Panty lines? Consider ’em gone. The best thongs for women stay invisible under tights, leggings, and fitted dresses—without being a total pain in the butt. While thongs can be a controversial underwear choice, there are plenty of options that are comfy enough to wear all day thanks to their smart construction, silky soft materials, and wide range of cuts and coverage.
Hate the friction of fabric on fabric? Want undies that are slender and smoothing under clingy wedding-guest dresses? Or what about seamless underwear that won’t show under your workout leggings? To help you find the most comfortable thong for your needs, we turned to Glamour editors and contributors. Below, find their favorite pairs of women’s thongs, including breathable cotton underwear and high-waisted tummy-control thongs.
Our top thong picks
- Best for Tummy Control: SPANXshape Invisible Supima Cotton Thong, $52
- Best Value: Amazon Essentials Seamless Breathable Thongs (4-pack), $7
- Best Cotton: Anzermix Breathable Cotton Thong Panties (6-pack), $11
- Best for Working Out: Under Armour Pure Stretch No-Show Underwear (3-pack), $32
- Best No-Show: Alo Yoga Airbrush Invisible Thong, $28
- Best Under Leggings: Skims Fits Everybody High-Waist Thong, $18
- Best Stretch Lace: Hanky Panky Print Original Rise Thong, $24
Best for Tummy Control: SpanxShape Invisible Supima Thong
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SPANXshape Invisible Supima Cotton Thong
Spanx
What we love: Spanx’s high-rise shapewear thong completely disappears beneath fitted dresses, and the smoothing paneling is practical but sexy. Better yet, it feels as good as it looks. Made of Supima cotton, the tummy-control underwear is soft, sweat-wicking, and comfortable enough to wear all day without getting hot or bothered. It’s available in sizes up to 3X and comes in several chic neutrals.
Glamour contributor Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar says
“These tummy-control undies are surprisingly lightweight and breathable, offering good compression without the dreaded digging or suffocating squeeze. It’s my go-to beneath high-waisted jeans—it cinches my waist to create more definition and sucks in my rounded stomach.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Pricey; too high-waisted for wearing under low-rise clothing
- Sizes: XS—3X
- Materials: 59% Supima cotton, 41% Lycra elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Colors: 4
Best Value: Amazon Essentials Seamless Breathable Thongs
Amazon Essentials Seamless Breathable Thongs (4-pack)
Amazon
What we love: If you’re looking to stock up on everyday panties without spending much, this unfussy multipack is a solid option. While they don’t have the silicone grips or elastic edging of pricier pairs, the seamless thong lies completely flat beneath leggings and other tight clothing, with no visible panty lines in sight. At under $10 for four pairs, they’re some of the most affordable thongs we tested.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs says
“Sometimes you just want a basic thong that disappears under clothes without costing a ton. These lay totally flat beneath leggings and tighter pants with no visible lines. They did slide down my hips a little when I wore them under looser clothing, and because they’re not cotton, they held onto moisture longer than some other pairs I tested. But, overall, I was impressed and think most people will be pleased with them.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Not harika breathable; slides down a little
- Sizes: XS—XXL
- Materials: 78% nylon, 22% elastane
- Colors: 15+
Best Under Leggings: Skim Fits Everybody High-Waist Thong
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Skims Fits Everybody High-Waist Thong
Skims
Nordstrom
What we love: When we polled our editors and readers, shapewear brand Skims’s thongs cropped up again and again. The brand’s Fits Everybody collection is known for its stretchy, ultrasoft fabric, and this high-waisted thong is no exception. The barely-there seams don’t pinch or dig in, making it especially good under leggings and other tight clothing. Its fabric stretches to twice its size for a comfortable fit through bloating and body fluctuations, while the cheeky, high-cut offers light tummy control and stays in place better than many low-rise thongs. It’s also available in sizes up to 4X.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says
“This ultra high-waisted thong is a lot more comfortable than it looks, and I love that it provides a touch of shaping without committing to a full-on shapewear piece. It’s soft to the touch, stretchy and flexible, making it perfect for wearing for all activities, especially those that require a lot of movement (i.e., working out, walking, etc.).”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Material is quite thin
- Sizes: XXS—4X
- Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Colors: 5+
Best Cotton: Anzermix Breathable Cotton Thongs
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Anzermix Breathable Cotton Thong Panties (6-pack)
Amazon
What we love: Cotton underwear is often recommended by ob-gyns for its breathable, moisture-wicking feel, and this affordable thong multipack makes it easy to stock up on the fabric. Made with a touch of spandex for stretch and comfort, the 95%-cotton thongs lie relatively flat beneath leggings and other tight clothing while still feeling soft and lightweight. Though they’re not as durable as some pricier pairs on this list, the low price makes replacing them less of a hassle.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says
“I find cotton to be the most comfortable when wearing a thong because it’s soft to the touch and quite breathable, and offers just the right amount of pliability. These second-skin thongs live up to all of those standards at a great value. These are my daily drivers, and I’d highly recommend them to whoever feels like thongs are never comfortable for them; these will change your mind, I promise.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: No plus sizing above XL; not the most durable material
- Sizes: S—XL
- Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Colors: 25+
Best for Working Out: Under Armour Pure Stretch No-Show Underwear
Under Armour Pure Stretch No-Show Underwear (3-pack)
Amazon
What we love: Need workout underwear that doesn’t show through leggings or shift around mid-squat? (Provided you wear undies when you exercise, that is.) Under Armour’s seamless thong is designed for training, with lightweight, stretchy fabric that wicks sweat and dries quickly and flat seams that lie smoothly beneath leggings. “These thongs are soft, stretchy, and stay in place no matter how much you move, making them great for squats, lunges, or any active workout,” says Denise Chakoian, a Rhode Island–certified fitness trainer and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree.
Glamour contributor Grace McCarty says
“These are my new go-to gym underwear. They don’t budge when running, are totally invisible under clothing and leggings, and fit snugly around the waist. Since they’re so thin, they might need a little readjustment after a üstün bendy session, however.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Limited plus sizing
- Sizing: S–XL
- Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
- Colors: 15+ options
Best No-Show: Alo Yoga Airbrush Invisible Thong
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Alo Yoga Airbrush Invisible Thong
Alo Yoga
What we love: If you’re one of those people who hates the sight of a VPL through leggings, this Alo thong underwear is for you. Made from some of the thinnest material we tested, it’s practically non-existent, while still creating a barrier that keeps clothing from chafing. Its fabric is lightly compressive, which keeps the thong from moving. UESCA-certified running coach and ISSA-certified personal trainer Liz Schmoll calls it a “good seamless option for everyday wear with odor control.”
Condé Nast VP and health content lead Dana Leigh Smith says
“The seamless design sat flat, the sides didn’t twist under my clothing, and it felt cool and comfortable. There was no bunching, even under tight leggings. Plus, they were very sweat-wicking, which kept me feeling comfy during my weight training session.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Limited plus sizing
- Sizes: XXS–XL
- Material: Blend of nylon and elastane
- Colors: 3
Best Stretch Lace: Hanky Panky Original Rise Thong
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Hanky Panky Print Original Rise Thong
Amazon
Nordstrom
What we love: If you’re on the prowl for a lace thong that doesn’t compromise comfort, Hanky Panky is the GOAT. The bestselling brand is known for its styles’ extreme stretch, comfort, and lacy design. And no need to worry about the lace being scratchy or itchy; you’ll barely feel it at all, say our testers.
Glamour contributor Kadar says
“This thong is so soft and gorgeous. It molds perfectly to my body and never rides up or feels like butt floss.” It comes in a variety of fun, bold colors and patterns if you like a little flair down there or just want to spice up your underwear drawer.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: One size only
- Sizes: One size fits women’s sizes 4–14
- Material: 100% nylon
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep in a thong?
You can, though many experts recommend looser underwear—or going without—at night to reduce friction and allow for better airflow, especially if you’re prone to irritation. If you do choose to sleep in a thong, opt for styles made of soft, moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo, cotton, and modal, and that have minimal seams and a relaxed fit.
Are thongs bad for vaginal health?
“Wearing thongs is not detrimental to vaginal health as the vagina is smart and self-cleansing,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, a board-certified ob-gyn who is part of O Positiv’s medical advisory board. “However, with more covering of the areas and possible irritation with thongs, some women may have abnormal discharge, irritation and odor. If this occurs, they need to talk to their gynecologist about possible irritation, a change in vaginal pH, recent sexual practices or changes in their diet.” Choose moisture-wicking fabrics, avoid overly tight fits, and swap out sweaty underwear promptly to help minimize potential issues, especially if you’re prone to irritation or infections.
How we tested
To find the best thongs, we researched best-selling styles and tapped Glamour editors and contributors for recommendations. Seven testers collectively tried over 25 thongs, each worn at least two times (and often more for pairs testers already owned). Each style was evaluated for material quality—how it held up through multiple washes, whether it stretched out, and how breathable it felt—along with overall comfort and visibility under form-fitting clothes like leggings and dresses.
Testers wore the thongs during everyday activities, including walking, sitting, and exercising. We included a range of cuts, from fuller-coverage options to barely-there styles, prioritized brands with extended sizing and multiple colorways, and considered value based on longevity and intended use, whether for daily wear, workouts, special occasions, or sleep.
