At some point in time during my youth I thought that owning thong underwear was a sign of womanhood. I don’t know exactly how that idea came about, but I was hell-bent on finding the best thongs for under $20. That was the extent of my budget as a teenager. Eventually, I was able to find a set of affordable pretty thongs, and I felt so accomplished.
They were exactly what I’d imagined — lacy, stringy and sexy. Then I tried them on. Going from a life wearing of comfy, classic undies to wearing a G-string is not a smooth transition. I ended up shelving them for years. When I started wearing more complicated, adult clothing, I had no choice but to revisit thongs. Thankfully there are many more cute and comfortable thongs for under $20 now than there were when I was younger. I love seamless laser cut pairs for super tight dresses and, I had no idea, but high-waist thongs are a thing and they’re magical.
If you’re on a mission to avoid VPL (visible panty lines) and find a great pair within your budget, this round has you covered. Well, semi-covered. They are thongs, after all.
1. A Low Rise Lace Trimmed Thong
Hanky Panky Cotton Low Rise Thong Panty (O/S), $18, Amazon
These lace trimmed thongs are low cut, so they can be worn with even the lowest cut jeans without any peek-a-boo panty lines.
2. A Subtle Logo Band For When Waistbands Stretch Out
Calvin Klein Cotton Thong Panty (S-L), $6-$13, Amazon
If your waistbands tend to stretch out over time, grab one that has a super strong logo band. Calvin Klein is a classic choice, and the cotton and spandex mix makes for one comfy combo.
3. A Criss-Cross Thong For A Dressier Look
Cosabella Bisous Cotton G-String (O/S), $19, Amazon
This thong looks super dressy, and the criss crossing straps lay flat for a line-less look, no matter what you're wearing on top.
4. A High-Cut Thong For Those Who Don't Like Hipsters
OnGossamer Women's Mesh Hi Cut Panty Thong (S-L), $16, Amazon
These mesh panties are the perfect pair for someone who's anti-VPL but still wants a little more coverage.
5. A Sheer Thong That Still Provides Coverage In Front
Cosabella Low Rise Italian Thong Panty (O/S) , $19, Amazon
Thongs aren't exactly known for providing you with a ton of material, but this style from Cosabella looks just like a bikini brief in front — all while keeping you underwear line-free in the back.
5. A Punchy Patterned Set Of Colorful Thongs
Balanced Tech Invisible Laser Cut Thong Panty 3 Pack (S-XL), $13-$17, Amazon
Thongs don't always have to be serious and sexy, and this fun pineapple print set is proof. Still, if pineapples aren't your thing but you like the shape, check out the brand's ten additional print and color variations.
7. A Classic Lace Thong That Won't Dig In
Seven Til Midnight Plus-Size Chloe Lace Thong (1X-4X Plus), $8-$11, Amazon
Underwear should be comfortable no matter what, and this lacy number is made with 10 percent elastane for just enough stretch. You can also get the look in blue, black, red, green, purple, dark pink, and light pink.
8. A Wide Band Thong For Extra Comfort
Maidenform Women's Smooth Lace Wide Waist Thong Panty (5-8), $4-$20, Amazon
This pretty lace thong has a smooth wide waistband, so you won't get any annoying lines digging into you.
9. A Super Sexy Set of G-String Thongs
Sexy G-string Thong Panty Underwear Pack of 5 (S-XL), $9-$11, Amazon
If you prefer the traditional, extra sexy, barely there G-string thong, this set is for you.
10. A Seamless Thong For Avoiding The VPL
Yummie by Heather Thomson Jasmina Seamlessly Thong (S-XL), $11-$18, Amazon
For a thong that seamlessly offers coverage beneath your skirts and dresses, this pair is a go-to.
11. Lacy Thongs For Everyday Wear
Mamia Womens 6 or 12 Pack Sexy Sheer Floral Lace Thong Panties (S-XL), $10-$17, Amazon
Lace doesn't always have to over-the-top sexy, so this set is a great option for everyday undies.
12. Seamless Laser Cut Thongs To Wear Under Any Outfit
Cloya Women's Seamless Invisible Thongs (XS-XL), $10-$20, Amazon
These no-show thongs are made with 80 percent polyamide and 20 percent plastane for a lightweight flexible fit that won't cut into your skin.
13. A Micro Mesh Thong for Your Sporty Days
adidas Women's Climacool Thong Underwear (XS-L), $3-$12, Amazon
For a sporty pair to add to your underwear drawer, this comfy breathable micro mesh fabric thong is a must-have.
14. A Pair Of Comfy Cotton Thongs
Calvin Klein Women's Cotton Thong Panty (S-L), $9-$13, Amazon
There's no going wrong with a pair of Calvin Klein cotton undies, especially when they're this cute!
15. Laser Cut Thong For Wearing Under Thinner Fabrics
ToBeInStyle Women's Pack of 6 Laser Cut Thongs Panty (S-XL), $13-$19, Amazon
Avoiding panty lines are the whole reasons thongs exist, so a laser cut set like this one is a great starter pack for ditching VPLs.
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Images: Amazon (15)