Being armed with a drawer of condoms doesn’t always guarantee full preparation for hot safe sex. The Sexpert tells her story about the power of lust with Mr. Too Big.
It is not the most impressive post I have ever crafted – but I would like to offer even further explanation for its inspiration. Yours truly is not always as perfectly behaved as you may think. Based on my values of being a sex-positive feminist who calls herself ‘The Sexpert’ you may imagine my life a polyamorous bisexual multi-orgasmic wonderland. One where consent is always verbally given, I get rapid HIV screenings on a monthly basis, and I have safer sex items in candy dishes in my living room. This is (sadly) not the case.
The Sexpert demonstrates how elastic a “regular” size Durex can be.
In the post I wrote about “some naive person somewhere” falling for the line, “I’m too big.” I wrote it with a smile on my face knowing that I was referring to myself having been in that situation only a few months prior. My sarcasm was likely only funny to me, however, and lost on my reader. So much of my motivation for writing The Sexpert comes from the frustration of never having been armed with good information early on. The Sexpert is my contribution to the universe to fix that problem for myself and whoever may stumble across my writing.
So, the story of Mr. Too Big goes like this:
I was out with a group of my girlfriends on a Friday night at a downtown dance club. A couple vodka tonics into the evening I see the most gorgeous man I have ever been in the same room with. What’s more is that he is already engaged in conversation with a friend of mine. I walk over and she is more than happy to introduce me and mentions that they know each other from a previous party they both attended. She excuses herself and I promptly ask him to dance.
To my extreme delight it seems he reciprocates my intense feelings of attraction! We exchange numbers and a few days later we are on a date that ends with him coming home with me. Normally, I am the type of girl who holds to certain ideals of romance. I genuinely try to get to know someone and I am logical about if we make a “good fit.” I will check these two things off my list before the decision to begin a sexual relationship…but this is not a story of when I used my best judgment. He had already tipped me off to some things going on in his life that I felt would get in the way of us having a successful relationship. However, did I mention he was the most attractive man I had ever seen?
I made the decision that I would be having sex with him even if the only outcome of this decision was getting to have sex with someone as attractive as he was. In other words, I was not consulting my brain in this particular decision. I didn’t lose sight of the fact that this was someone I barely knew who I had met in the seedy underbelly of Minneapolis. I insisted he wore a condom and he happily pulled one out. My only thought when I saw his penis for the first time was, “I didn’t know God made them that big.”
I do have the privilege of having sexual partners with whom I have a trusting, honest, and an emotionally stable bond with. I can share the dates and times and results of my last STI testing with them and they with me without any awkward feelings. With Mr. Too Big I was not privileged with that same sense of comfort. So when the first condom was used up and we still wanted to engage in more sexual activity I approached the situation gently. I figured I was most safe as long as I had the assurance that a barrier was in place. I had a stash of condoms in my room – the very same Durex in the purple wrapper that I mention in my blog. I quickly pulled one out but he only laughed. He told me size had always prevented him from wearing certain condoms and my request was simply impossible. I was dumbstruck but I went ahead with the deed despite my discomfort.
Things continued on in this way for a few more days. Finally, I grew tired of his pushiness and the uncomfortable feeling I have when I am not proud of myself. We stopped talking and have not crossed paths since. I was tested for STI’s soon after and was thrilled to find out that I did not catch anything in spite of myself. I am blessed to live in a state with some of the lowest relative rates of STI’s in the nation.
I think oftentimes we have a chance to turn negative events into positive life lessons and in this way earn ourselves some good Karma. My goal in sharing this story with you is to give you a chance to learn the lesson the easy way because I did not. I have since learned that, yes, condoms come in different sizes and being “too big” is not a good enough excuse for me to engage in unprotected sex. We could have stuck with less riskier acts if he really couldn’t fit into any condoms I had, such as manual sex.
I have also learned the importance of staying honest with myself; to be confident with the boundaries I set even at the risk of upsetting him or damping the ardor. Because honestly, what’s more important? I am turned off when someone dismisses efforts I make to keep myself safe. I didn’t like how that felt nor did I ignore the power disparity I attributed to our gender difference. I am someone of very small stature and he was an easy counterpart to Hercules. This taught me a huge lesson in trust and the boundaries I must set and communicate when there is a lack of it. From the moment he refused to wear a condom I had trouble ever feeling safe around him. I can see now that that was due to how reckless I truly found his decision to not go through the trouble of supplying the right size condom for himself! Or use it!
Caution Wear Corp is a relatively new American company- formed in New Hampshire in 2004. They follow the “safety first” motto by making condoms slightly thicker and with a 100% manufacture guarantee. So, if a condom breaks you can return the box for a full refund (not the used condom, of course!).
All Caution Wears are straight classic shape. No funky flares or twists. The average size of these condoms is Flat width = 2.0” and Length = 7.0”, making Caution Wear a bit shorter than other leading US brands like Trojan, Durex, Lifestyles and Kimono (links to sizes charts). Caution Wear makes one of the smallest condom on the North American market- Iron Grip– which we found to be the same dimensions as Durex Enhanced Pleasure (Flat width = 1.92”/Length = 6.7”). For more variety, check out Lucky Bloke’s smaller condom sample pack.
On the larger side: unlike other large condom that are both longer and wider than regulars, Caution Wear Grande maintains the same 7.0” length but is wider. This is ideal for thicker than average men who aren’t particularly long.
If you don’t feel like scrolling through lists and want brand comparisons, check out our Condom Size Calculator!
Now, onto the size chart
Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn us a small commission. This is not a company endorsement.
Contains 3 of Caution Wear variety: Ultra Thin, Ribbed and Classic Plain.
Experimenting is the best way to find the right condom!
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm
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Confused about what condom width will fit? We recommend dividing you penis girth by 2.25 (penis circumference / 2.25 = condom width). Here we explain where these numbers comes from.
Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.
The Legal Stuff: Age of consent and medical advice
The size charts are made for you to consult and hopefully find the brand that suits within your size range and needs. If you cannot find the answer to your question, just ask in the comments below. But please be aware that we do not condone sexual activity of under-age persons in state or country. Also, we are not medical professionals. We offer opinions from personal experience and research. Professional advice should always be sought.
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. 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, general condom discomfort that can result in misuse or disuse, which translates into a serious public health issue.
The majority of condom products are fitted for “average” length at 6.4 inches when erect (see the Kinsey report and The Simple Truth about Erect Penis Size). However, 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.
Quick Tip! The FC2 internal condom is one size fits all. Because it’s made to form to the inner walls of the receptive partner, penis size is irrelevant. This is a great solution for those fitting woes.
Sizing
To know which condom width fits, we recommend dividing penis circumference by 2.25.Here we explain where we got this formula.
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 increasing the likelihood of consistent condom usage. For a large proportion of those who reported tightness around the glands (70%), for example, HIV and STI prevention providers may alleviate men’s perceptions that condoms all are too tight by recommending condoms that are designed with a more bulbous head to reduce constriction. As our chart shows below, Durex condoms and One Condoms tend to offer a greater 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 small commission. This is not a company endorsement. Due to the fact that major North American brands are Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles, Beyond 7 and Caution Wear, our first aim is to gather these dimensions. We continue to update.
Slightly longer than regular condoms. Shaped with a secure fit in the middle and spacious head room.
Base width: 2.25″/ 56mm
Mid width: 2.28″/ 58mm
Head width: 2.4″/ 61mm
Length: 7.9″ / 200mm
Same length of regular condoms, but wider and large head with unique ribbed design.
Base width: 2.25″ / 56mm
Head width: 2.4″/ 62mm
Length: 7.4″/ 188mm
Ultra thin, vegan latex, larger condom.
A wider condom with regular length. Great option for shorter but larger headed guys (this is on the smaller end of Large-head condoms). Tapered flare shape that extends to a wide head.
Base width: 2.13″/ 54mm
Head width: 2.36″ / 60mm
Length: 7.5″ / 190mm
This is Caution Wear’s largest condom. Unlike other large condoms, this one is wider than regular condoms, but maintains the same 7.0″ regular length. Good for wider girth without the extra length. Straight shape.
Base width: 2.25″/56mm
Length: 7.0″/180mm
One of the longest and widest most famous condoms on the market. Made with an extra bulbous head and wider shaft width.
Base width: 2.3″/58mm
Head width: 2.7″/68.58mm!
Length: 8.3″/ 210mm
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: 2.13″/ 54mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm
Tapered at the base with spacious head for more comfort. Great choice if you need a larger condom but desire ultra thin latex.
Base width: 2.13″/ 54mm
Length: 8.12″/ 206mm
Uniquely large bulbous head and shaft for more freedom of movement. Ribbed on shaft.
Longer than regular condoms
Base width: 2.13″ / 54mm
Head width: 2.5″ / 64mm
Length: 8.1″ / 205mm
Tapered securely at the base with huge head space. Longer than most condoms. Tingling ginger lubricant (inside and out). Ribbed along shaft and head.
Base width: 2.0″/ 52mm
Head width: 2.5″/ 64mm
Length: 8.1″/ 205mm
Ribbed and studded for extra stimulation
Slightly wider contoured shape at base than regulars; fitted head without the extra length. More headroom.
Base width: 2.15”/ 54mm
Length: 7.9/200mm
First ever large-size polyisoprene condom.
Strong as latex but softer, more flexible material.
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. Straight classic shape. Ideal for thicker than average guys.
Base width: 2.2”/ 56mm
Length: 7.9”/ 200mm
A large condom without over-sized headroom. Wider and longer than regular Lifestyles.
Contoured pleasure shape to secure fit around shaft.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8.26” /210mm
Exclusive over-sized head room, but with the average length.
Stimulates most sensitive areas for both partners
Base width: 2.05”/ 52mm
Head width: a huge 2.9″ / 74mm!
Length: 7.5”/190mm
Classic straight shape (no flare or bulbous head). Wider and longer than regular condoms.
Made of vegan latex.
Base width: 2.2″/ 56mm
Length: 8.0″/ 205mm
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. Good if one is looking for longer length, but not wider width.
Base width: 2.13″/ 53mm
Length: 8.0″/ 203mm
Is wider and longer than regular condoms. Classic straight shape.
Made of Polyurethane, which is more soft and elastic than latex.
Base width: 2.2”/ 56mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm
Very long. Tapered at the base for secure fit, wide bulbous head.
Special tingling and warming lubricant on inside and outside.
Base width: 2.13″/ 54mm
Length: 8.13″/ 205mm
Dry condom. (Great for oral sex).
Classic straight shape. Longer than regular sizes with standard Trojan width.
Base width: 2.1″/53mm
Length: 8.0″/ 200mm
Trojan ENZ Spermicide Lubricant
The classic ENZ long condom also comes with spermicide lubricant (not for oral use).
Base width 2.1″/53mm
Length: 8.0″/ 200mm
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
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 opening.
On the larger side of the regular condom sizes in both width and length.
Base width: 2.1”/54mm
Length: 7.9”/ 200mm
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
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 wide at the head, tapered at the base for secure fit. Suitable for men between approximately 4.54″ and 4.72″ erect girth (slightly greater length is normal for thin condoms to prevent risk of breakage).
Base width: 2.1” / 53mm
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 XL length.
Flare shape for wider end.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8.3”/210mm
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
Extra ribbed, ultra studded, uniquely shaped.
Uniquely contoured at head for his pleasure (see image here)
Regular condom length but closer fitting shaft and head.
Base width: 1.93”/49mm
Length: 6.69”/ 170mm
Beyond Seven
All Beyond Seven Condoms, except Crown, are less than 7.5 inches long. They also offer some of the thinnest latex condoms on the market.
Beyond7 Ultra Thin Classic straight shape condom. Slightly shorter than standard regular 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
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’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
This is The smallest condom on the North American market.
Unique shape hugs better around shaft and head
Base width: 1.77”/ 45mm
Head width: 1.92″/ 49mm
Length: 7.0”/ 180mm
Extra ribbed, ultra studded, uniquely shaped.
Uniquely contoured at head for his pleasure (see image here)
Regular condom length but closer fitting shaft and head.
Base width: 1.93”/49mm
Length: 6.69”/ 170mm
4X more lubricant than standard latex condoms.
Thinner than standard condoms with average length.
Base width: 1.9″/50mm
Length: 7.2″/185mm
All other Beyond7 condoms are approximately 2.0 inches base wide. Check out their condom size chart for more detailed measurements on all their products.
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Our size charts are constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.
Beyond Seven Condoms. Image from UndercoverCondoms.com
Beyond Seven is the fourth largest condom brand in the world and has been around since 1937 starting in Tokyo, Japan. Standard latex condoms are typically .007 inches thick- but the “Sheerlon” latex of Beyond Seven can measure as thin as .004 thickness, offering one of the thinnest condoms (if not the thinnest!) on the market. These condoms tend to have a standard width of 2.0 inches (measuring the condom laying flat) and to be on the slightly shorter side of standard regular condoms (see our guide on standardized condom sizes). These condoms are perfect if you prefer a snug and thin fit. The best thing to do is experiment with different styles to find the right condom for you. Afflitate links within.
For a comparative search of condom sizes, try our Condom Size Calculator. Quick Tip! To find the condom width that fits, divide penis circumference by 2.25. Here is how we got this formula.
Zero Zero Four measures the success this condom trumps as being the thinnest condom on the market! Where standard latext condoms are .007, Beyond7 is .004 thickness.
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm
The thinnest condom makers also offer studded condoms for those who love extra stimulation.
Studded along the shaft
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm
Perfect those who want to try all that’s offered from Beyond Seven. This sampler contains 24 condoms including Ultra Thins, Crown, Crown .004, Aloe Enriched, Studded, and Assorted Colors.
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If you are experiencing specific condom fitting problems, check out our fitting solutions guide. Or you can leave a comment below and we’ll help you out.
Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.
Things continued on in this way for a few more days. Finally, I grew tired of his pushiness and the uncomfortable feeling I have when I am not proud of myself. We stopped talking and have not crossed paths since. I was tested for STI’s soon after and was thrilled to find out that I did not catch anything in spite of myself. I am blessed to live in a state with some of the lowest relative rates of STI’s in the nation.
