It Seems the Visible Thong Trend Is Hanging Out for a Minute

As far as controversial trends go, we've seen some wild ones—from the ultra-low-rise jeans of the early 2000s to the heeled flip-flops of last year. But one of the most controversial trends of all time is apparently back and just as polarizing as ever. Rising to fame in the early 2000s and then making an under-the-radar comeback in the last few years, the trend you never thought you'd see again is here: the visible thong.

That's right, visible thongs are making a quiet comeback. What was once a favorite of early-2000s pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera is popping up on today's coolest fashion people like Jennifer Lopez and Emily Ratajkowski. We saw this trend bubbling up sporadically in 2018 and 2019, but here we are only a few days into 2020, and we've already spotted it on a few of the most influential fashion girls. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but based on the evidence below, it looks like this trend is just beginning. Visible thongs, whale tails, whatever you want to call it, all signs point to this controversial trend sticking around for a while.

Most recent sightings: 

Courtney Trop of Always Judging and Bella Hadid are two of those fashion girls who always seem to be a few steps ahead of the trend curve. It's safe to say these are the girls starting the trends rather than following them. As you can see from the photos above and below, these two are championing the visible thong trend with pants slung significantly lower than their undergarments. It's only a matter of time before others jump on the bandwagon. 

On Bella Hadid: Mercii Dusk Till Dawn Pendant Necklace ($129)

Gaining traction last year:

Jennifer Lopez brought thong pants back from the dead last year—and if anyone can revive a 2000s trend with one outfit, it's J.Lo. 

Hailey Bieber chose to endorse the visible thong trend is the ultimate way—by wearing it to the 2019 Met Gala. Her Alexander Wang gown featured a very visible G-string for fashion's biggest night, which got everyone speculating about the possible return of this trend. 

Bella Hadid graced the Versace S/S 20 men's runway in the visible thong trend, again causing the entire fashion industry to buzz with questions about a possible return.

No stranger to controversial fashion trends, Emily Ratajkowski Instagrammed this photo of herself endorsing the visible thong trend this past fall. Another fashion girl who starts trends rather than follows them, this is a telltale sign that this movement was about to gain serious traction. 

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Next up: This controversial new legging trend is already celebrity approved.