Thong
A minimal-coverage garment used as underwear or swimwear.
The thong is a garment generally used as either underwear or, in some countries, as a swimsuit. It may also be worn for traditional ceremonies or competitions. Viewed from the front, the thong typically resembles a bikini bottom, while at the back the material is reduced to a minimum, designed to cover the genitals, anus, and perineum and leave part or most of the buttocks uncovered.
- type
- garment
- field
- clothing
- known_for
- minimal back coverage, used as underwear or swimwear
- variants
- G-string, tanga, T-back
- etymology
- from Old English þwong, a flexible leather cord
Lore & Background
The thong, like its probable predecessor the loincloth, is believed to be one of the earliest forms of human clothing and is thought to have been worn mostly or exclusively by men. It is thought the thong was probably originally developed to protect, support, or hide the male genitals. Many tribal peoples, such as some of the Khoisan people of southern Africa, wore thongs for many centuries. The modern thong predates the 1970s, with earlier examples appearing in swimwear and dance costumes in the 1960s and even earlier.
Reader's Guide
The thong has evolved from early loincloth-like garments to a mainstream fashion item. In the modern Western world, thongs are more commonly marketed towards females but are worn by both sexes. During the 1980s, thongs were worn on stage by pop stars such as Cher and Madonna, and thong swimwear became more popular through TV shows such as Baywatch. In the 1990s, the thong gained wider popularity in the United States as underwear and swimwear. In the 2000s, some people wore thongs with low-cut hipsters and deliberately exposed them over the top of their trousers, producing an effect known as a whale tail. By the mid-2020s, thong bikinis had become a popular form of swimwear.
Did You Know?
- The word 'thong' comes from Old English þwong, meaning a flexible leather cord.
- In Brazil, a thong is called fio dental, Portuguese for 'dental floss'.
- The modern thong predates the 1970s, with earlier examples in swimwear and dance costumes from the 1960s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thong?
Thong is a minimal-coverage garment that serves as either underwear or swimwear, depending on the region. It features a bikini-style front paired with a very narrow strip of fabric at the rear.
What are Thong's powers/role?
Its core function is to provide genital coverage while leaving most of the buttocks exposed. It also appears in certain traditional ceremonies and competitive events beyond everyday wear.
What is Thong's origin?
The name derives from Old English þwong, a term for a flexible leather cord. That etymology mirrors the garment's signature thin strip of material running across the back.
What variants does Thong have?
Thong is recognized in several sub-types, most notably the G-string, the tanga, and the T-back. Each differs primarily in how much rear material is present and how the back strip is shaped.
Why is Thong important?
It represents the most pared-down standard of rear coverage in both casual and athletic wear. Its design philosophy of reducing fabric to the bare functional minimum sets it apart as a distinct category in the clothing world.
More in Clothing Types 1-18
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