By GODO Swimwear | Bold Men's Swimwear Designed in Belgium
Quick answer: There are four main types of men's swim thongs: the Classic Thong (Lined) — the most popular starting point; the Unlined Thong — for a barely-there feel; the Latin Thong — a sculpted, side-adjuster cut from South America; and the G-String — the most minimal of all.
If you're exploring men's swimwear beyond board shorts, the swim thong is one of the boldest — and most liberating — choices you can make. This guide breaks down every type so you can find the one that's right for you.
What Is a Men's Swim Thong?
A men's swim thong is a minimal-cut swimsuit designed for beach, pool and resort wear. The front provides full coverage with a fitted pouch — lined or unlined — while the back consists of a narrow strip of fabric forming the distinctive "T" shape. The result: maximum tan coverage, freedom of movement, and a body-confident silhouette that's become the standard at European beach clubs and gay beaches worldwide.
Type 1: The Classic Thong (Lined)
The lined classic thong is the most popular men's swim thong style and the best starting point for first-time wearers. It features a low-rise waistband, a fully lined front pouch for opacity and support, a narrow back strap, and an adjustable drawstring waistband.
Best for: First-time thong wearers, swimming, all body types.
Confidence level: Medium.
Where to wear it: Gay beaches, beach clubs, resort pools.
Classic Thong Black
Classic Thong White
Thong Mermaid
Type 2: The Unlined Thong
The unlined thong has the same silhouette as the classic but without the lining in the front pouch — lighter, more natural, more daring. The go-to choice for sunbathing and the most liberal beach settings.
Best for: Sunbathing, naturist beaches, private pools.
Confidence level: High.
Where to wear it: Gran Canaria dunes, Es Cavallet Ibiza, private pools.
Thong Neon Pink (Unlined)
Thong Green Neon (Unlined)
Thong Sandia (Unlined)
Type 3: The Latin Thong
The Latin Thong originates from South America and features side adjusters instead of a drawstring waistband, creating a more sculpted, body-hugging fit. A favourite at Sitges, Mykonos and Ibiza.
Best for: Athletic and slim builds, beach clubs, gay beaches.
Confidence level: Medium to high.
Where to wear it: Sitges, Mykonos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria.
Latin Thong Mint
Latin Thong Mediterraneo
Latin Thong Olive
Type 4: The G-String
The G-String is the most minimal men's swimwear style. The back is reduced to a thin string, leaving virtually no back coverage. GODO G-Strings feature a slightly larger front cup for comfort and support.
Best for: Experienced wearers, naturist beaches, maximum tan.
Confidence level: Very high.
Where to wear it: Gran Canaria naturist dunes, Es Cavallet Ibiza, private beaches.
G-String Fucsia
G-String Navy Blue
G-String Shine
Quick Comparison
| Type | Feel | Best For | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Thong (Lined) | Structured | Beginners, all body types | Medium |
| Unlined Thong | Barely-there | Sunbathing, naturist beaches | High |
| Latin Thong | Body-hugging | Athletic builds, beach clubs | Medium-High |
| G-String | Ultra-minimal | Naturist beaches, max tan | Very High |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a men's swim thong?
A men's swim thong is a minimal-cut swimsuit for beach, pool and resort wear. It covers the front with a lined or unlined pouch while the back is a narrow strip of fabric forming a "T" shape. Made from quick-dry, chlorine-resistant microfiber.
What is the difference between a lined and unlined swim thong?
A lined swim thong has a fabric lining inside the front pouch for opacity and support. An unlined thong has no lining — the fabric sits directly against the skin for a barely-there feel. Lined thongs suit swimming and general beach use; unlined thongs are preferred for sunbathing and more liberal settings.
What is a Latin thong?
A Latin thong is a swim thong style from South America featuring side adjusters instead of a drawstring waistband, creating a more sculpted, body-hugging fit. Popular in Brazil and Colombia, and widely worn at European gay beaches including Sitges, Mykonos and Ibiza.
What is the difference between a swim thong and a G-string?
A swim thong has a narrow strip of fabric at the back — typically 1-2cm wide. A G-string goes further, replacing the back strap with a thin string, leaving virtually no back coverage. G-strings are the most minimal men's swimwear option. Read our full Thong vs G-String vs Brief guide.
Where can men wear swim thongs in Europe?
Men wear swim thongs widely at gay beaches and beach clubs in Sitges, Mykonos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria and Torremolinos, and at naturist beaches across France, Spain and Greece. See what men wear at European beach clubs.
What size swim thong should I buy?
Measure your waist and hips and compare to the size chart. If between sizes, size down for thongs and G-strings. GODO swim thongs are available in XS, S, M, L and XL and run true to size. See our full Men's Swimwear Size Guide.
Are men's swim thongs legal on beaches in Europe?
Yes — men's swim thongs are legal on the vast majority of European beaches. There are no laws in Spain, Greece, France, Italy or the Netherlands prohibiting men from wearing thongs on public beaches. Some family beaches or municipal pools may have their own dress codes, but at gay beaches, naturist beaches and most resort pools, swim thongs are entirely normal and widely worn.
How should a men's swim thong fit?
A men's swim thong should fit snugly — the front pouch supportive without cutting in, the waistband low on the hips. If between sizes, size down. GODO swim thongs are available in XS to XL and run true to size.
Shop the Full GODO Thong Collection
At GODO, we design swim thongs for men who want to feel confident on the beach — whatever their style, body type or destination. Every piece is crafted in Colombia from premium quick-dry microfiber.
👉 Explore Men's Swim Thongs by GODO
GODO Swimwear — Designed in Belgium. Made in Colombia. Worn worldwide.