Suns out, buns out: This is the summer of the beach thong. At least that’s true of the heavenly bodies belonging to models such as Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid. The Kardashians are in on the trend too, turning the gaze of their selfies from their top halves to their bare bottom halves while lounging dressed in what some may refer to as “butt floss.” Even Sisqó is singing the “Thong Song” again, but with all of the hype that this teeny bikini bottom is getting, is it a trend that actually has traction in the real world? Thong bikinis were once the reserve of shapely beach bodies in Ipanema and St.-Tropez, but seem to be everywhere these days. It certainly takes a brave soul to bare it all, regardless of place or body type.
A few days ago during Miami Swim Week, Chanel Iman was asked whether or not she’d slink around a beach in a thong bikini. “It depends on who is around,” she told Vogue. “I usually love a cheeky cut but a thong can be nice, too—on a private beach.” If a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model has second thoughts, then where does that leave the rest of us? See Vogue staffers’ thoughts on thongs at the beach, below.
I absolutely would! I typically wear a thong under a speedo…just in case the vibe gives me a weird feeling, but 9 times out of 10 I’ll go for the thong. It takes a while to build up the courage, but once you get to a certain point it becomes easier. It’s hard at first, but rip the band aid off and be consistent with it. Don’t look back. Make it as boring as you can for other people. Also, think about what it could be like in the future. If you did the hard work now, in a year you could be wearing thongs without any hesitation and how freeing and how much joy would that bring you? See you in the other side!
Definitely. I’ve been wearing only thongs or g-strings at the beach and pool for over 20 years. I’ve found if you’re acting accordingly and not making a scene, the majority of people really don’t care. It gets easier the more you do it and eventually it just feels normal.
I definitely would. I’ve got to the stage now that I only pack two thongs for a beach holiday. By removing a safe fall back alternative, I feel much more confident about wearing a thong. As has been said, just keep everything you do normal on the beach and chances are that no one will bother you at all. Good luck. You’ll enjoy it!
That’s the goal! I love what I buy, and, while still in my adjusting to wearing a speedo in public stage, I’ve got a fiancé who likes me in both, which is a big bonus of support. Having a nice community like this is also reassuring.
Of course. It’s my preferred style. The only time I will not is if it is definitely illegal to wear one and if it is enforced. Many places say it is not legal, but it is not enforced. Thongs have definitely become more popular and more mainstream in the past few years. It is gaining momentum and feeds on itself. It certainly helps to stay in tip top shape and wear it with confidence. No one really cares what you wear, so wear what you feel the best in.
Yes, there is nothing quite like having salt and sun on your skin after coming out of the ocean. I frequently thong at Laguna Beach, CA. It is a lot of effort on my part to let go of any inhibitions, but the pure joy I experience is worth it.
You have to just go for it. I still get apprehensive about wearing a thong in public. Luckily I found a couple beaches that are more secluded. But, that’s part of the thrill. Once I strip down and go for a walk my confidence builds up. I’ll walk by people and smile if they see me or ignore if they don’t. This is the first year I ever wore a thong to the beach. It feels great every time I go out. I have not received any negative comments, all been positive. Most people say nothing.
You know all that mental wrestling we do in our own heads? Yeah, no one cares. Literally no one cares enough beyond giving a long curious puzzled look and a shrug of the shoulders before returning to what they had previously been doing. Meanwhile, we’re looking around at people wondering who will disapprove and might even complain or come talk to us.
No one.
Eventually, we will pack up and leave without ever trying to sport that fateful thong, promising ourselves that NEXT time we’ll be brave enough to FINALLY lay out without compromise. If we do finally strip down, the racing heart rate and our apprehension of possible confrontation limits that outing to a very short time. Okay, maybe we were never buns up for more than a few minutes, turning over if someone came in our direction. BUT WE DID IT!
Little by little our stays get progressively longer, and we’re less apprehensive. People walk by and they don’t even look, much less say anything. We dare a walk for a dip, maybe even a short walk down the beach. Later, a walk from the parking lot in just a thong. We become a local and people begin to recognize us, smile, and maybe even speak with us casually about the nice weather.
No one cares!
Unless of course we’re acting “sus”. Mind your own business, behave like anyone else; no one will care. Your inhibitions will melt away leaving a general sense of zen and well-being.
Beautifully said. Every time I go I get more and more confident. But this doesn’t mean the thrill ever goes away. I grin ear to ear knowing I’m walking the beach in a thong.
Love the way you put it. It’s so true. I mostly wear swim briefs. My swim thongs are reserved for my fiancé and myself. The only hurdle is my inner voice.
I absolutely would and have worn a thong on the beach. I think it is definitely more acceptable than it used to be, but still very difficult and scary for some. I also think it depends on the situation, location, and the people around you. I normally have a back up bikini bottom with more coverage or a cover up in case of situations were I feel it’s not appropriate or I’m getting uncomfortable.
I think the best advice I can offer someone who’s nervous is to monitor your situation and don’t make yourself stand out. But still be happy and enjoy it.
When I first started, I would only wear it while I was tanning. If I got up to walk, I’d cover up. Even now, after years of wearing a thong at lakes, beaches and pools, I try not to parade around getting unwanted attention. I don’t want to risk anything that would ruin my experience.
And remember, there is always going to be someone that’s going to stare or laugh or whatever, but just ignore it and be confident!
Hope that makes sense, lol.
So, get those thongs on and get some sun on those buns and just be safe!
