Originally published in Nina & Het Laatste Nieuws, written by Valeriya Gornostayeva – 20-05-23
Thongs are super sexy, but oh so uncomfortable. On top of that, these paper-thin panties are often made from harmful materials. So, how healthy is this seductive piece of underwear really for our intimate hygiene? Gynaecologist Herman Depypere and lingerie expert Lore Janssens explain. “Avoid underwear that is too tight.”
With the return of low-rise jeans, thongs are making a massive comeback. Stars like Rita Ora, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and even Madonna have proven it. But even without low-rise pants, many women love wearing thongs simply to feel sexy.
Unfortunately, this tiny item is often not that comfortable. Because of the minimal amount of fabric, it can lead to irritation and infections of your vagina more quickly. Does such a thing as a ‘healthy thong’ exist, and how damaging is that string between your cheeks exactly? Two experts break it down.
“A thong is often made of a very thin or transparent fabric like nylon, polyamide, or polyester. These materials shift easily, which inevitably transports bacteria from your anal zone to your vaginal zone,” says Lore Janssens, owner of the Belgian underwear brand Oh Yaz.
“These synthetic fabrics don’t just move more; they are also harmful to your vaginal balance. They can cause extra irritation and increased discharge. Unlike regular panties, a thong can’t effectively absorb that moisture because the fabric is too thin and there is simply too little of it.”
Gynaecologist Herman Depypere agrees: “For some, a thong can cause more irritation and friction in the pubic area. Sometimes it can even slide between the labia. Those with a sensitive vaginal zone are better off not wearing thongs. If you don’t experience any issues, it’s generally fine,” he says.
A cotton thong is better, but not the best option
The gynaecologist recommends choosing a cotton thong. “Synthetic fabrics act as a barrier. They prevent the vagina from breathing properly, resulting in extra discharge. If that moisture can’t escape, due to fabric that is too tight, thick, or even abrasive, it leads to more irritation. Comfort matters; a thong is essentially just a string. Logically, it causes more irritation than a normal pair of underwear.”
A tip: it’s always best to sleep without underwear to let everything breathe.
But if you ask Lore, cotton isn’t the best option either. “It’s comfortable, but I didn't feel good about the current offerings. It’s also usually not ecological; there is a global cotton shortage, leading to heavy manipulation of the crop. While it’s much better than polyester, your vagina needs to breathe at all times, so a thong should be made from a light fabric. At the same time, it needs to be able to absorb moisture. Cotton absorbs, but doesn't always allow enough airflow. In the summer or during exercise, cotton underwear can feel suffocating.” Her tip: definitely sleep without underwear to give everything some air.
At her brand, Oh Yaz, Lore creates underwear and thongs from a different fabric: ecovero. “Thin enough to let oxygen through, thick enough to absorb some discharge, but sturdy enough to stay in place. Plus, they use slightly more fabric, ensuring they stay comfortable,” says Lore.
These women are extra sensitive
Are there specific people who should be extra careful when choosing a thong? “Absolutely,” says Lore. “Women who are menstruating, pregnant, or going through menopause need to pay extra attention to their choice of underwear. You are more prone to irritation and infections during these times.”
For a healthy vagina, you only need two things: lukewarm water and good underwear.
“For a healthy vagina, you really only need two things: lukewarm water to clean the outside, and appropriate underwear. Other 'helpers' like ointments or feminine washes often do more harm than good. Creating a single formula that works every day for every vagina is simply impossible,” says Lore Janssens.
Be careful with sports leggings, period underwear, and shapewear
Many people wear thongs under sports leggings or tights. “It makes your underwear less visible and feels more comfortable, especially when doing squats (laughs),” says Lore. “But because of the suffocating fabric of the leggings and the sweating, the chance of irritation and a vaginal infection is much higher. Definitely don't wear a synthetic thong while working out.”
Lore also advises caution with period underwear. “The principle is often ecological, but the product itself and its processing aren't always. Think of the coatings or dyes used to make the panties water-absorbent. Chemicals are almost certainly involved, which isn't healthy. Check the label to see the washing temperature. You need to wash underwear at a minimum of 40°C to kill all bacteria.”
And what about shapewear? “I’m not a fan of shapewear because it’s very tight. That’s not good for your skin, and certainly not for your vagina,” Lore concludes.