When Were Thongs Invented? A Brief History of the Evolution of Underwear

Introduction

The thong is an iconic piece of clothing that has been around for centuries. But when were thongs invented? This article seeks to answer this question by exploring the history of the thong, from its origins in ancient times to its modern-day popularity.

A Historical Look at the Invention of the Thong

The thong has been around for centuries, but its exact origins are unclear. To understand when the thong was invented, it’s important to look at the history of underwear.

Ancient Times

In ancient times, clothing was used primarily as protection from the elements. People often wore simple robes or tunics made of linen, wool, or leather. Undergarments were rarely worn, and when they were, they consisted of loincloths or other basic coverings.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the use of undergarments began to become more common. Women often wore long chemises or smocks to protect their clothes from sweat and dirt. Men also began to wear long-sleeved undergarments made of linen or cotton.

Renaissance

In the Renaissance era, clothing styles became more elaborate. Women began wearing corsets and petticoats, while men wore breeches and doublets. Undergarments also became more detailed, with some people wearing drawers or pantaloons beneath their outer garments.

Early Modern Period

During the early modern period, underwear became even more popular. Women began wearing corseted bodices and petticoats, while men wore knee-length drawers or pantaloons. By the 19th century, underwear had become a necessary part of everyday dress.

The Evolution of Underwear: How the Thong Came to Be

The thong is a type of underwear that has been around since ancient times. In recent years, the thong has become increasingly popular, but how did it come to be? Let’s take a look at the evolution of underwear and the rise of the thong.

Pre-Thong Era

Before the thong, underwear consisted mainly of loose-fitting garments such as drawers, bloomers, and briefs. These types of underwear provided coverage, but they weren’t particularly flattering or comfortable.

Rise of the Thong

The thong first appeared in the 1920s, when lingerie designer Rudi Gernreich introduced the “monokini” — a one-piece swimsuit with a thong-style bottom. The monokini sparked controversy, but it also paved the way for the acceptance of the thong.

Popularization of the Thong

In the 1980s, thongs became increasingly popular as fashion trends moved away from full-coverage underwear. Designers like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret embraced the thong, and it soon became a staple of women’s lingerie. Today, thongs are available in a variety of styles and fabrics, and they’re worn by both men and women.

A Brief History of the Thong: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

The thong has been around for centuries, but its exact origins are unclear. To better understand the history of the thong, let’s take a look at how it evolved over time.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, thong-like garments were worn by both men and women. These garments were typically made of linen or leather and provided minimal coverage.

Greece

In ancient Greece, thong-like garments were also worn by both men and women. They were often made of leather and decorated with metal studs or gemstones.

Rome

In ancient Rome, thong-like garments were worn by gladiators and slaves. These garments were typically made of leather and provided minimal coverage.

Asia

In Asia, thong-like garments have been worn for centuries. In Japan, these garments are called fundoshi and are still worn today. In India, thong-like garments are known as langotis and are traditionally worn by wrestlers.

Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, thong-like garments were worn by both men and women. These garments were typically made of linen and provided minimal coverage.

19th Century

In the 19th century, thong-like garments became more common. Women began wearing corsets and petticoats, while men wore knee-length drawers or pantaloons.

20th Century

In the 20th century, thong-like garments became increasingly popular. In the 1950s, the thong bikini was introduced, and in the 1970s, the thong became a fashion staple. Today, thongs are available in a variety of styles and fabrics, and they’re worn by both men and women.

A Timeline of Thong Design: How It All Began

To get a better understanding of how and when the thong was invented, let’s take a look at a timeline of thong design.

Early 1900s – The Rise of the G-String

The first modern thong was the G-string, which emerged in the early 1900s. This garment was a variation on the traditional jockstrap and provided minimal coverage.

1930s – The Introduction of the “Risqué” Thong

In the 1930s, lingerie designer Rudi Gernreich introduced the “monokini” — a one-piece swimsuit with a thong-style bottom. The monokini sparked controversy, but it also paved the way for the acceptance of the thong.

1950s – The Emergence of the Thong Bikini

In the 1950s, the thong bikini was introduced. This style of swimwear was considered risqué at the time, but it quickly gained popularity among young women.

1970s – The Popularity of the Thong

In the 1970s, the thong became increasingly popular as fashion trends moved away from full-coverage underwear. Designers like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret embraced the thong, and it soon became a staple of women’s lingerie.

1980s – The Fashionable Thong

In the 1980s, thongs continued to gain popularity. As fashion trends shifted towards skimpy styles, the thong became a fashionable choice for both men and women.

1990s – The Thong Reaches Mainstream

By the 1990s, the thong had reached mainstream popularity. Thongs were now available in a variety of styles and fabrics, and they were worn by both men and women.

Exploring the Origin of the Thong: Where Did It Come From?

The exact origin of the thong is unclear, but it’s believed to have its roots in ancient times. Let’s take a look at where the thong may have originated.

Prehistoric Times

The earliest evidence of thong-like garments dates back to prehistoric times. In cave paintings, men and women can be seen wearing loincloths and other basic coverings.

Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece and Rome, thong-like garments were worn by both men and women. These garments were typically made of leather and provided minimal coverage.

Asia

In Asia, thong-like garments have been worn for centuries. In Japan, these garments are called fundoshi and are still worn today. In India, thong-like garments are known as langotis and are traditionally worn by wrestlers.

Europe

In Europe, thong-like garments were worn by both men and women in the Middle Ages. These garments were typically made of linen and provided minimal coverage.

An In-Depth Look at How and When the Thong Was Invented

The exact origin of the thong is unclear, but there are several theories about how and when it was invented. Let’s take a look at some of these theories.

Early Development of the Thong

The earliest evidence of thong-like garments dates back to prehistoric times. However, the modern thong is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, when the G-string was introduced. This garment was a variation on the traditional jockstrap and provided minimal coverage.

Popularization of the Thong

In the 1930s, lingerie designer Rudi Gernreich introduced the “monokini” — a one-piece swimsuit with a thong-style bottom. The monokini sparked controversy, but it also paved the way for the acceptance of the thong. In the 1950s, the thong bikini was introduced, and in the 1970s, the thong became a fashion staple. Today, thongs are available in a variety of styles and fabrics, and they’re worn by both men and women.

Innovations in Thong Technology

Over the years, thong technology has advanced significantly. Today, thongs are available in a variety of fabrics, including cotton, nylon, spandex, and microfiber. They come in a range of styles, from low-rise to high-waisted, and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns.

Conclusion

The thong is an iconic piece of clothing that has been around for centuries. But when were thongs invented? This article sought to answer this question by exploring the history of the thong, from its origins in ancient times to its modern-day popularity. We looked at the evolution of underwear and the rise of the thong, as well as a timeline of thong design and a brief look at where the thong may have originated. Finally, we discussed how and when the thong was invented and the innovations in thong technology.

Summary

The thong has been around for centuries, but its exact origins are unclear. To better understand when thongs were invented, it’s important to look at the history of underwear. The thong first appeared in the 1920s and has since become increasingly popular. Today, thongs are available in a variety of styles and fabrics, and they’re worn by both men and women. The exact origin of the thong is unclear, but it’s believed to have its roots in ancient times.

Final Thoughts

The thong is a timeless piece of clothing that has evolved over the centuries. From its origins in ancient times to its modern-day popularity, the thong has come a long way. Whether you’re looking for comfort or style, there’s no denying that the thong has stood the test of time.