Thongs

Whether for form or function, thongs are a popular mainstay of many women's lingerie drawers. Once the domain of exotic dancers, the skimpy panties are now the lingerie of choice for everyone from teens to mature women.

What Are Thongs?

Thongs are a special type of underwear that ride high on the hips and leave the bottom almost completely exposed. Some people jokingly refer to them as "butt floss." As tacky as that sounds, it is a fairly accurate description of this type of underwear. They can be uncomfortable or barely noticeable, depending on the type and material chosen.

Why Wear Them?

For people who have never worn these slinky panties, they seem a silly choice of undergarment. After all, they offer little in the way of support. Still, there are some perfectly logical reasons to wear the itty-bitty panties:

They eliminate panty lines.
They can be a sexy alternative to teddies.
They are an attractive addition to sheer nighties.
When paired with decorative bras, they make a pretty lingerie set.
For the very young and adventurous, they make a bold fashion statement underneath low-rise jeans.
Many men fantasize about seeing "their women" in revealing panties.
They can inject a bit of spice into the love life.

Types and Styles

Although the issue seems pretty straightforward at first glance, there are actually several varieties of the bottom-baring lingerie:

G-String: When people refer to "butt floss" they are picturing a g-string. Featuring little more than a triangle in the front and a thin string around the hips and between the cheeks, this barely-there panty is for the bravest and most confident of souls.
T-Back: T-backs offer more coverage than g-strings, and the side straps stretch straight across the top of the buttocks. From the back, the straps resemble the letter "T."
Rio: The rio is similar to the T-back, except the side straps rise above the hips.
Tanga: The tanga exposes the bottom of the butt cheeks, but covers everything else.

Special Considerations

Whether you are considering them for yourself or as a gift, there are a few shopping considerations.

What Kind to Buy?

G-Strings are generally not comfortable enough for all-day use. View the G String Picture Gallery for more ideas about this type of underwear.
Rios or tangas are more comfortable for regular use.
For elimination of panty lines, t-backs are highly effective.
If you are buying panties to wear for everyday use, buy the softest, most comfortable material you can find.
For a first-timer, the tanga and rio style offers a gentle initiation into the world of sexy panties.
For a woman concerned about the size of her hips, rios are generally more forgiving. (Just a tip, though: if you are baring your bottom, your significant other will definitely not be critiquing your hips!)
G-strings and others with little frontal coverage may require a close shave or Brazilian wax.

Materials

Thongs are available in a wide variety of materials. The type you buy is largely a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to consider:

For everyday use, cotton is a safer choice. Cotton is a breathable fabric and lessens the risk of infection.
For special occasions or intimate moments, silk is a sensual choice.
For elimination of panty lines, Lycra and thin cotton are good choices.
For a daring night-time look, PVC or leather are possibilities.

Where to Buy

Ultra slim underwear like these are available everywhere panties and lingerie are sold. Department stores, such as Walmart and Target, offer inexpensive undies, but lingerie stores such as Victoria's Secret generally offer a greater variety and bolder selections. Other specialty stores that sell a variety of thong-style underwear include:

3 Wishes

This adult-oriented websites sells costume wear for grown up playtime. 3 Wishes sells these pretty panties in a variety of colors and styles. With free shipping anytime, 3 Wishes is a sensible, affordable choice.

Her Room

At Her Room, you can select panties by size, style, color and brand. This website even offers a guide on how to select the best thong-panties for you.

Bare Necessities

Bare Necessities has a large offering of bright colors. They also offer free shipping and have an online clearance rack if you are on a budget.

Are They for You?

This style of panty is kind of daring but very provocative. Even if you don't become a die-hard tiny panty wearer, having an extra pair in your drawer makes a fun surprise for a partner. Wear these slinky garments whenever you want to garner a little attention from your sweetheart.