Category: Custom & Bulk Condoms

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Condoms for Bars, Clubs & Nightlife Venues

A branded condom behind your bar is the giveaway punters actually pocket, and the one they remember your name on the morning after. The trick is doing it without the risk: some novelty condoms legally cannot be used, and a club that hands those out can end up in the local paper for it. Ours are real, certified, tested condoms, printed with your venue’s branding from just 50 pieces, dispatched fast and ready to reorder.

Branded condoms for nightlife, sorted

  • Your bar, club or event night printed in colour on the wrapper.
  • Real, usable condoms: CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested, clearly marked with expiry and batch number.
  • From 50 pieces, so a single night or a small venue is viable.
  • Easy reorders for your regular runs, plus a real photo proof before we print.
  • No setup fee. Discreet delivery. Printed in the UK.
Get a quote
Talk to us

Real condoms, not the ones that made the papers

A Coventry nightclub once handed out thousands of novelty condoms to students with no clear expiry date, no batch number and a tiny “not recommended for use” line, and got publicly called irresponsible by councillors and health officials. That is the trap. Every condom we print is a genuine medical device, CE and ISO 4074 certified and tested, with the legally required expiry date and batch number kept on the foil. Your artwork goes on the front, the safety information stays where it belongs, and your venue looks generous and switched-on instead of cheap and risky.

How nightlife venues use them

  • Bar-top bowls and washroom baskets that keep your name in front of punters all night.
  • Machines in the toilets stocked with your own branded foils instead of generic ones.
  • Event-night and Pride-weekend packs handed out at the door or with entry.
  • Cheeky cocktail or menu tie-ins where the wrapper carries the joke and your logo.

Running a one-off festival or Pride activation rather than a standing venue? See condoms for festivals and condoms for Pride.

Printed, not stuck on

We print your design directly onto the wrapper, not onto a sticker wrapped round a plain foil. Direct print looks like a real product under the bar lights, survives a night in a pocket, and reads as premium rather than a marked-up freebie. If a supplier is quoting a “labelled” condom, you are paying promo prices for a sticker.

Built to reorder

Nightlife runs on repeat stock, not one-off campaigns. Once your artwork is set up, reordering is quick and there is no origination fee to pay again. Tell us how often you get through them and we will keep your branded foils coming without the faff.

Pricing, with no setup fee

There is no origination or setup charge, so the whole saving stays on your invoice. The price per condom drops with volume:

Quantity Price per condom
500 £0.49
1,000 £0.39
5,000 £0.33
10,000 £0.29

See the full breaks on our custom condom price list, or read the wider guide to custom branded condoms. Send us any genuine like-for-like quote and we will beat it.

Fast enough for the weekend

Custom orders under 1,000 pieces are typically printed within one working day of artwork approval, then dispatched. That beats the three-to-five-day turnarounds most promotional suppliers quote, which matters when the event is this Saturday. Larger runs are confirmed at quote.

How it works

  1. Send your logo, artwork or a rough brief. We set it up for free, with no origination fee.
  2. We send a real photo proof of the printed wrapper for your sign-off. What you approve is what prints.
  3. We print and dispatch to your deadline, in plain discreet packaging, ready to reorder.
The safety bit that protects you: every condom is CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested, with expiry and batch details on the foil. We provide the certificates on request, so you can hand out branded condoms with none of the reputational risk that hit venues who used unusable novelty stock.

Ready to brand your bar?

Send your artwork, rough numbers and the date you need them, and we will quote quickly. Custom orders are made for the UK and Europe.

Get a quote
Condoms with your logo

Frequently asked questions

Are these branded condoms approved and clearly marked, so we do not hand out unsafe freebies?
Yes. Every condom is a genuine medical device, CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested, with the legally required expiry date and batch number kept on the foil. Your branding goes on the outer wrapper only, so it stays safe and clearly marked. We provide the certificates on request.
Can we put our bar or club logo on the wrappers?
Yes. We print your venue’s logo, night branding or full design in colour on the wrapper. Only the outer foil is customised; the certified condom inside is standard and unchanged.
What is the minimum order for a venue?
Just 50 pieces, far lower than the 250-piece minimum most promotional suppliers set. That makes a single event night or a small venue viable, with easy reorders once your artwork is set up.
Do you print directly or on a sticker?
Directly onto the wrapper, not onto a sticker or label. Direct print looks like a real product under bar lighting, survives handling and reads as premium rather than a cheap freebie.
How much do branded condoms cost for a bar or club?
From £0.49 each at 500 pieces, dropping to £0.39 at 1,000, £0.33 at 5,000 and £0.29 at 10,000, with no setup fee. Send us a like-for-like quote and we will beat it.
How fast can you turn them around for an event?
Custom orders under 1,000 pieces are typically printed within one working day of artwork approval, then dispatched, which is faster than the three-to-five-day turnarounds most suppliers quote. Larger runs are confirmed at quote.
Can we reorder the same design regularly?
Yes. Once your artwork is set up, reorders are quick with no origination fee to pay again. Tell us how often you get through stock and we will keep your branded foils coming.

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Condoms With Your Logo — Custom Printed in the UK

Put your logo on a condom and you get a giveaway people actually keep. The catch most buyers hit: a lot of “promotional” condoms are novelty stock that legally cannot be used. Ours are real, certified, tested condoms, printed with your branding in the UK from just 50 pieces. We will hand you the CE and ISO 4074 certificates for your legal or HR file, and beat any like-for-like quote.

Condoms with your logo, done properly

  • Your logo, slogan or full design printed in colour on the wrapper.
  • Real, usable condoms: CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested, with certificates we hand over on request.
  • From 50 pieces, not the 250 minimum most promo suppliers set.
  • A real photo proof of the printed wrapper before we run the full order.
  • No setup or origination fee. Discreet, plain delivery. Printed in the UK.
Get a quote
Talk to us

Real condoms, not unusable novelties

This is the question every serious buyer should ask, and most suppliers dodge it. Some branded condoms are sold as novelties, with a tiny “not recommended for use” line hidden on the pack, no clear expiry date and no batch number. Hand those out at a company event or a campus stand and you are one photo away from an awkward headline. Every condom we print is a genuine medical device, CE and ISO 4074 certified and tested, with the expiry date and batch number kept on the foil exactly where the law requires. Your artwork goes on the front. The safety information stays intact. We will send you the certificates so your legal, compliance or HR team can sign it off with confidence.

Who orders condoms with their logo

  • Corporate marketing for trade shows, conferences and brand activations, where a “late-night survival kit” gets remembered long after the tote bag.
  • Brands and agencies running events, sampling drives and sponsorships.
  • Bars, clubs and festivals using cheeky branded giveaways behind the bar or in goody bags.
  • Charities and health campaigns pairing a logo with a safer-sex message on the wrapper.

Ordering for a specific sector? We have dedicated pages for festivals, universities, agencies and Pride.

Printed, not stuck on

We print your design directly onto the wrapper, not onto a sticker or a label wrapped around a plain foil. Direct print looks like a real product rather than a marked-up freebie, it survives handling, and it reads as premium, which is the whole point of a branded gift. If a supplier is quoting you a “labelled” condom, you are paying promotional prices for a sticker.

Pricing, with no setup fee

There is no origination or setup charge, so the whole saving stays on your invoice. The price per condom drops with volume:

Quantity Price per condom
500 £0.49
1,000 £0.39
5,000 £0.33
10,000 £0.29

See the full breaks on our custom condom price list, or read the wider guide to custom branded condoms. Send us any genuine like-for-like quote and we will beat it.

Fast enough for a live deadline

Custom orders under 1,000 pieces are typically printed within one working day of artwork approval, then dispatched. That beats the 72-hour and three-to-five-day turnarounds most promotional suppliers quote, which matters when the trade show or campaign date will not move. Larger runs are confirmed at quote.

How it works

  1. Send your logo, artwork or a rough brief. We set it up for free, with no origination fee.
  2. We send a real photo proof of the printed wrapper for your sign-off. What you approve is what prints.
  3. We print and dispatch to your deadline, in plain discreet packaging, to the UK or Europe.
For your compliance file: every condom is CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested. We provide the certificates on request, so procurement, legal or HR can approve the order without chasing paperwork. Printing your logo on the wrapper does not change the certified condom inside.

Ready to brief us?

Send your artwork, rough numbers and the date you need them, and we will quote quickly. Custom logo orders are made for the UK and Europe.

Get a quote
Design your own

Frequently asked questions

Are branded condoms with our logo safe and legal to use in the UK?
Yes. Every condom we print is a genuine medical device, CE and ISO 4074 certified and factory-tested. Your design is printed on the outer wrapper only; the condom inside and its legally required expiry date and batch number are unchanged. We provide the certificates on request for your legal or HR file.
Can you provide compliance documentation for our HR or legal team?
Yes. We hand over the CE and ISO 4074 certificates on request so procurement, legal or HR can sign the order off. The certificates are genuine and cover the tested condoms we print on.
Can we keep the medical-device packaging intact and only customise the outer foil?
That is exactly how it works. Your branding is printed on the outer foil; the certified condom inside is standard, sealed and unchanged, with the mandatory safety information retained on the wrapper.
What is the minimum order for condoms with a logo?
Just 50 pieces, which is far lower than the 250-piece minimum most promotional suppliers set. That makes small campaigns, test runs and one-off events viable.
Do you print the logo directly or on a sticker?
Directly onto the wrapper, not onto a sticker or a label. Direct print looks like a real product, survives handling and reads as premium, unlike the labelled foils some suppliers offer.
How much do condoms with a logo cost?
From £0.49 each at 500 pieces, dropping to £0.39 at 1,000, £0.33 at 5,000 and £0.29 at 10,000, with no setup fee. Send us a like-for-like quote and we will beat it.
How fast can you deliver for an event or trade show?
Custom orders under 1,000 pieces are typically printed within one working day of artwork approval, then dispatched, which is faster than the 72-hour to five-day turnarounds most promotional suppliers quote. Larger runs are confirmed at quote.
Can you ship to our UK and EU offices?
Yes. Custom logo orders are made and dispatched for the UK and Europe, in plain discreet packaging, to one address or several.

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Condoms Around the World

Attitudes to condoms vary sharply around the world. In much of Europe, North America and Latin America they are a routine health product. In more conservative or highly religious settings they can still carry stigma or face practical barriers. The clearest global lesson is that condoms are not just contraception: they are a major HIV and STI prevention tool, and large access programmes have measurably cut infection rates where policy, supply and messaging line up.

Condom attitudes by country and region

Place Attitude / policy Notable fact (with year)
United Kingdom Mainstream within NHS sexual-health services, but young people still underuse them A 2017 Public Health England campaign followed survey data showing many young people had sex with a new partner without a condom.
Thailand Strong public-health acceptance, with state-backed supply The 100% Condom Programme, begun in 1989, became a global model; reported sex-worker condom use rose from 14% to 94% within five years.
Brazil Open public-health messaging, condoms promoted at mass events In 2026, the Health Ministry reported distributing 138 million condoms over three months and ran a Carnival prevention drive.
India Long-standing family-planning and social-marketing focus, with cultural reticence in places India launched Nirodh, its government condom brand, in 1968 in one of the first contraceptive social-marketing programmes.
Europe (EU) Generally normalised, though adolescent use has plateaued in some places The WHO reported that around a third of adolescents in Europe used neither a condom nor the pill at last intercourse (data up to 2025).
Sub-Saharan Africa Central to the HIV response, but access, stigma and gender imbalances remain barriers UNAIDS has noted condoms are sometimes wrongly linked to promiscuity, which discourages use.

A note on data: condom-use figures vary hugely by source, method and year, and older comparative datasets (for example a widely cited 2002 regional survey) should be treated with caution rather than as current fact.

Major global milestones

  • 1989: Thailand’s 100% Condom Programme begins in commercial-sex settings.
  • 1990s: Thailand and Cambodia record major HIV and STI declines linked to sustained condom use.
  • 2004: UNAIDS issues a position statement framing condoms as a key HIV-prevention tool.
  • 2017: England launches its “Protect against STIs” campaign aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds.
  • 2025: The WHO states that increased condom use since 1990 has averted about 117 million new HIV infections.

Myth versus fact

Myth Fact
Condoms are only about pregnancy. The WHO calls them the only contraceptive method that also prevents HIV and other STIs.
Promoting condoms causes promiscuity. UNAIDS says there is no evidence that condom education and access make young people start sex earlier or have more partners.
Condoms are a Western product with little global relevance. Condom programming has been central in Thailand, Brazil and South Africa, among others.
Modern HIV medicine has made condoms unnecessary. Health bodies treat condoms as part of combination prevention, alongside testing, PrEP and treatment.

Condoms and the HIV response

Condoms have been central to the global HIV response because they are cheap, scalable and effective when used correctly and consistently. The WHO estimates that increased condom use since 1990 has averted roughly 117 million new HIV infections. UNAIDS stresses they work best as part of combination prevention, not on their own, and warns that stigma, stock-outs and policing can all undermine access.

The UK in context

In the UK, condoms became part of mainstream sexual-health practice through the broader normalisation of contraception and the HIV-prevention push. Messaging has been strongest around younger people, with the 2017 campaign aiming squarely at embarrassment, low risk perception and inconsistent use with new partners. The UK is a useful contrast: acceptance is relatively high, yet behavioural gaps remain, which mirrors the wider truth that access alone does not guarantee routine use.

One brand, many borders

Condoms travel, and so do we: our novelty and custom range ships worldwide. If the cultural history is what drew you in, read the full history of condoms and the story of what different countries call them. Or skip to the fun and browse our funny condoms and design your own.

Frequently asked questions

Why do condom attitudes differ so much by country?
Religion, gender norms, sex education and government policy all shape whether condoms are seen as normal health tools or morally suspect.
Which country is the best-known condom success story?
Thailand, whose 100% Condom Programme cut STI rates dramatically and became a global model.
Do condoms really reduce HIV transmission?
Yes. The WHO and UNAIDS describe condoms as highly effective at reducing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently.
Are condoms still important now that PrEP exists?
Yes. Condoms remain the only widely available method that helps prevent HIV, other STIs and pregnancy at the same time.
What is the biggest barrier to condom use worldwide?
Usually not the product but stigma, inconsistent use, limited access and unequal power in relationships.
Which regions tend to have lower condom use?
Comparative data have often shown lower use in parts of the Middle East and some low-income settings, though measurement varies widely.
How many HIV infections have condoms prevented?
The WHO estimates that increased condom use since 1990 has averted about 117 million new HIV infections.
What is the UK’s main condom challenge today?
Less about legal access and more about normalising use with new or casual partners, especially among young adults.

Sources: World Health Organization, condoms fact sheet (2025); UNAIDS, condom position statement and HIV-prevention reviews; UNFPA, condom programming; Public Health England / GOV.UK, 2017 STI campaign; Thailand 100% Condom Programme evaluation. Statistics are year-stamped; older comparative datasets are flagged as dated.

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Condom Myths Debunked

Condoms are highly effective when used correctly and consistently. Most failures come from avoidable mistakes, not the condom itself. The biggest myths are about using more than one at a time, reusing them, the wrong lubricant, and assuming they cover every risk in every situation. Here they are, debunked with the evidence.

Effectiveness myths

Myth Verdict Fact
Condoms always break and are unreliable. False Used correctly and consistently they are highly effective. The NHS puts them at 98% effective with perfect use.
Pulling out works as well as a condom. False Withdrawal is less reliable and gives no STI protection. Condoms reduce both pregnancy and STI risk.
Condoms are only for pregnancy. False They also reduce the risk of most STIs, including HIV, when used properly.
Most failures are the product malfunctioning. False Failure usually comes from incorrect or inconsistent use, not a faulty condom.

Usage and fit myths

Myth Verdict Fact
Double-bagging is safer. False Two condoms create friction between the layers, which makes splitting or slipping more likely. Use one.
You can reuse a condom. False Condoms are single-use only. Reusing one risks breakage, leakage and infection.
Size does not matter. False Too tight can split, too loose can slip. A proper fit is snug and comfortable.
If it feels fine, the fit is fine. Partly true Some discomfort is noticeable, but a condom that seems fine can still be too loose or tight and affect safety.
You can put it on after starting. False It should go on before any genital contact, because sperm and infection can be present beforehand.
If it goes on inside-out, just flip it over. False Flipping it transfers pre-ejaculate to the outside. Throw it away and use a new one.

Material and safety myths

Myth Verdict Fact
Latex condoms protect against absolutely everything. Partly true Excellent for reducing pregnancy and STI risk, but not 100% protective against every route of transmission.
Lambskin protects against STIs too. False Animal-skin condoms may help with pregnancy, but do not protect against STIs as latex or polyurethane do.
Oil-based lube is fine with latex. False Oil-based products weaken latex and increase tearing. Use water- or silicone-based lube.
Expiry dates are just a formality. False The material deteriorates over time, making an expired condom less effective. Check the date.

Old wives’ tales

Myth Verdict Fact
Condoms cut off circulation. False Condoms stretch a great deal and should not constrict when the right size is used.
You only need a condom with strangers. False STI risk cannot be judged by appearance or trust. Many STIs have no symptoms.
Condoms kill the mood, so they are not worth it. False That is a preference, not a safety fact, and it does not change the health evidence.

What actually maximises effectiveness

The strongest habits are simple. Use one condom, put it on before any genital contact, check the expiry date and packaging, and pick a size that fits. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant with latex, and avoid oil-based products that weaken it. Done correctly, condoms are a highly effective way to reduce both unintended pregnancy and STI transmission.

Want the detail?

Our guides on how effective condoms are, condom sizes and types and materials go deeper on the practical side. And for the fun side, there is always our funny range and design your own.

Frequently asked questions

Are condoms reliable?
Yes. Used perfectly they are highly effective, and most failures come from misuse rather than the condom itself.
Can I use two condoms for extra safety?
No. Two condoms create friction and increase the chance of splitting or slipping.
Can I reuse a condom if it looks fine?
No. Condoms are single-use only, even if they appear intact.
Do condoms protect against every STI?
They reduce the risk of most STIs, including HIV, but do not prevent every possible transmission route perfectly.
Is oil-based lube okay with latex condoms?
No. Oil-based products can damage latex and make breakage more likely.
Do condoms expire?
Yes. An out-of-date condom may not be effective, so check the date before use.
Does condom size matter?
Yes. A better fit is safer because it reduces slippage and breakage.
When should a condom go on?
Before any genital contact begins.

Sources: NHS, “Condoms” and contraception effectiveness guidance; World Health Organization, condoms fact sheet; CDC, how to use a condom and condom dos and don’ts; Brook, choosing and using condoms. General health information, not medical advice.

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Condom Sizes and How to Measure

Condom sizing is mostly about width, not length. The number that matters is nominal width: the flat width of the condom in millimetres, which maps to how snug or loose it feels. To find your fit, measure your erect girth at the thickest point and match it against the nominal width on the box. Poor fit is not a small thing: it raises the risk of slipping, breakage, and people giving up on condoms altogether.

How to measure

  1. Measure when fully erect.
  2. Wrap a soft tape measure or a length of string around the thickest part of the shaft and note the girth in millimetres.
  3. If you use string, mark where it meets, then lay it against a ruler to read the millimetres.
  4. Check the box for nominal width in millimetres. That figure, not length, is the key sizing spec.
  5. If a condom feels tight, it is likely too narrow. If it feels baggy or slips, it is likely too wide.

Most condoms are long enough for most people, so start by matching width before worrying about length.

Sizing reference

Size band Nominal width Who it tends to suit
Snug / small 45–49 mm When standard condoms feel loose or slip
Standard / regular 50–54 mm The most common mainstream range in the UK
Large / wide fit 55–59 mm When standard condoms feel tight
Extra large 60–69 mm For a noticeably wider fit

One honest caveat: these bands are not standardised. Brands use different cut-offs for “standard”, “large” and “XL” even when the actual millimetre widths overlap. The number on the box is more reliable than the name on the front.

Myth versus fact

Myth Fact
One size fits all. Fit varies with girth, and ill-fitting condoms are linked to breakage and slippage.
Length is the main sizing issue. Width is usually the decisive measurement, because condoms unroll to different lengths far more easily than they stretch in width.
“Magnum” or a big name means better performance. Marketing names do not guarantee fit. The useful number is the nominal width.
Bigger is always better. A condom that is too wide can slip off, which reduces protection.
You can guess size from shoe or hand size. Those do not reliably predict girth. Direct measurement is the only dependable method.
Tighter is safer. Too-tight condoms can be uncomfortable and may tear more easily.

UK context and standards

In the UK, condoms are commonly sold in nominal widths across roughly the 49–60 mm range, with specialist products above and below that. NHS guidance advises measuring the erect penis at the thickest part and choosing a size that feels snug but not tight, noting that a condom which slips off is probably too loose. The relevant standard, ISO 4074:2026, sets requirements and test methods for natural rubber latex condoms, focusing on proper fit, freedom from holes, adequate strength and correct labelling rather than a single mandated length. Worth knowing, because some retail size charts blur brand marketing with formal standards, and those are not the same thing.

A quick note from us

We are a novelty and custom condom brand, so we will be straight with you: for everyday fit, follow the measuring steps above and the NHS guidance. If you are curious about the wider picture, our guides on how to choose a condom, condom types and materials and how effective condoms are go further. And when you want the wrapper to make someone laugh, that is our department: see our funny condoms or design your own.

Frequently asked questions

What does nominal width mean?
It is the width of the condom laid flat, in millimetres. It is the single most useful number for comparing fit across brands.
Why does girth matter more than length?
Because condoms usually unroll to cover a range of lengths, but the wrong width changes how securely they grip. Fit problems show up as slippage or tightness, not length.
How tight should a condom feel?
Snug and comfortable over the whole length, without pinching or rolling down. NHS guidance notes a too-tight condom can be uncomfortable and may tear.
What happens if a condom is too loose?
It can shift or slip off, which weakens protection and raises the risk of pregnancy and STIs.
Is one size really fits all true?
No. Both the evidence and clinical guidance support choosing a condom that matches your girth.
Do extra-large condoms feel better?
Not automatically. Sensation depends on fit, thickness and personal preference, not the size name.
Can I guess my size from my hand or shoe size?
No reliable evidence supports that. Direct measurement is more accurate.
Are “standard” and “regular” the same thing?
Often, in retail language, but the exact millimetre width varies by brand. The nominal width on the box is more reliable than the label.

Sources: NHS guidance on choosing and using condoms; ISO 4074:2026, natural rubber latex male condoms (requirements and test methods); peer-reviewed research on condom fit, slippage and breakage (PubMed / PMC). General information, not medical advice.

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Condom Types and Materials Explained

Not all condoms are made of the same stuff, and the difference matters. Latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms all reduce the risk of STIs when used correctly. Lambskin condoms do not, because the natural membrane is porous enough to let viruses through. Here is how the materials and features compare.

Condom materials compared

Material STI protection Allergy notes Oil-lube safe Vegan notes
Latex Yes, used correctly Not for latex-allergic users No, oil damages latex Plant-derived, but not always vegan if casein or other animal-derived aids are used. Check the pack.
Polyisoprene Yes, used correctly Good latex-free option Follow the pack; generally treat like latex Usually vegan if no animal aids. Check the pack.
Polyurethane Yes, used correctly Good latex-free option Less oil-sensitive than latex, but follow the pack Usually vegan if no animal aids. Check the pack.
Lambskin (natural membrane) No, does not block STIs Not a latex issue; it is animal tissue STI risk is the bigger limitation Not vegan; it is animal-derived.

Types and features

Feature What it does Evidence
Ribbed / dotted Adds texture for sensation Mostly a pleasure claim, not a proven medical benefit
Ultra-thin Aims to increase sensation No evidence that quality-tested thin condoms break more easily
Flavoured Made for oral sex Do not assume they suit other intercourse unless the pack says so
Warming / tingling Lubricant that creates a sensation A sensation claim; extra ingredients may irritate some people
Delay Adds a numbing agent such as benzocaine or lidocaine Can help delay ejaculation; not a treatment for underlying issues
Spermicidal Adds spermicide, often nonoxynol-9 Generally no advantage; spermicide can irritate tissue and adds nothing to STI protection
Large / snug Changes the fit Genuinely relevant: fit affects comfort, breakage and whether it stays on
Glow / novelty Cosmetic or novelty About preference, not protection

Myth versus fact

Myth Fact
Thinner condoms are weaker. Not if they meet quality standards. Thinness alone does not mean more breakage.
Lambskin is the safest, most natural option. Lambskin does not protect against STIs. It is porous to viruses.
Any condom works with oil-based lube. Oil-based lubricant can weaken latex and cause splitting. Use water- or silicone-based instead.
Non-latex condoms are second-rate. Polyisoprene and polyurethane are legitimate latex-free options for allergic users.
Spermicidal condoms give better protection. Added spermicide does not improve STI protection and can irritate tissue.
Latex is purely synthetic. Latex comes from rubber tree sap, though some condoms still are not vegan because of processing aids.

UK rules and standards

In the UK, condoms should carry a CE or UKCA mark, which shows they have been tested to recognised safety standards. The relevant standard, ISO 4074:2026, sets requirements and test methods for natural rubber latex condoms, including stability testing to estimate shelf life before a design goes on sale. NHS guidance puts condoms at up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly every time, and advises checking the use-by date before use.

Picking the right one

If you want to go deeper, our guides on how to choose a condom, whether condoms are vegan and how effective condoms are cover the practical decisions. And if you would rather have fun with the wrapper, browse our funny condoms or design your own.

Frequently asked questions

Which condom materials protect against STIs?
Latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane all protect against STIs when used correctly. Lambskin does not.
What should latex-allergic users choose?
Polyisoprene or polyurethane, the two main latex-free alternatives.
Is latex plant-derived?
Yes. Natural latex comes from rubber tree sap, but the finished condom may still include animal-derived processing aids.
Are latex condoms vegan?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on whether casein or other animal-derived ingredients were used in manufacturing, so check the packaging.
Do lambskin condoms prevent STIs?
No. They can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not reliably block STI transmission.
Is oil-based lube safe with condoms?
Not with latex condoms. Oil-based products can weaken the material and cause splitting. Use water- or silicone-based lube.
Do ultra-thin condoms break more often?
Not necessarily, as long as they meet recognised quality standards.
What does a delay condom do?
It usually contains a numbing agent such as benzocaine or lidocaine to help delay ejaculation.

Sources: NHS, “Condoms”; ISO 4074:2026, natural rubber latex male condoms (requirements and test methods); BSI, condom certification; Vegan Society guidance on latex and casein. General health information, not medical advice.

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Condom Advertising and Pop Culture: A History

For most of the 20th century you could barely say “condom” in public, let alone advertise one. British condom marketing went from euphemism and discreet trade channels to explicit billboards and television, and the turning point was not commerce but a public-health emergency. The first condom advert on UK television aired on 13 November 1987.

Timeline of condom advertising and media

Year Event Note
1915 London Rubber Company founded (later Durex) Began shaping UK condom supply and, eventually, its marketing.
1920s–50s Sold discreetly; advertising heavily restricted Stigma and ad rules kept condoms in euphemism, trade press and medical channels.
1957 First lubricated condom in Britain (Durex) A product innovation that helped normalise the disposable condom in shops.
1979 Durex “Closer Encounters” campaign High-visibility advertising that foregrounded pleasure, not just contraception.
1986 UK government “AIDS: Don’t Die of Ignorance” National information campaign that prepared the ground for explicit safe-sex messaging.
1987 First UK TV condom adverts (Mates) Aired 13 November 1987; the HIV context made broadcast acceptance possible.
1990s–2010s Humour, shock and cause-led campaigns Provocative creative became common, alongside watershed rules and complaints.

From discreet trade to mainstream advertising

The London Rubber Company, later the home of Durex, slowly moved condom marketing out of the pharmacy back room. By the late 1970s the brand was running assertive, pleasure-focused advertising, with the 1979 “Closer Encounters” campaign often cited as the moment British condom messaging stopped being purely clinical.

Then came the turning point nobody planned. The UK government’s 1986 “Don’t Die of Ignorance” campaign made frank public discussion of condoms a matter of disease prevention, and in November 1987 the condom brand Mates, launched by Richard Branson as a low-cost alternative, ran the first condom adverts on British television. The spots mixed humour with a serious safe-sex message, and they were permitted precisely because of the HIV crisis.

Condoms on screen

For decades, film and television either avoided condoms or hinted at them through innuendo, because censorship boards and broadcasting standards policed sex and contraception heavily. Direct depiction tended to appear first in art-house and foreign cinema and in sex-education programming, then spread into mainstream drama as standards loosened from the 1970s onward. The HIV era again accelerated things, turning condoms into a public-health talking point that broadcasters could address openly. On UK television, condom advertising was typically held to post-watershed slots and could still attract complaints when it strayed near family programming.

Music, comedy, art and novelty

Once the taboo cracked, condoms became fair game for comedy, music and art. They turned up as punchlines, as protest props in AIDS activism, and as oversized publicity stunts. Novelty and parody condoms, printed with jokes, brands and slogans, became a retail niche in their own right, tied to stag and hen traditions, tourism and plain sexual humour. The Paris stunt of 1993, when a 22-metre condom was stretched over an obelisk for World AIDS Day, sits squarely in that tradition of condom-as-statement.

How brands sold condoms when they could not name them

When explicit advertising was barred, brands leaned on code. Euphemisms like “for your protection”, “rubber goods”, “prophylactic” and the barber’s “something for the weekend” did the work, alongside discreet packaging and suggestive-but-deniable imagery. Humour was the other great workaround: a tongue-in-cheek tone let advertisers acknowledge sex without naming the product a regulator might block.

Myth versus fact

Myth Fact
“The first condom advert ever was on UK TV in 1987.” 1987 was the first commercial condom advert on UK television. Condoms were advertised in other media, and other countries, long before. Firsts are specific to medium and country.
“Condoms were never advertised before the 1970s.” They were marketed from the early 20th century, just discreetly, via trade press, pharmacies and euphemism.
“Durex invented the modern condom.” Durex industrialised and popularised latex condoms in Britain, but condoms long predate it and many makers contributed.
“UK rules banned condom ads outright.” Rules restricted explicit ads around children’s and pre-watershed slots; they were never an absolute, permanent ban.

We put the joke on the product

Generations of advertisers tied themselves in knots to sell condoms without naming them. We took the cheekier route and made the message the point. See our funny condoms, design your own, or read the wider history of condoms and the story of what we call them.

Frequently asked questions

When were condoms first advertised on UK TV?
The first commercial condom adverts on British television aired on 13 November 1987, when the Mates brand ran a series of spots during the HIV-awareness era.
Why did condom advertising open up in the 1980s?
The HIV and AIDS crisis prompted government information campaigns and reduced stigma, which created space for explicit safe-sex messaging and commercial adverts.
Were condoms advertised before Durex’s big campaigns?
Yes. Condoms were sold and marketed discreetly from the early 20th century, by companies such as the London Rubber Company, long before high-visibility campaigns appeared.
What role did Durex play?
Durex industrialised latex condom production, introduced innovations like lubrication, and ran high-profile campaigns from the late 1970s that shifted public perception in Britain.
Did UK rules ban condom adverts entirely?
No. Broadcast rules limited explicit sexual advertising, especially near children’s and pre-watershed programming, but never amounted to an absolute ban.
How did advertisers sell condoms when they could not say the word?
They used euphemism, medical framing, discreet placement, innuendo and humour to imply the function without naming the product.
Have condom adverts been controversial?
Yes. Campaigns using sexual humour, shock or explicit imagery have drawn complaints and regulator scrutiny, particularly when shown near family programming.
Are novelty and parody condoms a recent thing?
No. They have long existed as a cultural sub-market of gag gifts and stag and hen merchandise, reflecting the product’s place in sexual humour.

Sources: International Business Times, “the day the UK aired its first TV ad for condoms” (2017); King’s College London research on Durex and 1970s contraceptive consumerism; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, condom commerce history; academic work by Jessica Borge; KFF, HIV/AIDS media campaigns; Wikipedia, “History of condoms” and “Mates condoms”. Disputed “firsts” are flagged as medium- and country-specific.

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Weird Condom Facts and World Records

Condoms have a far stranger history than the chemist’s shelf suggests. They have been made from linen and animal gut, stretched over a Paris monument, issued to soldiers, hung in a national museum, and shipped by the hundred million. Here are the facts that hold up, and a few popular ones that do not.

History oddities

  • Long before latex, condoms were made from linen, animal intestine and bladder. The materials were reusable and a world away from anything modern.
  • Charles Goodyear’s rubber vulcanisation, patented in 1844, made durable rubber condoms possible, and the first rubber condoms followed in 1855.
  • Latex arrived in the 20th century and was far cheaper and easier to mass-produce than rubber, which is what turned condoms into a true mass-market product.
  • During the First World War, the British, French and German armies issued condoms to troops as disease prevention. The United States military was slower to adopt them, and only did so widely by the Second World War.
  • The first lubricated condom in Britain was produced by Durex in 1957.

Science and manufacturing

  • Modern condoms are quality-tested for holes and strength using electrical testing and inflation or burst testing under ISO standards.
  • The ISO 4074 standard includes stability testing to estimate shelf life before a new condom design is ever sold.
  • Latex gave condoms a far longer shelf life than the rubber versions before them. One historical source puts latex at roughly five years against about three months for early rubber.

Condom world records

Record Figure Holder / source Year
Largest condom 21.94 metres Funded by Benetton, fitted over the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde, Paris, for World AIDS Day (Guinness World Records) 1993
Largest collection of condoms 2,077 Amatore Bolzoni, Italy (Guinness World Records) 2004
Most condoms donated in one hour 13,312 DKT Health and PREMIERE Condoms (Guinness World Records) –
Most condoms burst on the head in three minutes 3 Davide D’Amore, Rome (Guinness World Records) 2010
Thinnest latex condom 0.036 mm AONI (Guinness-recognised report) 2014

Unusual real-world uses

  • Outside the bedroom, condoms have been used for waterproofing, carrying water and keeping kit dry. These are common survival-style improvisations rather than anything official, so treat them as folklore, not advice.
  • Their best-documented non-contraceptive role is military: condoms were issued as part of disease-prevention policy across several armies in the 20th century.
  • A roughly 200-year-old condom, made from a sheep’s appendix and printed with an erotic etching of a nun and three clergymen captioned “Voila mon choix” (“This is my choice”), went on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in June 2025. It is believed to be a brothel souvenir from around 1830, and only two such printed examples are known to survive.

Scale and economics

  • Condoms are a genuinely industrial product. UNFPA reported that in 2024 it and the Global Fund delivered more than 683 million male condoms across 37 countries.
  • The shift to latex manufacturing is what made condoms cheap and easy to produce at scale, moving them from a niche good to a mass-market one.

Popularly repeated, but unverified

Plenty of “condom facts” do the rounds without a solid source behind them. We would rather flag them than repeat them as gospel.

  • “Condoms appear in French cave paintings.” This pops up in low-quality trivia lists, but no strong primary source supports it.
  • “A condom can safely hold a gallon of liquid.” A publicity-style claim, not a meaningful safety measure, and not backed by any standards body.
  • “Every army issued condoms in the Second World War.” Some did, but policies varied by country and period, so the blanket version is too broad.
  • “Double-bagging is safer.” Commonly repeated and wrong: using two condoms at once increases friction and the risk of splitting.

From oddity to artwork

People have been turning condoms into jokes, souvenirs and statements for two centuries, that Rijksmuseum piece included. We’re firmly in that tradition.

Weird & novelty condoms
Design your own
History of condoms
Condom slang & nicknames

Frequently asked questions

What is the largest condom ever made?
A 21.94-metre condom funded by Benetton, fitted over the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde in Paris for World AIDS Day in 1993.
When did modern condoms begin?
Durable condoms became possible after rubber vulcanisation in the 1800s, with the first rubber condoms in 1855 and latex versions taking over in the 20th century.
Why are condoms called “rubbers”?
Because the first mass-produced condoms were made of rubber, and the material’s name stuck as slang.
Are condoms really tested for holes?
Yes. ISO-based testing includes electrical and inflation or burst methods designed to detect defects before a condom is sold.
Did the military really issue condoms?
Yes. British, French, German and later American forces issued condoms for disease prevention during the world wars.
How big is the global condom supply?
Vast. UNFPA reported that it and the Global Fund delivered more than 683 million male condoms across 37 countries in 2024 alone.
Is there really a condom in a museum?
Yes. The Rijksmuseum displayed a roughly 200-year-old printed condom in 2025, believed to be a brothel souvenir from around 1830.
Is it true that two condoms are safer than one?
No. That is a persistent myth. Two condoms create friction that makes splitting and slipping more likely, not less.

Sources: Guinness World Records (largest condom; largest collection; thinnest latex condom; related records); “The story of the condom”, PMC / NIH; Rijksmuseum press release and CNN coverage of the 2025 display; UNFPA, condom programming updates (2024). Claims without a strong primary source are listed separately as unverified.

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Condom Slang and Nicknames: French Letters, Johnnies and the Rest

Britain has spent centuries finding ways not to say the word “condom”. French letter, johnny, rubber, love glove: most of these are jokes, polite dodges or quiet digs at other countries rather than anything literal. And the word “condom” itself? Nobody actually knows where it came from. The famous tale of a “Dr Condom” at the court of Charles II is almost certainly a myth.

Where does the word “condom” come from?

The honest answer is that no one is certain. The word first appears in print in England in the early 1700s, but its true root has never been settled. Etymologists have floated Latin condus (a vessel or store), the Latin verb condere (to hide or store away), an Italian word linked to “glove”, and a Persian term for a length of intestine used for storage. None of these has ever been proven, and serious references still list the origin as unknown.

Two stories get repeated as fact and should not be. The first is the legend of a “Dr Condom” (sometimes an earl or a court physician) who supposedly invented or recommended the device for Charles II. There is no record of such a person, condoms were already in use long before Charles took the throne, and the tale only surfaces around 1709. Most authorities reject it outright. The second is that the word comes from the French town of Condom. That is folk etymology with no real evidence behind it. Both make great pub trivia and neither is true.

British slang for condoms

Term Meaning and likely origin Era
French letter Dated euphemism, probably mixing the old British habit of pinning anything risqué on the French with the folded, envelope-like look of early sheaths. Mid-1800s on
Johnny Informal British slang of uncertain origin. The stories tying it to a real person are repeated everywhere but never verified. 20th century
Rubber Named after the material of early mass-produced condoms. The product changed; the nickname stuck. 1800s on
Sheath A plain metaphor: a cover or case. One of the older euphemisms still in clinical use. 1700s on
Prophylactic Clinical word for something that prevents disease, long used to avoid saying “condom” out loud. 1800s on
Something for the weekend The classic British barber’s question, a coded offer that let nobody actually name the product. 20th century
Love glove / raincoat Jokey modern metaphors, both built on the idea of a protective cover. Late 20th century on

French letter versus English overcoat

Here is the part most people miss. While the British were calling it a “French letter”, the French were calling it capote anglaise, the “English overcoat” or “English hood”. Each side hung the embarrassing thing on the other. It fits a wider European habit of giving anything morally awkward a foreign name, so you never have to own it yourself. The condom got caught in a cross-Channel blame game that lasted well over a century.

What condoms are called around the world

Place Term Literal sense
France capote anglaise English overcoat / hood
Germany Pariser “the Parisian”
Brazil camisinha “little shirt”
Spain preservativo “preservative / protector”
Italy preservativo / cappuccio “preservative” / “little hood”
Japan kondomu a direct loanword, not a euphemism

The pattern repeats across languages: either a polite clinical word like “preservative”, or a homely metaphor about a little garment that covers something up. Germany even kept the cross-border joke alive by naming it after Paris.

When the brand becomes the word

A few names got so big they almost turned generic. In Britain that is Durex; in the United States, Trojan. It happened partly because, for decades, you could barely advertise condoms openly. Brands and shops leaned on euphemism instead: “for your protection”, “rubber goods”, “for disease prevention”, or the barber’s quiet “something for the weekend, sir?” The coded language did the selling so nobody had to say the unsayable.

Myth versus fact

Myth Fact
“Condom” was named after Dr Condom, physician to Charles II. No such person can be found in the records. The story only appears around 1709 and most authorities reject it.
The word comes from the French town of Condom. A popular folk etymology with no real evidence behind it.
“French letter” means the French invented the condom. It is a euphemistic nickname built on national stereotyping, not a record of origin.
“Capote anglaise” proves the English invented it. It is simply the French version of the same cross-border joke.
“Johnny” definitely comes from one named person. The origin is uncertain and the named-person stories are unverified.
Early condoms were always rubber. Before rubber and latex they were made from animal gut, bladder and linen.

We took the opposite approach

For centuries people went to absurd lengths not to name the thing. At Kissy Bang Bang we did the reverse and put the joke right on the wrapper. If you fancy the full backstory, our history of condoms covers the lot, from linen sheaths to latex. And if you would rather write your own punchline, you can design your own from scratch.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a condom called a French letter?
It is a dated British euphemism from the 1800s, probably combining the old habit of blaming the French for anything risqué with the folded, letter-like shape of early condoms.
What does capote anglaise mean?
Literally “English overcoat” or “English hood”. It is the French nickname for a condom, the mirror image of the British “French letter”.
Was there really a Dr Condom?
No reliable evidence supports it. No such person appears in the records of the period, and historians generally treat the story as a myth.
Where does the word “condom” come from?
Nobody knows for certain. The leading guesses point to Latin or Persian roots, but all remain speculative, and serious references list the origin as unknown.
Why do people call condoms “rubbers”?
Because the first mass-produced condoms were made of rubber, and the material’s name became the slang term.
What is a “johnny”?
It is informal British slang for a condom. Its exact origin is unclear, despite plenty of confident but unverified stories.
Why do different countries name condoms after rival nations?
It is a long-running euphemistic joke. Pinning an embarrassing item on a neighbouring country made it easier and safer to talk about.
What did advertisers say when they could not say “condom”?
They used coded phrases like “prophylactic”, “protection”, “rubber goods”, “for disease prevention” and the barber’s “something for the weekend”.

Sources: Oxford University Press, “The word condom” (2022); Etymonline, “condom”; “The story of the condom”, PMC / NIH (2013); University of Edinburgh, “French letters”; Wikipedia, “History of condoms”. Disputed origins are flagged as disputed throughout.

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Bulk Branded Condoms for Gift Businesses: What Actually Trips People Up

For gift brands & gift businesses

Bulk Branded Condoms for Gift Businesses: What Actually Trips People Up

Branded condoms look like any other promotional product until you try to order them. Then the minimums, the rules, and the print quality get in the way. Here is what makes it complicated, and how to take each problem off the table.

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If you run a gift business, branded condoms should be easy. You have done branded sweets, branded mugs, branded everything. You send a logo, a factory prints it, the stock arrives. With condoms it rarely goes that smoothly, and most people only find out why once they are halfway into sourcing.

The good news is that none of the complications are really yours to solve. They come from how the condom industry is set up, not from anything about your brand. Here is the honest version of what gets in the way, and where each one actually lands.

The three things that make it harder than it looks

Strip it back and almost every “this is more complicated than I expected” moment comes down to one of these.

1
It is a regulated productA condom is a medical device, not a blank object. It has to meet a safety standard before anyone can sell it, which rules out printing your own from scratch.
2
Most factories only sell bigCondom manufacturers are built for buyers ordering thousands or tens of thousands. A gift range or an event rarely needs that many.
3
Sticker or printed decides the lookThe cheapest suppliers stick a printed label onto the foil. It peels at the edges and looks like an afterthought. Printed directly into the wrapper, the branding lasts and looks the part.

What makes bulk branded condom orders complicated, answered

Why are branded condoms harder to order than branded pens or mugs?

Because a condom is a regulated medical device, not just a printed object. Anyone can print a mug. A condom has to be certified to a safety standard first, the print has to survive being unrolled without cracking, and most factories only sell at large scale. So the difficulty comes from regulation, print durability, and minimum quantities, not from your design.

Printing onto stock that is already certified removes the first two from your plate entirely. You handle the brand, the regulated side is already done.

What is the catch with the 10,000-unit minimums most condom factories want?

Most condom manufacturers are set up for wholesale buyers, so their minimums start in the thousands or tens of thousands. For a gift range, a festival, or a product drop you rarely need that many, which leaves you choosing between over-ordering stock you cannot sell and not ordering at all.

Kissy Bang Bang prints from 50 pieces, so you can size the order to the actual occasion instead of a factory’s minimum.

Are there legal or compliance hurdles to selling branded condoms in the UK?

There can be, if you try to source and certify the condoms yourself. The complication disappears when you print on stock that is already compliant. The condoms Kissy Bang Bang prints on are CE-marked and ISO 4074 compliant, and the category is regulated by the MHRA.

Kissy Bang Bang does not manufacture the condom, it prints your design on the foil wrapper. Printing your brand on the wrapper does not change the device’s certification or make you the manufacturer. You supply the artwork and the regulated side is already handled. The one limit to know: these cannot be sold into the US or Canada, because they are not FDA-cleared.

Why do some branded condoms look cheap or peel, and how is that avoided?

Two things make a branded condom look cheap: the print method and the wrapper. The cheapest suppliers stick a printed label onto the foil instead of printing the design into the wrapper itself. A stuck-on sticker catches and peels at the edges, looks like an afterthought, and never has the same impact as branding that is part of the wrapper. Even when the print is direct, rigid ink on a wrapper that flexes every time the condom is unrolled will crack or lift.

Kissy Bang Bang prints your design directly onto the foil, no stickers, with flexible specialist ink on a 6x6cm wrapper, a centimetre larger per side than the 5x5cm most suppliers use. The branding is part of the wrapper rather than glued on top, so it has room to be seen and stays intact in the hand.

Can you actually see what you are getting before committing to a full run?

Yes, and this is the single biggest thing that de-risks a branded order. Before any full run, Kissy Bang Bang sends a real photograph of an actual printed wrapper, not a digital mockup. You approve the physical proof before production starts.

Most suppliers show a screen mockup at best. Seeing the real printed item is what stops a gift order going wrong after it is too late to fix.

What is the real risk on a dated drop like a festival, Christmas, or a product launch?

The risk is a supplier missing your date, which is fatal when the whole point is a fixed event or launch window. Long factory lead times are where dated orders fall apart.

Kissy Bang Bang prints orders under 1,000 pieces in one working day, in the UK, so a tight deadline is not held hostage to overseas production. The date drives the order, not the other way round.

Are there hidden costs like setup fees, tooling, or artwork charges?

With a lot of suppliers, yes. Setup fees, tooling charges, and per-revision artwork fees are where a quote quietly grows after you have committed.

Kissy Bang Bang charges no setup fee and no charge for design changes, including artwork iterations you ask for. The quoted price is the price, which makes the margin on a gift range predictable.

Does shipping or discretion get complicated for a gift business?

Shipping is straightforward for the UK and the EU, plus other markets where local rules allow, and orders ship discreetly so nothing on the outside gives the contents away.

The one exception to plan around is North America. Kissy Bang Bang cannot supply the US or Canada, because the condoms are not FDA-cleared. Everywhere else is open.

The short version

Ordering branded condoms only gets complicated when you try to be the manufacturer. Print on already-certified stock and the hard parts, the regulation and the safety standard, are already solved. What is left is your logo, the right print method, and a supplier who will show you a real photo before the full run.

That is the gap Kissy Bang Bang was built to fill, for gift brands rather than condom companies.

Want it sorted properly?

If you are putting your name on a wrapper for a gift range, an event, or a client, the white-label route is built for exactly that. Tell us the quantity and the deadline and we will quote it.

See white-label for gift brands

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White-label condoms for gift brands
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Minimum order for custom condoms

Your brand, on the wrapper, without the factory headache

From 50 pieces, printed in the UK in one working day, with a real photo before the full run. Send us the brief.

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