Honestly, if you’ve been following the WNBA lately, you know the "Bayou Barbie" doesn't do anything halfway. Whether she’s snatching rebounds or hitting the red carpet, Angel Reese knows exactly how to get people talking. Recently, the internet basically went into a meltdown over sightings of Angel Reese in a thong—specifically during her high-profile modeling gigs and vacation snaps.
It’s wild how much one outfit can stir the pot. But for Reese, this isn't just about showing skin; it's a calculated move in her transition from "just an athlete" to a global fashion icon.
Why Everyone Is Obsessing Over the Angel Reese in a Thong Photos
Let’s be real for a second. Most of the buzz started back when Angel made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. People are used to seeing her in a Chicago Sky jersey, sweaty and focused. Then suddenly, she’s on a beach in Los Angeles, rocking ultra-daring swimwear that left very little to the imagination.
She actually admitted to being a bit nervous at first. In interviews on set, Reese mentioned that wearing thong bathing suits wasn't her usual vibe, but she quickly leaned into it. She told the crew, "I work out a lot. I embrace my body." That’s the thing about Angel—she has this "unapologetic" energy that makes it hard to look away.
The Victoria’s Secret Milestone
By late 2025, she took it a step further. Making history as the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a massive deal. We’re talking about a runway that was historically reserved for supermodels like Gisele or Naomi Campbell.
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Seeing Angel Reese in a thong-style lingerie set with those iconic wings wasn't just a "thirst trap." It was a cultural shift. It proved that the modern female athlete can be a powerhouse on the court and a bombshell on the runway simultaneously. She’s breaking that old-school, boring stereotype that says women in sports have to be "one of the boys."
The Backlash and the "Double Standard"
Of course, not everyone was cheering.
The comments sections on her Instagram can get pretty toxic. Whenever she posts something "too revealing," you get the usual crowd of critics telling her to "focus on basketball" or "have some modesty." It’s kinda exhausting, right?
Reese doesn't seem to care, though. She’s been very vocal about the double standards in sports. Men can pose shirtless or in underwear for Calvin Klein ads and everyone calls them "alpha" or "marketable." When a woman like Angel does it, people start questioning her dedication to the game.
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"I’m going to be a Victoria's Secret model one day." — Angel Reese (Instagram, 2024)
She literally manifested this. She told her fans she’d do it, and then she went out and signed the deals. From her Juicy Couture "Angel Couture" line to her investment in Black-owned beauty brands like Topicals, she’s building a literal empire.
Fashion as a Power Move
You’ve probably seen her "tunnel walks" before WNBA games. They’ve become legendary. Sometimes she’s in a full Chanel suit; other times she’s rocking a sheer "preppy chic" look with a tie and blazer.
The Angel Reese in a thong viral moments are just an extension of this. She uses her body as a canvas for her brand. In the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and professional endorsements, visibility is money. If a bikini photo goes viral, her Reebok signature shoe sales go up. If her Victoria's Secret walk trends on X (formerly Twitter), her podcast Unapologetically Angel gets more listeners.
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It’s smart.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that she’s "distracted." People see the glamorous photos and assume she isn't in the gym.
Fact check: Reese broke the record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history. She’s a rebounding machine. The "Barbie" persona is a mask she puts on for the cameras, but the athlete underneath is still as gritty as ever. She’s essentially teaching a masterclass on how to be a "multihyphenate" in 2026.
How to Lean Into Your Own Confidence (The Angel Way)
If there’s one thing to take away from the whole "Angel Reese in a thong" saga, it’s that you shouldn't let other people's comfort levels dictate your wardrobe.
- Own your aesthetic: Whether you like oversized hoodies or daring swimwear, do it for you.
- Ignore the "stay in your lane" crowd: You can be a nerd who likes fashion, or an athlete who likes glam.
- Invest in yourself: Angel didn't just wait for brands to call; she trademarked her name and built her own business.
The bottom line? Angel Reese isn't going anywhere. Whether she's in a jersey or a thong, she’s going to keep making headlines because she understands one fundamental truth about the modern era: being yourself is the most profitable thing you can do.
To keep up with her evolving style, you should definitely watch her latest podcast episodes where she breaks down the "lessons learned" from her 2025 season. It gives a lot of context to why she chooses the outfits she does. Also, keep an eye on the upcoming Angel Reese 1 sneaker colorways—they often drop right after her biggest fashion moments.