There’s many types of condoms in the world. At MyONE Custom Fit condoms, we’re all about solving issues around condom fit. A proper condom fit is the combination of the right condom length and width, which is why we offer 10 different lengths and 9 different widths.
Because regular condoms are 7 inches long, they are too long for about 91% of users (average penis size being about 5-5.5 inches in length). Many people also need a snugger width (to avoid condom slippage) or a wider girth (to prevent erection loss and the dreaded “red ring of death”).
Read on to learn more about some of the terminology for all things condom fit, measuring, and more! Ready to find your fit? Get started.
How are condoms measured? What is width vs girth vs circumference?
Regulatory entities and manufacturers measure condoms using two dimensions – lay flat width (often called nominal width) and length. The lay flat width is the measurement of the condom when it is laid flat. The length and width are typically defined in millimeters.
People use different dimensions to measure their penises, using circumference or girth to describe thickness. Girth is the same as circumference. The MyONE sizing tools (FitKit or Enter Your Measurements tool) then convert the penis girth measurement/circumference into a recommended condom nominal width. People can’t measure their penis nominal width, because otherwise they’d have to flatten out their penis…ouch!
Research studies about penis size also typically use circumference to describe thickness. However, at MyONE we often use girth because it’s a little more user friendly – circumference sounds like we’re in math class.
How do MyONE FitCodes work?
A MyONE FitCode (aka size code) is a combination of a Girth Number (ex. 53) and a Length Letter (ex. H) to get your FitCode (ex. 53H).
MyONE has nine different Girth Numbers ranging from 45 to 64. Those numbers also correlate to the Nominal Width (lay flat width) of the actual condom. They are now color coded. We also assigned them names such as Snug and Extra Wide (more on that below).
MyONE has ten different Length Letters, ranging from C (4.7” in condom length) to M (9.3” in condom length). Fun fact: We didn’t use the letters A and B because one day we hope to introduce two shorter length options. Check out our condom size guide below.
What is a proper condom fit? How do the MyONE FitCode recommendations work?
When it comes to condom length, the condom should be long enough to cover the entire shaft (for full coverage against STIs that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact). But not so long that there’s too much extra latex that bunches at the base and causes any discomfort.
When it comes to girth/width — people tend to have different preferences of how snug they want the condom to feel. The important thing is that it’s snug enough so that it stays on. But not so snug that it feels uncomfortable, causes instant erection loss, or the "red ring of death." That's a term that we believe originated on Reddit, a reference to an Xbox dying. It's when a condom is so tight in circumference that it causes purple, painful rings on the penis after sex (like when you leave a rubber band on your wrist too long).
Remember: putting a condom on your arm/foot to "prove" regular condoms fit everyone is just...silly. Very different anatomy going on between a penis and a foot. Imagine doing that with one bra size or one pant size. One of our life goals is getting people to stop putting condoms on their feet.
The sizing recommendations on the MyONE website are also based on years of data and a formula for ideal fit, which recommends a condom length slightly longer than your actual penis length — and a condom width slightly snugger than the actual penis girth measurement. That’s to help make sure someone gets full coverage in length from base to tip, and so that the condom is slightly snug in order to stay on properly. But that’s why we also provide sample kits, so people can fine-tune and see what works best for them.
Bone-pressed length:
Every penis is different and everyone has their own way of measuring. Quick tip: Make sure to measure the erect penis - we get that question a lot. Many people choose to measure their bone-pressed length. This means that they place a ruler on the top of their penis shaft and push it back into their pubic bone or ‘fat-pad’ and record their penis length as the measurement from the bone all the way to the tip of the glans.
Many scholarly studies on erect penis length use this method to gather their data. According to one study conducted in a leading sexual health journal, “Measuring penile length from pubic bone to tip of glans is more accurate and reliable, the discrepancy being most notable in overweight patients.”
However, the most important thing to us is not penis size, but condom fit. That’s why we recommend against using the bone-pressed method to measure length. The perfect fitting condom will not have coverage all the way to the pubic bone, but to the base of the penis itself where it meets that ‘fat-pad’. If we used bone-pressed length to determine the custom fit there would be a problem with excess latex bunched up towards the base of the penis, and that’s the last thing we want!
Speaking of sample kits, what’s the difference between the 2-count sample kit & the 3-count quick sampler?
There are two different ways to sample MyONE® Custom Fit™ Condoms. The main question to answer first is: Do you want to / have time to measure?
Option 1: 2-count sample kit:
When you find your MyONE FitCode (either by using the FitKit or Enter Your Measurements tool) you will be prompted to “Get Samples” of that FitCode. That will take you to a product page so that you can order a sample kit. The sample kit comes with the size you measured - plus another close size.
This is so you can test out something based on your penis length and girth measurements. Just pay shipping on the first sample kit. And if the initial sample kit isn’t a perfect fit, contact our Size Specialist support team. They will recommend and send a complimentary sample kit of another size, based on your experience. See example here of the 53F sample kit page.
Option 2: 3-count quick sample kit:
If you’re not up to measuring, check out the newly launched MyONE® Custom Fit™ Quick Sample Kit 3-Packs (image below)! Each sample pack includes three different condom size samples from the Snug, Classic or Large condom range. Plus a FitKit measuring tool so people can measure and adjust their size at home as needed.
Why did you choose terms like Super Snug and Extra Wide?
We had a lot of conversations about these terms & how to make sure they are body positive. When we were introducing select MyONE Custom Fit condom options to CVS stores nationwide, we needed terms that describe how a specific MyONE Girth Number option compares to regular condoms. That way when people are shopping in-store, they can quickly understand how MyONE compares to other condoms on shelf.
The CLASSIC term corresponds to the condom nominal width 53mm – this is what most regular off-the-shelf condoms are for girth. We needed terms to help describe if a specific MyONE size is tighter/snugger than a regular condom or wider than a regular condom.
We chose the term SNUG instead of “Small” because we’re talking about a condom that’s snugger than a regular condom. In fact, the current 45C MyONE FitCode is the tightest and shortest combination we currently have; however the C Length Letter to option at 4.7 inches in condom length is actually close to average penis length (5-5.5 inches in length). 45C is also the second most purchased FitCode out of all 52 sizes. We wanted people to understand terms like SNUG and EXTRA WIDE refer to the condom measurements.
What do the MyONE Technologies terms mean?
Not only are we passionate about proper condom fit, we’re also really into developing technologies to make condoms as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
Sensatex® Softer Latex: In condom production, there is hard vs soft latex. During condom manufacturing, glass molds are dipped into liquid latex to form the shape of the condom. The harder the latex formulation a brand uses, the stiffer the condom can feel for the user. We developed our own proprietary latex formula called Sensatex®, which is a soft form of latex that moves with your body for a more natural feel.
TotalGlide®: Typically when condoms are produced, a drop of lubricant is applied to the tip of the condom when the condom has already been rolled up. Over time, the lubricant travels through the shaft of the condom when in the wrapper. However, this is why sometimes the base of the condom (toward the opening) can be dry – because the lubricant has not had enough time to travel to the base of the condom yet.
We developed a technology called TotalGlide® to help with this. Before a MyONE condom is rolled up, we apply lubricant to three spots along the shaft of the condom. That way the is fully lubricated from base to tip before it gets rolled up. PRO TIP: No matter if a condom is lubricated or not, we always recommend using additional, condom compliant lubricant. This helps add comfort & pleasure - but also significantly reduces the risk of condom breakage while in use.
Check out this video of how condoms are made for more information about condom production.
MicroRoll® Comfort Base: The “bead” refers to the ring of latex at the bottom shaft of the condom, right at the opening of the condom. The thicker the bead, the tighter the condom can feel. MyONE Condoms use a new technology called MicroRoll®, which makes the bead thinner and more comfortable.
Other fun facts: All MyONE® Condoms are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO & made with no harmful chemicals. We use natural rubber latex, but this one is a bit funny. ALL condoms, because they come from rubber trees, are made with natural rubber latex.
Most condoms in the world are also vegan-friendly because they don't use casein in them. So even though "vegan condoms" has become quite a trend, we're not aware of any brands that actually aren't vegan (but you can always check with the manufacturer of a specific brand to be sure).
MyONE is a latex condom, and cleared by the FDA to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases). They can be used for vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex.
Now that you made it to the end of our condom fit term paper, give us a shout if you're still curious. Trust me, we'll talk your ear off about condoms.
