Are Thongs Comfortable?

If you have been thinking about ordering a couple of thongs to try, but aren’t crazy about the idea of walking around daily with a permanent wedgie, we’ve put together this quick guide to answer some of your most pressing questions.

Truth be told, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “are thongs comfortable?” – just like there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all thong!

But by the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not thongs are right for you (and you'll pick up some tips and tricks to make wearing thongs a lot more comfortable right out of the gate, too). 

Let’s dive right in.

Are Thongs Comfortable?

We can tell you straightaway that when you find the right thongs they are incredibly comfortable, so much so that some ladies won’t wear anything else. 

Sure, every now and again you’ll come across a thong that just doesn’t have the right fit or the right fabric – introducing a world of discomfort that you’ll want to fix ASAP.

But for the most part thongs are super comfortable, and you should consider wearing them.

And no, you won’t ever have to worry about thongs feeling like a permanent wedgie (especially with the tips we highlight below)! 

There are of course a couple of things to consider before you jump online and do a bit of thong shopping, though. Finding the right thong is pretty simple and straightforward when you know what to look for – so let’s get right to it. 

Breaking Down the Different Types of Thongs 

Those new to the thong universe may be under the impression that all thongs are “butt floss” but nothing could be further from the truth. 

In reality, thongs come in all shapes and sizes (just like pretty much every other kind of underwear out there) though they do fall into three main categories.

First, you have the traditional thongs that offer a lot of coverage in the front, a relatively wide waistband, and a pretty narrow strip of fabric (say an inch wide or so) that slides between the cheeks. 

These are your “everyday” kind of thongs, thongs that can be super comfortable (especially when made out of high quality cotton), and stand a good chance of being part of your regular underwear rotation.

Secondly, G string thongs feature super narrow waistbands that are usually ¼ of an inch thick or even thinner with a string that runs between the cheeks that’s even thinner than that (when possible). 

The thong part of these pairs of underwear are usually pretty thin as well, with G strings designed to disappear completely when you are wearing tight pants. They’ll eliminate panty lines entirely and will feel like you are wearing almost no underwear at all. 

Lastly you have thongs in the samba style, a bit of a hybrid between boy shorts and a thong that offers the best of both worlds. 

You’ll usually find these kinds of thongs offering just enough fabric to cover the upper half of your bottom, leaving the rest of your butt exposed – eliminating panty lines while offering a little more coverage and a little more support than traditional thongs would have.

If you’ve ever ordered “cheeky” swimsuit bottoms that have become super popular in the last few years, you’ve come across these kinds of hybrid thongs.

Adjusting to the Way Thongs Feel 

A lot of people wondering “are thongs comfortable” are understandably a little bit nervous that they are going to have a tough time adjusting to the way that thong underwear feels. 

We get that. 

We also tell you that there is definitely going to be a little bit of an adjustment period when you are wearing thongs for the first time.

But it isn’t going to take you very long to get used to how these underwear feel when you wear them on a consistent basis. 

Most folks that haven’t worn a thong are sure that it’s going to feel like a really bad wedgie, but that’s not usually the case.

In fact, a lot of people find that thongs are some of the most comfortable underwear out there – usually because there’s so little fabric to get bunched up, flop around loosely, or ride up and become uncomfortable.

Just keep in mind that wearing thongs the first few times may feel a little weird and a little foreign.

Stick with it, though, and the odds are pretty good that you’ll forget all about how they feel in an hour or two. Pretty soon they’ll be a big part of your underwear rotation. 

Fabrics and Fit Make a World of Difference

Of course, the fabrics and the fit of the thongs that you purchase are going to make a world of difference when it comes to how they feel. 

Some people absolutely love the way that high quality cotton thongs feel against their body.

And others love the way that silk, satin, or synthetic fabric G strings that are super lightweight and almost impossibly thin disappear completely. 

Other people are going to want a bit of an extra wide strip in the back whereas some will want as narrow a strip of fabric as humanly possible slipping between their cheeks.

Finding the right fit in the right fabric is going to take a little bit of time (just like with any other pair of underwear), but once you find something that works you be amazed at the amount of options available in that kind of configuration.

How to Wear a Thong

No matter what fabric and size your thong is, if you don't wear it properly it won't be comfortable.

Here are just a couple of quick tips to help you wear your thongs more comfortably, answering once and for all the question “are thongs comfortable” from here on out! 

  • Make sure that you never wear the same thong two days in a row without running it through the wash. Bacteria may spread faster on thongs than on normal underwear and you don’t want to run the risk of infection.
  • Choosing a larger thong size than what you would normally wear is almost universally good advice, giving you more comfort (and more coverage). But don't go too big! Thongs shouldn't have a bunch of loose fabric.
  • Cotton thongs prevent bacteria spread better than any other fabric, so if you’re having trouble with infections, it might be a good idea to switch back to more natural materials.
  • Be sure that your thong waistband doesn’t ride above your belt line or you’ll end up with what’s called a “whale tail” where your thong rides above your jeans all the time. It can get pretty uncomfortable (and even embarrassing) in a hurry.

So to answer the question, yes! Thongs are absolutely comfortable and something every woman (and even men) should feel fine wearing.

About the author

Kelsey Summers

Kelsey is the lead editor of Undywear.com. She's a fashionista who's written for Glamour, GQ and others. She enjoys breaking the stigma and taboo around underwear and writing about all things fashion.