The quick version
- Nominal width is the flat width across the open end of the condom, in millimetres. It is the number that decides fit.
- Our Four Seasons Naked range lists nominal widths from 52 mm up to 64 mm.
- Measure around yourself with a strip of paper, then compare it with double the nominal width.
- Use water-based lube with latex. Oil breaks latex down.
- One condom, one use, and a fresh one every time a shared toy changes hands.
- Store them cool and out of wallets. Heat and friction wear latex out.
What Does Nominal Width Mean on a Condom Packet?
Nominal width is the width of the condom laid flat, measured across the open end. It is given in millimetres, and it is the one number on the packet that tells you how snug or roomy the condom will be.
Length gets talked about more, but width is what you feel. A condom that is too tight rolls and restricts. One that is too loose can slip. Getting width right is most of the job.
Which Condom Widths Do We Stock?
Every one is lubricated (non-spermicidal) with a reservoir end. The Four Seasons condoms are manufactured to ISO 4074 and electronically tested, which is the international standard for natural latex condoms.
How Do You Work Out Which Size Suits You?
Measure around the thickest part of the erect penis, then compare it with the condom. It takes about a minute and one ruler.
- Wrap a strip of paper or a piece of string once around the thickest part, and mark where it overlaps.
- Lay the strip flat against a ruler and read the length in millimetres. That is your girth.
- Double the nominal width on the packet. A 54 mm condom is 108 mm around at rest, and a 64 mm condom is 128 mm.
- Latex stretches, so the condom will always be a little smaller than you. Snug is correct. Painful, or leaving a deep mark, means go up a size.
If you are comfortable in a 52 to 54 mm condom, there is no reason to move. If every condom feels like a tourniquet, the 64 mm King Size is the one to try. It is the only option in the range built wider and longer.
The same logic applies if you are buying for a partner or sharing a drawer. Nominal width travels with the box, so write it on the lid and the next person does not have to guess.
Which Style Should You Pick?
Fit comes first, then feel. Once the width is right, the styles are about preference.
- Ribbed: texture for both of you, in the narrowest width in the range.
- Delay: thicker, tougher latex for people who want a bit more staying power.
- Flavoured: strawberry suits oral play, where the taste is the point.
- Glow N Dark: opaque and a novelty, activated by bright light for about 30 seconds before use.
- King Size: the choice when standard widths are too tight.
Browse the full condom collection when you are ready to order.
How Do You Use One Properly?
Get these steps right every time. Each one has a reason.
- Check the packet before opening: it should be sealed and in date, because old latex weakens.
- Open with fingers, not teeth or nails, so you do not tear the condom.
- Pinch the reservoir end while rolling on, so there is room at the tip and no trapped air.
- Roll it on the right way round, all the way to the base. If it will not unroll, it is inside out.
- Use plenty of water-based lube. Oil-based products break latex down, which is why the lube guide recommends water-based with condoms.
- Hold the base when withdrawing, tie it off, and bin it. Never flush one, and never reuse one.
Can You Put a Condom on a Toy?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to keep a shared toy clean. A fresh condom over an insertable toy means you can swap between partners, or between anal and vaginal use, without a full wash in between. Change it every time the toy changes hands or changes location.
It does not replace cleaning. Wash the toy as normal afterwards, using the cleaning guide for the material in front of you. The sharing and hygiene guide covers the same swaps for machines.
Where Should You Store Them?
Somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sun. Heat and friction wear latex down, which is why a wallet or a glovebox is the wrong place. A bedside drawer or a bathroom shelf away from the shower is fine.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Measure first, match the width, then choose a style. Pair your condoms with a bottle of water-based lube from the water-based lube collection, and you have the basics covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do condoms expire?
Yes. The date is printed on the packet and the foil. Check it before opening and bin anything out of date.
Can I use oil-based lube with condoms?
No. Oil breaks latex down and a weakened condom can fail. Stick to water-based lube, and read the water-based vs silicone lube guide for how the two types differ.
Does a bigger condom feel better?
No. The best condom is the one that fits snugly without pain. Too loose can slip off, and too tight restricts.
Why are your condoms sold in boxes of 144?
The Four Seasons Naked range is listed as bulk boxes of 144, which suits households that go through them and anyone who prefers to buy once. They arrive in plain, unbranded packaging.
Can I use a condom on a vibrator or dildo?
Yes, with a fresh condom each time the toy changes partner or area. Wash the toy afterwards as normal. The materials guide explains how each material should be cleaned.
Why Buy From Pleasing Strings
Orders ship from our Australian warehouses in plain, unbranded packaging with a discreet billing descriptor. Same-day dispatch applies before 10am, shipping is free over $99, and our toys carry a one-year warranty on top of your Australian Consumer Law rights. Questions go to sales@pleasingstrings.com.au.
Related guides
- Sharing a sex machine: hygiene and safe swaps
- How to clean sex toys: care guide by material
- Water-based vs silicone lube: which to use and when
Last updated: 3 October 2026
