The history of underwear dates back more than 5,000 years. The thong originally comes from South Africa, where this garment was first worn centuries ago. The term "tanga", the African word for a garment resembling the modern thong, is still used in the underwear industry today. But when did the thong actually become truly popular?

Brazil set the trend in the 1970s

Exotic dancers had already been wearing thongs long before, but it wasn't until the 1970s that everyday consumers discovered this garment. South Africa, and especially Brazil, put the trend on the global map. From that point on, underwear was no longer purely functional but became a real fashion statement. For women, the thong had already been accepted for some time, while men mainly started wearing it from the 1990s onward.

An acquired taste or instantly comfortable?

Experiences vary from man to man: some find a thong comfortable right away, while others really need to get used to it. Wearing a thong feels different at first, especially if you've never tried it before. The back consists of a thin strip of fabric, sometimes little more than a string. This can feel unfamiliar at first, but that sensation usually disappears after a short adjustment period. As with many things, practice makes perfect.

Wash with care: how to avoid losing them

Socks often go missing in the wash, but a thong is even easier to lose. This compact piece of underwear easily slips between other garments or gets tangled. Our advice: collect your thongs in a special laundry bag. Thanks to the fine mesh fabric, your underwear stays protected while still getting thoroughly cleaned.

Why more men are choosing the thong

The thong used to be associated mainly with exotic dancers and strippers. Today, men of all ages and backgrounds wear this underwear with confidence. Now that shame and taboo have largely disappeared, the range has grown enormously: from the classic G-string to the minimalist C-string, in countless colours. Black and red remain the absolute favourites when it comes to that extra touch of allure.

One major advantage of the thong is that it can be worn effortlessly under tight clothing. There's no visible underwear line, and it flatters the shape of the body better. Some men deliberately wear the thong slightly visible above low-rise trousers as a subtle eye-catcher. In short, the thong is and remains both a seductive and functional piece of underwear. Want to experience for yourself how great a thong can feel? Browse the full range of men's thongs at hom-shop.com.