Sex Toys, Role Play & Cups of Tea: How Brits Rekindled their Sex Lives in 2020

A global pandemic certainly seems to have failed to put a dampener on our love lives, with more than nine million Brits revealing they had more sex in the last year than they had been previously, according to a recent poll.

The study of more than 2,000, by European lingerie specialists Hunkemöller, examined the impact of the lockdowns on the nation’s relationships, as well as quizzing UK adults on their underwear purchases over the past 12 months, in a bid to find out how a year unlike any other has impacted intimacy.

One in ten (9%) revealed their sex life had become more exciting over the course of the past year, with a fifth of UK men stating they were enjoying more sex during the lockdowns (19%), compared to fifteen per cent of women.

However, the past twelve months or so led to many couples spending more time together than ever before, putting a noticeable strain on even the most steadfast relationships.

More than one in five (22%) of those surveyed said the pressure and stress of the pandemic had meant they’d had less sex over the last year according to the research.

The nation’s capital was crowned the UK’s sexiest city, with forty-three per cent of Londoners enjoying more sex, and a more exciting sex life in 2020. Incidentally, Londoners were also found to have been most likely to purchase sexy underwear sets during that timeframe (25%).

Unfortunately for those residing in the Northern city of Manchester, 2020 was quite the opposite, with less sex and less exciting sex lives for almost half (43%) of those living there.

Despite not making an appearance on the list of the UK’s sexiest cities, Bristol gets a notable mention as the most adventurous city, boasting the highest number of residents (18%) found to have tried something new and spiced up their sex lives in the last year.
For many couples, the past year has highlighted the need to slow down and appreciate each other more, with nearly half (47%) electing to spend more quality time together to maintain the romance in their relationship.

Other activities favoured by Brits in a bid to rekindle the “spark” with their other half included cooking for them (37%) and enjoying romantic meals together at home (33%). Saying “I love you” more often (25%) and helping out around the house with chores (24%), showing a big romantic gesture isn’t always necessary to show your love and appreciation.

In true British fashion, the poll revealed that more than a third of Brits (37%) have turned to cups of tea to help rekindle the spark between themselves and their other half.