The T-front is a garment generally worn as either underwear or as a swimsuit where the string reaches also the front part. It provides no coverage while still maintaining the basic hygienic underwear functions. T-fronts leave part or most of the genitals uncovered. The back forms usually a thong which typically consists of a thin waistband and a thin strip of material, designed to be worn between the buttocks, that connects the middle of the waistband with the front string of the garment. It is also used as a descriptive term in other types of garment, such as a bodysuit or leotard in the context "T-front thong".
T-front underwear originates to traditional clothes of ancient human cultures, where intercrural cords had a physical ground to protect the most sensitive and unprotected part of the women body.- e.g. among Brazilian tribes such garment was called uluri , obtaining a maximum protection for the mucous membrane with a minimum of concealment. Among the Eskimo the corresponding intercrural cord was so thin as it was practically invisible
Modern T-front underwear has been offered first in Japan where this design is quite popular. In German-speaking countries the name "overklit string" is used. Some contemporary designs cover the string with pearls for decoration and stimulation reasons. The pearl version of the T-front thongs become mainstream lingerie after its appearance in the HBO TV seriesSex and the City in 2008. T-front underwear is usually built by strings only, sometimes with more fabric or lace around the waist:
Other T-front garments
Also bodysuits and leotards are available in T-front design, usually thong-backed. The T-front cut leotards are usually worn under leggings, pants, shorts or long skirts because of its quite revealing nature. However, in dance schools that prepare burlesque and cabaretdancers with no issues with possible indecent exposure, the T-front leotards are used for trainings and performances uncovered by any other piece of clothing:
