This paper focuses on the resistance young men show towards consistent condom use. It is based on data generated by peer research that offer information about the distaste young men express about condoms, but also emphasise some of the physical difficulties that young men can experience when using them, which they are less willing to express. The paper also argues that these difficulties have implications for young men's subjectivities and especially for their masculinities. The data offer insights into the values and attitudes operating in informal cultures of young people that can subvert messages generated by health promotion. It has significant implications for sex and sexuality education policies and practices, which are drawn out throughout this paper.