What Durex stands for, it was a surprise they didn’t expect
Durex, now a trusted name in sexual health, is finally earning praise for its innovation and legacy. It began in 1915 as the London Rubber Company. In 1929, it rebranded to Durex—short for “Durability, Reliability, and Excellence.” By the 1950s, Durex had already cemented itself as a global leader in the condom industry, setting new standards in safety and design.
Durex has long led the way in condom innovation. It was the first brand to use electronic testing, setting a new standard for safety and quality. Durex also broke ground with the launch of anatomically shaped condoms, designed for better comfort and performance.
In the 1970s, Durex made history again. It became the first condom brand to go global, launching bold ad campaigns across multiple countries. By the late 1990s, Durex introduced its signature “quality seal,” a global benchmark of trust.
The brand didn’t stop there. Durex expanded its range to include latex-free condoms and fun options like colorful and flavored styles. In the 2000s, it kept the momentum going, rolling out textured condoms and a variety of lubricants to enhance pleasure and protection.
While JB Pritzker’s fiery speech earned loud cheers in the room, Donald Trump Jr. wasn’t applauding.
He quickly jumped on X, writing: “Are you trying to inspire a 3rd assassination attempt on my dad? Two wasn’t enough for you?” The 47-year-old’s outburst sparked instant backlash.
One user fired back: “Settle down, drama queen. That’s not at all what Pritzker is doing or saying.” Another added, “Nobody has said such a thing apart from you. Are you inciting violence by any chance?” A third sarcastically commented, “Because a megaphone and microphone are obviously lethal weapons, right?”
The outrage comes just months after the shocking July 13, 2024 rally in Pennsylvania. There, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Donald Trump. The former president survived with a grazed ear, but two people died — Crooks himself and Trump supporter Corey Comperatore.
The recent reveal about Durex’s name sparked curiosity everywhere. Many people admitted they never questioned its meaning. One person guessed, “I thought it meant durable.” Another joked it might be linked to an ex.
A branding student stumbled on the truth while researching how names impact market identity. She explained, “Some trademarks evolve into everyday language—like how ‘Googling’ became a verb, or how ‘Corona’ took on a darker tone during the pandemic.”
As it turns out, Durex stands for dependability, durability, and excellence—core traits that helped shape its global reputation.
Another user nailed it: “Who knew Durex stood for durability, reliability, and excellence?” they said. Then added with a wink, “Guess that makes me a Durex-beast in bed. Ha!”
Durex began with Lucian Landau, a Polish student studying rubber technology. By 1932, the brand was already manufacturing its own products, according to British Heritage.
On its official website, Durex proudly highlights its focus on quality: “We’ve been crafting condoms with premium materials since 1929 — we know a thing or two about performance.” The company says it puts every condom through rigorous testing, including dermatological comfort checks and electronic hole detection. According to Durex, their products exceed global safety standards to ensure fun and safe experiences for everyone.
To boost sexual well-being, Durex teams up with scientists, doctors, and academics. “They help us make sex feel even better,” the company says.
Now, thanks to the hidden story behind the Durex name, people have a fun fact to drop in conversation — maybe even at the next dinner party.
