Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong ($20 +30% off)
Hey, can we talk about underwear for a minute? Because there are a number of women out there who need a “come to Jesus” on the topic of foundation garments. From VPL, to ill-fitting bras, to shapewear that creates more problems than solutions, I’ve seen it all over the last eight years in D.C., and I don’t think women realize how much the wrong under garments can ruin the look of your clothes.
I find Hanky Panky thongs to be comfortable for daytime wear and the ultimate weapon in the fight against VPL. (No more unsightly panty lines, hooray!) They also stretch to fit, so if you gain or lose a few pounds you don’t have to worry about being pinched or poked. Helpful for those of use who yo-yo, Sisqo and the Thong Song be damned.
I know some of you prefer cotton underwear, so I wanted to mention that Hanky Panky also makes a mixed cotton and lace version ($18 + 30% off). If you must have coverage for your rear, they make a boyshort version ($29 + 30% off) that produces precious little VPL. And since you almost never find them on sale, I would take advantage of the 30-percent-off price and buy several pair.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, Victoria’s Secret sells a similar product, The Lacie ($12.50), but I don’t find them to be as comfortable.
Now, if you’re sitting at your computer thinking, “No way, Belle, no way,” and a thong is just a bridge too far, there is still a solution for your VPL issues. Commando makes a laser-cut, cotton boyshort that is completely seamless ($30 + 30% off). It’s so smooth that you’ll never have your under garments exposed again.
Bottom line, good undergarments are important. Nothing ruins the look of a suit or dress like VPL. A smooth line is what you want and Hanky Panky thongs and Commando boyshorts can give it to you. I never thought I’d be the kind of girl who wore a thong to work, but I am, and I’ll never go back to cotton briefs. So before you invest in a clothes that you love, make sure that your under-pinnings aren’t giving you an unsightly rear view.
P.S. As I mentioned Hanky Panky thongs are good for daytime wear, but I can’t sleep in them. (One word: tangled.) So I wear simple cotton hipsters from VS to bed. Problem solved.
As someone who is not willing/able to pay $18 a pair for underwear, I’ve found that target makes some great thongs that lay flat under clothing as well. 6/$25.
I second the Target recommendation — I’m a Gilligan O’Malley convert after years of buying more expensive brands. The most comfortable thongs around.
Yep, Gilligan O’Malley is fantastic. Another convert here.
Hmmm, maybe I need to try these Gilligan O’Malley’s. I love Hanky, but finding them on sale can be a challenge. Luckily, if you delicate wash, they last a long time.
Eww. I just can’t with thongs and boyshorts get all bunchy up my butt too. I wear cotton bikinis with most things, microfiber with jersey, and find as long as my pants are large enough vpl isn’t a problem.
And can we talk about thongs at the gym? Fine wear them but please- check for sheerness of leggings first!
An FYI for anyone who doesn’t go to Victoria’s Secret very often, “the Lacie” that Belle mentions in her post is often if not always sold at 3 for $33. And VS is quite generous with their $10 off any purchase coupons that come through the mail.
Belle – can you address slips under dresses, particularly wrap and jersey knit dresses? I am trying to find a nice, high-quality but thin slip that is not shapewear but that will make sure every detail of my hip muscles are not on display when I walk. I feel that is not discussed enough. I see girls walk around and the details of their backsides are on display because they are only wearing thongs with thin fabric. I think it is unbelievably tacky. Thanks!
I got a pair of Commando undies to wear under my (slinky, silk, fitted) wedding gown and there are NO lines. Highly recommend!
Hanky Panky Boysjorts are the BEST! No lines, comfy, great. Love them.
Bell, can u comment on the sizing of these thongs? I noticed they are one size and I’m very tiny. Would they fit someone 5ft tall and 93lbs? The xs at vs fit me.
Hey Chi, I’m 5′ as well and slightly heavier than you at 105 lbs. The low rise Hanky Pankys fit me very well, so I would give them a try. They are extremely comfortable!
Hanky Panky makes a petite version. So if you’re concerned about sizing, I would start there. https://ow.ly/kRT9q
Definitely go with the petite version, Chi.
I’m 5’3, 105#, 35″ hips. My old HP thongs (not petite) fit great (bought 2-3 years ago)but I noticed last year’s versions (again, not petite) are considerably bigger. I laid them on top of each other, and there is a 1 cm size difference!
That said, the regulars do fit me, but they feel… like stretched out undies. Not a good feeling, really. It irks me that the size changed w/o warning, especially since the petites are rarely on sale!
FYI Last Call has a BUNCH of regular sized ones on sale! No petites, sadly.
I want to put in a plug for Gap Body’s Lace thongs. They are super comfortable, come in many colors and don’t ride up. They also make boyshorts!
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=16094&vid=1&pid=350747022
I also love these! Wearing the boyshorts as we speak. $8 is a little easier for me to stomach than $12.
THANK YOU. I love my Hanky Pankies but I dread buying them because they’re so expensive. So thanks to your tip – I just stocked up! 🙂
There’s also a promotion code for free shipping from neiman marcus–MAYFS
I was thinking along these lines this morning. Saw a lady come out of Starbucks with major camel toe and when she went to sit down in her car, I saw her entire butt through the leggings. I am firmly in the “leggings are not pants” camp, but dang, if you want to wear them as pants, at least make sure your bits are covered! Blech.
I found dress slips at Gap Body that I love, and I think they also have the half-slips. They are more of a microfiber than the polyester J.C. Penney old-lady variety.
I never comment but I am a Hanky Panky convert. They are simply the best. I have a few commandos as well for when I wear knit fabrics because I am paranoid about the lace. Once you try it, you will not go back.
Thanks for the tip, Belle! I just stocked up and used the code listed above for free shipping. I love when you post items currently on sale!
I also love Hanky Panky, but sometimes I just can’t and want something else. The lovely sales gal at Nordies had me try this DKNY style. I can say comfy and NO VPL…
https://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dkny-fusion-briefs-3-for-27/3398106?origin=keywordsearch And at 3/$27 it’s not so bad. I’m sure they’ll go on bigger sale at anniversary too, usually DKNY does.
Just an FYI– Hanky Pankys are comfortable even when you’re pregnant!
VS also sells a great lace and cotton thong through their pink collection (some of the color combinations are awful, but they come in nude and black). So comfortable, and they are part of the 5 for $25.
https://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/panties/lace-trim-thong-panty-pink?ProductID=107788&CatalogueType=OLS
definitely concur on the VS 5/$25! they fit really well and are pretty cheap. I used to HATE thongs but the lacie and these VS thongs converted me. I’ll never go back.
People – quick paying for hanky pankies! Maidenform makes a killer knock off that is amazing and are never more than $8 retail. I have picked up several pair at the outlet for less than $5. And no VPL here.
No 30% off on the links. Did you link wrong? 🙁
Sorry friend, you missed the sale. It ended Saturday. Check Retail Me Not for other deals.