This post suggests solutions for problem-points on condoms which are too tight, too loose, too short, too long.
A study published in June 2012 argues that penis shape and size must be taken more seriously by public health officials and activists who aim to increase consistent and correct condom use to prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs. Researchers Michael Reece and Debra Herbenick of Indiana University found a substantial percentage of men reported condoms being too tight, too loose, too short, too long, breakage, leakage….basically a general condom discomfort that can result in misuse or disuse.
The majority of condom products are fitted for “average” length at 6.4 inches when erect (see the Kinsey report and Durex scientific survey). But as Reece and Herbenick found, length of the condom is not the greatest discomfort; rather, it is fitting around the head and shaft that scored highest among complaints, with penis base at a close second. For example, of those men who reported that condoms were too tight, 66% reported tightness around the base, 70.4% around the glans, and 73% around the shaft.
The study concludes that HIV and STI practitioners must get involved with condom manufacturers to ensure that condoms are consistent with men’s experiences of fitting and pleasure. Indeed, no matter what size, all men should have access to well-fitting condoms.
Jump to:
If “Condoms are too Tight”
If “Condoms are too Loose”
If “Condoms are too Short”
If “Condoms are too Long”.
Image from @TheyFitCondoms
Given the wide range of condoms on the market, prevention providers can play a valuable role in helping men to identify condoms that suit their size specificities, hence potentially increasing the likelihood of consistent condom usage. For the large proportion of men who reported tightness around the glands (70%), for example, HIV and STI prevention providers may alleviate men’s perceptions that condoms are too tight by recommending condoms that are designed with a more bulbous head to reduce constriction. As our chart shows below, Durex condoms tend to offer the most variety in contoured shapes and head room.
Here we have organized a list of condoms according to the 4 “problem points” identified in Reece and Herbenick’s study. Under each complaint we provide a list of condoms by brand that may help alleviate discomfort.
Please note: External links may be affiliates that give us a tiny commission. However, this is not a condom company endorsement! We are completely independent and do not favor one company over another. Due to the fact that the major North American brands are Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles, Beyond 7, and Caution Wear, our first aim is to gather these dimensions.
CONDOM FIT SOLUTIONS
If “Condoms are too Tight”…
CAUTION WEAR
This is Caution Wear’s largest condom. Unlike other large condoms, this one is wider than regular condoms, but maintains the same 7.0″ length.
Base width: 2.2″/56mm
Length: 7.0″/180m
TROJAN
One of the longest and widest condoms on the market. Made with an extra bulbous head and wider shaft width.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.7″/68.58mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
Tapered at the base for a secure fit and extends wider up the head for comfort. Suitable for guys who find standard condoms too short and too tight.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
DUREX
The largest condom made by Durex
Classic straight shape
Compared to Trojan Magnum XL, Durex XL is wider at the base and longer, but smaller bulbous head than Magnums.
Base width: 2.3”/58mm
Length: 8.3”/210.8mm
Made of polyisoprene, the latest upgrade in condom technology. More thin, stretchy and flexible than polyurethane and latex.
Has the length of an average condom with wider base and shaft room. Suitable for the thicker than average guy, or men who find condoms to be tight around the glands.
Base width: 2.2”/55.8mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm
Ribbed and studded for extra stimulation
Slightly wider contoured shape at base and bulbous head without the extra length of most XL condoms.
Base width: 2.15”/53mm
Length: 7.9/200mm
LIFESTYLES
First ever large-size polyisoprene condom.
Strong as latex but softer, more flexible material- the latest in condom technology.
Ideal for people with latex allergy or sensitivity
Wider base and shaft than the Magnum, but not quite as long. Slightly longer than average LifeStyle condoms. Ideal for broader, thicker than average guys.
Base width: 2.2”/55mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm
Popular contoured shape that flares at the top. Suitable for males who find condoms tight around the glands and need more head room.
Standard length.
21% thinner than standard latex condoms; made of polyisoprene- the latest in condom technology.
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm
Wider and longer than regular Lifestyles condoms. Not quite as long as Trojan Magnums, but wide base.
Flare shape for wider end.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm
Exclusive oversized tip for more head room, but with the average length.
Stimulates most sensitive areas for both partners
Base width: 2.01”/51mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm
Extra ribbed, ultra studded, uniquely shaped.
Wide shaft, contoured at head for his pleasure
Regular fit at base and width
Base width: 2.1”/53mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm
If “Condoms are too Short”…
TROJAN
25% thinner than Trojan’s standard condom
Close comfort fit around the shaft. Has the same long length as Magnums with snug fit around the shaft and slightly less head room and snug . Good if one is looking for longer length, but not wider width.
Base width: 2.0″/50.8mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
Has the width of a regular size condom, but is made for the longer than average male.
Made of Polyurethane, which is more elastic than latex and has higher tear resistance.
Base width: 2.0”/50.8mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm
Is one of the longest and widest condoms on the market.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.7″/68.58mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
Tapered at the base for a secure fit and extends wider up the head for comfort. Suitable for guys who find standard condoms too short and too tight.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
Thinner than the regular Magnum condoms
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
DUREX
The largest condom made by Durex
Classic straight shape
Compared to Trojan Magnum XL, Durex XL is wider at the base and longer, but smaller head than Magnums.
Base width: 2.3”/58mm
Length: 8.3”/210.8mm
20% thinner than standard latex condoms
Unique easy-on design shape to roll on smooth.
Contoured at the head with a flare shape to the tip.
On the larger side of the regular condom sizes in both width and length.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8”/205mm
Ultra smooth water-based lubricant
About 1.0 to 1.5 inches larger in length and width than regular size condoms
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8”/205mm
Durex’s thinnest latex condom
Longer than the average condom, with slightly snugger width at the base. Suitable for guys who are looking for more width without the extra length.
Base width: 2.0”/5.1mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm
LifeStyles
First ever large-size polyisoprene condom.
Strong as latex but softer, more flexible material- the latest in condom technology.
Ideal for people with latex allergy or sensitivity
Wider base and shaft than the Magnum, but not quite as long. Slightly longer than average LifeStyle condoms. Ideal for broader, thicker than average guys.
Base width: 2.2”/55mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm
Wider and longer than regular Lifestyles condoms. Not quite as long as Trojan Magnums. Suitable to those fit in between regular and XXL length.
Flare shape for wider end.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm
If “Condoms are too Long”…
CAUTION WEAR
All Caution Wear “regular” sizes are 7.0″/180mm long, which is shorter than other popular brands.
Silicon-based lubricant, straight shaped condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0/180mm
Head width: .6”/15mm
Caution Wear Black Ice Ultra Thin
Caution Wears’ thinnest condom (slightly thicker than other brands of thin condoms)
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm
Ribbed straight shaped condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm
TROJAN
Trojan does not manufacture condoms shorter than 7.5”/190mm
DUREX
Contoured shape for tapered fit around the base and shaft. Is one of the shortest condoms on the North American market.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm
LIFESTYLES
Lifestyles Snugger Fit
Smaller width and length than regular sizes
Unique shape hugs better around shaft and head
The smallest condom available on the market, along with Caution Wear Iron Grip condoms.
Base width: 1.9”/48.26mm
Length: 6.3”/160mm
Beyond Seven
All Beyond Seven Condoms, except Crown, are less than 7.5 inches long. They are also the thinnest latex condoms on the market.
Beyond7 Ultra ThinClassic straight shape condom. Slightlly shorter than standard regular condoms
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm
4X more lubricant than standard latex condoms.
Base width: 2.0″/51mm
Length: 7.2″/180mm
The thinnest condom makers offer studded condoms for those who love extra stimulation.
Studded along the shaft
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm
“Condoms are too Loose”
CAUTION WEAR
One of the smallest condoms on the market.
Straight classic shape.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm
Head width: .6”/15mm
TROJAN
Special twisted shape and ribs for sensual friction
Regular length of Trojan condoms, but is 0.25” slimmer at the base than regular Trojan condoms for a snug grip round the shaft.
Base width: 1.75″/44mm
Length: 7.8″/198mm
DUREX
Durex’s thinnest latex condom
Slightly snugger width and longer length than most regular sizes. Suitable for long and slender guys.
Base width: 2.0”/5.1mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm
Contoured shape for tapered fit around the base and shaft. Is one of the snuggest (and shortest) condoms on the North American market.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm
LIFESTYLES
Lifestyles Snugger Fit
This is The smallest condom on the North American market.
Unique shape hugs better around shaft and head
Base width: 1.9”/48.26mm
Length: 6.3”/160mm
Beyond Seven
All Beyond7 condoms are approximately 2.0 inches base wide. Check out their condom size chart for more detailed measurements on all their products.
————————————
Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.
