Picking apart the top 5 thong myths

The thong is easily the most divisive style of underwear. Thongs’ more vocal opponents often cite wedgies and health issues as reasons to avoid them. Some people find them so objectionable that ordinances have been passed to make them illegal as swimwear! Of course, thong advocates have a very different perspective. For some of us, thongs are a godsend and we’d never wear anything else under our jeans.

So how did such a small piece of fabric develop such an outsized mythology? Most negative takes on thongs are based on bad experiences with low-quality undies - or outright misconceptions. Let’s take a closer look so we can distinguish fact from fiction:

1. Wearing a thong is like a permanent wedgie

If you’ve been wearing mediocre underwear, then the ‘butt floss’ myth will hold true. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The right thong can be an incredibly comfortable experience. Tommy John has crafted a thong that wears like you’re not wearing anything at all. Our thong allows you to flaunt your natural curves and enhance the look of your outfit by getting rid of VPL (visible panty lines). The fabric is engineered to stay in place without sliding or riding up so you can walk, bend, or sit without a care in the world.

2. Thongs are inappropriate 

Many people worry about the message that wearing a thong sends. But, when worn correctly, know one needs to know what kind of underwear you are wearing. Thongs can be just as discreet and practical as they are sexy. While many people enjoy the confidence boost or the way it makes them feel, that can remain between you and anyone you want to share it with. 

3. You shouldn’t work out in them

While it’s true that thongs don’t provide as much support for your backside, many people find that less fabric makes for a more comfortable workout. As long as your thong is designed to stay in place, and you shower and change into clean underwear after you hit the gym, then it’s perfectly fine gear for working out. Exercise is a win no matter what you’re wearing, so go with what makes you feel most comfortable. 

4. They cause infections 

Similar to the permanent wedgie myth, the idea that thongs lead to health issues has more to do with the fit and material of your underwear than the thong itself. If your thong doesn’t stay in place, it is possible that it can contribute to infections, but it varies from one person to another. 

More importantly, silk and many synthetic materials trap moisture and create an environment perfect for infection. Your thong - and any underwear you use daily - should have a cotton gusset to keep you dry and curb the risk of infection. Your thong should be form-fitting but not too tight, and it should move with you to avoid friction on your most sensitive areas. Hygiene is a big factor here: if you stay clean and you only wear clean underwear, then you can minimize the risk of infection no matter what style of underwear you prefer.

5. It’s the only way to hide your panty lines 

Thongs can and will cause VPL under the right circumstances. If the thong is too loose, the excess fabric is sure to show through tight clothing. And if it’s too tight, it will compress your skin and the bulge pattern will be just as obvious as panty lines. Seamless thongs that fit properly are much more discrete, and are equally suited for skinny jeans and yoga pants as they are for flowing or sheer skirts.

On the other side of the coin, you don’t have to wear a thong to hide your panty lines - and if you don’t like them, you shouldn’t! Tommy John’s Air and Comfort Smoothing collections have a seamless design and soft, thin fabric guaranteed to banish panty lines, no matter what style of undies you choose. 

The bottom line

Maybe the thong isn't the right kind of underwear for you - or maybe you’ve only tried wearing mediocre thongs that put form over function. If you’ve sworn off thongs, or avoided trying them because of any of the above myths, maybe it's time to revisit the issue. At Tommy John, all of our thongs are designed to fit comfortably and stay in place for a truly adjustment-free experience. Our thongs and other women’s panties are equipped with a Cool Cotton gusset to provide enhanced breathability and superior moisture wicking where you need it most. 

Still not convinced? The only way to be sure is to try it for yourself. We’re so confident you’ll love our thong that it comes with our risk-free guarantee: If you don’t absolutely love your undies the first time you try them, the first pair is free.