What is the Difference Between a G String vs. Thong?

Maybe you're looking for the perfect pair of sexy panties to wear with a clingy new dress, or perhaps you're searching for different underwear styles for a sweet sexy look to debut on a special night. But when you first start shopping, the variety can be overwhelming. 

Thong. G-string. V-string. C-string. Tanga. Cheeky. What are they and what's the difference?

If you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of sheer panty styles available, we’ve got your back—and your backside. All-G strings are thongs, but not all thongs are G-strings.

Still have questions on these similar, yet different types of women’s underwear? Read on because we're about to demystify all-thing-thongs for you.

Thongs aren’t new. In fact, they have quite a long and illustrious past. 

Thongs trace their origins back to ancient loincloths,1 but the modern version emerged in 1939 when New York City's mayor mandated that nude dancers cover up.2 Their popularity grew in the 1970s as daring bikini bottoms in Europe and soared in the 1980s as a go-to for Jazzercise enthusiasts. Since then, thongs have become both a fashion statement and an everyday essential, with an estimated one-fifth of women aged 17 to 35 wearing them daily.3 

Ready to join the trend? Let’s dive in.

In broadest terms, a thong is any style of underwear that has front coverage connected to minimal back coverage. If it’s barely there in the back, it’s a thong. 

From just a hint of cheek to barely-there-at-all, thongs come in a wide variety of styles and coverage. Although the shapes and cuts can blur together, there are some distinctions. 

A traditional thong, or basic thong. It features discreet front coverage, butt-cheek exposing back coverage, and is held together with a modest band of fabric. Thongs can also come in different types of fabric such as a lace thong.

Like a traditional lingerie thong, the G-string thong, or g string underwear, has fairly discrete front coverage. However, this style of thong features maximum butt-cheek exposure—there’s usually only a small triangular piece of soft fabric material at the cleft of the butt. In some cases, there may be nothing beyond the string. The waistband on a G-string undergarment is also very thin and minimalist, usually only a string—hence the “string” in the name – so no visible panty line is shown. Nobody really agrees on where the “G” comes from, although some guess that it comes from “groin.”

Which is right for you? It all depends on your personal comfort.

At first glance, thongs and G-strings may seem nearly identical, but subtle differences in coverage, fit, and design set them apart. Whether you’re looking for everyday comfort or the most invisible option under clothing, knowing how these styles compare will help you find the perfect match for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at how thongs and G-strings stack up in different categories.

Thongs are indubitably sexy, leaving just a little to the imagination. Many women choose a thong when their partner is going to get a peek beneath their clothing. These sexiest of thongs are often made of lace, satin, silk, or mesh. Here, the choice between a thong and a G string all comes down to the undie that makes you feel powerful and positively alluring. Sexy thongs can range from broader coverage to almost nothing at all. No matter your choice, they’ll look stunning with a coordinating bra.

Finding the right fit is key to making both thongs and G-strings comfortable. Thongs typically have a wider waistband, sitting more securely on the hips for a snug but supportive fit. G-strings, on the other hand, use ultra-thin straps or strings, which can feel lighter but may shift more throughout the day. The best choice comes down to preference—if you want a firmer hold, a thong is ideal, but for ultimate minimalism, a G-string disappears under anything.

Topping the reasons that a woman chooses a thong is how invisible they look beneath clothing. Going without underwear at all can be distressing for many women but when a larger coverage panty scrunches up beneath clothing it can be distracting, even if nobody else notices (although, sadly, they probably will). Visible panty lines (or VPL) can ruin any look from loungewear to athleisure to businesswear to clubwear. In this category, G strings have the edge thanks to their lack of fabric—but a nude thong can also reduce the dreaded VPL.

For many women, the minimalist feeling of a thong is preferable to a wider coverage panty. Comfortable, daily-wear thongs are often made of cotton or microfiber cloth for breathability and durability. If you don’t love the feeling of an everyday thong, it might be because you haven’t found the correct fit or cut yet. Always choose a thong that is secure enough to provide front coverage without being so tight that it presses into your skin. While many find this narrow piece of cloth to be more comfortable than their flossy G-string counterparts, others find that the minimal fabric of the G-string leads to less movement and chaffing.

While both thongs and G-strings offer a seamless, minimal look, choosing the right style depends on comfort, occasion, and outfit choice. Whether you're dressing for everyday wear, special events, or ultra-fitted clothing, knowing when to wear each style ensures you feel confident and comfortable all day long.

For daily wear, a seamless or cotton thong offers the perfect balance of comfort and invisibility under clothing. The slightly wider waistband and minimal back coverage provide support without digging in, making thongs a great go-to for casual outfits, jeans, or workwear. G-strings, while even more minimal, may not be as comfortable for long wear, but can work for those who prefer a barely-there feel.

When wearing body-hugging outfits like silk slip dresses, leggings, or silk skirts, a G-string is the ultimate no-show option. With its ultra-thin waistband and minimal fabric, it eliminates visible panty lines (VPL) even under the most form-fitting looks. A seamless thong also works well if you prefer a little more coverage while still ensuring a smooth, invisible finish under your outfit.

For romantic moments or lingerie styling, a sexy black lace thong or a unique embellished thong adds a sultry, feminine touch while remaining comfortable. If you want a bolder, barely-there statement, opt for a delicate G-string in sheer lace or satin. Both styles pair beautifully with matching bralettes, garter belts, or sheer robes, creating a polished, seductive lingerie ensemble.

For thin, lightweight fabrics like white pants, sheer skirts, or silk dresses, choosing the right nude-colored thong or G-string prevents visible outlines or unwanted contrasts. A G-string provides the least amount of coverage, making it the best option for completely seamless wear. If you prefer a little more security, a skin-tone seamless thong keeps everything smooth without showing through.

While thongs and G-strings offer seamless wear, there are times when they may not be the best choice. Workouts, periods, and certain health conditions can make full-coverage options more comfortable and hygienic. During high-intensity exercise, the friction and minimal fabric of thongs and G-strings can cause chafing and irritation. Similarly, if you’re experiencing a UTI, yeast infection, or skin sensitivity, switching to breathable, full-coverage underwear can help prevent discomfort and irritation.

While the most popular thongs are the traditional and the G-string styles, a plethora of other thongs exist:

The V-string is very similar to the G-string. However, with this style, the string waistband dips down between the top of the butt-cheeks, creating a distinct “V” in the back.

Cheekies are the most modest of thongs, sort of a training thong. With broad front coverage, a wide waistband, and some butt-cheek coverage, they exist on the line between bikini-style panties and more risque thongs like the G-string. They can either be plain or are often accented with lace for a flirty appearance.

Much like the cheeky, a tanga has modest front coverage, a wide waistband, and a degree of backside coverage—sometimes more than the cheeky. While a cheeky might reveal the lower half of the buttocks, a tanga reveals the upper half.

A close cousin to both the cheeky and the tanga, Brazilians (also called Brazilian bikinis or Rios) are also on the high-coverage side of the thong spectrum. Featuring a wider waistband and modest front coverage, they get smaller and smaller towards the back. They might be little more than a string at the very back.

On the opposite side of the thong spectrum from cheekies, tangas, and Brazilians is the C-string. In fact, a C-string is the most minimal underwear available (after adhesive underwear, that is). Without a waistband at all, a C-string is literally a little structured “C” of fabric that fits across your genitals and swoops between your cheeks.

Basically a C-string with only a teensy waistband connecting from front to back, a T-string is the go-to option for anybody who wants that 90’s throwback undies-as-accessories look.4

Knowing how to tell quality from junk is important when purchasing clothing, but especially undergarments. It can be tempting to grab a cheap option—after all, a thong is so, so teensy. But think twice before putting your money into something made without care. 

Not only will it be less comfortable and attractive, but it will also likely fall apart after only a few wearings.

When choosing a thong, opt for details like:

• Firm elastic at the waistband and leg openings

• Breathable fabric for the part of the undie that falls between your legs

• Uniformly sewn seams without loose threads

• High-quality fabrics like hand-cut lace and organic cotton

• Finely finish details

• Sustainable and Fair Trade production practices