Throughout our years of following fashion, we’ve watched underwear trends fluctuate more precipitously than the proverbial whale tail. In the ’90s, it was all about Kate in those Calvin Klein briefs; in the aughts, the literal rise of the barely-there, bedazzled g-string coincided with the downward descent of pant waistlines; and in the current decade, granny-panty-esque cotton underwear from small-batch indie brands are center stage. One pair of drawers, however, has faithfully remained in our drawers throughout the ebb and flow of cheek coverage: the panty-line-preventing thong.
Often muted in color, stretchy in composition, and (ideally) comfortable in wedgie-ness, the best thongs are there for us whether it’s laundry day or date night. While curb appeal is important for this type of underwear — browsing for mood-lifting prints and colorways is one of our favorite pastimes — we’re not going to swipe our cards until we know that the butt-floss in question is highly vouched for in categories like comfort, breathability, and durability. So for this edition of Hype Machine, we combed through the reviews and found the best thongs with the highest customer reviews.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Best Under-$10 Thong
For a thong that can be worn all day, every day, and with every outfit ( yep – leggings included!), consider this top-performing, low-rise pair from the popular underwear brand Parade. It’s made from buttery-soft certified recycled yarns and adapts to the shape of your body without breaking the bank.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars, and 236 reviews on Parade.com
What They Are Saying: “I threw out all the other underwear away. Parade fits perfectly and stays true to size after laundry! The material feels nice and delicate on skin.” — Julia, Parade.com reviewer
Parade Universal Thong, $, available at Parade
Best Luxury Thong
As if the feel-it-to-believe-it softness of this mid-rise thong from the Serena Williams-approved brand Commando wasn’t enough, it’s made from a made from a stretch European modal that gives new meaning to the expression “fancy pants.”
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 13 reviews on Commando.com
What They Are Saying: “FINALLY!! Just what I’ve been looking for! No show, nude panties with the perfect mid rise and a waist band that doesn’t dig!! These are perfection and I’ll be buying many more, thank you Commando!” — allynne76, Commando.com reviewer
Commando Butter Mid-Rise Thong, $, available at Commando
Best Basic Thong
In true Everlane fashion, the transparent consumer brand’s signature thong is free of any frippery (including itchy tags) and rendered in super-smooth, supremely lightweight Supima cotton.
The Hype: 4.77 out of 5 stars, and 922 reviews on Everlane.com
What They Are Saying: “I don’t think I have EVER been so excited about new underwear. They are super soft, but feel well made. They are low profile and don’t show any lines. And they are luxurious in their simplicity the way that all Everlane products are. I have replaced all my everyday underwear with these!” — Alexis M., Everlane.com reviewer
Everlane The Thong, $, available at Everlane
Best Mesh Thong
With a lightweight mesh fabrication, sweltering panty-wearers swear by this barely-there thong, and offer high praise for the undies’ “thin-but-sturdy” and “airy” properties.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars, and 29 reviews on Nordstrom.com
What They Are Saying: “I have been getting On Gossamer panties for as long as I can remember. The colors are bright and do not fade. With this mesh material you can’t even feel them. They really blend in, no lines with tight clothes. I recently discovered there are many styles, but my go to is always the thong.” — Lilyher, Nordstrom.com reviewer
On Gossamer ‘Hip-G’ Mesh Thong, $, available at Nordstrom
Best Size-Inclusive Thong
The size queens at ThirdLove are working tirelessly to dress every possible body type in their fanatically-beloved bras and underwear. The brand’s much-hyped Pima Cotton Thong is available in sizes from XS – 3X, making it a great choice for all shapes and sizes.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars, and 417 reviews on ThirdLove.com
What They Are Saying: “Comfy (sz 1x). Love these — no itchy lace or rolling down on the tummy (yup, I have pooch) when I wear them. Pure comfort. I want to buy more and stock up (already have six pairs) but wish there were more colors. If ThirdLove creates more colors I’ll be ordering them right away! ;)” — Tammy, ThirdLove.com reviewer
ThirdLove Pima Cotton Thong, $, available at ThirdLove
Best One-Size-Fits All Thong
In a feat of engineering, Natori created a thong that fits fannies sizes 2 through 12 — a seemingly impossible achievement that is backed up by customer reviews.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars, and 176 reviews on Nordstrom.com
What They Are Saying: “When I purchased it, the website said “one size fits all/most”, and I was skeptical, as I do not have a petit derriere — I will gravitate towards medium or large sizes, so the underwear doesn’t pinch in at the waist. I was pleasantly surprised that these fit, with minimal pinch and are comfortable enough that I am not adjusting them when I wear them. The fabric is silky, flexible and breathable, and doesn’t bunch up or roll like cheaper thongs.” — SummerCate, Nordstrom.com reviewer
Natori Bliss Perfection Thong, $, available at Nordstrom
Best String Thong
Combining stretchy, lightweight cotton and a flat elastic waistband with a touch of lace means these panties get high marks for the marriage of sexiness and wearability.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars, and 69 reviews on ae.com
What They Are Saying: “These are the most comfortable panties I’ve ever worn!!! They are so incredibly soft that you forget you’re wearing anything at all. Seamless, breathable and effortlessly simple. I’ve found my new favorite panty.” — Jordan, ae.com reviewer
Aerie Cotton String Thong Underwear, $, available at AE
Best High-Rise Thong
If you like your thongs the way you like your mullets — business in the front, party in the back — you’ll be a fan of this seamless thong. The high-waist styling would trick the eye into thinking you’re not wearing a thong — if that’s your thing.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 178 reviews on Target.com
What They Are Saying: “Love these thongs! I bought multiples for costumes. They are comfy yet they are still modest for a thong.” — RLayne, Target.com reviewer
JKY by Jockey Seamfree Thong, $, available at Target
Best Low-Rise Thong
There is a fine line — some might say a fine string — between the thong and its teeny-weeny cousin, the g-string. We’re focusing on the former in this story, but Hanky Panky’s thong, with its extremely low waistline, is vying for the g-string’s skimpy title. (The brand doesn’t skimp on quality — many reviewers professed a lifelong loyalty for this panty’s premium construction and comfort.)
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars, and 50 reviews on Zappos.com
What They Are Saying: “I have been a Hanky Panky devotee for years. They may seem expensive, but they outlast any other undies I have! Amazing quality. Trust me, worth the price. Because they are so comfortable, it feels as if you are wearing nothing at all and they are so pretty, feminine, sexy, and flattering on the body. My boyfriend loves them. By far the most comfortable and sexiest thong out there.” — Christine O., Zappos.com reviewer
Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Rise Thong, $, available at Zappos
Best Organic Thong
The Colorado-based e-tailer Pact specializes in organic cotton products made with Fair Trade certification. Whether you’re committed to an environmentally-friendly wardrobe, or just don’t want anything synthetic between the cheeks, their customer-approved thong will keep your skin irritation-free.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 177 reviews on WearPact.com
What They Are Saying: “I have very sensitive skin and my regular underwear always left me with rashes. So I decided to try pact because it is organic cotton (which I love) and it was the same price as VS’s 7 for $27 deal. I’ll never go back. I love these panties. They are so comfortable, breathable and my lady parts love it. Thank you Pact!” — Ilikemuffins16, Pact reviewer
PACT Organic Cotton Thong, $, available at PACT
Best Ultra-Soft Thong
These downy undies are made from a super-soft beechwood modal that has customers praising the fabric’s silky smoothness and comfort.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 720 reviews on TommyJohn.com
What They Are Saying: “Sweet baby lord Jesus, it’s like I’m not even wearing underwear at all! It’s like the tears of the angels themselves are caressing my bottom parts. 100% amazing, 100% worth the price, 200% comfortable.” — Elise, TommyJohn.com reviewer
Tommy John Second Skin Thong, $, available at Tommy John
Best Seamless Thong
Just because you’re wearing a thong doesn’t mean you have to be skimpy all over — this affordable multi-pack got rave reviews for its reasonable rise and seam-free construction.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars, and 5,478 reviews on Amazon.com
What They Are Saying: “Love these! Great for everyday wear or going to the gym. They are higher rise (just below belly button) which I love, but they are still sporty and don’t look like granny panties. I have worn these and washed them multiple times and they hold their elasticity and shape. Really happy with the quality and comfort of these.” — Anonymous, Amazon.com reviewer
Kalon Studios 6 Pack Nylon Thong Underwear, $, available at Amazon
Best Lace Thong
This lace-accented thong won praise for its form and function — a sexy, boudoir-ish appearance masks a stay-in-place waistband that doesn’t bunch or pinch.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, 21 reviews on BareNecessities.com
What They’re Saying: “The lace is soft and lays flat. This is a hipster cut and the wide band falls below your hips AND LAYS FLAT, making this a very comfortable piece that doesn’t move or bunch. I’m a fan!” — BrandNew, BareNecessities.com reviewer
b.tempt’d by Wacoal Lace Kiss Thong, $, available at Bare Necessities
Best Breathable Thong
Magical merino wool is one of those do-everything fibers: it insulates and cools, wicks moisture, and is naturally anti-microbial. With its lightning-quick drying capabilities and superior comfort, this high-performance thong will be your ultimate adventure companion.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars (!), and 11 reviews on Backcountry.com
What They Are Saying: “Icebreaker does a stand out job with their undies, and these are no different. Thongs are tricky. It’s all about the fit. They can be tight and restrictive, or so loose you feel like Borat at the beach. These are just right. I’m a medium-sized lady, and the medium is perfect. It doesn’t pinch too much and doesn’t ride too high. They sit right where most of my pants do. As for the fabric, if you’re not familiar with merino, it’s THE fabric for intimates, especially if you’ll be camping or backpacking. You can wear them for days, and still feel fresh and comfortable. They are one of my most important pieces, when backpacking. Also, Icebreakers quality is all-star, without a doubt.” — Emily Jensen, Backcountry.com reviewer
Icebreaker Siren Thong, $, available at Backcountry
Best Exercise Thong
Equipped with anti-microbial technology to prevent the down-there funkiness that can often accompany excessive sweating, this exercise-friendly thong has glowing reviews for comfort and stay-put-ness.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 91 reviews on UnderArmour.com
What They’re Saying: “First off, workout underwear? Yes, it makes a huge difference. I would wear regular underwear for my workouts and it always felt… unpleasant. Gave these a try and they’re amazing. But, thongs? Surprisingly, they were very comfortable. I put them to the test. I wore a pair for leg days. I did heavy deadlifts, leg curls, SQUATS, and kick backs, and I can honestly say the thong did not bother me one bit. And, the seam line didn’t show. I’m pretty impressed since I’m not a huge fan of thongs whatsoever. True to size. I’m normally a medium and they were perfect.” — MsDeadlifts, UnderArmour.com reviewer
Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong, $, available at Under Armour
Best Invisible Thong
The name doesn’t lie — if you really want the feeling of wearing nothing at all, this invisible thong is for you. Reviewers praised this microfiber panty’s “second skin” properties and seam-free fabrication.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars, 30 reviews on BareNecessities.com
What They Are Saying: “The name suits the product — invisible. This is a super light thong. My favorite, very lightweight and no lines at all. I weigh approximately 125lbs and wear a size 4 or 27″ waist jean, I purchased the medium and they fit perfectly. I don’t like anything tight or constricting.” — CandidG, BareNecessities.com reviewer
Calvin Klein Invisibles Thong, $, available at Bare Necessities
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