A song was even written about it. It’s the thong. Thong swimwear is the in thing and it seems like it will never go out of style. The thong is enjoying its second wind some 30 years after its invention. Its widespread appeal has wearers feeling free and mothers covering their children’s eyes.
There is no definitive answer regarding who truly invented the thong, but Austrian-born Rudi Genreich is the designated inventor. First seen in 1974, the “clothing” began to sell in the popular Fredrick’s of Hollywood catalog. Brazil had its hands on it by 1978.
Shortly thereafter, other businesses followed.
So, who should wear thong swimwear? That debate has raged on for years. Some people choose to wear them regardless of body shape and otherwise hidden flaws. If you are indeed the modest type, this is not the right swimsuit for you. Basically, your entire backside is exposed, despite a very thin piece of fabric in the middle. Some look like dental floss. Even though it means exposing a lot, many are proud of their bodies. I guess some people respond to the old adage “if you’ve got it, flaunt it.” You wouldn’t believe some of the people that think they’ve “got it”…
Not surprisingly, thong swimwear is banned on some beaches because of its revealing nature. The trick of the swimsuit is the design. Although it is very small, the front of the bikini basically covers up the important parts. When you turn around, the bikini seems to disappear. It’s a very deceptive piece of clothing.
There is one question that’s been nagging the world.
What about the men?
Sure, whenever someone thinks of thong swimwear, they automatically think of women sporting the fashion. Some men, however, have debunked that myth. Women, at least those polled on a website, are all in favor of men revealing more of themselves. Over 60% of women polled on the website believed that men should wear the revealing swimwear. It appears that thongs aren’t just for women anymore.
While some women complain about thong underwear being uncomfortable, it makes lines smoother and slimmer. Fashion experts agree that visible panty lines are a no-no. On the beach, however, this issue is not applicable.
On the beach, the swimwear is simply daring for both sexes to don. This point is probably what lures customers to the fashionable swimwear. They want to be different. Unfortunately, there are millions just like them.
Well, so much for individuality.
If you’re a little embarrassed about buying the swimwear in person, you can always shop online (though if you’re embarrassed about buying it in person, you may want to rethink how you’ll react to wearing it in person!). If you’re shopping for you and a member of the opposite sex, make sure to find a website that caters to both sexes (yes, they do exist!).
Before you shop online, make sure you know your size and body shape. It is very important to know your size if you’re purchasing a swimsuit of any kind. Businesses will not allow you to return a swimsuit for any reason, simply because the clothing is put into the same category as underwear. You should know your body type because you need to know what suit type best fits and best flatters your body.
By Michelle Presbury