Olaf Benz is a German menswear brand owned by Premium Bodywear AG, which also operates Manstore and Dreamgirl. They primarily design underwear but also offer a line of men’s swimwear, including thongs. Orders can be placed directly on their website, but I’ve found International Jock to be a more convenient option for shipping to the United States. They typically carry the same selection as the official site at comparable prices.
The design of the Olaf Benz Swim Thong falls somewhere between the Skinz T-Back Thong and the Todd Sanfield Shore Thong. Unlike the Skinz thong, it is lined and features a more traditional cut, but it lacks the drawstring found in the Todd Sanfield thong. If the Skinz thong feels too skimpy and the Todd Sanfield thong too conservative, the Olaf Benz Swim Thong is a great middle-ground option.
Most of the fabrics are solid colors, though a few patterns are available. The sizing is consistent, and the Olaf Benz Swim Thong fits true to size. The inner tag is easily removable, which I always appreciate. I would prefer if they omitted the outer rubber tag with the Olaf Benz logo, but it’s subtle enough not to be too distracting. I’ve liked all of the fabrics except for one—the shiny Italian fabric used in the BLU2352. Thongs made from that material didn’t fit as well and had noticeable puckering.
It’s not the most inspired design, but the Olaf Benz Swim Thong is a solid choice for those seeking a lined thong with a classic fit. While I can’t recommend it as enthusiastically as some other brands, it’s worth a look.