropriateness through confidential consultations, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Q: How do I know which product is right for me?

Staff at quality shops receive training to guide customers based on experience level, preferences, and specific interests. Come prepared with general ideas about what you're seeking, and don't hesitate to ask questions about materials, functionality, or care requirements. Many shops allow you to handle boxed display models to evaluate size and material feel. Reading online reviews and educational resources before visiting can help narrow options, though personalized staff guidance typically provides the most valuable assistance.

Q: Are these shops welcoming to couples?

Most Chicago sexual wellness retailers actively encourage couples shopping together, often finding that partners shopping jointly communicate more openly about preferences and boundaries. Staff can facilitate conversations about mutual interests and suggest products designed for partnered use. Some shops like G Boutique offer private appointment options specifically for couples seeking focused consultation. Shopping together often enhances the experience by ensuring both partners feel invested in selections.

Q: What's the price range for quality products?

Quality sexual wellness products typically range from $15-$80 for standard items, with luxury or specialized products reaching $200-$400. Beginners can find excellent starter options in the $20-$40 range made from body-safe materials. Price generally reflects material quality, motor strength, rechargeable features, and design complexity rather than effectiveness alone. Staff can recommend appropriate products across price points based on your budget and needs. Remember that body-safe materials and quality construction make products more durable and safer for long-term use, often justifying a higher initial investment.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.