Ribbed and Dotted Condoms

Textured condoms add raised ribs, dots or both to the outside of the condom to increase stimulation during sex. Every one we stock is below. If you already know whether you want ribs, dots or a combination, use the filters. If you do not, the next section explains what each texture actually does.

The four textures, and what each one does

Texture is the only thing separating these condoms from a standard one. Everything else, the material, the safety standard and the protection they give, is the same.

• Ribbed. Raised ridges running around the circumference of the condom, either along the whole shaft or concentrated near the base or the head. Ribs increase friction against the vaginal wall and are the gentler of the two textures.
• Dotted. Raised circular studs, usually across the middle of the shaft. Dots are more pronounced than ribs, so they deliver more stimulation and are more likely to feel like too much without enough lubricant.
• Ribbed and dotted. Ribs at the ends and dots through the middle on most designs. This is the largest group we stock and the one to pick if you are not sure, because you get both patterns and can work out which you prefer.
• Textured on the inside. A smaller group where the pattern faces inward to stimulate the wearer, leaving the outside smooth. Useful if your partner finds external texture uncomfortable.

Which texture should you choose?

Neither ribbed nor dotted is better. They stimulate differently and it comes down to preference, but a few things narrow it down.

• New to textured condoms: start with ribbed, or with a ribbed and dotted design. Ribs are the less intense of the two.
• Sensitive skin, or a partner prone to irritation: ribbed, with plenty of condom-friendly lube. Consider a smooth-outside design instead.
• Vaginal dryness: textured condoms are the wrong choice without extra lubricant, and a smooth condom with a good lube will be more comfortable.
• Latex allergy: SKYN Intense Feel is the only textured condom we stock that is not latex. See non-latex condoms for the full range.
• You want the wearer stimulated too: look for a design textured on both sides, or the internally textured Lelo Hex.
• You need a size other than regular: textured condoms cluster between 52mm and 56mm nominal width. If that is not your size, a vibrating cock ring with your usual condom will do the job instead.

Ribbed condoms

Pasante Passion

Circular ridges running the full length of the shaft, formerly sold as Pasante Ribbed. Straight walls, 53mm nominal width, 190mm long, natural rubber latex, unflavoured and odourless. The most straightforward ribbed condom we stock and a sensible first one to try. Pasante Passion

Mates Ribbed

Ribbed latex condom from one of the longest-established UK brands. Mates Ribbed

Adore Ribbed Pleasures

Ribbed latex condom, and the value option in this group. Adore Ribbed Pleasures

Dotted condoms

Mates Orgazmax

Large dots scattered along the whole shaft, and dotted on both sides rather than just the outside, so the wearer feels the texture too. 53mm nominal width, 185mm long, natural rubber latex, silicone lubricated. Mates Orgazmax

SKYN Intense Feel

Raised dots on the outside with a smooth interior, so the texture works on your partner and not on you. Made of polyisoprene rather than latex, which makes it the one option here for anyone with a latex allergy. 53mm nominal width, 180mm long, 0.065mm thick. SKYN Intense Feel

Ribbed and dotted condoms

Pasante Intensity

Straight walls, 52mm nominal width, 190mm long, natural rubber latex. Unflavoured, colourless and odourless. The snuggest of the ribbed and dotted group. Pasante Intensity

EXS Ribbed and Dotted

Anatomical fit, snugger at the base with a flared head. 56mm nominal width, 193mm long, natural rubber latex, unflavoured. EXS is vegan certified by the Vegan Society. EXS Ribbed and Dotted

Durex Pleasure Me

Ribs under the head and dots through the middle, anatomically shaped. 56mm nominal width, 195mm long, natural rubber latex, unflavoured. The most widely recognised condom in this category. Durex Pleasure Me

Durex Intense

The same pattern and dimensions as Pleasure Me, coated with a mint lubricant that delivers a cooling, tingling sensation on top of the texture. 56mm nominal width, 195mm long. Durex Intense

Durex Mutual Climax

The same pattern again, with a drop of benzocaine 5% inside the teat to delay ejaculation. The intent is that the texture brings your partner closer while the anaesthetic holds you back. Roll it on the right way up so the benzocaine stays on your side. 56mm nominal width, 195mm long. Durex Mutual Climax

Skins Dots and Ribs

54mm nominal width, 180mm long, natural rubber latex. Not flavoured, but infused with a vanilla scent, which makes it the one to pick if the smell of latex is the problem. Skins Dots and Ribs

Mates by Manix Intensity

Ribbed and dotted latex condom from the Mates by Manix range. Mates by Manix Intensity

Textured on the inside: Lelo Hex

Lelo Hex is not a textured condom in the usual sense. Its hexagonal structure sits on the inside, where the raised edges grip and stimulate the wearer, while the outside stays silky smooth. That makes it the answer to a specific problem: you want texture, your partner does not, or she has sensitive skin or vaginal dryness that rules out external ribs and dots.

It comes in two sizes. Lelo Hex Original is a regular fit, and Lelo Hex Respect XL is the larger option. Both are natural rubber latex and among the thinnest condoms on the market.

Every textured condom we stock, compared

If latex is a problem

Almost every textured condom made is natural rubber latex, which is a genuine limitation of this category. SKYN Intense Feel is the exception we stock, made of polyisoprene and suitable if you or your partner react to latex.

If that one does not suit, the practical alternative is a smooth non-latex condom paired with a textured cock ring, which gets you the stimulation without the material.

What lube to use with textured condoms

This matters more here than on any other type of condom. Texture works by increasing friction, and friction without enough lubricant is what turns stimulation into irritation.

Use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant. Silicone lasts longer and needs less reapplying, so it suits textured condoms well, but avoid it if you are also using a silicone sex toy, or if you are prone to thrush or bacterial vaginosis.

Never use oil-based products. Massage oil, baby oil, Vaseline, body lotion and moisturiser all degrade latex and polyisoprene and can cause the condom to break.

Do textured condoms protect as well as smooth ones?

Yes. Textured condoms meet the same British and European safety standards as any other condom we sell, and offer the same protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The texture is moulded into the condom rather than added to it, and these designs are often slightly thicker than a standard condom rather than thinner.

The usual rules still apply, and two are worth repeating here.

Get the size right. Most textured condoms are regular, between 52mm and 56mm nominal width. A condom that is too tight is more likely to split and a loose one can come off, and neither problem is solved by the texture.

Never wear two at once. If your size is not available in a textured design, do not put one over your usual condom. The two rub against each other and are more likely to break, not less.

Using textured condoms for anal sex

You can, but think about it first. The anus does not self-lubricate and there is already more friction than in vaginal sex, and a textured condom is designed to add more friction still. That combination causes irritation and small tears in the condom if there is not enough lubricant.

If you want to use one, use considerably more lubricant than you would otherwise, reapply, and consider a silicone-based lube so you are not stopping to top up. A thick condom with plenty of lube is the more comfortable choice for most people.

Who should think twice

Textured condoms are not for everyone, and the site would rather tell you that than sell you the wrong thing.

• Anyone with a latex allergy, unless you choose SKYN Intense Feel.
• Anyone experiencing vaginal dryness, where extra friction is the last thing that helps. A smooth condom and a good lubricant is the better answer.
• Anyone with sensitive skin who has found ordinary condoms irritating already.
• Wearers who find texture uncomfortable. Ribs and dots are felt on both sides in some designs. If that is you, pick one textured on the outside only, such as SKYN Intense Feel.

Where to buy ribbed and dotted condoms in the UK

Here. We are a condom specialist rather than a general retailer, so the textured range runs wider than a supermarket or pharmacy will carry, covering ribbed, dotted, combined and internally textured designs across Durex, Pasante, EXS, Mates, SKYN, Skins and Lelo.

Everything we sell is genuine stock sourced directly from the brands or their official UK distributors, and carries the CE mark or BSI Kitemark. Every order is sent in plain, unbranded packaging with nothing on the outside to indicate what is inside.

FAQs

What are the risks of using textured condoms?

The same as any condom, plus a higher chance of irritation. The texture increases friction, so without enough lubricant it can chafe, and that risk is higher for anyone with sensitive skin and higher again for anal sex. Latex allergy is the other consideration, since almost all textured condoms are latex. Neither risk is about the condom failing to protect you.

What lubricant can I use with textured condoms?

Water-based or silicone-based only. Silicone lasts longer and suits textured condoms well, but avoid it with silicone toys or if you are prone to thrush. Never use oils, Vaseline, body lotion or massage oil, which damage latex and polyisoprene and can cause the condom to break.

What is the difference between dotted and extra dotted condoms?

The number of dots. Dotted condoms carry fewer, usually concentrated across the middle of the shaft. Extra dotted designs pack more into the same area for stronger stimulation. Mates Orgazmax is the closest we stock to an extra dotted condom.

Are ribbed and dotted condoms textured on both sides?

It depends on the design. Most are textured on the outside only, with a smooth interior. Mates Orgazmax is dotted on both sides, so the wearer feels it too. Lelo Hex is the reverse, textured inside with a smooth outside.

Can I use textured condoms for anal sex?

Yes, with plenty of lubricant. The anus does not self-lubricate and textured condoms are designed to add friction, so the two work against each other. Use considerably more lube than usual and reapply, or choose a thick condom instead.

Will my partner definitely notice the difference?

Not necessarily. Texture is noticeable to some people and barely registers for others, and it depends on the design, the position and how much lubricant is used. Most women do not reach orgasm from penetration alone, and a textured condom is one thing that can help rather than a solution on its own. A variety pack is the sensible way to find out what works before committing to a box.