Fashion is weirdly cyclical. Just when you think a trend is buried in the graveyard of 2004 low-rise jeans and butterfly clips, it crawls back out with a modern vengeance. We are seeing that right now with the thong on the side look. You might know it by its more infamous name—the "whale tail"—but the 2026 iteration is less about shock value and more about deliberate body architecture. It’s a polarizing aesthetic, sure. Some people see it and immediately think of Sisqó lyrics, while others see it as the ultimate trick for elongating the torso.
Basically, the "exposed thong" or the high-cut side strap isn't just a random accident anymore. It’s a geometry game.
The Anatomy of the Thong on the Side
Let's be real: wearing a thong on the side pulled up over the hip bones changes how your clothes hang. In the early 2000s, icons like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears popularized the look as a sign of rebellion against the high-waisted era of their parents. Today, the revival is driven by a completely different motivation: the "V-taper" silhouette. By pulling the straps of a thong or high-cut brief upward toward the waist, you create an optical illusion. It draws the eye upward, making the legs look miles long while cinching the perceived waistline.
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It’s about the "high-leg" cut. This isn't just a lingerie choice; it’s a foundational element of the "clean girl" aesthetic and the "baddie" trope seen across Instagram and TikTok. Fashion historians often point to the 1980s aerobics craze—think Jane Fonda in high-cut leotards—as the true origin. We just refined it.
Why It Actually Works (The Science of Lines)
If you look at the work of stylists like Maeve Reilly, who has worked with Hailey Bieber, you notice a pattern. They use vertical and diagonal lines to break up the torso. A horizontal waistline on a pair of pants can sometimes "cut" a person in half, making them look shorter. However, when you introduce the diagonal line of a thong on the side, you’re creating an "arrow" that points toward the narrowest part of the midsection.
It’s high-effort styling disguised as low-effort lounging.
Modern Variations and How People Are Actually Wearing It
There are three main ways this is manifesting in current street style. First, you have the "Visible G-String" which is built into the garment itself. Designers like Givenchy and Subsurface have released trousers and skirts that feature straps mimicking the look of a thong. This is the "safe" way to do it because you don't actually have to worry about your underwear shifting.
Then, there’s the "V-Bar" look. This is common in swimwear. If you’ve looked at a bikini rack lately, the bottoms aren't sitting on the hips anymore. They are hiked up almost to the ribs. This creates that iconic 80s Baywatch silhouette. Finally, there’s the literal interpretation: pulling your actual underwear straps up over the waistband of baggy cargo pants.
- The "Built-in" Approach: High-fashion brands integrate the straps into the design.
- The "Athleisure" Twist: Pulling workout thongs up over leggings to emphasize the gluteal fold.
- The "Y2K" Purist: Low-rise denim with a contrasting lace strap.
Honestly, the Y2K purist version is the hardest to pull off. It requires a level of confidence—and a specific type of pant—that most people find intimidating. But in the world of high-fashion editorial, it’s a staple.
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The Cultural Shift and Body Positivity
A huge misconception is that the thong on the side look is only for one body type. That’s just not true anymore. In the early 2000s, fashion was incredibly exclusionary. Now, thanks to the influence of creators like Paloma Elsesser and the general push for size inclusivity, the high-cut hip look is being used to celebrate curves rather than hide them.
The high-cut strap helps avoid the "muffin top" effect that often happens when a tight elastic band hits the widest part of the hip. By moving that band up to the "squishy" part of the waist or the firmer part of the upper iliac crest, the garment sits flatter against the skin. It’s actually more comfortable for many people. Shocking, I know.
Material Matters
If you’re going to try this, the fabric of the thong is everything. Thin, seamless microfiber is the gold standard. Why? Because you want the strap to lay flat. If you use a thick, cotton-ribbed thong, it’s going to dig in and create a silhouette that looks messy rather than intentional.
Lace is another beast. A lace thong on the side adds texture. If you’re wearing an all-black outfit, a peek of black lace provides a subtle contrast that breaks up the monotony of the fabric. It’s a "texture play" that stylists use to add depth to monochrome looks.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don't just yank any pair of underwear up. That’s a recipe for a bad day. You need a "high-leg" specific cut. If the thong is designed to sit low, pulling it up will cause the front and back panels to bunch in places they definitely shouldn't bunch.
- Wrong Rise: Trying to pull a low-rise thong high will just create tension and discomfort.
- Color Clashing: Unless you're going for a very specific 90s rave look, neon straps with dark pants can look dated.
- Proportion Errors: If you're wearing a high-cut thong, balance the look with an oversized top or baggy bottoms. Tight on top and tight on bottom with the exposed strap can feel "too much" for a casual setting.
The Verdict on the Thong on the Side
The trend isn't going anywhere because it serves a functional purpose in the "Instagrammable" world. It shapes the body in a way that flatters the camera. While it might feel "trashy" to some, fashion has always been about taking the "low-brow" and making it "high-brow."
Whether you love it or hate it, the thong on the side is a tool in the stylist's kit. It's about taking control of your silhouette. It’s about the bold reclamation of a look that was once used to mock women, now turned into a symbol of body autonomy and trend-savviness.
Steps to Master the Look
To successfully integrate this into a wardrobe without feeling like a costume, start with tonal colors. Match a beige high-cut thong with tan trousers. This creates a subtle shadow line rather than a harsh contrast.
Next, ensure the trousers or skirt you are wearing have a relaxed fit. The contrast between the "structured" lines of the thong straps and the "fluid" fabric of wide-leg pants is what makes the outfit look modern.
Invest in quality seamless pieces. Brands like Skims or Parade have mastered the "high-cut" gusset that allows the straps to sit high on the hips without the fabric migrating toward the center. This is the technical secret to making the look stay put all day.
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Finally, check your posture. This look highlights the hips and midsection, so it naturally draws attention to how you carry yourself. It’s a high-confidence style. If you feel awkward, you’ll look awkward. Wear it with the intent of a person who knows exactly what they’re doing with their proportions.
The move from "accidental exposure" to "intentional architecture" is complete. The side-strapped thong is now a staple of the modern silhouette, favoring those who understand that sometimes, the best way to change your shape is to just change where the lines start.