signs you're using the wrong size condom

Think back on your last sexual experience when you were using a condom. Did you find that the condom didn’t fit you well? You’re not alone! Standard off-the-shelf condoms properly fit only 12% of condom users.

An ill-fitting condom can make it hard to maintain an erection, can contribute to condom breakage and can even make it harder to experience an orgasm. If the condom is too loose or too long, it can contribute to condom slippage (thus putting you at risk for unintended pregnancy or STIs). Having to worry about the condom fit can also be a distraction, impacting pleasure and confidence.

But wait, what about those condom demonstrations where someone puts their whole arm or some fruit or vegetable in a condom? Surely condoms are one-size-fits-all, right? Wrong! Just like anything else you wear, just because something fits, doesn’t mean it’s comfortable.

How to Know What Size Condom to Buy

Standard-sized condoms are frequently ill-fitting for a variety of reasons. You can absolutely have the protection and peace of mind that condoms offer, while also having your own perfect condom size.

Because every body and every sex life is different, it can be hard to tell if the condoms you’re using are the right condoms for you. That’s why we’ve created a helpful guide highlighting some of the main condom fit issues and what they can mean for your sexual health!

Condom Too Short

If you find that the condoms you’re using don’t fully cover your penis, it means the condom is too short. Unlike a favorite t-shirt that shrinks in the wash, for people who experience this issue, it’s more than an inconvenience. This lack of coverage can make condoms less effective, since it is not fully covering you from STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Condom Too Long

Most off-the-shelf condoms are 7.5+ inches long—more than two inches too long for the average penis (5.5 inches). In one study sample of 1,661 men in the United States, 82.83 percent of participants had a penis shorter than the length of a standard condom.

As a result, the condom will not unroll completely, causing a rubber-band effect at the base of the penis—resulting in tightness, discomfort, and decrease in sensation. If the condom does unroll, the extra length can hang off the tip of the penis and potentially cause it to slip or be pulled off. Neither is good, but can easily be fixed with the proper condom fit!

 Condom Too Tight

Aside from issues with condom length, condoms can also be ill-fitting in a girth sense (or what manufacturers call nominal width). If the condoms you’re using feel like they’re squeezing your penis or causing a sort of rubber band feeling of tightness (aka condom tourniquet or “red ring of death"), they are likely too tight.

This type of fit can significantly decrease sensation and lead to loss of erection. Our customers also talk about how they have purple rings on their penis after sex because they are too tight. That’s no fun!

Condom Too Loose

Are you one of the estimated 20-33% of condom users who find that their condoms are too loose? Specifically, when you put on a condom, it feels baggy? Condoms are designed to be snug, both to ensure that they are effective and to help you feel closer to your partner(s).

Unfortunately, this type of fit issue can also mean a greater risk of condoms slipping off during sex and putting you and your partner(s) at risk. Time to fix your fit, if you experience condoms being too loose.

What You Can You Do

Ok, so condoms don’t fit you well. What can you do about it? That’s our cue to introduce MyONE Perfect Fit condoms. They’re custom condoms designed with your body in mind, and can address condom sizing and goodness-of-fit concerns.

MyONE condoms offer the widest size range of any brand in the world. There are 10 length options from 120 mm (4.7 inches) to 235 mm (9.3 inches), and 9 girth options from Super Snug to Super Wide (nominal width from 45 mm to 64 mm). Now that’s truly measuring up, measuring down, and measuring side to size. In total, there are 52 custom fit condom sizes.

What Size Condom Do I Need?

Finding your perfect fit is simple. First step is finding your MyONE Perfect Fit size code. Each size code corresponds to a length and width combination (for example, your size code might be “N88”). The letter N in this case is the length code, and the number 88 is the width code. Voila! This allows condom users to maintain their privacy without sacrificing goodness of fit.

Because we love customization so much, we’re offering four ways to measure your penis and get your own customized size code:

The MyONE FitKit: This approach gives you a chance to measure your penis from the comfort of your own home. Just download the MyONE FitKit here, print it out, and then follow the step-by-step instructions to get your customized size code. Easy peasy!

The Classic Approach: Want to stick with the old-fashioned way of measuring your penis? You can do that too! Just use a measuring tape or similar tool to measure both length and circumference. You can then enter your measurements here, and you will get your customized size code (such as B22 or E55). If you need a refresher, we have some tips and tricks on how to measure your penis.

Get A Size Recommendation: Not really feeling the idea of measuring your penis? That’s ok, we understand. Just tell us your recent sizing challenges and experiences with male condoms and we’ll recommend a size code for you. Click here to view the Suggest A Size tool.

Order a Quick Sampler: Don't have time to measure? That's okay! You can purchase one of our MyONE® Quick Sample Kits in options Snug, Classic, or Wide with 3 sizes to try! 

• If you find that condoms are too long and/or too loose, try the Snug Sampler. 
• If you find that condoms are a pretty good fit, but you want to upgrade to a perfect length and width, try the Classic Sampler. 
• If you find condoms too tight and/or too short, try the Wide Sampler. 

Once you have your FitCode, you can order a sample kit to make sure you found the right size for your MyONE Perfect Fit condoms, or if you’re feeling inspired, you can go directly to purchase your MyONE condoms online. Want more regular delivery to keep up with your fun sex life? We offer MyONE monthly subscriptions to keep condoms coming your way.

Where to Find MyONE® Custom Fit® Condoms

Have we convinced you yet that MyONE® Custom Fit® Condoms are the answer to your ill-fitting condom prayers? We’ve got you covered!

You can find MyONE Perfect Fit condoms on our site, and don’t forget to pair them with some of our premium, high-quality ONE® lubricants.

But won’t someone know when your MyONE® Custom Fit® Condoms show up at your door? Not to worry, packaging is discreet and private.

FAQs 

How do I know if a condom is too tight? 

A condom may be too tight if it feels like it is squeezing your penis or like a rubber band around the base. This indicates you may need a wider fitting condom. 

How to know if a condom is too loose?

A condom may be too loose if they feel or look baggy around your penis. Condoms are designed to be snug so that they do not slip during use and makes you feel closer to your partner. 

Are condoms one-size-fits-all?

No. Condoms are not one-size-fits-all. Penises come in all shapes and sizes, so it is hard to believe that there are so few options when it comes to condom size. So, here at ONE® Condoms we offer 52 different size condoms to help enhance the experience for condom users.