Should You Wear Visible Thongs Like in 2002

Table of Contents

• 1. The Y2K throwback
• 2. Celebs doing it first
• 3. Built into the clothes
• 4. Mixed public reactions
• 5. How people wear it
• 6. When it makes sense
• 7. Do it your way
• References
• Images Sources

1. The Y2K throwback

the whole visible thong thing started trending again as Y2K fashion came storming back.

From butterfly clips to cargo pants, the early 2000s are suddenly the hot new thing again.

And thongs peeking out of jeans?

that's part of the package.

it was once made popular by stars like Britney spears, Christina aguilera, and paris hilton.

now its showing up on bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and in designer collections.

you'll see it on red carpets, magazine covers, and your social feed.

but this time, the vibe is more deliberate and confident.

People aren't just wearing thongs that accidentally peek out—they're styled to be seen.

you can thank tikTok for this, too.

Gen z loves reworking old trends and giving them a fresh twist.

In their hands, whale tails feel edgy and expressive, not just provocative.

it's less about "trying to be sexy" and more about owning your style, even if its a little rebellious.

That said, not everyone's sold on it.

some folks think its too much, or not practical.

But thats kind of the point—it's not meant for everyone.

Quick List: popular Y2K trends back Now

• Visible thongs

• Baby tees

• low-rise jeans

• Chunky platform shoes

2. Celebs doing it first

As with most bold fashion comebacks, celebrities were the first to go there.

One bold paparazzi shot or a designer catwalk moment, and boom—it's everywhere.

Hailey Bieber, for example, wore a sleek black dress with a built-in thong at a Met Gala afterparty.

Kim Kardashian stepped out in a look that made the thong the centerpiece of the outfit.

And then there's the runway: Diesel, Versace, and other major brands are throwing visible thong details right into their designs.

Unlike in the 2000s, today's celebrity looks are styled from head to toe to highlight the thong as a design element.

It's not hiding—it's front and center.

What's interesting is how differently they wear it.

Some pair it with long blazers.

Others mix it with oversized denim or even gowns.

It's versatile in weird, unexpected ways.

Still, this trend tends to stay in the high-fashion, celeb space before it trickles down to everyday wear.

For most people, it's more of a "fashion inspo" moment than something they'll try at brunch.

But it's clearly here—for now.

And seeing how it evolves is part of the fun.

3. Built into the clothes

In 2025, fashion designers aren't just leaving it up to chance anymore.

They're sewing thongs right into the outfit.

Yep, we're talking full-on visible thong panels, back straps, and peek-a-boo mesh details designed to look like a thong is showing.

It's not just underwear—it's part of the clothing now.

Brands are releasing skirts and pants with waistband cutouts that show off thong-style straps.

Others go further and add sparkly embellishments or logos on the back.

This makes it way easier to wear the trend without risking a full wedgie moment or dealing with uncomfortable underwear situations.

It's all about creating the look without the hassle.

For fashion fans, it's a win.

And yeah, it turns the thong from "something you hide" to "something you show off." That flip in mindset is what makes the trend feel so different from 20 years ago.

4. Mixed public reactions

Not everyone's cheering for the visible thong trend.

Depending on where you go—or who you ask—it might get side-eye, applause, or confusion.

Some people love it.

They see it as fun, confident, and playful.

It's expressive.

It's cheeky (literally).

And it challenges old-school ideas about how women should dress.

Others think it's attention-seeking or even trashy.

Some feel it doesn't belong in public spaces at all.

And yeah, it can be a little NSFW depending on where you're going.

Fashion has always had a love-hate relationship with boldness.

What one person calls daring, another calls inappropriate.

Even among younger folks, it's not unanimous.

Some Gen Zs say it feels too try-hard.

Others think it's empowering.

It really depends on your circle, your city, and your comfort zone.

5. How people wear it

If you're thinking about trying it, you're not alone.

A lot of people are experimenting—but in different ways.

Some wear it full blast: low-rise pants, high-strap thongs, confident walk.

Others go for a softer version: clothes with cutouts or built-in details that suggest a thong look.

You'll also see it layered under mesh skirts, peeking out from oversized denim, or paired with blazers.

There's no one right way.

Accessories matter too.

People pair the look with bold jewelry, chunky belts, or sleek shoes to balance it all out.

Confidence is key.

If you're gonna wear a visible thong, you kind of have to own it.

That's what makes the difference between awkward and awesome.

6. When it makes sense

okay, but let's get real.

You probably dont wanna wear this to your cousin's baby shower or a meeting at work.

The visible thong has its time and place.

Think concerts, parties, festivals, or fashion-forward outings.

Think selfies, street style, and editorial photoshoots.

at the grocery store?

eh, maybe not.

At a rooftop bar with friends?

Totally.

it's about knowing your audience, your outfit, and your comfort zone.

If it feels forced, skip it.

If it feels fun, go for it.

Here's a table to help break it down:

7. Do it your way

At the end of the day, fashion is personal.

What works for someone else might feel totally off for you—and that's okay.

The visible thong thing isn't about rules.

It's not even really about underwear.

It's about vibe, attitude, and the way you wear it.

Some people will love it.

Some won't.

And honestly?

That's kind of what makes it cool.

You don't have to follow every trend.

But you can remix it in your own way if you're curious.

Wear it once and never again.

Try a safer version.

Or just appreciate the style from the sidelines.

It's your look.

Your rules.

so yeah—thongs are back.

But not the way you remember them.

Whether you're feeling the whale tail or giving it a hard pass, its cool either way.

fashion is about playing, trying stuff, and sometime even laughing at yourself.

if you do decide to give it a go, just remember: confidence makes everything look better.

and if its not for you?

there are plenty of other Y2K trends to mess around with.

Sources and References

• Vogue.com

• Elle Magazine

• Cosmopolitan

• TikTok Style Trends

• Diesel & Versace 2025 Runway Collections

• Instagram Celebrity Outfits (Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian)

• Teen Vogue on Gen Z Trends