The most comfortable thongs of all time according to GLAMOUR editors (your granny pants could never compete)
Lockdown taught has many things, but perhaps the lesson that still influences our post-pandemic lives the most is that comfort is everything. From our leggings and our wireless bras to our slippers, joggers and underwear, if it digs in, itches, squeezes or rides up, it has GOT to go.
Speaking of underwear, we've long considered our big 'ol M&S briefs as the most comfortable options, but thongs are fast overtaking. On days when VPL wouldn't even matter. Sure, the words "comfort" and "thong" might sound like an oxymoron, but once you DO find a thong so comfortable you forget it's even there, it’s life-changing. Ground-breaking. Transformative, in fact. Not least because we all know how painful an uncomfortable thong can be. We're not about that thong-peeping-out-from-underneath-garment look circa Hailey Bieber at the Met Gala; we’re talking about supportive, elasticated thongs so comfy, you’ll happily ditch your cotton underwear for them.
Sure, there's a lot that can go wrong when it comes to wearing a narrow string of fabric on your derrière, but a quick survey of the virtual GLAMOUR office (and a skim of the reviews of their favourite styles) would suggest thongs with a barely-there feel do exist. Big brief campers, listen up, 'cos you're about to be converted.
When it comes to finding the best thong and most comfortable thong, fabric is key; you need something stretchy with a lightweight feel. Coincidentally, a large majority of the best thongs as recommended down below are also made from Polyamide and Elastane for that second-skin finish (case in point: this high-waisted Lindex thong from ASOS), so that's something to look out for. There's also bamboo - a sustainable fabric which is made of fibres that are naturally smooth and round with no sharp spurs to irritate skin. This G-string from Boody is seriously comfy.
You should also make sure your thong has a cotton-lined gusset, whether you're a G-string gal or an everyday lacy thong lover. Cotton is a breathable fabric which will help you avoid any irritation down there.
While thongs may continue to divide us straight down the middle into the love or hate camp, the good news is that serving up no-VPL is compatible with unrivalled comfort. Be prepared for your underwear drawer to get a glow-up.
After more lingerie content? We've got invisible bras, nursing bras, push-up bras and strapless bras. Head this way for plus size lingerie, over here for sports bras to work out in and in this direction for the best bras of all time, in every category.
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Here are the best, most comfortable thongs that GLAMOUR editors couldn’t live without.
Best high-rise thong
Lindex Invisible High Waist Thong in Soft Pink, £8, ASOS
Editor's thoughts: "I love this invisible thong by Lindex which not only boasts a high waist to keep you feeling supported, but a no-VLP finish, too. You can wear it under even linen dresses or white summer dresses and it won't be seen."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these ASOS discount codes.
Best logo thong
Tommy Hilfiger Mesh Lingerie Set in Navy, £16, ASOS
Editor's thoughts: "Available to buy with a matching scoop neck bra, this logo thong is super comfy and great for wearing beneath jeans and tracksuits. The elastic waistband is really comfy and it doesn't dig in after a few hours' worth of wear."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these ASOS discount codes.
Best thong for light bleeding and discharge
WUKA BASICS™ Thong Light Flow, £12, WUKA
Editor's thoughts: "If I'm ever experiencing light bleeding at the tail-end of my period - or heavy discharge at a similar time - I'll reach for one of my Wuka thongs. Probably even comfier than some of the non-absorbent thongs in my underwear drawer, it sits really high on my waist and keeps me dry all day. It's the perfect "eco swap" for a panty liner, available in tonnes of sizes and in multi-packs."
The best period pants for a zero-waste & sustainable period.
Best sustainable thong
Women's Trino™ Thong, £15, Allbirds
Editor's thoughts: "I'd only ever shopped at Allbirds for sustainable running shoes before I picked up their Trino thong, but I was so impressed with their lingerie offering when I did. It's available in a whole plethora of colours and has been made from renewable materials, which I love. The fabric is buttery-smooth and silky, plus, it's great for wearing when you work out, as the fabric has been designed to wick moisture and reduce odour. Result."
Best organic thong
Organic Cotton Thong 2-Pack, £30, Organic Basics
Editor's thoughts: "Organic Basics' garments are all organic and ethically made, so they got my stamp of approval from the off. It's just an added bonus that these thongs are SO DAMN COMFY, with a firm waistband for support and zero VPL. You can also pick them up in a four-pack, which I've just done."
Best thong two-pack
Invisible Cheeky Thong 2-Pack, £30, Organic Basics
Editor's thoughts: "This is the most comfortable thong I've found if you like a little more coverage, because it has that "cheeky" fit that provides all the no VPL benefits of a normal thong but with that bit of extra fabric. As per usual, thing Organic Basics thong has been made from organic and ethically-sourced fabrics, so you can feel good about your purchase."
Best lace thong
No VPL Free Cut Lace Thong, £8, M&S
Editor's thoughts: "Can you really go far wrong with M&S lingerie? This lace thong would suggest not - marrying sex-appeal with comfort for the best thong ever. It's really high-waisted, available in three colours and has added stretch to the lace for a really comfortable fit. Go buy one."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
Best shaping thong
Spanx Suit Your Fancy High Waist Shaping Thong, £58, ASOS
Editor's thoughts: "Super high rise with a double layer design, this is my go-to thong if I'm feeling less than confident - or when I'm wearing an occasion dress. Designed to shape and smooth the silhouette, it has a non-binding leg for a smooth transition."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these ASOS discount codes.
Best organic thong
Editor's thoughts: Available in four colours and also in a pack of two, Boody's super-soft G-string thong is made using the brand's highest quality Boody bamboo yarn. Why bamboo? Bamboo fibers are not chemically treated and are naturally smooth and round with no sharp spurs to irritate skin.
Best sheer thong
The Sheer High Waist Thong, £22, Heist Studios
Editor's thoughts: "Of all the Heist Studios thongs, this one is my favourite. It makes me feel so confident thanks to the sheer panelling which sits high on the waist, but also has a Polyamide/Elastane lower which offers up ZERO irritation and a second-skin feel."
Best nid-rise thong
The Invisible Thong, £18, Heist Studios
Editor's thoughts: "Once again, Heist Studios have come THROUGH with their invisible thong. Despite not being labelled as high-waisted, this thong does sit comfortably on the waistline which I love. The fabric feels such excellent quality, washes well and can barely be felt when you're wearing it. I'm obsessed."
Best lightweight thong
The Invisible High Waist Thong, £18, Heist Studios
Editor's thoughts: "Newly launched by Heist Studios, these high-waist thongs are seriously comfortable. They're available in three colours and sit really high up on your waistline for a very flattering fit. The back is really minimal so you never get a VPL, the waistband is elasticated to keep you feeling secure and the fabric is so lightweight you can barely feel you're wearing anything. I could wear one of these thongs every day forever and be perfectly happy about it."
Best high leg thong
SKIMS Built Up High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Thong, £30, Selfridges
Editor's thoughts: "When Kim K dropped her shapewear range in Selfridges for the first time, I must've been one of the first people to place an order. I had an alarm set and everything. I love this thong because it's crafted from a sheer fabric, which not only looks really sexy but provides a barely-there feel, too. It's high-rise with a high-leg, a waistband which feels really supportive and a lined gusset for zero irritation. Would definitely recommend."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best silk thong
Editor's thoughts: "Silk, lace and thong might be three words that don't necessarily equate to comfort, but try this style from M&S and you'll see why it's my pick. It might be the extra stretch or the luxurious silk it's been made from but it's as comfortable as knickers get - plus, I think they look pretty great on too."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
Best Skims thong
SKIMS Ribbed Stretch-Woven Thong, £29, Selfridges
Editor's thoughts: "I love this Skims thong, because the fabric is so thick that it makes you feel so supported and confident. Despite the heavyweight material, it's really soft and comfortable, with high legs and a chunky waistband. I feel great in this thong."
Save when you shop for the best thongs with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best everyday thong
Invisibles Thongs Set of 2, £25, Net-A-Porter
Editor's thoughts: "What edit of the most comfortable thongs would be complete without an appearance from Calvin Klein? Their invisibles thong is loved by women the world over, because is genuinely feels like you're wearing nothing at all. You can never see it underneath clothes, and I can wear it for hours without feeling any discomfort."
Best low cut thong
The Nude Label Basic Thong, £18, womanhood
Editor's thoughts: "For an everyday thong, this minimalist design is my go-to. It's made from organic GOTS certified organic cotton and I personally like that it sits low on my waist; with the wide soft elastic waistband it never cuts into me. It might be 'basic' but you won't regret buying one (or a few.)"
