G-String vs. Thong: Here’s How to Tell the Difference (and When to Wear Each)

There are dozens of underwear cuts, so inevitably, some of them end up getting confused with one another. Briefs and hipsters, cheekies and Brazilians, and thongs and G-strings are all examples of silhouettes that sometimes get lumped together.

You can see why people confuse underwear that looks alike or offers a similar amount of coverage, but in the case of a G-string vs. thong, they’re not quite the same. A thong typically has a little more fabric through the waistband and back, while a G-string is generally much narrower, with a thin strip or string running between the cheeks. So, where does the confusion between thongs and G-strings come from?

A lot of it comes down to labeling. Some brands use the terms interchangeably, while many retailers place both under the same category, despite the fact that they’re technically different cuts. Without further ado, here’s how to tell the difference between them.

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Meet the Expert

Melissa Wedge is the founder and creative director of Nude Theōry, a lingerie and sleepwear brand based in Australia.

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The Main Difference Between a G-String and a Thong

The easiest place to spot the difference is at the back. A thong usually has a little more fabric through the waistband and rear, while a G-string narrows the back down considerably more (sometimes literally to a string).

Both are designed to offer minimal coverage and help cut down on visible panty lines, but a G-string is generally the more revealing of the two. Of course, the exact amount of coverage can still vary quite a bit depending on how each pair is cut and constructed.

When to Wear a G-String vs. a Thong

There isn’t really a right or wrong answer here. “It really comes down to personal preference,” Wedge explains. Some people find a G-string comfortable enough for everyday wear because there’s so little fabric, while others prefer the extra coverage a thong gives you.

A thong can make sense when you want minimal coverage but still like having a little more fabric at the waistband and back. A G-string, meanwhile, may appeal more when you want the least amount of material possible under clothes. As Wedge puts it, “The most important thing is finding a style that fits well and feels comfortable for your body.”

Which One Should You Choose?

If visible panty lines are your main concern, the G-string may have a slight advantage. Since there’s even less fabric across the back, Wedge notes that it can be “particularly effective at minimizing visible panty lines.”

At the same time, don’t count out a thong. “Fabric, seams, and construction also make a big difference, so it’s not just the silhouette itself,” she adds. A well-made thong can be “virtually invisible under clothing,” which means the better choice may come down to fit, fabric, and what feels best once your clothes are actually on.