Finding the Perfect Condom: How to select condoms for more pleasure!

If you're ready to have a very enjoyable relationship with condoms, we're here to up your condom game. Do you want to know: how to know which size of condom you should buy?

Let's get started (by covering the following):

1.   Condoms are not one size fits all. (Consequences of wearing the wrong size condom.)
2.   Why quality matters
3.   All the numerous options to choose from
4.   Why non-latex condoms might be your best option
5.   Why adding lube is critical to safety and pleasure with condoms

Early on, during Lucky Bloke’s ongoing global condoms reviews (we’re now up to 7,500 couples in 28 countries), we discovered that nearly 70% of our participants world-wide were using the wrong size condom.  

Why? It’s actually quite simple.

While most everyone is told to use condoms – very, very few are taught how to actually choose condoms.

Most men (and women for that matter) believe that condoms are "one size fits all". So often when a man is wearing a condom that is too large, or too small – he simply settles for a lackluster condom experience not realizing it could be so much better.

The best analogy we can make is this: Have you ever worn shoes that didn’t fit quite right? Whether you endured it rubbing against your little toe or the back of your heel, or perhaps it was just half a size too large, an ill-fitting shoe is at best distracting and at worst downright painful.

Imagine if 70% of men thought shoes came in only one size – most men would hate shoes and prefer to go without.

Just like a perfect-fitting shoe, a well-fitting condom will take your (and your partner's) mind off the condom and back onto giving and receiving pleasure.


1. Condoms are not one size fits all. (Consequences of wearing wrong size.)

Condoms are available in three basic size categories:

Smaller condoms are the best option for 35% of men. If you've ever had sex and the condom slipped around or actually come off inside of your partner (and yes, that does happen)–or if your chief complaint is that wearing condoms feels like a paper bag– you’d likely benefit from exploring snugger-than-standard condoms.

PRO-TIP: If you feel that you might benefit from a slightly-smaller-than-standard condom yet a true “small condom” seems too tight, there are a few excellent Japanese condoms that are simply narrower than standard condoms. These include some of the thinnest condoms on the market –so there will be very little getting between you and your partner.

Standard condoms are the best option for 50% of men. If you're in this category, you’ll have a wealth of condoms from around the world to choose from. That includes lots of premium options that are likely superior to anything you’ve tried before. 

Using pleasure as the barometer: Explore. Explore. Explore.  If you don’t like the condom, it's simply the wrong condom for you. Discard and grab another.

Larger condoms are the best option for 15% of men. If you have a history of broken condoms and serious discomfort when it comes to wearing condoms, you have likely been wearing condoms that are too small. Your safety and pleasure will exponentially increase when using a larger condom.

PRO-TIP: It’s good to be aware that there are also a number of between-size condom options available.  For instance Kimono Microthin Large bridges the gap between “standard” and “large” size condoms. Perfect for a man who needs a little more room, but not a true larger condom.

Here’s a trick to determine the condom size that is right for you. If you’re not sure what size you need, Lucky Bloke has a "Not Sure What Size Condom to Buy" Sampler.


2. Quality matters.

If you are truly condom savvy (no matter what size you need), you’ll discover that there are far better condoms for sale online than what you are use to seeing at your local store. And you absolutely get what you pay for. Spend a couple extra dollars and you will see the quality of materials are far superior than your standard drugstore Trojan. While all condoms are safe, and go through the same rigorous testing, a higher quality condom (think GLYDE, Okamoto, Kimono, L.) will bring you much more pleasure.

And we often find that with condoms, as with so many things, you get what you pay for. Why skimp on great sex? High quality condoms are worth the price. 

Premium condom samplers provide an inexpensive way to start exploring. (Lucky Bloke's Condom Samplers include top-rated condoms in categories like Ultrathin, Flavored, and Textured.) Not only will you get a great condom variety, you will do so without having to buy entire boxes of twelve identical condoms in order to find the condoms that work best for you and your partner.

Our best advice (once you've determined the best size to use) to those committed to improving their sex with condoms is to get ready to explore a variety of condoms.


3. Numerous options to choose from

Just as not every pair of shoes in your size is equally comfortable, not all condoms in the same size range will feel the same. And while you may have a go-to shoe for when you want comfort and something fancier (or trendier) for work or a night out, I hear from lots of condom users who switch up shape, texture, and flavor to match their mood.

What makes a perfect condom?! Each person’s sexiest condom is a highly personal experience. One person’s favorite condom might be another person's least favorite.  And the condom you love with one partner, may not work with a new partner in the same way.

It's incredibly difficult to select the perfect condom intuitively. The condom you "think" you are going to love rarely matches with what you actually enjoy. Often what sounds exciting isn't...and what sounds "Ho-hum" can often be "Oh-yeah!"  We can't tell you how many of our initial participants were excited to try textured condoms and then found out they preferred "ultra-thin", and vice versa.

This is why, at Lucky Bloke, we offer ten different condom samplers so that people can try a variety of the world’s best condoms in each category without having to buy a box of each. (We make it as simple and affordable as possible to match people with the condoms they’ll love.)

Ribbed, Pleasure Shaped, Her Pleasure

Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – the exact same ribbed or pleasure shaped condom can have three very different experiences with three different (receiving) partners:

#1 - I can’t feel ANY difference.  Ribbed? Studded? Hardly.
#2 - Ouch! There is too much texture - this is completely uncomfortable.
#3 - Wow, this is just right. This is amazing. The pleasure!!

Also these condoms tend to be thicker than your typical condom (which sometimes matters a lot and sometime not at all depending on the couple).

Thin and Ultra thin
Generally, most people love an ultra thin condom. And our International Ultrathin Sampler is very popular for this reason!

Lambskin
TROJAN Naturalamb Luxury is the only natural skin condom currently available. Many couples swear by these condoms due to the ultra-enhanced sensitivity, durability, and size of the condom, as well as being latex-free. Those who use them regularly say they will never use anything else. However, know the following, as they are made of lamb intestine, they have a smell that may take getting used to. PLEASE NOTE: They're ideal for the monogamous couple, as while they prevent pregnancy – they will not protect you from HIV or other STIs.

Climax Control
Desensitizing condoms are an amazing innovation. However, we only recommended them if you truly require additional stamina support - for then you will most likely be pleasantly impressed by their effects. On the other hand, if you don't truly require this type of condom, numbness and a less than satisfactory experience are more likely.  Also popular, are desensitizing condoms that offer an arousal lubricant on the outside for the partner. The man can be slowed down - his partner sped up.

Also there are a few great desensitizing sprays on the market. Applied to the penis, they handle the climax control and open up the possibilities for making any condom an option.

Flavored
As the risks of contracting STIs via oral sex is climbing, it is good to know about your flavored condom options. There are many fantastic flavors from mint and chocolate to strawberry and vanilla. GLYDE has an amazing line of flavored condoms featuring the highest quality food-grade natural and organic fruit & nut extracts on the planet. A sampler is a good way to try out what flavors you do and do not enjoy - before committing to an entire box. Also, there are some amazing flavored lubes (salted caramel, candy apple, blue raspberry, coconut orange - anyone?!) which can turn your favorite condom into something very tasty.

Finally, internal (Female) condoms worn by your partner are another option worth exploring, especially if:

•  You find it difficult to maintain an erection no matter what condom size you use
•  You find even smaller condoms too large
•  You find even larger condoms uncomfortable
•  You require a non-latex option and your partner has any of the above issues.

4. Why non-latex might be your best option

Latex free condoms might be worth investigating even if you’re not allergic to latex (and naturally we have a non-latex condom sampler for that, too). The non-latex options in our sampler* protect from STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and pregnancy and offer amazing sensitivity, heightened feeling, and heat transfer.  LifeStyles SKYN line are a fantastic condom line made of polyisoprene. Many couples (even those without latex sensitivities) find they offer a premium experience over standard latex.

Note: many women who are sensitive to latex may experience “yeast-infection-like” symptoms (itching, burning, discomfort) from using latex condoms. And for those cases, they will clear up upon switching to a latex-free condom.

Again VERY Important Note: Lambskin condoms, while in the non-latex category, aren’t included in the samplers since they’re not ideal for everyone. While they do prevent pregnancy, they will not protect you or your partner from contracting HIV or other STIs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Adding lube is critical to safety and pleasure

Extra lube brings major benefits to condom use. Simply put, exposing your most delicate parts to latex will dry you up –especially your partner —no matter how excited you both may be. Further, a recent study that looked at people’s arousal levels with and without condoms found that men who used a condom without lube were slightly less aroused than those who didn’t use a condom or lube. Even more interesting? The men who used a condom with lube got as aroused as those who didn’t use a condom at all! Moreover, provided you are using a high quality, condom-compatible lubricant, your condom is less likely to break during sex.

This is likely the reason that many couples who use a great, high-quality lube wouldn’t have sex without it. Not all lubes are created equal, of course.

So let’s start with the basics:

Water-based lubes are slippery and may need to be reapplied. They are easy to clean up with water. Look for high-quality (body safe) choices that state they are petrochemical-free, glycerin-free and paraben-free.

Silicone-based lubes are slick and can be used in water (hot tubs, showers, lakes, swimming pools). They are less likely to need multiple applications (in comparison to water-based lubes). They generally require soap and water for clean-up. Use them sparingly and avoid getting them on surfaces you don’t want to slip on later.

  • Always use water-based or silicone-based lube with latex condoms.

  • To put it another way, never use an oil-based lube with latex condoms (this includes, baby oil, coconut oil, etc.) or you run the risk of condom breakage!

  • Not only will the slickness of lube enhance your enjoyment, lube can make sex with condoms much safer. (Reducing friction helps to keep the condom intact!)

  • Always add additional lube when using thin condoms.

  • Arousal lubes (generally water-based) can enhance the experience by warming, tingling and adding a little zing.

  • Flavored lubes (also water-based) can add a certain tastiness to the experience. They come in many, many flavors. There are now even organic lubes.

  • Desensitizing lubes (Ride | Rock Delay Spray is a great option) can support men to last longer. If you (or your partner) are struggling with premature ejaculation and want endurance, they are the way to go.


PRO-TIP: A few drops of lube inside the condom (or adding a small amount of lube directly to your penis (just before applying the condom) will greatly improve your pleasure. Adding a generous amount to the outside of the condom will enhance your partner’s experience as well.

And now...go and have some fun.

Your friends at Lucky Bloke HQ