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Buttless briefs don’t exactly scream “comfort,” but these days, it’s not hard to stack your top drawer with thongs that don’t feel like an Hervé Léger dress for your derrière. It’s been over 20 years since Sisqó had us freeing the cheeks; thongs are back on the runway, and there have been some serious advances in the underpants department that will leave your butt unbothered.
Go ahead and treat yourself to the 18 best thongs (the vast majority with cotton gussets), as curated by the Cut Shop team and friends.
So, you’re looking for the best thongs?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ FAQs
➼ Our experts
Our Top Picks
The Best Overall Thong
Available in sizes: XS to XXXL | Material: Modal and elastane with a bamboo and spandex gusset | Style: Mid-waist |Colors: 19
Pascale Gueracague, chief design officer at Cuup, says the combination of modal fabric (which he says is twice the softness of cotton) and lay-flat stitching is why Cuup’s thongs are so popular. It’s true: Virtually every member of the Cut Shop team owns these — and a matching bra to go with it.
The Best Thong for Workouts
Available in sizes: XS to XL | Material: Alo Airbrush (polyester and spandex) | Style: Mid-waist| Colors: Three
Shopping editor, Hanna Flanagan highly recommends this Alo Yoga thong to anyone who loves high-intensity cardio. It’s Flanagan’s go-to for long runs because the breathable and lightweight material feels like a second skin and never gets in the way of finishing a good workout. She also loves the fact that the Airbrush Invisible Thong is made from odor-resistant and quick-drying material, so it holds up no matter how much she sweats.
The Best Seamless Thong
Available in sizes: XS to XXXL | Material: Lycra and nylon with a cotton gusset | Style: Low-waisted | Colors: Five
This seamless thong was recommended by so many Cut Shop friends — especially for wearing under leggings or a sheer dress or anytime you want to avoid a visible panty line.
The Best G-String
Available in sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Lycra and nylon | Style: High-waisted | Colors: Seven
If Negative has been high key following you around Instagram, allow us to enable your purchase. So many Cut Shop friends recommend the brand’s Sieve and Glacé line, but we only have eyes for this très cosmopolitan G-string.
The Best Sheer Thong
Available in sizes: S to XL | Material: Nylon and spandex with a cotton gusset | Style: Mid-waist | Colors: 10
Rachel Lerman, East Coast boutique account executive at Skarlett Blue, recommends the Entice Thong for anyone looking for something sexy who still wants to be comfortable. The scalloped-trim front that contrasts with the thicker waistband isn’t just cute, it also ensures nothing digs in when you sit down.
The One With Raw Edges
Available in sizes: XS/S to L/XL | Material: Nylon and spandex | Style: Low-rise | Colors: 4
Crafted from breathable, European microfiber, these low-rise thongs feature raw-cut edges without elastic, trim, or taping to prevent them from moving around throughout the day or digging into the skin. Plus, you’ll get a seamless shape every time you wear them.
The Super-smooth One
Cut photo editor Maridelis Morales-Rosado loves these high-waisted thongs from Parade. They are incredibly comfortable and don’t ride up in odd ways, which is always a pro. She also like the mesh version of these in case you want something more sexy.
More Tried-and-True Options
The Most Flattering Thong
Available in sizes: S/M to L/XL | Material: Polyamide with a cotton gusset | Style: High-waisted | Colors: 46
The Comfie thong — which comes in 45 colors — feels almost like regular cheeky underwear, but the eyelash lace blurs out any hint of panty line. It’s all thanks to the thick band construction, which is also helpful for preventing underwear from sliding down your butt.
The Best High-Waisted Thong
Available in sizes: XS to XL | Material: Nylon and lycra | Style: High-waisted | Colors: 3
If you’re looking for a thong that offers plenty of support and compression, you’ll love this high-waisted, seamless one from Lululemon. The four-way stretch material is lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, and oh so soft.
The V-Shape One
Available in: XXS-4XL | Material: Nylon and spandex with a cotton gusset | Style: V-shaped | Colors: Four
Available in this fuchsia pink as well as three neutral colorways, the Skims Mesh Micro Dipped Thong is designed to sit high on the hips to create a flattering V-shape. “Not particularly comfortable for all day wear but cute for lingerie,” one reviewer writes. “Very micro, very sexy.”
The Best Lace Thong
Available in: one size from 4 to 14 | Material: Nylon and spandex with a cotton gusset | Style: Mid-waist | Colors: 16
A thong so popular we went ahead and put a three-pack up for your consideration. You get the playfulness of the lace and the comfort of a cotton gusset. The Original thong has been around since the ’80s, and the brand has since upgraded its one-size-fits-all approach to include plus and petite.
The Best Cotton Thong
Available in sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Organic cotton pointelle and French lace | Style: Mid-waist | Colors: Two
Do you have a baby tee from Pretties? A cherry tattoo, or perhaps a flame heart? You’ll need a Pointelle thong made of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton and French lace. We do indeed make the rules in this case.
Another High-Waisted Option
Available in sizes: XS to XL | Material: Recycled polyamide and nylon with a cotton gusset | Style: High-waisted | Colors: Two
You may think of the exposed-thong trend as a G-string situation, but if you’re going high rise, why not go all the way (up your torso)?
The Best Size-Inclusive Thong
Available in sizes: XXS to 4XL | Material: Polyamide and elastane with a cotton gusset | Style: High-waisted | Colors: Sixteen
Like the rest of Skims’ Fits Everybody line, this high-waisted thong has an elastane-to-polyamide ratio that is so high that it’s more reminiscent of hosiery than underpants. If that sounds appealing to you, by all means, shimmy your way in.
The Barely-There Option
Available in sizes: XS/S to L/XL | Material: Nylon | Style: Low-rise | Colors: Seven
No, you’re not catching a breeze down there, it’s just OnGossamer’s light-as-air mesh thong. The next best thing to going commando.
The Best Thong for Date Night
Available in sizes: XS to XL | Material: Nylon and spandex | Style: Mid-waist | Colors: One
If you want lingerie that looks like it may as well be served on a platter, Kiki de Montparnasse’s is the one. At the moment, we’re loving this “unwrap me” situation for date night.
The Stretchy One
Sizes: XS- XL | Material: 67 percent nylon, 33 percent spandex, and 100 percent cotton gusset | Style: Low waist | Colors: Four
Made with a four-way-stretch microfiber, this thong is all about providing maximum stretch and comfort so you can wear it under your garment of choice.
FAQs
What should I look for when shopping for thongs?
“Fabrication is key when shopping for thongs,” says Willy Mrasek, creative director of the Felina brands. “You need something stretchy with a lightweight hand and clean construction.” He says pliability is what ensures a smooth fit that doesn’t bind or hinder your movement. We can thank good ol’ Spandex (or elastane) for that. And now designers are combining the stretchy fiber with all kinds of comfortable textiles to make some of the best underwear we’ve had the pleasure of slipping into. Jessica Pfister, vice-president of Le Mystère, likes a smooth microfiber or a breathable mesh for an everyday thong, and for a truly invisible look, she says to search for a lightweight leg elastic with overlock stitches.
What is the most comfortable material for thongs?
Cotton. If there’s one thing our experts unanimously agreed on, it’s the merit of a cotton thong and gusset, which is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and easy to clean. A cotton-lined gusset helps “keep unwanted moisture and bacteria at bay,” says Mrasek. And don’t worry about being less hygienic down there if you do choose to wear thongs; studies have shown they have no connection to added urinary-tract or vaginal infections.
Our Experts
- Jessica Pfister, vice-president of Le Mystère
- Pascale Gueracague, chief design officer of Cuup
- Rachel Lerman, East Coast boutique account executive at Skarlett Blue
- Willy Mrasek, creative director of Felina brands
