The modern thong, as we recognize it today, has a few key milestones in its development.

For decades, the thong remained a niche garment in much of the Western world, often associated with exotic dancing or European beaches. However, the late 20th century saw a massive shift.

In the 1980s and 1990s, fashion designers began to push boundaries. Frederick's of Hollywood and later mainstream lingerie brands introduced the thong as a solution to the dreaded "visible panty line" (VPL) under tight-fitting clothing. By the turn of the millennium, aided by pop culture moments—such as Sisqó’s hit song "The Thong Song" and appearances on runway shows in Milan and Paris—the garment had cemented its place in mainstream fashion.

The rise of the thong has not been without backlash. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many schools in the United States implemented dress codes specifically banning the visible display of thong straps, arguing it was a distraction.

Despite these controversies, the thong has endured as a symbol of body confidence and sexual liberation. In recent years, the "sheer" and "string" aesthetics have returned to high fashion, with sheer fabrics and cut-outs dominating runway trends. This cyclical nature of fashion suggests that while silhouettes change, the desire for freedom of movement and expression remains constant.