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Our 15 favorite thongs that prove lingerie can be comfortable
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If you're like me, less is more when it comes to underwear. I usually go with a thong instead of full-coverage panties, since a thong is discreet no matter what I'm wearing over it.
Thongs tend to get a bad rep in the comfort department. But after years of testing out different brands to find the best underwear for women, various members of the Insider Reviews team have raised the flag on any pair that left us pleasantly surprised. A soft, stretchy, and breathable thong turns out to be the real test of a brand's chops when it comes to truly comfortable lingerie.
The top 3 best thongs we've ever tested:
This buttery-soft high-rise thong will change your mind about how comfortable thongs can be. It stretches to hug your curves and has seams that lay flush against your skin.
These no-show undies are made with a nylon-Spandex fabric that can stretch up to 400%. We like the Spanx thong for exercise classes because it stays put and feels comfortably dry, even after an intense workout.
This plus size-friendly thong is made from stretchy nylon and elastane that fits around large stomachs and behinds without bunching up.
"The Evelyn & Bobbie thong is my favorite to wear with high-rise leggings, because it feels like wearing not much at all. It's extremely breathable, the material is buttery soft, and it's absolutely invisible. The stretchy waistband has just the slightest bit of compression so it feels supportive, but never constricting," writes Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews. "I like that these give me more coverage than a G-string, but still have the practicality of a thong. You can get them in one of two versions that stretch to fit sizes 0-14 and 16-24. I also own the Mesh version, which fits the same but has decorative windows."
"Though Spanx may be best known for its shapewear, the brand is responsible for some of our favorite comfy lounge clothing — and now our daily underwear, too. I tend to be skeptical of one-size-fits-most underwear, but these actually deliver," says Talia Ergas, freelance writer at Insider Reviews. "Crafted from a breathable nylon-elastane material with a 100% cotton gusset, the thong stretches up to 400% to accommodate various body shapes and sizes (One Size is designed to fit sizes XS-XL, and One Size Plus covers sizes 1X-3X).
Still, I found the fit comfortable but not tight. The thong stayed hidden under a pair of leggings and the quick-dry fabric was appreciated during my workout."
I own at least 10 pairs of ThirdLove's ComfortStretch Thongs, and they're easily some of my favorite panties for everyday wear. The material has a ton of stretch, so I've been able to keep wearing the same size even through weight fluctuations. The fabric lays flat against my skin, and it's invisible under a tight pair of leggings or a figure-hugging sundress. I'm hoping the brand soon offers them in more colors (including darker nude shades).
"Being fat in the summertime usually means sweaty body parts, folds, and chafing — it's the reality of having a big body," writes freelancer Alexis Gaskin in her guide to the best plus size underwear. "That's why you need undies that can keep up with you and curb moisture without irritating your private areas. This thong is able to stretch to fit around large stomachs and behinds without bunching up, and its cotton-lined gusset offers more moisture-wicking breathability."
"I am a big fan of Quince's MicroModal underwear. I helped to test undies for our guide to the best underwear for women and genuinely thought Tommy John was the only place I'd buy underwear for the rest of my life — until I tried Quince's undies. The quality isn't as long-lasting, but for the price point, I'm personally okay with that," says Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews.
"The MicroModal underwear is incredibly comfortable and slightly thicker, kind of like super stretchy cotton, so I prefer wearing those pairs with jeans. They are breathable with a comfortable elastic waistband that doesn't dig in whatsoever."
Read more about the brand in our full Quince review.
After testing Tommy John's women's underwear, we came away impressed with the comfortable cuts that proved worth the splurge. A standout style was this breathable, quick-drying stretch thong.
"The Air Thong was lightweight and felt barely there. Certain outfits dictate wearing a thong, often prompting women to give up on wearing the outfit altogether for fear of how uncomfortable the thong will be. Thanks to great designs like Tommy John's and Everlane's, I've gotten over this fear and have a new appreciation for this low-profile style," says Connie Chen, former Insider Reviews reporter.
We're fans of Negative Underwear's minimalist designs, gamine charm, and luxury feel. "The Sieve Thong gets points for its thick waistband, sexy look, and comfortable fit. For thongs, I really appreciate a sturdy waistband that doesn't roll down or get easily shifted. This thong is just what I like. Plus, it's mesh front panel makes it breathable and very comfy," says Andrea Bossi, freelance writer at Insider Reviews.
Instagram-famous Parade underwear scored high marks in our tests for its inclusive size range, reasonable pricing, recycled materials, and unapologetically bright color palette. The Re:Play Thong (previously known as the Feels Like Nothing Thong) was among our favorite styles we tested.
"The Parade [Re:Play] Thong has become my default favorite for workouts. The primary reason for this is that the silky Spandex-like material is noticeably moisture-wicking and cooling, and the band doesn't roll while you move. In other words, I forget I'm wearing them — even during an exercise where the wrong socks can annoy me for 45 minutes. These characteristics also happen to make it great for everyday wear — as well as in HIIT classes. But, the seams are slightly raised — so you're able to see the thong's sections under tight or thin leggings," writes Mara Leighton, freelance writer at Insider Reviews.
In our review of Bombas underwear, we found that the popular sock brand is also a major player in the intimates category. This no-show thong, which is perfect for wearing under leggings during a workout, was a standout.
"They come with a grippy, textured detailing on the inside that's intended to keep the underwear from moving around when wearing under leggings or other activewear," writes Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor, Insider Reviews. "I personally didn't find that the textured detailing was particularly helpful, but I do like the silky feel of the underwear. If you feel more secure with high-waisted styles, I wouldn't recommend this pair — but if low-rise is your usual go-to, these are a comfortable option I'd definitely recommend."
Everlane's impressive lineup of improved-upon basics continues to be our go-to for everything from shoes to undies. The label's ReNew Underwear — which includes minimalist, seamless styles made from 100% regenerated nylon — is both comfortable and flattering, as we found in our tests.
"I was surprised by the [Invisible] Thong's high waist, but it ended up being my favorite aspect. It maintains the versatility of a thong's zero-panty-line effect while also delivering a relatively unique — and really flattering — high-waist silhouette. Plus, since the material is slightly compressive, it feels more secure. Aside from being seamless, they're also bonded, so they stay put throughout the day," writes freelancer Mara Leighton.
Read more in our full review of Everlane's ReNew underwear.
"As a skeptic of plus size fashion on Amazon, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort and coverage of these soft and stretchy no-show thongs from the Amazon Essential collection. Its buttery material is cut to rest on the low hip for ample coverage in the gusset area. If you have a wide-set stomach or apron belly, consider sizing up to avoid material rolling down the stomach," says freelancer Alexis Gaskin.
Former senior editor Maria Del Russo swears by the SKIMS' Fits Everybody line and has tried multiple styles and colors. "I'm not usually a fan of thongs, but Skims' fabric is so comfortable, I actually enjoy wearing this notoriously uncomfortable style," she says. And since the size-inclusive brand also has an inclusive range of nude colors, you'll be able to find a flesh tone that matches you.
Read more in our full SKIMS shapewear review.
"I recommend Quince's underwear to anyone who shares my concern over the overwhelming amount of women's underwear that are treated with pesticides and harsh chemical dyes," says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase in our guide to the best cotton underwear.
"Usually organic cotton is much more expensive, so the price on this six-pack of thongs makes it more accessible. I found these thongs soft and comfortable, but they're not very stretchy, so it's important to know your true size first. My hips measure 37 inches, so I got a size small. In any case, I suggest rounding up if you're between sizes since cotton shrinks in the dryer." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor
Read more in our full Quince review.
Another budget-friendly, size-inclusive find is this high-cut, lacy thong. "The soft lace on this thong is semi-sheer for modest coverage in the right places, with glimpses of skin throughout. Cotton lines the gusset for the health of your privates and the breathable material offers a seamless look for a smooth base," says freelancer Alexis Gaskin. "I wore this thong under my Gia/IRL Gabrielle Maxi in Black during NYFW for that 'no underwear' look without actually going commando, and they stayed up all day."
"Sometimes, your outfit requires underwear that leaves little to the imagination, akin to wearing dental floss. This G-string provides little coverage, but it doesn't feel like it's cutting you in half," says Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor. "Its super-thin microfiber straps are barely visible even under a sheer, crochet dress. It's my softest, stretchiest thong that I've washed and worn for years, and it's still in excellent condition."
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.