Quick answer

Put a condom on by pinching the tip, checking the roll direction, and rolling it down to the base of an erect penis before any contact. Use a fresh condom every time, leave the reservoir tip pinched, and hold the base when you withdraw. Most failures come from trapped air, the wrong direction, or starting too late.

Before you open the wrapper

Check the expiry date and the air pocket in the wrapper. A wrapper with no air pocket may have been punctured, so use a different one. Open by tearing the serrated edge with your fingers; teeth, scissors, and fingernails can nick the latex. If you are using a lubricant, choose a water-based or silicone-based product, since oil-based lubricants can weaken latex.

The six steps, in order

Work through these in sequence without skipping ahead. Each step takes only a few seconds once you have practiced it.

What to check after the condom is on

Once the condom is rolled down, look for trapped air at the tip and smooth it out if you see any. The condom should feel snug but not pinching. If it bunches or slides, it is the wrong size, not a technique problem. MyONE® condoms use a FitCode system that combines a girth number with a length letter, so you can match both dimensions instead of guessing from a single size label. A condom that fits properly stays in place without needing to be held during sex.

Step-by-step application

  1. Check the expiry date and wrapper: Squeeze the wrapper to confirm the air pocket is intact, then read the expiry date. Discard any condom that is past its date or has a flat wrapper. Mistake to avoid: using a condom from a wallet or glovebox where heat may have damaged the latex.
  2. Open carefully: Push the condom away from the tear notch and tear the wrapper with your fingers. Do not use teeth, scissors, or a fingernail. Checkpoint: the condom should slide out easily and look intact, with no visible nicks.
  3. Identify the right direction: Place the condom on your fingertip or hold it up to check the roll. The rolled rim should face outward, like a tiny hat brim. If it looks like a mushroom cap, it is inside out. Mistake to avoid: flipping an inside-out condom and reusing it. Start with a fresh one; pre-ejaculate on the outside can defeat the purpose.
  4. Pinch the tip and place it on the head: Pinch the reservoir tip between your thumb and forefinger to squeeze out air, then place the condom on the head of the erect penis while still pinching. Checkpoint: trapped air is a leading cause of breakage. Keep pinching until the condom is rolled down at least an inch.
  5. Roll it down to the base: Use your other hand to roll the condom down the shaft all the way to the base. If it will not roll, it is inside out or too small. Do not unroll it first and pull it on. Mistake to avoid: leaving the condom partly rolled, which lets it slip off during sex.
  6. Withdraw while holding the base: After ejaculation, hold the condom firmly at the base of the penis and withdraw while still erect. Slide the condom off away from your partner, tie it off, and throw it in the trash. Mistake to avoid: waiting until the erection fades, which lets semen leak out. Never flush a condom.

Products that make correct application easier

  • Vanish® Hyperthin® Condoms: ONE® Vanish® Hyperthin® condoms are among the thinnest latex condoms available, designed to maximize sensation while maintaining premium strength and safety. A thin condom still follows the same application steps, but you may feel more sensation, which can make it easier to keep the condom on for the full encounter.
  • MyONE® Size 49G My Custom Fit® Condom: MyONE® Snug Condom 49G is designed for a closer, more tailored fit with Girth Number 49 (49mm nominal width) and Length Letter G (6.5 inches). If standard condoms slip or bunch during application, a closer fit like 49G reduces the need to readjust and helps the condom stay seated at the base.