Remember the stretchy, one-size-fits-all lace thong popularized a few years ago? It was my absolute go-to in my 20s, but over the years, the one-size silhouette stopped cutting it (because, newsflash, one-size is almost always a scam). While I found similar styles at Victoria’s Secret and Aerie a few years back, the popular lace style has seemed to have disappeared off the market altogether, or in the rare cases I’ve been able to find it, has shrunken in size and design thanks to the low-waist trend making a comeback.
Because of this, I’ve been left with a less-than-stellar collection of thongs that are either too old, too small, or too dated in appearance. To remedy the situation, I started by getting rid of any and all thongs that didn’t fit just right, as well as those that might have fit okay, but weren’t comfortable after hours of wear. (I’m a firm believer that you should only keep things that you wholeheartedly love—it makes for a more fulfilling life, let alone dressing experience.) I then set out to on a quest to find the perfect lace thong. Eventually, I scrolled across the Soma Intimates Embraceable Signature All-Over Lace Retro Thong ($12 or 5/$39)—and immediately, my interest was piqued (so much so, in fact, that I bought five colors on the spot).
So, what makes this thong so special, you might ask? A few things. For starters, it’s sold in a whopping 18 colors in women’s sizes S to XXL (I’m a size 12/14 and the XL fits perfectly). From a design stance, it sports a higher waistband compared to many other thongs of today, which I find to be more comfortable and stylish on my body. That waistband is also double (if not triple) the width of the lace thongs I used to swear by, which I also find to be more functional in the nature of the undies. The thicker the waistband, the less it tends to sag and twist under pants and leggings, something that can be *very* awkward to remedy outside the comfort of your own home.
What’s more, unlike some lace thongs that feature seams through the lace that inevitably snag or buckle under stretching (or feel constrictive during wear), this thong features no such limitations. It’s made of nylon and spandex without a single seam through the band to ensure the lace lays flat against your body, eliminating snagging and panty lines alike.
The designers of these pretty panties didn’t forget the cardinal rule of high-quality undies, though, as they had the forethought to line them with a 100% cotton gusset for maximum comfort and optimal breathability. While you might think underwear linings are up for debate (considering how comfortable seamless polyester panties can be), board-certified OB/GYN, Staci Tanouye, MD, FACOG says otherwise: “[Cotton and linen are] breathable, absorbent, and can help keep you cool and dry,” she previously told us while discussing the topic of the best underwear to buy. This is important because undies that aren’t breathable can retain moisture, which can in turn harbor bacteria and potentially lead to a whole host of nether problems, including infections and strong scents. (And leave you feeling like a swamp monster, no less.)
All this to say: I’m a huge fan of the Soma Intimates Embraceable Signature All-Over Lace Retro Thong and regularly check the site for new colors. Something to keep in mind, though, is that these undies are best paired with dresses or ultra-high-waisted pants and skirts, as the lace will peek out otherwise. Though, it’s not really the end of the world if it does, as the exposed thong trend seems to be back in the spotlight here in 2023, too. Who would’ve thought?
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