Cotton thong or bamboo
Short answer: Cotton is familiar but stays damp. Bamboo viscose moves moisture on and feels smoother, which you notice in a style with so little fabric. Whatever the fibre, though, the edge and the fit decide whether a thong is comfortable all day.
Little fabric, lots of contact
A thong has little fabric, but it sits close to the skin all day. That is why you feel the fibre more clearly than in regular briefs. A smooth, soft fabric rubs less, while a slightly stiffer one is felt more. That is why many choose the material with care in this style.
Moisture
A fabric that moves moisture away keeps the skin drier through the day. Cotton absorbs moisture but holds it, so the narrow part can feel clammy after a few hours. Bamboo viscose moves it further into the fabric. See the styles in bamboo briefs, where you will also find other everyday shapes.
The edge
Whatever the fibre, the edge decides the comfort. A narrow elastic can cut in, especially at the hips, while a wide edge spreads the pressure and lies flatter. If you are unsure, try a style with a wide edge first. Read more in thong with a wide edge.
Under tight clothes
If nothing should show under close fitting trousers or a dress, a seamless style is the closest you get. The edges are cut or knitted flat, so they do not show through the fabric. A smooth material also helps, as it does not cling to the outer layer. Read more in seamless thong under tight clothes.
Durability
Cotton handles more washing and higher temperatures than bamboo viscose. In a thong, though, the elastic goes first whatever the fibre. Once it slackens, the style fits worse and slips. That is why the two materials often last about as long in practice when washed gently and the same way.
Washing
Bamboo viscose stays at 40 degrees without fabric softener, which coats the fibres and makes the fabric less absorbent. Use a laundry bag so the thin edges do not twist in the drum, and skip the tumble dryer on high heat. All the practical rules are in the washing guide.
Fit
A thong should sit close without cutting in at the hips or at the back. Too tight and it chafes, too loose and it moves. Bamboo viscose gives a little, so most people can keep their usual size. Notice how it feels after a few hours, not only in the fitting room.
See the range
The whole group, with briefs, bras and tops, is in bamboo underwear for women. It can help to wear the same material in several layers, so the whole inner layer feels the same. Many keep both thongs and regular briefs in the drawer and choose by the outfit.
How many pairs
Ten to fourteen pairs let you wash once a week without running short. Once you have found a style that fits, it is cheapest and easiest to buy several of the same. Then every pair fits the same, and you can replace them together. See the styles in bamboo underwear for women.
When cotton is fine
A cotton thong is a fine choice if you want to wash at higher temperatures, or if you mostly wear it on calm days. Many own both. What matters most is not the fibre alone, but that the edge lies flat and the size fits, so the style stays in place all day.
Frequently asked questions
What feels softest?
Bamboo viscose, because its fibre surface is smoother than cotton. In a style with so little fabric, you notice the difference more clearly than in regular briefs.
Does the fibre matter much in a thong?
Yes, because the narrow fabric sits close to the skin all day. The edge and fit matter at least as much, so choose a style that lies flat without cutting in.
How do I wash a bamboo thong?
At no more than 40 degrees, without fabric softener and ideally in a laundry bag. Avoid the tumble dryer on high heat so the elastic in the thin edges lasts longer.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
