You can’t have safe sex without condoms. They’re the best method of protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
But how do you get your hands on a box of condoms? And at what age are you legally allowed to buy them?
In the USA and most other countries, it is legal to buy condoms at any age.
No one will ask for your ID when you buy condoms. This includes buying condoms online and in stores.
However, there are strict laws about the age of consent. So just because you can legally buy condoms, it doesn’t mean you can legally have sex with anyone (more on that below).
If you’re buying condoms for the first time, you might feel a bit nervous and embarrassed. That’s totally normal.
Below, you’ll learn the best way to get condoms legally right now. We’ll also tell you the most discreet ways to get condoms—so nobody knows about it but you.
We’ll even share some secrets to getting free condoms so you can stay protected even if you’re short on cash.
You Can Legally Buy Condoms at Any Age, But…
It is legal to buy condoms at any age. There are no restrictions to purchasing condoms in the US.
But don’t get this confused with consent laws. It is illegal to have sex with someone who is below the age of consent, even if that person can legally buy condoms.
In the US, the age of consent ranges from 16 to 18 years old, depending on the state.
That means, for example, if you’re 18 years old and your partner is 15, it is illegal to have sex.
Consent laws are pretty strict, so if you’re a legal adult, only pursue relationships with other adults.
Where To Buy Condoms Now
Now that you know you can legally buy condoms, it’s time to get your hands on some rubbers. Where can you get a condom ASAP?
The quickest places to buy condoms are gas stations and convenience stores. There’s probably one open 24 hours not far from your location.
These options are quick, but they offer a limited selection at higher prices. That’s the cost of convenience.
our next best option is a grocery store or pharmacy. You’ll find a better selection and prices here. But still, you won’t find as many condoms or deals as you can by shopping for condoms online.
If you’re not having a condom emergency or need dental dams, your best option is to buy condoms online.
Shopping for condoms online is totally discreet—from billing to packaging—so nobody knows your business but you. You also benefit from a massive selection.
Choose from hundreds of condom sizes and styles to find one you really like.
And, of course, buying condoms online comes with serious discounts. You can save up to 80%, especially when you buy in larger quantities.
How many Condoms Should You Buy?
At most stores, condoms are sold in quantities of 3 and 12. If you shop online, you can also buy packs of 24 and even 36.
We recommend buying at least 12 to make sure you always have some on hand.
You might use three in a single evening. If you’ve only bought a 3-pack, you’ll kick yourself when you feel frisky the next morning.
The more condoms you buy, the cheaper they become. If you’ve already found a condom you love, we recommend buying a big box online.
Condoms last up to 5 years on the shelf, so you don’t have to worry about wasting them.
If you haven’t found a condom you love, buy a condom variety pack. It contains 12 (or more) different condoms, helping you find your new favorite rubber without having to go on a shopping spree.
Which Condoms Should You Buy?
Decisions, decisions…. Which condom will get the job done better than the rest?
That depends on your size and your preferences.
Find Your Condom Size
The most important factor when choosing a condom is your size. You’ve got to know the angle of your dangle before you can find a condom that fits like a glove.
Don't worry; it’s easy to measure your length and girth. We explain how to do it in 60 seconds here.
Once you know your size, you can find a condom that corresponds to your measurements.
At Condomania, we include each condom’s size info on its product page, so you don’t have to wonder if you’re getting the right fit.
We also make it easy to browse by size category:
Find Your Condom Style
Once you know your size, all you have to do is choose a condom that looks (and feels) the best to you.
There’s a lot to consider, including shape, thinness, color, and texture. But don’t stress too much about it. As long as you wear the right size, you’ll have fun and stay safe no matter your style.
Over time, you’ll learn the styles you like best.
Here are a few condom packs I'd recommend for first-timers:
Ultra Thin Condom Sampler
$12.99
Ultra Thin Condom Sampler Pack These condoms are your golden ticket to this world of pleasure. Handpicked by the connoisseurs at Condomania, this sampler pack is a treasure trove of both well-known and hidden gem brands. We believe that variety is the… Read More | 👉 Ultra-Thin Options |
Snugger Fitting Condom Sampler
$12.99
Find Your Fit with the Snugger Fitting Condom Sampler What do you get when you order our snug-fitting condom sampler pack? You get 12 snugger-fit condoms, putting you on the fast track to finding your next favorite condom. Did you… Read More | 👉 Best for if regular condoms are a bit too loose for you |
Large Size Condom Sampler
$12.99
Large Size Condom Sampler This Large Condoms Sampler pack, put together by Condomania.com, offers our larger customers a nice assortment of 12 of the roomiest condoms available. The average condom is either too small or too large for many men.… Read More | 👉 Best if you're on the bigger size |
Don’t Forget Lube
Oh, and one more thing—don’t forget to buy sex lube with your condoms.
Lube is a slippery concoction that helps you slide into your partner comfortably and pleasurably. It makes sex safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Condoms come with a bit of lubrication pre-applied, and vaginas lubricate naturally. But this lubrication isn’t enough (especially if you plan on lasting more than a few minutes).
If you’re having anal sex, lube is an absolute must. Butts don’t self-lubricate.
Non-lubricated sex is painful for your partner and unsafe. If you don’t lube up, you risk the condom slipping off (and going to baby town). At the very least, you’ll look like a total noob.
Here are a few top-rated and affordable sex lubes to buy with your condoms:
Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lubricant
$10.99
$11.99
Sliquid H2O: The Premier Water-Based Lube Looking for a lubricant that's long-lasting and safe for your body? Look no further than Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lubricant. This adult lubricant is formulated with purified water and plant cellulose to provide a natural,… Read More
Pink Water - Water-Based Personal Lubricant
$9.99
$12.99
PINK Water: A Long-Lasting lube that never gets sticky PINK Water is our high-quality purified H2O-Based Lube that feels amazingly like your own natural moisture. Condomanics LOVE Pink Water Lube because it's... Unscented Safe for all Toys Paraben-Free Flavor-Free, Glycerin Free… Read More
GUN OIL 'H2O' Water-Based Lubricant
$14.99
$15.95
Gun Oil H2O Lubricant Looking for a water-based lubricant that goes the extra mile? Reach for the GUN OIL.GUN OIL products are formulated to last for a long time, and this water-based lube is no different. Condomaniacs LOVE GUN OIL H2O… Read More
To learn more about lube and all its slippery goodness, check out our Ultimate Guide to Sexual Lubricant here.
The Best Discreet Places to Buy Condoms
When shopping for condoms at the store, there’s always the risk of your grandma springing out of the shampoo aisle just as you grab a box of ribbed and studded rubbers.
To avoid dying of awkwardness, use these discreet methods to buy condoms.
Shop online
There’s no reason to buy condoms at the store anymore. Why buy condoms in public when you can get them shipped to your door?
But what about your mailman? Your roommates? Your parents?
Condom retailers like Condomania take your privacy seriously. Your orders are shipped in discreet packaging that doesn’t feature the name of the seller or anything inside the box.
Billing is also discreet, so nothing weird or sexy will show up on your credit card or bank statement.
The same can’t be said for buying condoms at the store.
But if you must buy condoms in person…
Use Self Checkout
Head to a large grocery store so you can use the self-checkout. Remember, you can buy condoms at any age, so you won’t be blocked from buying condoms at the self-checkout, and no one will come to check your ID.
If you’re stealthy, you can get in and out without anyone seeing you buy condoms.
How to Get FREE Condoms
Why buy condoms when you could get them for free?
If you’re as desperate for cash as you are for condoms, try these free condom resources:
👉 Health Centers: Health centers, especially at Universities, love handing out free condoms like hotcakes. Pass by next time you’re in the area, and you might not even have to ask for condoms.
Free condoms are often kept in the waiting area for anyone to take.
👉 Family Planning Centers: Centers like Planned Parenthood exist to help you make better choices about your sex life. They know condoms are the best way to have safe sex.
They’re so crazy about them that they’ll give you a bunch for free.
👉 STI Clinics: Clinics that treat sexually transmitted infections are a great place to get free condoms, whether you’re a patient or not. But while you’re there, you might as well get tested.
👉Condomania: Condomania offers free condoms to anyone who makes a purchase. Just choose the free condoms you want and add them to your cart.
You can add free condoms to your purchase whenever you shop at Condomania. That’s what we call bang for your buck (pun intended).
No Matter Your Age, You Should Always Wear Condoms
Whoever you are, and no matter your experience, you should always use condoms when having sex. Young or old, everyone is exposed to the same risks when having unprotected sex.
It takes just one unprotected encounter to leave you with a lifelong infection (or a lifelong child).
Condoms are the only reliable way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. So, buy some condoms now and keep them stocked wherever you might need them.