The Best Condoms for Every Shape, Size, and Proclivity

Several of our experts brought up Skyn non-latex condoms. Adult film actorBrett Rossiis, like many, allergic to latex, and says Skyn (made by LifeStyles) is best for managing reactions. It’s estimated (by the American Latex Allergy Association) that only around one percent of the general population has a real allergy, but many still report some kind of reaction. Beyond that, non-latex condoms also get better marks for pairing withlubricantand for allowing more sensation.Emily Morse, who hosts a sex-and-relationships podcast, attributes that to their heat transference. “The best part is that the polyisoprene material transfers heat really well, so they feel very natural,” she says.Nicole Tammelleo, a sex therapist, says that while polyisoprene was previously thought of as just a latex alternative, it’s actually stretchier than latex and many people find that it provides more sensation.

Sex writer and Strategist contributorHayley Folksays these condoms from Sense truly feel like nothing there at all. “As someone who has a lot of sex outside my polyamorous marriage, but am used to no condoms with my husband, it’s important for me to still be able to have sex with that same feeling of closeness,” she says.

Folk also mentioned Lelo Hex condoms as a favorite and a condom she’d bring to a party. They’re built with a unique hexagonal grid that adds flexibility and strength, making them both ultrathin and ultradurable. According to Folk, they’re also textured on the inside so they don’t slip and slide.

Zachary Zane, sex writer and author ofBoyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, loves the brand Dame, which was founded by a sexologist and an MIT engineer. He recommends its Ultra-Thin condoms because they actually feel ultrathin, plus they’re vegan and ethically made.

The Crown condom’s tagline is “the closest thing to nothing at all.” And according to our experts, the product lives up to its promise. Kelly Shibari, who has worked in the adult film industry for over a decade as a performer, model, publicist, and social media marketer, calls them the “official ‘porn’ condom” because they are thin enough to be almost unnoticeable on camera. And “for personal use, it’s really the best super-thin condom out there.” Amy Baldwin and April Lambert, hosts of theShameless Sexpodcast, add that “they are generally one of the more affordable brands on the market, and they are made of high-quality latex, meaning they don’t leave you with that nasty latex smell.”

Many of the experts we talked to mentioned the brand One as a favorite for innovative and high-quality condoms. Among their recommendations were the brand’s Vanish Hyperthin condoms; sex educatorDr. Carol Queenand London-based sex workerLouisa Knightoriginally called them out for quickies, but they’re great for any time you want a skin-to-skin feel while still having safe sex. According to Queen and Knight, you’ll be able to feel everything and there’s just the right amount oflube.

When I asked about new condom innovation, four different sources — Folk; Queen; Lynn Raridon, owner ofForbidden Fruitin Austin, Texas; and Samantha Bard, co-founder of Brooklyn sex shopShag— said One Flex condoms are the most exciting product on the market right now. They are made with a combination of natural latex and graphene carbon, which gives them a sultry sheer-gray color. Graphene is thinner and stronger than latex and conducts heat much better too.

Folk has written extensively about her struggles withUTIsand the magical salve that has helped her prevent them. But she told me that Nixit condoms have also significantly reduced sex-related irritation and discomfort. The natural latex condoms don’t contain any additives and are specifically designed to respect a healthy vaginal biome. “I’ve never had issues with these causing friction, itchiness, or UTIs,” she says.

Raridon says that many customers don’t pay close attention to what kind of lubricant, if any, is added to the condoms they buy. But she always advises checking (more often than not, it’s silicone), because she has seen an uptick in shoppers who want non-lubricated condoms — usually because they have a favorite lube they prefer to use instead. In the non-lubricated category, Trojans are her top recommendation.

Both Bard and Queen also called out Kimono Aqua Lube condoms because they are one of the only condoms on the market that feature water-based lube. While many people prefer silicone-based lube, water-based lube is easier to clean up, good for people with sensitive skin and better for use withsex toysbecause silicone lube can degrade the surface of silicone toys.

Many of our experts agreed that Glyde flavored condoms are the way to go for oral sex. Not only are they vegan, but “Glyde condoms are made with actual food extracts, not chemical fakery,” Queen says. Tammelleo agrees, warning: “You never want [regular] lubricated condoms for oral sex, as it will make the gag reflex kick in.” As for flavors, professional dominatrixDomina Coletterecommends vanilla, while Knight is a big fan of the wild-berry flavor, but also suggests people try one of the brand’ssampler packsto find their favorite.

But Folk prefers non-flavored protection for oral sex. So she suggests pairing these non-flavored dental dams from Harmony with a luxurious sex oil calledBlowthat’s specifically designed for oral sex. “It’s literally made for oral sex and is latex-safe — without the weird latex-y taste of flavored condoms,” she says.

Withanal sex, make sure you’re never using any products with numbing qualities — and that goes for both condoms and lube. The reason is that you need to be able to feel everything so that you can listen to your body. Knight votes for Durex Invisible Super Ultra Thin condoms, the thinnest product the company makes, as they let you feel everything fully. Queen also adds that these condoms are extra lubricated — a plus with anal.

Finding the right condom size makes them more comfortable, as well as safer. “Wearing the wrong size can make accidents more likely — when a condom is too large, it’s more likely to come offduring sex,” Knight says. Because of this, people who rely solely on condoms may want to look into a custom-fit condom from myOne Perfect Fit. Instead of using uniform small, medium, and large sizes, myONE factors in differing widths at each size. Users take their own measurements, enter them online, and get one of 60 tailored sizes. Mia Davis fromTabúcalls myONE the Goldilocks of condoms.

Bard says she gets excellent feedback from her customers that these condoms are a game changer, despite the learning curve — you pull them on rather than roll them on. They come in four sizes: Regular, Snug, Large, and XXL. And they are made from a unique poly resin that is especially thin and strong, which “feels like literally wearing nothing,” she says. You can also useanylube with them, including one that’s oil-based.Dana Hamilton, sex and relationship writer, says that Unique Condoms are “the best condoms you’ve never heard of.” And the packaging is nice too; each slim, credit-card-shaped box contains three condoms and fits easily into a bag or wallet.

“A condom should not be uncomfortable or unsafe to wear, and that can mean too tightortoo baggy,” saysElle Stanger, sex educator, writer, and co-host of the podcastStrange Bedfellows. For this reason, she likes to use Kimono-brand condoms because they tend to run a little skinnier and can fit better on people with average or smaller-size penises. “This is a population that isn’t often served by consumer and pop culture very visibly, but exists,” she explains. This variety pack includes four different styles, to help you find your new favorite.

Folk likes the tight-fitting straight shape of Union Snug condoms because they don’t budge during sex and allow you to feel closer to your partner. Union also makes condoms in standard fit with a flared head and XL with a flared head.

Glyde Maxi condoms provide more comfort and room than conventional condoms, saysDomina Franco, who has a master’s in human sexuality. With a 56-mm. circumference, men with larger penises won’t have to worry about an uncomfortable fit. Plus, the condoms are formulated with low-odor, ultrathin latex so you can focus on yourself and your partner without being distracted by an unpleasant rubber smell or taste.

For extra-large folks, Bard recommends Trojan’s Magnum XL condoms, which are 30 percent larger than typical standard-size condoms. They are tapered in shape with a base width of just over 58-mm. and a flared head for extra room.

These Pleasure Plus condoms from One have a unique design with a roomy ribbed pouch along the underside that moves back and forth during sex. The bulbous shape targets areas that respond well to friction, like the underside of the penis. According to Queen, with big-headed condoms, the penile head is stroked by the condom, increasing sensation. And they’re reportedly more comfortable for uncircumcised wearers, as they allow the foreskin to move during sex while still offering protection.