Condoms are an essential part of safe sex, but that doesn’t mean they have to be barriers in the bedroom too. With a little creativity, condoms can be sexy. Here are 10 ways to enhance your condom use and make us love the glove.
1. You Lube
Lube is a game-changer when it comes to condom use. Not only does it reduce friction, making sex smoother and more pleasurable, but it also enhances sensations for both partners. Water-based lubes are safe for all condoms, while silicone-based lubes last longer and feel silkier. Avoid oil-based lubes with latex condoms, as they can weaken the material and increase the risk of breakage. Try warming or cooling lubes for an extra sensory experience. We love the ID Sensation Warming Liquid Lubricant.
2. Hot stuff
A cold condom can be a buzzkill. Before putting it on, warm the condom up in your hands or under warm water (in the packet). This helps it feel more natural against the skin. Some people even tuck a condom into their cleavage or hold it in their mouth for a few seconds to take the chill off. A little heat makes a big difference in making condoms feel less noticeable and more pleasurable.
3. Inside job
Most people apply lube on the outside of the condom, but adding a small drop inside before rolling it on can increase sensitivity. This allows the condom to move more naturally with the penis, reducing friction and creating a more intimate feel. Just be careful not to use too much, as excess lube inside can make the condom slip off.
4. Rough and smooth
Not all condoms are the same! From ribbed and dotted to ultra-thin and contoured, different textures can amplify sensation. If one style doesn’t work for you, try another until you find the perfect fit. Some people love the added stimulation of ribbed condoms, while others prefer the barely-there feel of ultra-thin varieties. Consider a variety pack to discover new favourites.
5. Tip of the tongue
Flavoured condoms aren’t just a gimmick—they can make oral sex more enjoyable and safer. Many people skip condoms during oral play, but using a flavoured condom keeps things hygienic while adding a tasty twist. Available in everything from strawberry to chocolate, they help mask the typical latex taste and make protection fun and can take you straight from foreplay to penetration without any delays. Hot!
6. Lip service
Turning condom application into foreplay can make it more exciting. Instead of the usual roll-on method, try using your mouth to put it on. Gently place the condom on the tip and roll it down using your lips and tongue. This adds an element of playfulness and makes the process part of the erotic experience rather than an interruption.
Veronica Monet, sex worker and author shares how. “Buy condoms you enjoy tasting. Sample a few until you find a brand you like. Then when you anticipate sex, unwrap the condom before your first kiss. You don’t want to struggle with the wrapper when you’re turned on. When you’re ready to use it, drop it on the head of the penis and roll it down to the base with your mouth. Don’t talk about the condom during sex. Make it unobtrusive. I got so good at this that a few clients panicked because they thought I was sucking them bare-back. I’d show them the condom on their cock and they’d ask, ‘How did you do that?’.”
7. Double trouble
Pairing a condom with a cock ring can heighten pleasure by enhancing blood flow and maintaining a firmer erection. Many cock rings are designed to fit comfortably at the base of the penis, and some even have built-in vibrations for added stimulation. Make sure to put the condom on first before slipping on the cock ring to prevent any risk of tearing.
Read our 5 star cock ring review.
8. Find the perfect fit
Ill-fitting condoms can ruin the experience. A condom that’s too tight may feel restrictive, while one that’s too loose can reduce sensation or even slip off. Brands like My.Size and Trojan offer a variety of sizes, so take the time to find one that fits perfectly. A well-fitted condom enhances both pleasure and safety, making the experience feel as natural as possible.
9. Play around
Warming or cooling condoms and lubes can take things up a notch. Try gently heating a condom in warm water before use or using cooling lubricants to create tingling sensations. Some condoms even come with built-in warming or cooling effects. These small temperature variations can add a surprising and pleasurable twist to condom use.
10. Toy story
Condoms aren’t just for penises—they can be used on sex toys too! Using a condom on a toy makes cleanup easier and keeps shared toys hygienic. If you want to make your toy feel a little more life-like, dress it in a self-heating rubber, such as a Pasante Warming Sensation condom. This will make your favourite vibe feel more like the real thing by bringing it closer to body temperature. Now all you have to do is close your eyes and think of Timothy/Idris/Ryan/all of the above.