By: Daisy Hemmen
Let’s talk about two popular types of underwear for women: the g-string and the thong. It’s not uncommon to think of the thong as a modern invention, a move away from the more conservative Victorian aesthetics of yesteryear. In reality, string thongs were humanity’s first style of underwear, dating back to around 42,000 BCE.1
However they originated, modern designers have developed many other iterations of this classic style, most notably the g-string. So, are a thong and a g-string the same thing? And is one more wearable than the other?
In this article, we’ll clarify the relationship between the thong and the g-string and debunk the myth that this sexy style of women’s underwear has to sacrifice comfort.
G string vs Thong: What’s the difference?
The difference between g-strings and thongs is relatively straightforward and comes down to coverage. “Thong” encompasses any underwear style characterized by minimal fabric in the rear, giving you the slimmest chance of revealing any unseemly seams through your outerwear.
G-string underwear is the most popular type of thong panties. G-strings usually include a small triangle of fabric in the front to keep you covered (less fabric than what’s typically provided in a thong), while keeping the majority of your bum exposed.
How To Flaunt A Thong—And Stay Cozy
While thongs are notorious for their “flossy” tendency to ride up and feel supremely uncomfortable, a good pair of g-string underwear solves the engineering conundrum of keeping panty lines out of the picture while still ensuring your most sensitive bits get the coverage and comfort they deserve.
Here are a few tips for wearing this classic underwear style without sacrificing the cozy factor.
#1: Know When To Wear Them
Whatever type of underwear you’re working with (from hipster vs bikinis to boyshorts vs briefs), you’ll find that some are more appropriate than others, depending on what you have planned for the day.
Thongs and g-strings aren’t the most optimal choices when:
- You have a workout planned – If you’re heading to the gym or the park for a rigorous sweat session, keep any thong styles in your top drawer. Not only can this underwear style cause chaffing, but sweat and bacteria can combine to yield irritation and foul odor.2 That said, if your chosen workout consists of mild to moderate exercise (e.g. light yoga), choose whatever style of underwear (such as a brief or hipster bikini) you’re comfortable in to accompany you.
- You’re dealing with an infection – Say no to thongs—in any style—if you’re dealing with any kind of flare-up, UTI, or yeast infection down south. Instead, opt for undies that won’t aggravate the area. Full-coverage bikinis or boyshorts will keep the flare-up contained and let your body get back on track.
- It’s that time of the month – Whether you’re prone to leaks or just feeling a bit sore, thongs aren’t always the most supportive undergarment to wear when you have your period. A cozy pair of briefs are ideal for days when you’re on your cycle and just feel like playing couch potato for a few days.
#2: Prioritize Fabric
Because thongs tend to be the most intimate style of intimates, you’ll want to make sure you choose a thong that won’t compromise on health and hygiene no matter what level of activity your day involves.
The best types of fabric for thongs are:
- Moisture-wicking – Moisture-wicking fabrics are those that filter heat build-up and moisture away from the skin during their wear. By keeping you ventilated and steering perspiration away from the body, these fabrics keep you cool, avert bacterial overgrowth, and keep you clear of any icky smells that can arise when bacteria combine with heat.
- Silky-soft – Behind every bad lace thong experience is one common culprit: rough, itchy fabric. Even lace, when made with synthetic fibers, can lead to chafing or discomfort in the world of thongs. Seamless g-strings made of silky, breathable materials are your best bet for a barely-there feeling that will stave off any snags or snares in untoward places.
#3: Prioritize Fit
Lastly, fit plays a key role when choosing a thong or g-string that’s wearable, fun, and functional. Thongs that are form-fitting around the waist and your bum should keep you from any urge to “pick”—and won’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all.
If you’re shopping for thongs online, finding the right fit can be a challenge. When in doubt, learn how to measure your hips and seek out fabric with inherent sculpting abilities. Textiles composed of nylon or spandex blends have the stretch and pliability to mold to any body type—no sagging, pinching, or abrupt lines marking the border between fabric and your skin.
Guarantee Luxury With Boody Eco Wear
Whatever the difference, g string vs thong debaters often believe they have to give up on a relaxed feel in pursuit of this style. But that’s not always the case! Thongs can be just as luxurious as their full-coverage relatives when they’re made with the right kind of material. Need to upgrade your underwear wardrobe? Learn more about how often to replace underwear.
At Boody, our sustainable underwear designs use bamboo viscose – a luxurious and liquid-soft fabric that feels impossibly soft on the skin while being planet-kind. If you’re shopping for your next favorite thong online, take the guesswork out of the equation and shop Boody Eco Wear.
By: Daisy Hemmen
About the Author:
Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community.
Sources:
- Wright, Jennifer. "A Skimpy History of the Thong-Tha-Thong-Thong-Thong." Racked. 20 February, 2017. https://www.racked.com/2017/2/20/14540906/thong-history
- Narins, Elizabeth. "13 Times You Should Never Wear a Thong." Cosmopolitan. 28 April, 2015. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a39728/13-times-you-should-never-wear-a-thong/
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But when it comes to plant-derived textiles, the ones which help us create a healthier world are always a better alternative. Explore the benefits of bamboo with Boody Whether you choose to purchase conventional or organic cotton clothing, the fact that you are shopping mindfully for yourself is a win for the environment. At Boody, we believe in bringing you quality, comfy, sustainable clothing basics that keep you feeling good about yourself and your personal impact on Mother Earth. From our sleepwear to our loungewear, women’s bamboo shirts to our underwear, sustainable and ethical are our touchstones. Our clothing is made of bamboo viscose, requiring less water than cotton while putting precious oxygen back into the environment. That just feels good, doesn’t it? Explore the bamboo benefits today, with Boody. Sources: Britannica. Cotton. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant Cotton. The Story of Cotton - Where Cotton Grows. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/where.cfm World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton Textile Exchange. Quick Guide to Organic Cotton. https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton Soil Association. What is organic cotton? https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/fashion-textiles/organic-cotton/ USDA. Conservation and Biological Diversity in Organic Production. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/02/29/conservation-and-biological-diversity-organic-production About the Author: Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. 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