Condoms are easy, right? It’s just a little sheath for your manhood. Slap it on, and you’re ready to plow….
Yeah, right.
Imagine saying the same thing about shoes?
“Oh, all shoes are the same! And you don’t need to learn how to put them on. Just grab a random pair and start running!”
You’d be fumbling all over the basketball court.
The sad thing is, most men treat condoms just like this, and it leaves them fumbling in bed.
And guys, your partner notices the difference between someone who drops the ball and someone who goes all the way—believe me.
Luckily, learning the ways of the condom isn’t hard. We’ll teach you everything you need to know in our guide below, including:
- 30-second condom basics
- The #1 thing guys should know about condoms (but don’t)
- How to put on a condom (the non-awkward way)
- How to choose the right rubber for your rod
- The power of lube
- Fun condom facts
First, let’s cover the basics...
Condom Basics (in 30 Seconds)
If you want to round the bases, you gotta know these condom basics.
👉 A condom acts as a barrier between your Johnson and your partner’s naughty bits. It blocks viruses and bacteria (STIs) from transmitting between partners, and it catches your dude juice to prevent pregnancy.
👉 Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against pregnancy and STIs.
👉 Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if you wear them right.
👉 Condoms are made from materials like latex, polyurethane, and animal skin.
👉 There are hundreds of different types of condoms, including textured condoms, flavored condoms, and glow-in-the-dark condoms.
👉 The effectiveness of condoms can drop significantly if you don’t wear the right size or put them on correctly.
Condom Lore: Modern condoms were invented in 1858 in the USA (yay progress!)... but were banned just 15 years later for being “immoral goods” (oh no...).
What Every Man Needs to Know About Condoms
There’s a game-changing secret that most guys don’t know about condoms and sex. Here it is:
You’re doing it wrong.
Yes, you. Not just the noobs. You too.
Studies have found that over HALF of men put a condom on the wrong way.
And OVER 80% of men wear the wrong condom size.
Imagine if over half of all basketball players ran out on the court wearing the wrong size shoes with their laces flopping all over the place.
How well do you think they’d perform?
The truth is, most guys are leading lackluster sex lives because of their sad condom skills. You might not notice. But your partner does.
Don’t worry. You can instantly up your game (and your pleasure) by getting the right condom and putting it on correctly.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to Put on a Condom
Nobody likes long how-to lists. So here are a few key things to know:
- Put a condom on BEFORE you enter the holy land. Your partner hates it when you have to stop in the middle to fumble with a rubber. Plus, you’re exposing yourself to STIs.
- Don’t unroll a condom before putting it on. Roll it over your shaft by pinching the tip and sliding it down.
- Roll the condom all the way down to the base of your little dude. Going halfway is a health risk, and it shows your partner you don’t know wtf you’re doing.
- After you cum, take the condom off before you lose your erection. If you don’t, you could end up leaking juices in dangerous places.
- Never reuse a condom. That’s just nasty.
Condom Lore: The most famous movie about a condom is Killer Condom, a 1996 horror film. The New York Times gave it a decent review!
Choosing the Right Condom
Now, it’s time to go condom shopping. There are hundreds of different shapes, sizes, and materials out there, and one of them fits you just right. When you find it, you’ll know it (and your partner will too 🥵).
Here’s a quick run-down of condom sizes and materials. We’ll tell you how to find the right one for you so that you'll know what you're looking for when you go to buy condoms by size.
Condom Sizes
Condoms come in 4 basic size categories:
| Type | Penis Girth | Penis Length |
| Snugger Fit |
4.7” and under | 5.1” and under |
| Standard Size |
4.7” - 5.1” |
5.1” - 6” |
| Large Size |
5.1” - 6” |
6” - 7” |
| Extra Large |
6”+ |
7” - 8” |
Want to know your exact length and girth? Read more about condom sizes here.
Within each of the above categories, every condom is a bit different. That means if you try a standard condom and it doesn’t feel right, you shouldn’t switch to a snug or large condom yet. You might need to choose a standard condom with different measurements.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right size...
Snug Condoms
Snug and smaller-sized condoms are not for “small” guys. The average penis size is about 4.6” in girth and 4.9”-5.1” long. So, most guys feel good in a snug condom.
These condoms provide a confident fit and don’t have that “baggy” feel that reduces sensation.
If you’re about average in size or a little under, go for one of these condoms:
Caution Wear IRON GRIP Snugger Fit Condoms
$5.99
$7.99
Caution Wear IRON GRIP Condoms Caution Wear Iron Grip Condoms are narrower in width for a tighter fit, with traditional straight parallel-sided construction. This condom falls into the slim fit, or 'snug' category -- if standard size condoms tend to… Read More
Glyde SlimFit Small Size Condoms
$16.99
$19.99
Glyde SlimFit Vegan Condoms Attention all you slim-sized superheroes! Introducing GLYDE SlimFit Small Size Condoms, the perfect protection for those who need a little extra snugness in their love life. Don't let a poorly fitting condom ruin the mood -… Read More
LifeStyles "Snugger Fit" Condoms
$7.99
$10.99
Condomania's #1 Best-Seller: LifeStyles Snugger Fit Lifestyles Snugger Fit condoms are smaller size condoms for guys that need an extra confident fit. Measuring about 7" long and 49mm wide, these rubbers are made for men who are a bit shorter and… Read More
Standard Condoms
Standard-size condoms are the ones you’ll find at most brick-and-mortar stores. They’re the most popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best fit.
If you have a standard length (about 5.1”) but are a little girthier than average (above 4.6”), you’ll probably enjoy a standard condom more than a snug one.
Here are some of our top picks:
Trojan Ultra Thin Lubricated Condoms
$4.99
$5.99
Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms are one of Trojan's thinnest condoms are designed to increase sensitivity. You'll love the natural feeling Thinner than standard Trojan Condoms, the Trojan Ultra-Thin condoms will give you that au natural feeling… Read More
Kimono MicroThin Condoms
$3.99
$4.99
Kimono MicroThin Condoms Kimono MicroThin condoms are in the ULTRA-thin category of condoms. They’re thinner than the thinnest Trojan condoms. They’re thinner than the thinnest Durex condoms. In fact, they’re just about the thinnest latex condoms you can buy. … Read More
Crown Skinless Skin Ultra-Thin Condoms
$5.49
$7.99
Crown Skinless Skin Condoms: Like Riding Bareback! The super-strong Japanese latex used in the Crown Skinless Skin Condom is the closest to wearing nothing at all you’ll find. At only .05mm thin, these condoms provide the most natural feel without… Read More
Condom Lore: Studies have found that most people are still embarrassed about buying condoms. Luckily, you can buy condoms online now!
Large Condoms
Newsflash: Whipping out a Magnum condom will not impress your partner if you don’t have a magnum dong to match.
Only about 15% of men need large condoms. The rest will hurt their game by trying to size up.
However, if your current condom feels a bit tight or restrictive, you may need to go large.
Even if your length is average, you may still need a large condom if you’re extra girthy.
Here are a few good ones:
Trojan Magnum Condoms
$3.99
$4.99
Trojan Magnum Condoms Ready to experience the ultimate in comfort and protection? Meet Trojan Magnum Condoms, the condoms made especially for men with a larger-than-average-size penis. Condomaniacs LOVE Trojan Magnum Condoms because... 👉 They're extra big. Trojan Magnum Condoms are… Read More
ONE Legend Extra LARGE Condoms
$9.99
$12.99
Legend Large Size Condoms The Legend Extra Large Condoms are wider and longer than a standard condom, allowing endowed men to reach their peak performance in ultimate safety and comfort. Comfort fit shape provides a tighter (but still wider than… Read More
LifeStyles Large Size Condoms
$7.99
$10.99
LifeStyles Large Size Condoms LifeStyles Large is a large-sized condom for guys who are on the longer side. At 8” long and 56 mm wide, it’s perfect for men who’ve got more length and a bit more girth than average. … Read More
Extra-Large Condoms
Extra-large condoms are hard to find at stores because they only fit about 2-3% of men. That can make life tough for the largest among us.
If your junk is a lunker, your best bet is to buy condoms online. Here are a few to try:
Durex Condom XXL (Longer & Extra Wide Fit)
$10.99
$12.99
Durex XXL Condoms Durex XXL condoms are for the BIGGEST guys out there. At 9.25” long and 64 mm wide, this condom will be a good fit for about 1% of men (or fewer). However, that 1% will be glad… Read More
Trojan Magnum XL (Extra Large Lubricated Condoms)
$2.99
$3.99
Trojan Magnum XL Condoms Are you tired of feeling like a stuffed sausage in regular-sized condoms? Say goodbye to the squeeze with Trojan Magnum XL Condoms! These babies are extra large and designed for a comfortable fit, so you can… Read More
Union "Max" Extra Large 60mm Condoms
$18.99
$21.99
Union Max Large Size Condoms Welcome to the big leagues, Condomaniacs! Say hello to Union Max, the true king of XL© condoms. With a straight shaft measuring a whopping 60mm and a flared head for added room and sensation, Union… Read More
Condom Materials
Finding the right condom size is half the battle. But it would be best if you also had the right make and model for your body, your personality, and the kinky activities you get into (we won’t ask…).
Once you know your size, you can try condoms from the range of materials and styles below. One of the best ways to sample them all is to buy a condom variety pack.
Base Materials
Condoms are made of the following materials:
👉 Latex: The standard condom material. Latex is stretchy, form-fitting, and super thin. It’s also all-natural. Try LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive latex condoms.
👉 Polyurethane: This synthetic material is not as flexible and form-fitting as latex, but it transfers heat better. Some say you can feel your partner more with these condoms. Try Trojan Supra polyurethane condoms.
👉 Polyisoprene: Stretchier than polyurethane but still able to transfer heat, these condoms are known for their soft, skin-like feel. Though, they are thicker than other condoms. Try Durex Avanti Bare Real-Feel polyisoprene condoms.
👉 Lambskin: Lambskin condoms are made with lamb intestines. They provide a natural feel with increased sensation and heat transfer. But they’re expensive, and they DON’T protect against STIs. Try Trojan Naturalamb lambskin condoms.
Condom Lore: The first condoms ever used were made of sheep intestines. They’ve been in use for at least 1000 years and are still popular today.
Condom Sensations
Add new sensations to your bedroom game to take your pleasure to new places. No, you don’t need to buy a sex swing. Just try one of these condoms.
👉 Heat/Cool: Add a spark of heat or an icy cool touch to change the sensation of sex completely. Heat skyrockets pleasure during penetration, and ice is ideal for teasing and clitoral stimulation. Try Trojan Fire and Ice condoms.
👉 Thin/Thick: Take control of your pleasure with a thicker or thinner condom. To feel closer to your partner, try a thin condom-like Kimono MicroThin Plus Aqua Lube condom. To control the sensation and last longer, get thicker condom-like Trustex Extra Strength condoms.
👉 Climax Control: For even more control over your pleasure (and your partner’s), climax control condoms contain desensitizing lube that keeps you in the game longer. Try Durex Prolong condoms.
Condom Textures
Textured condoms feature raised patterns on the outside of the condom to create new sensations for your partner. However, they might limit your sensation by making the condom slightly thicker.
👉 Ribbed: The most common texture, ribbed condoms have raised rings around the shaft or head (or both). This increases the pleasure around the vaginal and anal openings—super sensitive zones. Try Trojan Ultra Ribbed condoms.
👉 Dotted/Studded: Studded condoms are covered in little upraised bumps that intensify sensation as you thrust. Just make sure to start slow and make every stud count. Try ONE Super Studs condoms.
👉 Other Textures: While studs and ribs are the most common, condom brands feature all sorts of textures to keep your sex life fresh. You’ll find stripes, swirls, ribs + studs combos, and a lot more. Try Kimono MicroThin Ribbed + Sensi-Dots condoms.
Condom Flavors
Flavored condoms don’t do much for penetrative sex, but they’re great for foreplay. Try a buffet of flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, and mint.
Here are some of the wildest flavors we’ve come across:
ONE Flavor Waves Condom Variety Pack (6 Different Flavors) 🍓🍌🍍
$9.99
$12.99
Vegan-Friendly Flavored Condoms Enjoy a variety of 6 unique flavors with this Flavored Condom variety pack from ONE. Yep - they're vegan too! Enjoy mouth-watering Banana Split, Mint Chocolate, Island Punch, Chocolate-Strawberry, Bubblegum, or Fresh Mint! Flavor Waves are… Read More
Glyde Ultra Organic Wildberry Flavored Vegan Condoms
$7.99
$9.99
Wildberry Flavored Condom Introducing Glyde Ultra Wildberry Flavored Condoms - the perfect way to add some fruity fun to your intimate moments! 🍓🍇 These condoms are made with the same high-quality standards as all of our products but with an added… Read More
Condom Lore: Many batsh*t-crazy condom flavors have hit the shelves over the years, including bacon, garlic, chicken tikka masala, and yes... Cola Flavored Condoms.
More condom styles
Yup, there are still more condom types to try out. If you run out of ideas, here are a few more to explore.
👉 Spermicidal Condoms: For those who like to be extra careful, these condoms contain special lube that kills sperm. Try Trojan ENZ Armor condoms.
👉 Extra Lube Condoms: Sometimes called “extra sensitive,” these condoms contain more lube to add comfort and keep the condom from bunching up. Try LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive Platinum with Extra Lube.
👉 Organic Condoms: These condoms are made with all-natural materials so that you can feel at one with nature and your partner. Shop Glyde condoms to go organic.
👉 Vegan Condoms: Vegan condoms are made without casein, a common dairy-based ingredient found in most condoms. They’re also cruelty-free. Try Sustain Natural condoms.
👉 Colored Condoms: Most condom brands offer fun colors and patterns to keep things interesting. ONE Condoms are famous for their colors and artwork. Black condoms are also very popular.
That’s the Power of Lube
Condoms and lube go together like shoes and socks. If you wear one without the other, you can end up feeling dry and chafed. You can even lose your erection. How embarrassing.
Without lube, condoms aren't as comfortable for you, and they don’t feel as good for your partner.
And guys, PLEASE STOP spitting in your hand and self-lubricating. It’s a real turnoff.
You may not need lube to get the job done. But your partner NEEDS lube to feel your manhood. Otherwise, your dick feels like a dry dildo. Even if you’re a rockstar in bed, a lack of lube can make you a dud in your partner’s eyes.
Keep a sizeable tube of water-based lube by your bed (remember, oil-based lube is not safe for condoms!). Not only will it make sex way better and protect your condom, but it’ll also be there for you when you’re in the mood for some alone time 😉).
Condom Safety Facts
That wraps up our wrap-up of wrapping your junk up. But there’s still a lot more to learn about condoms than you’ll find in this condoms 101 guide. If you want to learn more (and level up in bed quicker), you can keep reading here.
If you’re not ready, here are some condom cliff notes to keep you covered.
- Always check the expiration date on a condom before use. If it’s expired, don’t use it!
- Store your condoms in a cool, dry place (not your wallet).
- Never use a condom if the package is open or if there’s visible damage.
- Never open a condom with scissors, a knife, or other sharp things. You might puncture it.
- Make sure you put the condom on the right side up. If you make a mistake, throw the condom away and try another.
- Put a condom on before you penetrate your partner and take it off as soon as you ejaculate (cum).
- Condoms are meant to be used with lube. Use water-based lube with condoms—never oil-based lube.
- NEVER REUSE CONDOMS. THAT’S GROSS, COME ON.
- Don’t wear more than one condom at a time. “Double-wrapping” causes friction that can tear both condoms.
For all the condoms, sex toys, lube, and sex tips you could ever dream of visit Condomania. It’s the country’s first condom shop and still the GOAT when it comes to safe sex and kinky fun 😎.