The whale tail is back, baby. You thought it died with Y2K hysteria and low-rise jeans that required a prayer and a belt, but no. It’s risen from the dead, and somehow 2026 has given it an aggressively sexy glow-up.

This time around, the visible G-string isn’t pretending to be an accident. It’s styled on purpose, framed deliberately, and worn by people who know exactly what kind of reaction it still gets. What once lived in paparazzi photos and “worst dressed” lists has been rebranded into a controlled flex that sits right in the middle of sex appeal and self-awareness.

Celebrities helped reframe the look as controlled rather than reactive. Hailey Bieber’s sheer and backless outfits often include logo thongs positioned with intention. Megan Thee Stallion reintroduced exposed strings through low-rise denim that feels confident and in your face. Dua Lipa pairs visibility with restrained silhouettes that keep the styling focused. We even saw Jenna Ortega rocking it at the Golden Globes.

Social media sealed the deal. TikTok creators posting under hashtags like #whaletail and #visiblethong aren’t joking about it or dressing it up as irony. They’re breaking down fit, placement, and fabric choices, usually styling the look with neutral palettes or tailored pieces to keep it grounded. Of course, rhinestones or logos are go-tos as well. Instagram leans into the same idea, where the thong works because the rest of the outfit doesn’t scream for attention.

That’s what separates this revival from its late 90s/early-2000s ancestor. The original whale tail thrived on excess and “look at me” energy. The current version survives on restraint. When everything else feels considered, the exposed string is just a little spice. 

If you’re curious about pulling it off, the underwear itself matters more than anything else.

Savage X Fenty Sheer X G-String Panty

The Savage X Fenty Sheer X G-String Panty keeps things sleek and minimal. It pairs easily with sheer fabrics or low-rise denim without pulling focus from the rest of the outfit.

SKIMS String Thong

The SKIMS String Thong blends into an outfit instead of competing with it. It’s a solid choice if you want to experiment without making the thong the entire point.

NEGATIVE Glacé String Thong

The NEGATIVE Glacé String Thong leans refined rather than playful. It fits naturally into outfits that feel considered from head to toe.

fleur du mal Crystal Luxe V-String

The fleur du mal Crystal Luxe V-String has feminine sparkle with crystal detailing that feels gorgeously intentional. It suits looks designed to command attention.

Frederick’s of Hollywood Petra Rhinestone Side Satin G-String

The Frederick’s of Hollywood Petra Rhinestone Side Satin G-String leans hard into Y2K nostalgia with rhinestone detailing. It suits looks that favor sparkle and attitude.

The visible G-string revival isn’t about shock for shock’s sake. It’s about intention, confidence, and knowing exactly what kind of attention you’re inviting. When it works, it looks fearless. When it doesn’t, it looks like a wardrobe malfunction that never asked for permission.