I do not subscribe to the philosophy that “fashion is pain.” My days of enduring blisters and bunions for sporting 5-inch heels are over, and I’ve long since retired my corsets. I’m still known to don an itchy vintage wool skirt, but now I’ll pair it with cotton tights and ballet flats. This is why I am not a thong girl. By and large, thongs tend to be uncomfortable, synthetic, wide strips of material that go where they shouldn’t. I cannot imagine why someone would willingly opt for an all-day wedgie when there are so many irresistible options available in the form of boy-shorts, tap panties and tried and true bikinis.

That being said, some garments simply ask for, nay, demand a panty-line free alternative: a sleek new cocktail dress, your favorite 50s pencil skirt, or those ego-boosting skinny jeans come to mind. Short of going commando, what’s a girl to do? I present to you, dear readers, Exhibit A:

The G-String. Now, I know what you’re thinking….G-Strings are for exotic dancers, rap-video hotties and Brazilian bombshells. Negative stereotypes propagated by shows like G-String Divas have led us to believe that it is not appropriate attire for a respectable woman, but I beg to differ. While thongs have only gained popularity in the last decade, the G-String is actually one of the oldest garments known to mankind, having been developed thousands of years ago by African tribesmen. There’s a reason for this, people: they are comfortable, bottom line. While you may not be hunting antelopes in them, rest assured that you could if you so desired.

A perfect example of the G-String is the Araks Y-Thong - here too, the manufacturer is forced to reclassify the product as a new form of thong, rather than call a spade a spade. But believe me, 1/3 of an inch vs. 2 inches up your derriere does, indeed, make a difference. This 100% cotton gem of an undergarment is so fantastic that the designer has obtained a US Patent on it (see Exhibit A.) Available in a veritable rainbow of color choices, with two fabric options - sheer or ribbed, this is the ultimate G-String.

I must admit, I was given a free sample by the designer for a test-drive, in a color that I would never have purchased, and they sat in my panty drawer for a good six months before I gave them a try one laundry day. Low and behold, the Y-Thong changed my entire approach to lingerie, and I have purchased one in black, nude and white, for the utmost pragmatism. I’m trying to hold back from getting one in every color, though the Coal calls my name daily and would match my Araks Petra Camisole perfectly. And so I say, toss aside those preconceived notions and embrace the g-string, ladies: it could become your best friend!