Everyone knows wearing a condom is one of the best ways of protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as guarding against an unplanned pregnancy (outside of abstinence, and what fun is that?). Although schools in many countries teach the importance of using a condom, very few actually teach you how to select the right size condom.

A correctly-sized condom not only helps ensure
they give you the protection you want,
but can also enhance your sexual stimulation.

CONDOM SIZE CATEGORIES

Understanding that guys’ penis sizes vary over a range of sizes, in both length and girth, condom manufacturers typically have three size options available, to help you get the best fit. These three sizes are:

• Small (often known as “Snugger Fit”,
• Regular and
• Large (sometimes known as XL or Magnum-sized)

WHY YOU WANT TO CORRECTLY SIZE YOUR CONDOM

Like shoes, condoms come in a variety of sizes. This is for both functionality and comfort. You wouldn’t want to wear a pair of shoes so large they kept slipping off your heels. You also wouldn’t be comfortable wearing shoes that are two small and pinch your toes. The same is true of condoms.

Although you may feel like a stud slapping down a box of XL condoms in front of the cute cashier at the drugstore, if they’re too large it is possible for semen to leak out of the condom and other bodily fluids (with potential STD transfer) to get underneath the condom. A too-large condom may come completely off during intercourse, giving no protection whatsoever. A condom that is too loose may also diminish some of the sensation you feel during sex.

On the flip side, a condom that is too small can be just as ineffective. If the condom is too small, it has a higher chance of tearing during intercourse. Again, this will result in loss of protection from STDs and unplanned pregnancy. A condom that is too tight can also be uncomfortable, negatively affecting your pleasure.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CONDOM SIZE

The first rule of thumb when buying condoms is to not buy condoms larger than you need, just because you want people to think you have a big penis. According to one study of 3,500 men, from 28 countries, 35% of participants needed small sized condoms. That’s a pretty significant percentage.

The second rule when choosing a condom size is know your penis! It’s surprising how many guys really don’t accurately know their penis length or girth. Don’t guess – measure! Use a string and a ruler or a measuring tape to get an accurate number. And, definitely don’t let ego add an inch to this measurement.

Lastly, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines on the sizing of their condoms. Many times this information is right on the box. Most manufacturer’s also have condom sizing info on their websites. Select a condom size that is closest to your erect penis size. (dunkinbahamas.com) Here’s a chart of some of the most popular brands, for easy reference.

SIZE	Condom	Description / Size
Snugger Fit	LifeStyles Snugger Fit	Smaller lubricated with a unique shape and reservoir tip for more comfort and safetyLength: 7″/178 mm Width: 1.75″/ 44,5 mm (below head) Base width: 1.92″/ 49mm Thickness: 0.0027″/ 0.07mm
Snugger Fit	Caution Wear Iron Grip Snugger Fit	Smaller size, lubricated latex condom from Caution Wear.Length: 6.69″ / 170mm Width: 1.92″/ 49mm Thickness: 0.0027″/ 0.07mm
Snugger Fit	Glyde SlimFit	FDA-approved Vegan condom, with reservoir tip. Strong and lubricated.Length: 6.7” / 170 mm Nominal width: 1.93” / 49mm
Snugger Fit	Durex Performax	Durex latex condom, lubricated with climax control lubricant, for extended pleasure.Length: 7.01″/178 mm Width: 2.05″/52mm Thickness: 0.003″ /0.07mm
Snugger Fit	Night Glow Condoms	These are the first glow-in-the-dark condoms approved for the prevention of pregnancy and disease by the FDA. Perfect for those who want to add some fun in their bedroom and try something new.Length: 7.09″/180mm Width: 2.09″/53mm
Snugger Fit	Beyond Seven Studded	Studded condoms made of strong, thin Sheerlon, for enhanced pleasure.Length: 7.28″/185mm Width: 2″/ 50.8mm
Snugger Fit	Beyond Seven with Aloe	Latex condoms with water lubricant and aloe, designed to prevent irritation for sensitive skin.Length: 7.28″/185mm Width: 2″/ 50.8mm Thickness: 0.0019″
Snugger/Regular Fit	Okamoto Beyond Seven	Made from Sheerlon latex, this condom straddles the size parameters between small and regular-size condoms.Length: 7.28″/185mm Width: 2″/ 50.8mm
Regular Fit	Trojan ENZ	Straight-shaped lubricated, latex condoms from Trojan, with a reservoir tip.Length: 7.5″/ 190mm Width: 2″/ 50.8mm
Regular Fit	Kimono Thin	This is Kimono’s original condom.Length: 7.48″ / 190mm Width: 2.05″/ 52mm
Regular Fit	Kimono MicroThin	One of the thinnest latex condoms on the market that is both strong and lubricated.Length: 7.48″ / 190mm Width: 2.05″/ 52mm
Regular Fit	Durex Extra Strength	Strong, lubricated latex condom from Durex. It is thicker than standard condomsLength: 7.51″/191mm Width: 2.08″/53mm Thickness: 0.0031″/0.08 mm
Regular Fit	Durex Extra Sensitive	Thin, lubricated latex condom from Durex, for more sensation.Length: 7.5″/191mm Width: 2.04″/52 mm Head Width: 2.13″/54mm
Regular Fit	Crown Skinless Skin	Lightly lubricated condom that is one of the thinnest on the market.Length: 7.50″/190mm Width: 2.05″/52mm
Regular Fit	Lifestyles Extra Strength	Thick condoms from Lifestyles, pefect for those that need more securityLength: 7.50″/190mm Base Width: 2.09″/53mm
Regular Fit	Trojan Ultra Thin	Thinnest, regular-sized Trojan condom. It is made of lubricated latex and has a reservoir tip.Nominal Length: 7.50″/190mm Nominal Width: 2.09″/53mm
Regular Fit	Durex Her Sensation	Ribbed, lubricated condom from Durex, to add to her sensation. These also have a berry scent and no latex smell.Nominal Length: 7.50″/190mm Nominal Width: 2.09″/53mm
Regular Fit	Durex Enhanced Pleasure	Latex condoms from Durex, made for pleasure. Flared at the head for increased sensitivity.Length: 8.01″/178 mm Width: 2.05″/52mm
Regular Fit	LifeStyles Luscious Flavors	Flavored condoms from Lifestyles – Wild Strawberry, Sensuous Vanilla and Tropical Banana flavors available. Great for oral sex. Extra head room and lubricated.Length: 7.5″ /190 mm Width: 2.09″ /53 mm
Regular Fit	Lifestyles Skyn	Premium strong, but thin condoms made from odor-free polyisoprene, for sensitive skin.Length: 7.50″ /190 mm Width: 2.09″ /53 mm
Regular Fit	Trojan SUPRA	Trojan condom made of polyurethane, a new material that is thinner, more heat sensitive and strong. It is also less stretchable than latex.Length: 7.87″/200mm Width: 2.28″/58mm Thickness: 0.0016″/0.04mm
Regular Fit	Durex Pleasuremax	Ribbed and studded condom from Durex offers extra sensation for both partners. Made of latex, has a wider head for intensified feeling.Length: 7.9″ /200 mm Width: 2.13″ /54 mm Head Width: 2.48” /63 mm
Large Fit	Lifestyles Zero Larger Condoms	Larger variant of Lifestyles Zero, ultra thin latex condom. Straight shape, lubricated.Length: 7.9″ /200 mm Width: 2.2″ /55 mm
Large Fit	Durex Love	Durex Maximum Love are thinner and slightly larger Durex condoms designed to offer maximum pleasure.Head Width: 2.48” / 63mm Width: 2.2” / 56mm Length: 8.07” / 205mm
Large Fit	Lifestyles KYNG	Lubricated latex condoms from Lifestyles, largest in the Lifestyles product lineLength: 7.48″/190mm Width: 2.20″/56mm
Large Fit	Lifestyles Skyn Large	Bigger version of Lifestyles Skyn. This is the first large-sized condom made from polyisoprene. Perfect choice if you’re looking for a larger non-latex condom.Length: 7.87″/200 mm Width: 2.20″/56 mm Thickness: 0.0028″/0,07 mm
Large Fit	Playboy Large Size Condom	Lubricated, larger sized latex condom by Playboy, with a reservoir end and a wider head for extra comfort.Length: 7.48″/190 mm Base width: 2.20″/56 mm Thickness: 0.0028″/0.07 mm
Large Fit	Trojan MAGNUM Thin	Thinner version of Trojan MagnumLength: 8.07″/205mm Width: 2.13″/54mm Head width: 2.36″/60mm
Large Fit	Trojan MAGNUM	15% longer and wider than a traditional Trojan condomLength: 8.07″/205mm Width: 2.13″/54mm Head width: 2.36″/60mm
Large Fit	Kimono MAXX	Kimono latex condoms with 25% more head room and 15% more length.Length: 7.68″/195mm Width: 2.05″/52mm Head width: 2.34″/59.5mm
Large Fit	Kimono MicroThin Large	Ultra thin, large and ultra strong latex condom from KimonoLength: 7.68″/195mm Width: 2.05″/52mm Head width: 2.34″/59.5mm
Large Fit	Trojan Magnum XL	Biggest, lubricated, latex condom from Trojan.Length: 8.07″/205mm Width: 2.3″/58mm Head width: 2.56″/65mm
Large Fit	Durex XXL	Durex XXL is the biggest condom that Durex offers.Length: 8.46″/215mm Nominal width: 2.24″/57mm
Large Fit	ONE The Legend	The Legend is the largest condom, from ONE. Made from Sensatex, it is wider than others.Length: 7.87”/200mm Width at Base: 2.2”/56mm Width at Head: 2.4”/61mm Width at Middle: 2.3”/58.5mm
Large Fit	Trustex Extra Large	Extra Large condom from Trustex, slightly thinner than most large condoms.Length: 8″ /203 mm Base Width: 2,25” /57.15mm Head Width: 2,25”/57.15mm Shaft Width: 2,25”/57.15mm
Large Fit	Vivid Large	A lubricated condom with reservoir tip, which is slightly longer and significantly wider than a regular condom.Length: 7.5″ /190mm Width: 2.3″ /58mm
Large Fit	Trojan Natural Lamb	Trojan Natural Lamb are a natural condoms made of a lamb skin membrane. They offer more room than regular condoms and come with a KLING-TITE band to hold it in place. They offer superior sensitivity; however lambskin does not protect against STDs.Length: 7.9″ (200 mm) Width: 2.7″ (68 mm)

Kimberly Wylie