Whale Tails, Granny Panties and Everything In Between: What Is Your Daughter Wearing Under There?
With the rise (pun intended) of low-rise jeans, it’s become a fashion statement to show just a hint of thong, aptly called a whale tail. I confess, I tried wearing a thong once. I couldn’t walk the next day and decided that this fashion statement wasn’t for me. From a sheer standpoint of comfort, I’m not a fan, though many say they find them more comfortable than panties. (Incidentally, thongs aren’t anything new. Usage dates back to ancient Rome where men — not women — reached for them prior to athletic competitions because they found them more — you guessed it — comfortable!)
More and more, teenage girls are pleading with their moms to come into the new millinea and just let them wear thongs! Should you say “yes”? Should you say “no”? Here are some things to consider and discuss with your daughter when the question arises. The answer is up to you.
First, consider your daughter’s health. Wearing thongs has been associated with recurrent urinary tract, vaginal, and bacterial infections. The most common type is a yeast infection, which is nasty and itchy but not terribly dangerous, but some infections can have long-term implications including infertility. One doctor explained that the tiny string of fabric is like a little subway that carries bacteria from (shall we say) the hind region to the forefront. That’s not good. If you decide it is okay to wear thongs, consider not wearing them all the time. It’s important to give the female body some breathing room by trying other styles. It’s especially important not to sleep in thongs, according to doctors. If “granny panties” scare your daughter, try a cute pair of boy-shorts or bikinis. If VPL (visible panty lines) are even scarier to you than granny panties, you could consider Spanx or Target’s cheaper version called Assets. (But most teenage girls find them even more frightening. You can, however, make the point that there is more than one way to get a smooth look.)
Second, consider the guys in your daughter’s life. Here’s a fact: thongs are sexy. Seeing a thong — whether it’s through the fabric you’re wearing or because it’s peeking above your low-rise jeans — is sexual. (Incidentally, in case you didn’t know: when a thong peaks up over a girl’s pants, it is called a “whale tail” since the shape looks like … well, a whale’s tail.) No matter what, tell your daughter to remember this. Thongs are underwear. Where are they meant be worn? Under! (Just like a bra strap should be!) Make sure that whatever you wear, it’s concealed. Romans 14:21 admonishes us not to do anything that would cause our Christian brothers to stumble. Ask Dad or an older brother to weigh in on the conversation if your daughter is having a hard time understanding how inappropriate it is to show off your bra strap or whale tail. They’ll tell you many a guy has stumbled over a girl’s underwear.
Finally, be open to their opinion, but use this as a teachable moment to teach respect and submission. Your daughter just might have some strong opinions about this. If she disagrees with yours, encourage her to respect your authority.
One more thing: a whale tail isn’t the only way to make a splash in this fashion-conscious world. (Pun definitely intended!)
About Dannah
What a great post. A nice balance between fact and opinion (a very valid opinion, I might add). I work with teens and I can tell you that guys love to see the 'thong' popping up from girls' low-rise jeans. The only reason a thong is worn is to be sexy, period. And teenage girls have no business wearing them.
I disagree. I have worn them for years (I'm 27), and I do honestly believe them to be more comfortable. I don't think anyone needs to see them except my husband though.
I enjoyed this post. I have a 19 yr old daughter and when Thongs first became popular she was right in her teenage prime. Of course she asked and even told me about her friends wearing them. We discussed the why’s and she ended up losing interest. I totally agree with your first comment. Sexy + teens = Inappropriate
I am currently in college, and I began wearing thongs as a freshman in high school. Before I began wearing them, I talked it over with my mom. She wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea (partly because they sounded so uncomfortable to her). My mom, however, raised me to be modest and to respect myself; in fact, we got into a fight or two when I was younger about letting my bra straps show when I wanted to wear a spaghetti-strap shirt. She was always careful to point out fashions that might be distasteful, embarrassing, or immodest.
Because of her upbringing, when the issue of thongs came up, she knew she could trust me to be responsible. She knew I would find it extremely embarrassing to have any of my underwear peeping out (especially a thong), and she knew I would respect her and myself by being responsible.
To this day, I am still careful to conceal my undergarments. I personally hate VPLs, which is why I choose to wear thongs. I did not wear them to be purposefully "sexy." I actually find them comfortable and helpful in eliminating VPLs. I credit my mother, however, for giving me the freedom to try them and for giving me the freedom to have a taste of making my own decisions when I was 15 while still being responsible and considerate of myself and of others.
This is such a great, timely post. I have friends who wear them to address VPLs, and tried them once and hated them.
I think the rule should be that no one should see undergarments of any type. I don’t like thongs, but I have friends who like them because they don’t create a panty seam. I personally find “hipsters” to be the most comfortable. Shirts should be long enough to provide coverage to the midriff while moving.
I have found "boy short" underwear thats made well to be my solution for VPLs. Barely There has a great one that fits super, doesn't show, and doesn't roll up on the bottom. Hallelujah!!
And before reading this post I didn't know that a whale tail was anyhting more than…the tail on a whale. Since I don't have teens, and my grandaughter is only 6…I feel more informed.
Loved read this – I really do love this blog – I feel like I want to "like" or re-post everything on my blog or facebook but I wasn't sure if I'd be wise in reposting "Thong" in my fb status… HA!
I appreciate the wisdom you all share and the humor and tips involved. As a momma of little ones and a pastor's wife I find myself often in the position where questions like this arise (and my little ones are tiny, I am just thinking of the questions that are coming my way in a decade. ugh!).. 
You're a blessing, thanks:)
He He, I think I would say, sure you can where thongs, you just have to ask your father first. I have a feeling that would end the conversation right there : )
Lol. That's a great reply, KML.
Great overall post. Very timely. As we are still in the preteen years, I have wondered when this will come up… Thanks, Dannah!