How to Wear a Thong
Sheridan Grant
Table of Contents
Whether you’re wearing it for comfort, style, or a (literally) seamless look, you may be wondering how to wear a thong. Like all underwear, they come in various fabrics, styles, colors, and sizes and provide comfort—but with a sexy touch.
If the word ‘comfort’ is throwing you off, you’re in the right place. Turns out, you may be opting for the wrong size or fabric, or maybe you simply haven’t found the perfect fit just yet. And if you’re looking for something to pair with a matching bra or rid yourself of those dreaded panty lines, there are plenty of options on the market.
All that being said, these undergarments can be chic and cool, sexy and sensual. The right thong will make you forget that you’re even wearing one. Interested in finding out a little bit more? After reading our guide, you’ll learn:
- How to wear a thong correctly
- Different types of thongs
- How not to wear a thong
- Fashion tips to avoid
What is a Thong?
Underwear is a personal thing, so you may not be up to speed on what exactly a thong is just yet. Fortunately, if you’re wondering, ‘what are thongs,’ we’ve got the deets on everything you need to know before you invest in a pair for yourself.
A thong is an undergarment with minimal material in the back. It’s worn under clothing, as a swimsuit, or on its own (if you catch our drift).
The waistbands come in various different sizes to sit in different spots on your waist, with a thin strip of material that sits between the buttocks. The front can feature different materials and designs.
Now that you know a little more about the thong itself, you may be wondering when to wear it. Below, we’ll share some of the best (and worst) times to wear these bottoms.
When to Wear a Thong
All things considered, there are plenty of times you may prefer to wear a thong, whether it’s for style or comfort. A number of outfits don’t require a thong, but they’ll definitely look even better panty line-free or with a cheeky style showing.
Thongs pair well beneath every bodycon dress, skirt, or even fitted jeans and other bottoms. Essentially, they don’t cause the same panty line that other undergarments could, so you don’t have to stress about any lines or marks showing through and taking away from your outfit as a whole.
They’re also good for dressier and casual occasions because they can be worn beneath your nicest dresses and your most casual gym attire. That being said, there are different style thongs ideal for each event, but we’ll delve into that a little later.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to wear a thong at all times. Comfort is key, and it all depends on your preferences. Period week is usually the worst time to wear a thong, along with times you’re feeling a little sicker.
On those days, it’s best to opt for a bikini cut or a pair of briefs to provide a little more comfort and breathability. It’s also important to avoid wearing thongs when you’re menstruating or unwell because it’s easier to spread bacteria and germs between the anus and vulva.
While it’s fine to wear your thongs daily, it’s important to change them often. Also, it’s good to try different underwear or even go commando at night so that you don’t constantly have tight fabric against your skin, which can cause chafing, while even putting you at risk for infection.
That being said, there are a number of ways to wear a thong that feels comfortable and looks good, which we’ll outline down below.
How to Wear a Thong
If you’re not quite sure how to wear a thong, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Of course, this depends on the look you’re going for as well as the fabric and style of the thong you choose.
Of course, the classic option is to match your thong with your bra, as well as any other pieces such as stockings and garters. This creates a cohesive and sexy look, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing and matching either. Though we recommend using similar colors or fabrics and patterns.
That being said, you may also want to style your thong under clothing. If you’ve got a pair you want to show off, wear low-waisted bottoms with a high-cut thong for a stylish and bold look.
If you want something a little more understated that simply solves the panty line issue, wear a thong that sits low on the hips or is the same cut as the bottoms you choose.
You may also be wondering how to wear a thong as a man. If you’d prefer to keep it private, opt for higher-waisted, darker colored bottoms so they won’t show through. Of course, ignore that tip if you’re looking to show off your stylish undergarments.
All that being said, it also helps to choose which kind of thong you’d like to wear. That brings us to our next segment: what types of thongs are out there.
What Type of Thongs Can You Get?
When it comes down to it, there are a number of different types of thongs to consider when you’re wondering how to wear a thong.
First up, of course, is the traditional thong. This style often has a more full-coverage front with a thicker waistband and a 1-inch wide back strip.
Traditional thongs are ideal for wearing with matching sets or beneath fitted clothing for a seamless look. If you’d prefer something even more minimal, a g-string may be your preferred option. It features a thin waistband and fabric in the back, as well as a much smaller triangle of fabric in the front.
Another option is the tanga, which has a little more fabric all over, making it more of a cross between regular panties and a thong. This style is a bit more “cheeky,” still keeping the buttocks mostly revealed for a panty-line-free look.
There is also a multitude of different fabrics to choose from, creating different looks and styles. You can opt for anything from a leather thong to all lace or cotton for a more complex or simpler look, as well as comfortable options for working out, depending on what you’re going for.
Thongs also come in different cuts. You can find anything from high-waisted to high-cut to mid-ride to low-waisted. This selection depends all on your personal preferences and how high you’d like your underwear to sit on your waist.
Now that you know how to wear a thong and the various types of thongs available, it only makes sense to delve into some outfit ideas so you can get some inspiration!
5 Outfit Ideas With a Thong
Mesh and see through fabrics
If you’ve got a thong worth showing off, whether it’s a bikini bottom or just your new fav pair of underwear, mesh fabric is the way to go. This style feels very Kim K, with a lengthy bodycon dress that is almost completely see-through.
Beneath the dress is a matching bra top and thong, in bright white color that pairs seamlessly with the sheer white dress. The look is completed with a pair of white strappy heels and a mini red bag for a pop of color.
Whale tail
If you have social media, chances are your feed was graced with this pic of Bella Hadid. This look feels very street style, but you can opt for a number of different wardrobe staples to create your own vibe.
Bella pairs a black bra top with her matching high cut black thong, which sits on her hips above the low waisted denim. This is called the “whale tail,” a style straight out of the 90s, which shows off your stylish undergarments in a bold and unique way.
She tops the outfit off with a shoelace belt, a headscarf, and an oversized black tote bag. Plus, she’s got her white trainers in hand as she walks across the beach, perhaps hinting that she’s ready to take a dip!
Gym fits
When you’re heading out the door in a pair of buttery soft leggings and a matching sports bra, there’s no worse feeling than a bulky pair of briefs bunched up beneath the fitted fabric. That being said, not everyone loves to go commando either.
Kendall Jenner agrees, showing off her seamless look with what is likely a thong beneath a pair of sage green leggings. She completes the ensemble with a comfy pair of sandals and white socks, proving that this style is all about comfort.
Unbuttoned jeans
Another option to show off your stylish undergarments? Unbutton the front of your jeans, folding down the edges to reveal your high-waisted bottoms. Extra points if you opt for shredded or distressed denim, giving the look a disheveled yet stylish vibe.
The baggy denim feels loose and carefree, so the unbuttoning feels natural. These black undergarments with a soft white waistband are juxtaposed by a bright red long sleeve, while the black and white converse and black bucket hat tie the pieces together.
Also, if you’re ready for a beach day, swap the thong for a bikini bottom and your jeans for some shorts, and you’ll be ready to soak up the sun and easily run in for a dip!
Silky fabrics
It’s no secret: silk and satin aren’t the most forgiving fabrics. With every move, your panty line is suddenly the star of the show, when all you wanted was to show off your best assets. Replace the bulky panties with a fitted thong and your look will go from 0-100 just like that.
This silky, seamless skirt pairs perfectly with an oversized sweater for a cool and comfy look. The style is topped off with some nude heels to elongate the leg and some oversized sunnies that feel chic and powerful.
How to Choose The Best Thong
When it comes down to it, underwear is always a personal choice. Some people prefer different cuts and fabrics, while others pay close attention to colors and details. Below, we’ll outline some of the top things to consider when finding the perfect thong for your underwear drawer.
- Price
- Quality
- Material
- Comfort
- Fit/size
- Style
Whatever you’re looking to spend is the top thing to keep in mind, since there’s nothing worse than falling in love with some lingerie only to discover it’s way too expensive. That being said, there’s plenty of lingerie and underwear available for a reasonable cost.
In saying that, quality lingerie does come at a price and long lasting, durable, comfortable fabrics aren’t always cheap. So, if you want a thong for a costume or one-night endeavor, you can definitely save, but it’s worth the investment for a piece you’ll be reaching for often.
Material is definitely a big thing to keep in mind since some people get irritated by certain fabrics or require a lot of breathability. Cotton is the number one choice, while satin and lace are sexy but still allow for plenty of airflow.
When shopping for thongs, you should usually opt for a gusset made from cotton for extra breathability and comfort. Of course, there are mesh thongs and options that don’t have a cotton gusset, but more breathable fabrics should be okay for short-term wear.
Of course, you may be wondering about the age-old question: “are thongs comfortable?” Technically, a thin piece of fabric between your buttocks sounds a lot like a wedgie. But, the proper fitting garment and comfortably sized string will feel like nothing is there at all.
A tight thong is definitely the more appealing choice since it will stay put and provide a more seamless look, but it’s also important to avoid something too tight that feels constricting or uncomfortable.
The different styles available may also impact your buying decision, especially if you’re going for a specific look or feeling. You can choose from options such as high waisted or high cut thongs, as well as low rise and mid-rise styles.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With a Thong
While you can wear a thong however you’d like, we do have a few tips on what to avoid in order to keep things healthy as well as comfortable.
First up, always opt for the proper size. If your thong is too loose, it may cause undesirable panty lines or simply an uncomfortable fit. Also, thongs that are too tight can cause chafing or feel restricting, which is equally uncomfortable.
Also, don’t wear nylon, velvet, or lacey thongs on the daily. These styles are great for special occasions or whenever you’re feeling a little spicy, but they aren’t great for back-to-back wear. Cotton pairs can be sexy, while also providing the breathability and comfort you need.
Another thing? Avoid wearing lacy or bulkier fabrics under soft, figure-hugging bottoms or dresses. These will likely show through softer satin or nylon materials, taking away from the seamless look you were looking for.
With things to avoid, there are also things you should do. Below, we’ll share some tips and tricks for taking care of your thongs.
How to Take Care of a Thong
Like all undergarments, proper care is necessary for thongs. If you want them to hold up well over time, keep lace soft and comfortable, and steer clear of infection, there are a few steps to follow, which we will outline down below.
- Wash with mild detergent on gentle or carefully and thoroughly hand wash
- Rinse in cool water
- Lay flat to dry
It’s also important to change your thong regularly. This means once or twice daily to avoid the spread of bacteria that can occur since the material sits directly against your vulva and anus.
Opting for a larger size than what you normally wear can be a good way to lessen the spread, but it’s still good to change into a clean pair as often as you can.
Best Places to Buy a Thong
Are you ready to try out a new style after reading our tips on how to wear a thong? Here’s a few places you can shop for these undergarments:
- Victoria’s Secret
- Aerie
- Skims
- Calvin Klein
- Hanky Panky
- Parade
- Knix
Final Thoughts
All that being said, there are a number of answers to the question “how to wear a thong.” From comfy and simple styles to cooler and sexier options, there’s a thong for every event. The different materials, colors, and shapes to choose from means there’s something for everyone.
Plus, they can be styled in a number of different ways, whether you want to show them off or keep them your little secret. They’re also pretty easy to care for, making them a well rounded, comfortable, and simple option when it comes to the world of undergarments.
You’ve got the basics covered, but what about the rest of the outfit? Check out some of our other articles for more fashion inspo:
