Condoms explained: sizes, materials, textures and lube

A condom that fits well and feels good is one you'll actually want to use. Yet plenty of people grab the same box they've always bought without ever wondering whether there's something better for them. There's no awkwardness here: this guide walks through sizes, materials, textures and lube, so you can choose with confidence.

Why fit matters

A condom that's too tight can feel uncomfortable and distracting. One that's too loose is more likely to slip. Neither is much fun, and both can put people off using condoms at all.

When it comes to size, girth matters more than length. Most condoms are long enough for most people, and any extra simply stays rolled at the base. What changes between sizes is mainly the width. If you'd like to check, measure around the widest part of the erect penis with a soft tape measure or a piece of string.

Roughly speaking, ranges come in three fits:

• Snug: for when standard condoms feel loose. The Glyde Ultra Slimfit Vegan Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) is a smaller, shorter option.
• Standard: a good starting point for most. Try the Glyde Ultra Vegan Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99).
• Larger: for when standard condoms feel tight. The Glyde Ultra Maxi Vegan Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) is a little longer and wider, and the Glyde Ultra Super Max Vegan Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) is bigger again. Mates King Size Condoms 14 Pack (£8.99) has a stated width of 56mm.

If you're between sizes, buying a couple of small packs to compare is a sensible, low-cost way to find your fit.

Latex, non-latex and vegan

Latex is the most familiar condom material. It's thin, stretchy and widely available.

Non-latex condoms are a good choice if you or a partner have a latex allergy or sensitivity, or if you simply prefer the feel. The Mates SKYN Original Non Latex Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) is a soft, non-latex everyday option, and the Mates SKYN Elite Non Latex Condoms 10 Pack (£12.99) is the thinner choice in that range. There's also Mates SKYN Large Non Latex Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) if you need more room.

Vegan condoms, like the Glyde range, are made without animal-derived ingredients, which matters to plenty of people.

If you notice itching, redness or swelling after using a condom, stop using that type and speak to a pharmacist or your GP.

Textures, thinness and flavours

Once you've found the right size and material, you can have a bit of fun with the details:

• Thinner condoms can help you feel more of each other.
• Flavoured condoms are designed for oral sex. The Glyde Ultra Vanilla Flavour Vegan Condoms 10 Pack (£9.99) is a sweet place to start.
• Dams are thin, flat sheets that sit over the vulva or anus during oral sex. The Glyde Vegan Dams Mixed Flavour 4 Pack (£9.99) lets you try a few flavours.

Browse the full range in our condoms collection.

Which lube is safe with condoms?

Lube makes sex more comfortable and can help condoms feel better too. The key thing to remember is that oil and latex don't mix.

• Water-based lube: safe with all condoms and all toys. A reliable everyday choice, like Loving Joy Slide Water Based Lubricant 100ml (£5.99).
• Silicone-based lube: safe with latex condoms and long-lasting, which is handy in the shower.
• Oil-based products: massage oils, coconut oil, lotions and petroleum jelly can weaken latex. Keep them away from latex condoms, and check the packaging before using them with non-latex ones.

Our lube compatibility guide goes into more detail, and you'll find plenty of options in our lubricants collection.

Putting one on properly

A quick refresher never hurts:

1. Check the pack. Make sure it's in date and not damaged.
2. Open it gently with your fingers, not your teeth or scissors.
3. Work out which way it unrolls before it touches the penis.
4. Pinch the tip to squeeze out air and leave room at the end.
5. Roll it all the way down to the base.
6. Hold the base when pulling out, then remove and bin it (not down the loo).

Use a new condom every time you have sex, and change to a fresh one when switching between anal and vaginal sex. Never use two condoms at once, as the friction can make them more likely to tear.

Storage and good habits

• Keep condoms somewhere cool and dry, away from heat and sharp objects.
• A wallet or back pocket isn't a good long-term home.
• Look for the CE or UKCA mark on the pack, and check the expiry date.

Condoms help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, but no method is perfect. For advice about contraception or sexual health, your GP, a pharmacist or your local sexual health clinic can help.

Ready to find your fit? Head to our condoms collection and try a few. Your future self will thank you.