Classic string, string thong, lace string, cotton or seamless microfiber: the cut that eliminates the back seam and remains invisible under fine and clingy fabrics.
A string is defined by the absence of a back seam: the strip connecting the front to the waistband is reduced to its simplest form, which eliminates any marking under clothing. This is its only true function, which is why it remains the go-to style under light trousers, a fitted skirt, or a flowing dress.
Three variants share the segment. The classic string keeps a covering triangle at the front and a fine but flat back strip, often made of lace: it’s the most comfortable for everyday use. The string thong reduces the waistband itself to a cord, making it completely invisible but more noticeable on the hips. The Brazilian, often classified with women's strings, actually retains a small piece of fabric at the back: more covering, it offers a comfortable transition for those who find the string too minimal.
The choice of material matters more here than elsewhere, as the contact area is reduced. Cotton, often limited to the lining of the gusset, remains the healthiest for daily wear. Soft lace adorns without scratching, provided it is elastic and not rigid. Smooth microfiber offers the best discretion under fine materials, and laser-cut designs eliminate even the edges, leaving no ridge.
A women's string should be chosen based on hip measurement, never waist measurement. The women's string thong reduces the side coverage even more, while a women's string in cotton or lace remains more comfortable for an entire day. If it's too small, it digs in and rides up; if it's too big, it twists and loses its function. If you're unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one for lace models, which are less stretchy, and your usual size for stretch microfiber models. Finally, check the width of the back strip: a flat band a few millimetres wide is much more comfortable than a round string. If the band is noticeable when sitting for long periods, the women's tanga retains a piece of fabric at the back without going back to the women's shorty, which is more covering.