What is Tanga Underwear?

The right cut is one of the most important things in underwear. The right cut equals the most comfortable fit. Women particularly are affected by bunching, creeping, and dropping panties but men can also feel the pain of ill-fitting underwear.

Tanga underwear resolves all those problems with its unique cut.

What Is Tanga Underwear?

Tanga is a style of underwear for both men, and women but the style approach both differently for the uniqueness of male and female bodies. Women's tanga briefs offer a compromise between a bikini cut and a thong while men's tanga focuses on movement.

This type of women's underwear is designed with a European silhouette. It features triangular pieces of material covering both the front and back. It adds wider sides for more secure coverage.

Many say it is a good transition from a more modest cut to a thong. One of the things women like about tanga underwear is it offers both sex appeal and modesty. It's the kind of underwear you can wear on your honeymoon.

whats tanga underwear

How It Differs From Cheeky Underwear?

Many may not be familiar with the term "cheeky underwear." These are women's underwear that shows their butt cheeks but isn't thongs. The triangular patch in the back covers the top third of the buttocks area with most of their cheeks exposed.

Tanga styling is different because it has more material on the sides and covers more in the front and back. Technically, tanga is a brief while the cheeky underwear is a lot closer to a thong.

Tanga Underwear vs Thongs

Tanga underwear has back and side coverage where a thong has virtually no back or side coverage as all three areas are managed by narrow strips of material. 

Women who feel uncomfortable with thongs or G-strings opt for the tanga because this style is more modest and more comfortable. Strings riding up in crevices and digging into the skin don't add to either the comfort level or confidence. Tanga styles don't do either, as the material is large enough to cover and remain in place. 

What Are the Style Differences in Underwear?

Women can get confused over the various terms used. There are several styles from bikini to hipster and all relate to the type of cut and coverage each offers. Below are quick definitions of some of the terms:

  • Bikini - It has waistbands under the navel and semi-high-cut legs with moderate back coverage.
  • Boyshort - This offers underwear styled after men's briefs and offers full coverage.
  • Brief - This panty offers full rear coverage and is the most traditional cut.
  • G-String - Underwear that has strings on the sides and back. It is different from a thong because it offers the most minimal coverage and eliminates panty lines.
  • Hipster - A low-rise and that is a cross between a bikini and a brief.
  • Tanga -  A European cut panty that is narrower than a bikini but offers moderate back coverage.
  • Thong - A panty with a triangle front for coverage, thin width on the sides, and virtually no coverage in the back.

Is There Only One Style of Tanga Underwear?

While tanga refers to a specific style in the coverage it provides, there isn't one set look for tanga underwear. Designers and manufacturers use creativity to expand within the style. For instance, some tanga underwear uses strings for the sides instead of full panels.

Tanga underwear can be made out of many fabrics and prints too, so they are as individual as the designer. The one feature most women like is tanga underwear made from microfiber with no seams so there are no panty lines at all.

Tanga for Men

Tanga styling started with women's underwear and has grown in popularity. That encouraged some new mixed styles that resulted in the tanga brief for men. One of the similarities, the men's style took from women's tanga is minimum design.

The tanga for men incorporates more coverage compared to G-strings, thongs, and jockstraps. The design uses the waistband to join the front and back, but there is nothing else on the sides.

The waistband is a traditional full-elastic waist. The front and back panels offer full coverage with the front cut similar to a jockstrap pouch.

Why Would Men Like Tanga?

There are three main reasons men enjoy the tanga style. The key reasons men like tanga underwear style are:

  • They are incredibly comfortable.
  • There is an easier movement.
  • The fit is great.

This style doesn't chaff legs and the material doesn't ride up on the sides, according to men who love it. Movement is a lot freer with no side material, so this style is the perfect one for sports, which is important to many men.

Men also said standard underwear has leg openings that don't stretch comfortably around their legs. This is where removing the side panels allows for extra room for more leg muscle without creating a rubbing irritation.

How Do You Know If Tanga Is Right for You?

Underwear is a highly personal choice. Most people choose their underwear based on how it feels to wear it and whether it is attractive. 

  • Those looking at tanga should consider factors like:
  • How much coverage do you want?
  • How comfortable do you feel with the tanga coverage?
  • Do you think you will be comfortable wearing it all day?
  • Are you conscious of a lack of coverage?
  • Is there a brand of tanga you are attracted to?
  • Will it make you feel more confident and sexy?

Deciding on your comfort level of coverage is the main question to resolve before deciding to go with a tanga style. You can always buy one and wear it around the house to see how it feels. 

Do You Wear Tanga Underwear?

Tanga underwear is a style that has created a buzz in the market because of its function and comfortability. It offers practical solutions to coverage issues while keeping panty lines hidden and allowing for more freedom of movement for both women and men.

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.