Thongs, also known as G-strings, are a type of underwear that expose the buttocks. They consist of a thin strip of fabric that sits between the buttocks, with a strip of fabric resting on the hips. Thongs are primarily worn to avoid a panty line under tighter clothing. Their popularity varies greatly around the world.
What Thongs are Called in America
Americans use several different terms to refer to thong underwear, including:
- Thong
- T-back
- G-string
- Butt floss
- Dental floss
“Thong” is the most common and widely understood term used in the United States. It dates back to the 1930s when it was first used to describe a very skimpy bikini swimsuit. By the 1980s it became a popular term for a style of women’s underwear that exposed the buttocks.
Regional Variations
While “thong” is prevalent across America, some regional terms are more popular in certain areas:
- “T-back” or just “T” is common on the West Coast and in the Midwest.
- “G-string” is heard more often in the Northeast and South.
- “Butt floss” and “dental floss” are slang terms used humorously across the country.
Generational Differences
Older Americans are more likely to use the term “thong,” while younger generations have adopted “T-back” and the slang terms. This likely reflects the terminology that was prevalent when each age group first became familiar with thong underwear.
A Brief History of the Thong in America
While thongs have existed in various forms for centuries, they first gained attention in the US in the 1930s. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that thongs really took off as a popular underwear choice.
1930s-1970s: Origins and Early Controversy
The first thong-style swimsuit was introduced in the US in 1939 at New York World’s Fair. But it was considered too risqué for the general public. Throughout the ’40s-’70s thong underwear was mainly used by exotic dancers and associated with sexuality and scandal.
1980s-1990s: Hitting the Mainstream
In the 1980s, thongs started emerging as a fashion trend among celebrities, models, and the wealthy. By the early 1990s, thongs had entered mainstream culture. Popular TV shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Baywatch featured thong bikinis, contributing to their rise in popularity.
2000s-Today: Modern Acceptance
Over the past 20 years, thongs have become widely accepted in American culture. Improved designs and materials have made them a popular underwear choice for their comfort and invisibility under clothes. Today, thongs account for over 25% of all underwear sales in the US.
Thong Use and Acceptance Across American Demographics
Thongs enjoy varying levels of popularity across different demographics in America.
| Demographic | Thong Use and Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Age | Most popular among women under 35. Less common among middle-aged and senior women. |
| Region | Highest use on West Coast and in Southern states. More taboo in Midwestern states. |
| Socioeconomic | Popular across socioeconomic groups. Marginally higher use among upper and middle classes. |
| Race/Ethnicity | Wide acceptance among Caucasian, Hispanic and African-American women. Lower use among Asian women. |
| Sexual Orientation | Very common among lesbian and bisexual women. Rising popularity among gay and bisexual men. |
In general, younger, sexually progressive Americans in urban areas have embraced thongs the most. But overall, use and acceptance has risen across nearly all demographics over the past three decades.
Reasons for Wearing Thongs in America
There are several practical reasons thongs have become a common underwear choice for American women:
- Avoid visible panty lines – Thongs eliminate the problem of visible underwear lines under tight pants or dresses.
- Comfort – Contrary to early designs, modern thongs are soft, breathable and comfortable for everyday wear.
- Coolness – Thongs keep the genital area cooler by minimizing fabric layers.
- Confidence – Wearing thongs can make women feel sexy and confident.
- Fashion – Thongs are considered a fashionable and trendy underwear option.
Of these, avoiding visible panty lines is most commonly cited as the reason women begin wearing thong underwear. Their other benefits keep women coming back.
Thong Controversies and Taboos
While thongs may be widely accepted today, they still generate some controversies and remain taboo in some circles of American society.
Public Exposure
Exposing thong straps remains controversial in situations like airport security where removal of belts and jackets can lead to unintended exposure. Low rise pants also risk exposing thong straps.
Schools and Workplaces
Dress codes at many elementary and high schools prohibit visible thongs or thong straps. Some workplaces also have explicit rules against visible thong underwear.
Religious Groups
Some conservative religious Americans view thongs as immoral clothing that promotes sexuality and lust. Thongs are rarely worn among women in fundamentalist Christian and Orthodox Jewish communities.
Parental Concerns
Many parents prohibit their teenage daughters from wearing thongs due to concerns over maturity, promiscuity, and attracting unwanted attention.
The Future of Thongs in America
Looking ahead, thongs are likely to remain a popular underwear choice in America, with a few key trends emerging:
- Continued design improvements making them more comfortable and seamless under clothing.
- Increasing diversity in styles, cuts, and materials to suit different body types.
- Further mainstreaming across demographics as taboos fade.
- Growth in men’s thong and g-string styles following greater gender equality and sexual openness.
With their minimal coverage and extreme comfort when properly designed, thongs fill a unique niche in the underwear market that should stand the test of time. America’s broad cultural shifts toward less modesty and more comfort and functionality also bode well for the future of thongs.
Conclusion
Originally regarded as scandalous, thongs have transitioned into a widely accepted and popular underwear choice in America over the past three decades. While some controversy remains, their ubiquity today demonstrates evolving social norms and priorities around clothing, comfort, and the visibility of panty lines. With practical benefits that meet the needs of the modern woman, thongs have earned their place as a mainstay of American underwear drawers.