Empty carton of 3 Durex 'Arouser' ribbed condoms 'for heightened pleasure', spermicidally lubricated, with instruction leaflet, manufactured by LRC Products Ltd, England, c1994 (expiry date March 1997)

Part of a small personal collection of condoms and packaging dating from around the 1990s, this product is an example of the increased use of condoms internationally following the emergence of HIV and AIDS. Previously marketed as contraception, condom products diversified as they began to be targeted at a wider range of people, which led to new flavours, textures, and colours.

Colloquially referred to in the UK as a ‘packet of three’ since the 1960s, condoms have had many euphemisms over the decades including skins, rubbers and gloves. Before condoms became widely available from supermarkets, garages and vending machines, British barbers would coyly ask their Friday customers if they wanted to purchase ‘something for the weekend’ along with their haircut. Condoms are still commonly sold in packets of three.