The thong has roots in the 1950s gay-targeted "physique" magazines , where "posing straps" were used to circumvent censorship while highlighting the male form.
They eliminate visible panty lines (VPL) under fitted clothing and keep the wearer cooler in hot weather. Top Recommended Brands & Styles
For those leaning into the fetish aspect, retailers like Underwear Expert offer thongs with chains, tassels, and exotic materials like silk or leather. Fetish Context and Normalization