Do actresses wear thongs?

Do actresses wear thongs?

Exploring the real reasons actresses wear thongs — on and off set

(By Jim Webb)

In the entertainment industry, wardrobe choices are far more strategic than many fans realize. Actresses often wear thongs not just for fashion or comfort, but to serve specific production needs. Whether it’s for avoiding visible panty lines, enabling complex costumes, or preserving modesty during intimate scenes, the thong has become a staple in many Hollywood wardrobes.

On screen, the aim is to maintain illusion. Behind the scenes, practicality and professionalism dictate what’s worn. In this context, thongs are one of the most functional and discreet garments available — especially during filming.

One of the most common reasons actresses wear thongs is to eliminate visible panty lines, particularly when wearing tight or form-fitting costumes. In high-definition cinema, every wrinkle or ridge in fabric can become noticeable, and full-coverage underwear can distract from the clean silhouette filmmakers seek.

In The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway wore many tight, fashionable outfits where traditional underwear would have disrupted the costume’s sleek appearance. Costume designers often rely on seamless thongs to maintain a smooth visual line while still offering some coverage.

Similarly, superhero movies frequently feature skin-tight suits. Scarlett Johansson, as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has spoken about the intense costumes she wears. According to interviews, specially designed undergarments — often thongs — were necessary to maintain the uniform’s seamless appearance on screen.

When actresses film nude or semi-nude scenes, thongs — often adhesive or flesh-colored — serve as discreet barriers that help protect privacy while preserving the illusion of nudity. These items are often referred to as “modesty thongs” or “stick-on thongs.”

Dakota Johnson in Fifty Shades of Grey wore flesh-colored modesty thongs during the franchise’s explicit scenes. These thongs are typically made of latex or silicone, designed to stick to the body, and blend with the skin tone. While they’re not always visible to viewers, they offer critical emotional and physical comfort to the performers.

Kate Winslet, who has done multiple nude scenes in films like Titanic and The Reader, has confirmed that she used modesty thongs and other coverings to preserve boundaries while working professionally in such scenes.

On the red carpet, fashion choices often push boundaries with sheer fabrics, plunging silhouettes, and form-fitting gowns. In such cases, actresses rely on thongs — or go without underwear altogether — to achieve the desired look without visible lines.

Jennifer Lopez, known for her iconic fashion moments, has frequently discussed wearing minimal undergarments with her red carpet looks. For her famous green Versace dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards, J.Lo reportedly wore nothing but fashion tape and a thong to keep everything in place.

Kim Kardashian, while not a traditional actress, has become synonymous with body-conscious fashion. She has admitted in interviews that she often wears thongs or specially designed shapewear under her dresses to maintain her figure and avoid lines.

In costume-heavy films or theater, some thongs are built directly into the costume itself. These integrated thongs help secure garments and keep everything in place during movement-heavy scenes.

In Chicago, Catherine Zeta-Jones performed complex choreography in lingerie-like costumes. The wardrobe department incorporated built-in thongs and bodysuit-style undergarments to ensure security during dance numbers without sacrificing style.

Likewise, in action films like Tomb Raider, Alicia Vikander wore gear that required complete freedom of movement. Thong-like compression wear was incorporated into her costumes to provide support and coverage without adding bulk or becoming visible during stunts.

When scenes require body doubles, especially in nude or semi-nude shots, standardized undergarments — often thongs — are used to maintain continuity. Whether it’s the actress herself or a stand-in, matching modesty wear is crucial.

In Black Swan, Natalie Portman used a body double for some dance and intimate sequences. Reports noted that both Portman and her double wore identical thongs under their costumes to ensure consistency in body appearance, which would later be edited using digital techniques.

In Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone caused controversy with her infamous interrogation scene. According to Stone, she was told to wear a white thong, but in editing, the angle and lighting made the scene appear more revealing than it was. It’s now widely known that she removed the thong only after being told it wouldn’t be seen — leading to one of cinema’s most debated moments.

In film musicals, performance art, and dance-heavy roles, thongs are almost always required to allow maximum freedom of movement and avoid bunching or shifting during choreography.

Beyoncé, in concert films and movies like Dreamgirls, often wore performance thongs integrated with fishnets or bodysuits. These garments were designed to withstand rigorous dance routines without becoming uncomfortable or visible.

Zendaya, in The Greatest Showman, performed acrobatics and wore circus-style costumes. In behind-the-scenes clips, costume designers revealed that the underlayers included seamless thongs sewn into bodysuits to allow maximum flexibility and style.

Comfort is subjective, and not all actresses enjoy wearing thongs. Some prefer them for the freedom and minimal fabric, while others find them uncomfortable. However, when a role or look demands it, many wear them as part of the job.

Emma Stone, in an interview about La La Land, joked that she had to “get used to” wearing thongs during rehearsals because the dance costumes didn’t allow for regular underwear. She noted it wasn’t her usual choice, but she understood its necessity for the role.

Rihanna, who starred in Battleship, revealed that thongs were her preferred undergarment even off set. She cited their lack of lines and ease of wear as benefits — echoing a sentiment shared by many in fashion and film.

While thongs were once considered scandalous, they’ve now become a normalized part of fashion and costuming. Films from the early 2000s used the thong as a symbol of boldness or rebellion. Today, it’s a practical garment used across genres.

In Mean Girls, the “Plastics” were shown wearing low-rise jeans that revealed their thongs — a trend at the time. This was less about modesty and more about a fashion statement. Lindsay Lohan and her co-stars leaned into the look as a representation of early-2000s teenage rebellion.

More recently, shows like Euphoria have highlighted the continued presence of thongs in youth culture, often as a fashion accessory rather than just underwear. Costume designer Heidi Bivens uses thongs to subtly highlight character psychology and confidence, noting that “underwear is an extension of identity.”

With the rise of intimacy coordinators on sets, undergarment protocols are more respectful and organized than ever. Thongs provided to actresses during intimate scenes are often pre-approved, custom-fitted, and discussed in advance.

Phoebe Dynevor, from Bridgerton, praised the show’s use of intimacy coordinators and modesty wear. She shared that for sex scenes, she was given a “modesty pouch” and thongs that made her feel protected while still allowing for artistic freedom.

Today’s sets are highly professional. Thongs are treated as technical tools — no different from microphones or harnesses. They’re applied with care, sometimes accompanied by body tape, padding, or shields, and are usually removed or adjusted only by female wardrobe professionals.

For actresses, wearing a thong is often less about seduction and more about functionality. Whether it’s to avoid lines, enhance movement, or protect modesty, the thong has earned its place in Hollywood’s toolkit.

Across genres, eras, and styles, thongs have been a discreet but essential part of countless performances. From red carpets to romantic dramas, from dance-heavy musicals to sci-fi blockbusters, actresses wear thongs because they get the job done — with minimal distraction and maximum professionalism.

Behind every great performance is a layer of unseen detail — and often, a thong that made it all possible.

Acting Magazine Newsletters

Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.

Sign me up for the newsletter!