Bigger or bust?
In a sense, displaying a box of magnum condoms on your dresser is a bit like posting a pic of a dead fish on the internet. First and foremost, the intention is ego-inflation. Who wouldn’t want to be among the class of magnum users? Even the numbers agree: magnum condom sales in the U.S. grew a whopping 14% between 2001 and 2010—which adds up to nearly 19% of condom sales nationwide. So, it would seem that either men are getting consistently (magically) more endowed or…?
That said, unlike a massive lifeless bass, magnums are fairly essential. While Trojan first introduced rubbers into the world in 1916, it wasn’t until 1989 when the magnum came to be after survey results determined that men were interested in larger condom sizes based on studies showing most “men would find a bigger option more comfortable.” At the time, they were 20% wider at the tip than your standard Trojan condom and tapered at the base to stay on securely. And while the dimensions have since shifted based on customer feedback, the ethos remains: They’re simply condoms built for larger penises, to safeguard against breakage or over-burdening of the product’s latex. Which begs the question...how do you know if you’re wearing the right size condom?
Well, here’s what you need to know to ensure apt use of the plus-size prophylactic:
How big is a magnum condom?
Speaking generally, magnums measure 8.12 inches long and 2.12 inches wide—while a standard condom is typically around 7.62 inches by 2 inches. In general, we’re talking about .1 inches here—so no, magnum users are not by nature endowed with tenfold larger penises. More accurately, this is a question of proper fit both while hard and while flaccid.
How do you know what condom size is right for you?
This one’s simple: You test drive. That said, you do need to know what the fit looks like in action, rather than, well, hanging limp. And perhaps mid-intercourse is not the proper time for a little trial and error. Instead, most condom purveyors will recommend that you rehearse at home, solo. Which is to say, masturbate. See what feels comfortable and secure. Try both options to make sure you’ve got a comparative measure.
But...what is a well-fitting condom supposed to feel like?
Like with proper fitting jeans, this one’s up to the beholder. According to professionals, your condom should feel snug but not aggressively tight—and no matter what, you want to be sure that it will roll all the way down to the shaft without too much struggle.
Is bigger always better?
This is among the longest-standing—and most egregious—sexual myths out there. Sure, we’ve all got preferences in bed. But there’s simply no hard and fast rule stating that pleasure is fundamentally more readily derived from a larger penis. Many women even admit to preferring a smaller shlong –– so long as it’s well utilized. So no, magnum buyers don’t have some kinda sexual superpower when it comes to stimulation.
