Walk past any high-end resort in Miami or a beach club in Ibiza right now and you’ll notice something immediately. It’s unavoidable. The landscape of poolside fashion has shifted away from the full-coverage "Instagram face" aesthetic of the mid-2010s toward something much more minimal. We’re talking about thongs by the pool. Not just the skimpy Brazilian cuts, but the high-leg, unapologetic T-back styles that used to be relegated to "scandalous" tabloid headers.
Times have changed.
The reality is that "cheeky" cuts are no longer the daring outlier. They’re the standard. If you look at the 2025 sales data from major swimwear disruptors like Frankies Bikinis or the enduring influence of Skims, the trend isn't just a blip. It’s a total reimagining of how people want to feel when they’re lounging near water. People want fewer tan lines. They want more mobility. Mostly, they just want to stop caring about outdated "modesty" rules that never really made sense in a vacation setting anyway.
The technical evolution of the poolside thong
It isn't just about showing skin. That’s a common misconception. The modern resurgence of thongs by the pool is actually rooted in textile engineering and a shift in silhouette preference. In the early 2000s, thong swimwear was often uncomfortable, made with thin strings that dug into the hips. It was purely aesthetic, and honestly, kind of painful to wear for more than an hour.
Today? It’s different.
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Brands are using seamless, bonded-edge technology and high-denier recycled nylons. This means the suit sits on top of the skin rather than cutting into it. Experts in the fashion industry, like former Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, have long noted that the "high-cut" thong look elongates the leg visually by drawing the eye upward toward the natural waist. It’s a geometry trick. By eliminating the horizontal line across the mid-thigh that a traditional bikini bottom creates, you create an unbroken vertical line.
- The V-Cut: This style sits high on the iliac crest (the hip bone). It’s the most popular version you’ll see at the pool this year because it stays secure while swimming.
- The G-String: Reserved mostly for tanning-heavy days. Minimalist.
- The Brazilian: A "gateway" thong. It offers a bit more fabric on the top but narrows significantly at the base.
Why the "scandal" factor has basically vanished
You used to see "no thongs allowed" signs at family-oriented water parks or certain municipal pools. Those are disappearing. Why? Because the cultural definition of what is "appropriate" has been decentralized. Social media played a role, sure, but the body positivity movement actually did the heavy lifting here.
When you see a diverse range of body types—not just runway models—wearing thongs by the pool, the "sexualized" stigma starts to melt away. It becomes just another piece of clothing. It’s practical for sunbathing. It’s efficient for drying. No one likes sitting in a cold, soggy, full-coverage bottom for three hours while they try to eat a club sandwich. Smaller surface area means faster drying times. It’s basic physics.
There’s also the "European effect." In places like Saint-Tropez or Mykonos, this hasn't been a debate for decades. Americans and Australians are finally catching up to the idea that the amount of fabric on your backside isn't a moral compass. It's just a style choice.
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Choosing the right fabric for chlorine vs. saltwater
If you’re actually going to wear thongs by the pool, you have to be careful about the material. Chlorine is a beast. It eats through cheap Lycra like nothing else.
- Check for Xtra Life Lycra: This is a branded fiber that resists bag-and-sag caused by pool chemicals.
- Ribbed fabrics are your friend: They provide more structural integrity. A thong made of thin, flat fabric can sometimes "roll" or lose its shape when wet. A ribbed knit stays put.
- The "Dry Test": Before you head to the pool, see if the fabric becomes translucent when stretched. Many "fashion" thongs look great in a bedroom mirror but turn see-through the second they hit the water.
Realities of the 2026 "Poolside Etiquette"
Look, even though the trend is mainstream, context still matters. There is a nuance to pulling this off without feeling out of place. Most high-end resorts have moved toward a "freedom of expression" policy, but if you’re at a very conservative private club, you might still get some side-eye.
Does that mean you shouldn't wear it? Not necessarily. But it's why many people are opting for the "cover-up transition." The move is to wear a sheer sarong or a linen button-down while walking through the lobby or ordering at the bar, then shedding it once you’re on your lounge chair. It’s the classic "resort-to-water" flow.
It’s also worth mentioning the rise of "men’s thongs" in the poolside space. While much slower to take off in North America compared to South America or Europe, brands like aussieBum have seen a steady increase in sales for minimal-coverage men's briefs. It’s the same logic: better tans, less wet fabric, and a rejection of the baggy, knee-length board shorts that dominated the 90s.
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How to find a fit that actually stays put
The biggest fear people have about wearing thongs by the pool is the "wardrobe malfunction." Nobody wants to dive into the deep end and realize their suit stayed at the starting block.
- Look for "Tension Straps": Some modern thongs have a slightly thicker elastic in the waistband.
- Avoid "Side-Tie" thongs for active swimming: They are for lounging only. If you’re doing laps or playing pool volleyball, you need a fixed waist.
- Torso Length is King: If you are tall, you need to size up. A thong that is too short in the "rise" will pull down, which is where the discomfort starts.
The environmental impact of "Micro-Swim"
There is a weirdly positive environmental angle here. Smaller suits use less fabric. When brands use ECONYL (regenerated nylon from fishing nets and ocean plastic), the carbon footprint of a thong is significantly lower than a full-coverage one-piece.
However, because these pieces are so small, people tend to treat them as "disposable" fast fashion. Don't do that. A high-quality thong bottom from a reputable brand like Vitamin A or Bond-Eye can last five seasons if you rinse it with fresh water immediately after leaving the pool. The salt and chlorine are what kill the elasticity. Rinse it. Air dry it in the shade. Never, ever put it in a dryer.
Actionable steps for your next pool day
If you're thinking about making the switch to a more minimal cut, start with a "cheeky" or "Brazilian" style to get used to the sensation. It feels different. You’ll feel the breeze. It’s great.
Next, ensure your skin prep is handled. Because thongs expose more of the hip and glute area, those spots often miss out on sun protection. Apply SPF 30+ to the areas that are usually covered by your "normal" suits at least 20 minutes before you go outside. Use a water-resistant formula.
Finally, buy for your current body, not the one you think you’ll have in three months. A thong that is too small is uncomfortable and will dig in, creating "bulges" that wouldn't even be there if the suit fit properly. A thong that fits correctly should feel almost like you’re wearing nothing at all. That’s the whole point. Focus on the "high-leg" cut to maximize the leg-lengthening effect, and stick to solid colors like deep olive, terracotta, or classic black for a look that feels expensive and intentional rather than frantic.