Size isn’t everything, but getting the right size is the most important factor when it comes to external condoms. Finding a close, not constricting, fit can maximize your pleasure while providing protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Condoms don’t typically come with a size chart on the box, though, so how do you choose the right one for you? We’re breaking it down.
Different brands use different terms to describe the size of the condoms they sell. That can make it tricky to pin down the right sheath for your pork sword. Condoms will generally fall into these ranges:
Choose a condom that’s slightly longer than your penis. This ensures there will be room to catch your ejaculate without breaking.
In order to find the right size condom, you’ve gotta know what you’re working with.
Your flaccid penis size isn’t correlated to your erect size, so you’ll need to measure your penis when it’s hard. Nobody knows how to do that better than you, so we’ll trust in your knowledge and expertise. Once you’re up and running, here’s how it’s done:
For reference, a 2021 study puts the average erect penis length at 5.1 to 5.5 inches, while another from the same year puts average girth at about 4.7 inches. (If you’ve heard that the average length is 6 inches or more, that stat’s from old studies where participants measured and reported their own sizes.)
But what does this look like in the real world? Let’s break down some popular products from the two biggest global condom brands, Durex and Trojan.
| Brand | Product | Max length | Width at base |
| Durex | Thin Feel Ultra Thin | 7.08″ | 2.04″ |
| Trojan | Ultra Thin | 7.5″ | 2.09″ |
| Durex | Pleasure Me Ribbed & Dotted | 7.68″ | 2.2″ |
| Trojan | G-Spot | 7.9″ | 2.09″ |
| Durex | Comfort XL Large | 8.66″ | 2.24″ |
| Trojan | Magnum Ecstasy | 8.3″ | 2.09″ |
FYI: If you have your girth measurement, you can divide that number by 3.14 to estimate the width you’d need.
Finding the right size condom isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. Condoms come in plenty of different styles, designs, and materials to help you get the experience you’re looking for.
Size might be your most pressing concern when it’s time to go condom shopping, but you’ve also got a few different materials to choose from. The four most common condom materials are:
Latex condoms are by far the most popular on the market. Latex is flexible and strong, even in a thin layer. That makes it an ideal line of defense for your precious member. However, it’s not great at transferring heat, so you may lose out on some of the pleasurable, warmth down there.
PSA: Don’t use oil or oil-based lube with latex condoms. Oil breaks latex down, which increases the risk it may break or tear. Water or silicone-based lubes are your safest bet here.
Polyurethane condoms are usually even thinner than latex ones and transfer heat better. That makes for more of the good, good feeling, but there’s a downside: Polyurethane is more likely to break than latex if things get rough, so be careful.
Polyisoprene condoms are a strong choice if you’re allergic to latex. This stuff doesn’t contain the proteins which seem to be responsible for latex allergies. It also feels soft and natural, despite being a bit thicker than the majority of condoms on the market.
Lambskin condoms, despite the name, aren’t made of lambskin. They’re actually made from the cecum, which is part of the intestine. These natural condoms are thin and tough, plus they’re better at transferring heat, which can boost the pleasurable feeling downtown.
PSA: The FDA doesn’t recommend lambskin condoms as effective protection against STIs, including HIV. They’re good at catching semen to prevent pregnancy, though.
When you’re picking the right condom, the most important thing is getting the right size to fit your little fella. Once you’re sure you’ve got the level of safety you need, you can start branching out.
Condom brands get incredibly creative, with design features like:
That’s totally up to you. Plenty of condoms on the market come pre-lubed to boost sensitivity and reduce friction. Just remember, getting the right fit and proper protection should be your top priority. Don’t sweat it if you can’t find a pre-lubed condom to fit you.
There are plenty of lubricants out there which you can apply to your condom once it’s on. A silicone-based lube works for longer on average, and it won’t break down latex condoms.
Just don’t go crazy with the lube. Too much can cause your condom to slide off during sex.
