Everything You Need To Know About Thongs

No item of underwear comes with as many questions as the thong! Diverging from traditional knicker styles, the thong is designed with minimal coverage, with a thin back strap that sits between the bum cheeks. Some people swear by the barely-there feel of the thong, whilst others have their suspicions about how they could possibly be comfortable. A staple of the modern underwear drawer, we love a thong here at Y.O.U, and we’re here to answer some frequently asked questions about thongs. 

Why do people wear thongs?

There are many reasons to wear and love a thong. The thong is often a go-to for those wanting to avoid visible pant lines (VPL) under tight fitting outfits, as the minimalist design makes it very discreet. Thongs can also feel pretty confidence-boosting, as their high cut design elongates the legs for a super flattering silhouette. Thongs have had a bit of a come-back in recent years too, due to the popularity of low-rise jeans. 

Try organic cotton thongs for yourself!

Are thongs comfortable?

Despite suspicions, thongs can be incredibly comfortable. Misconceptions about thong comfort come from negative experiences with badly-made or poorly fitting thongs. Too tight and it will dig in, too loose and it won’t stay in place, leading to bunching and twisting. 

A well-fitting thong should be almost imperceptible, meaning you can go on about your day without thinking about your underwear. A thong should not be aesthetics over comfort, but both in perfect harmony! 

So, how to choose the right thong size? It is important to measure yourself against the size guide of the brand you are buying from, to ensure the right fit. For your waist measurement, wrap a tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist, typically just above your belly button. For your hip measurement, measure the fullest part of your hips and bum. A well-fitting thong should feel snug, but not tight, and lie flat against your skin. 

Harsh fabrics used by some brands are also a reason why thongs get a bad rap, as lace and synthetic fabrics can quickly become irritating over the course of a day. Enter: organic cotton thongs! Soft, natural fibres are always going to be your best friend when it comes to all-day comfort. The best thong underwear for sensitive skin, organic cotton thongs are breathable and moisture wicking, ensuring maximum comfort. 

  When was thong underwear invented?

In 1939, the livelihoods of burlesque performers and showgirls came under threat when Mayor Fiorello La Guardia placed bans on nudity in burlesque theatres in a campaign against "filth and lewdness”, (a.k.a the policing of female bodies in public spaces!) Thongs became a loophole for dancers to get around this ban and to continue performing, and the thong became intimately linked to female expression and sexual liberation. The modern thong, as we know it, is generally credited to Austrian American designer Rudi Gernreich, who invented the thong bikini in response to LA City Council banning public nudity in 1974.

Thong vs g-string: is there a difference?

The terms ‘thong’ and ‘g-string’ are often used interchangeably. However, thong is the umbrella term for this cut of underwear, whereas g-string refers to an even more minimalist style, with very little fabric and coverage.

At Y.O.U, we’ve opted for a more standard thong shape in our design, instead of a g-string style. They have been constructed with a cheeky cut, designed to sit lightly on the hips, which can be pulled up for a high waisted thong fit. 

Are thongs only for certain body types?

Absolutely not! Choosing underwear should be about what YOU want to wear, not someone else’s outdated ideas about who should wear what. Thongs are for anyone who wants discreet underwear to make them feel confident. Ranging from size 6 to 18, Y.O.U offers plus size thongs that are comfortable for everyday, avoiding digging in.

The right thong should feel secure and sit properly, working with your natural curves, regardless of age or size. 

Can thongs cause health issues?

The idea that thongs are bad for you is, simply put, an urban myth. A 2018 study found no evidence to back up claims that thongs can cause health issues like thrush, UTIs or bacterial vaginoisis. If it is well fitting and well looked after, a thong is not bad for you. You can even wear a thong when working out, if you change into a fresh pair afterwards!

Check out our recent blog for some tips on underwear hygiene. Generally, washing with hypoallergenic soaps, changing underwear after exercise, and opting for breathable fabrics is best practice for underwear hygiene. Thongs do NOT need to be avoided!

Can you wear a thong everyday?

A cute, lacy thong won’t hurt you on occasion, but for everyday wear, it’s best to opt for gentle, breathable fabrics like organic cotton. Because of their minimalist design, thongs are a versatile item of underwear suited to any occasion, and are discreet under almost all clothing!

Black cotton thongs or white thongs make a classic wardrobe staple, whereas nude thongs can be great for an invisible no-underwear look. For a fun, flirty style, red thongs are a brilliant choice, as well as other bright coloured thongs. 

Why should you try a Y.O.U thong?

We may be biased, but we strongly believe that the Y.O.U thong is the most comfortable thong for daily wear. Organic cotton makes the best underwear for sensitive skin, and a top choice for people wanting sustainable materials in their wardrobes.

All of our underwear is made with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, guaranteeing gentle fibres that are better for your skin, and for the planet. 

On top of this, for every underwear purchase here at Y.O.U, a pair of underwear goes to someone in need, thanks to our Buy-One-Give-One model in partnership with Smalls For All. 

Don’t just take our word for it though. Our customers love our thongs too, demonstrated in this review from a wonderful customer:

“Impossibly comfortable. These are the only thong I have ever found comfortable. They’re so stretchy and you forget you’re wearing one, and fairly invisible under most clothes. Recommend!” - H, May 2025

We even offer thong multipacks, so you can save money on our thongs too! What more could you want?

Read about our other knicker styles with these blog posts:

Cotton Boyshorts: 7 Reasons to Try This Flattering & Comfy Style Today

What is the Best Underwear Style for Everyday? A Guide to Women's Knickers

Boxers, Briefs, Trunks? Men's Underwear Types Explained

 

Author: Evie Tucker, Retail and Comms Team, Y.O.U Underwear

Images courtesy of Y.O.U Underwear

 

Sources:

Are thongs bad for your health? | Boots

What is a Thong? | Guide to Thong Types | Boux Avenue