Are you wearing a thong
Are you wearing a thong?
what do you think? [Click here]
Readers tackle thongy issue
January 11, 2006
AS record heat melts the nation, people around the country are facing a prickly footwear dilemma: to thong or not to thong?
Thongs are everywhere this summer – on red carpets, streets, bars, clubs and beaches – but they’re still a fashion grey area.The rise of “fashion” flip flops such as Havaianas mean the rules are now being rewritten. The Daily Telegraph reported today that many bars and restaurants now have dress codes that vary during the day according to the whims of the staff.
At the RSL in Sydney’s North Bondi, the rule is no to thongs after 7pm. But manager Terry Morley said, “We are not that strict any more”.
We asked NEWS.com.au readers when they thought it was OK to wear thongs and were inundated with responses.
Most readers were in favour of the rubber-soled Australian icon, lauding their versatility and comfort. Many even said they had no qualms wearing them to work. Tammy said: “Yes I would wear them to work – in fact I am wearing them right now! And none of my colleagues have ever complained. I’d rather be comfortable than suffer all day in high heels … They can be worn in a classy, elegant way!”
But some spoke out against their crossover appeal. Michael slammed the double standards held by many venue managers, which let female patrons wear them but refuse entry to men wearing them – even if they’re fashion thongs.
“I like wearing my thongs out and about but get a little peeved at the double standards relating to wearing thongs. I work in the city and every day see women wearing a singlet top, dress shorts and thongs to the office. A guy would never get away with that,” he wrote.
Price was also an important consideration. Readers rejoiced at being able to buy a comfortable pair of shoes for less than $5, while some said fashion thongs were a blatant rip-off. JJ wrote: “Charging any more than $20 for them should be illegal.”
Finally, Queenslanders and Territorians wrote in force, claiming regional exception. Martin wrote: “Every time is a perfect time in Queensland, but for some reason I have my doubts about it suiting every time down in NSW’s Jindabyne – well unless you wear socks, and that is a whole new debate altogether.”
Below is a selection of some of the best responses we received.
From: Steve
Comment: I own a company and encourage thongs, are we in Australia or are we in New York, I know where I would rather be.
From: Michelle
Comment: I wear my thongs to the office most days. I would be lost without them! I love wearing them because it makes me feel like I’m still at home.
From: Patricia
Comment: It really depends on the type of thongs. Dressy, beaded and glittery leather thongs are OK for work and smart-casual events. The cheaper rubber ones should really be only for the beach and the shops – however, to raise the value of thongs, they should be worn on properly manicured and well-looked-after feet. Nothing worse than chipped nail polish and dirty-looking feet!
From: Kellie
Comment: I don’t think they have a place in the office, or a formal occasion. However, I do not see any problem with them being worn to a smart-casual event or when going out to a pub or club. It’s a part of our culture and should remain that way.
From: Martin
Comment: Thongs can be dressed for all occasions. It depends on how you dress them, the thong must match the style of the outfit. The disaster relates to the outfit and mismatching it with the style of thong. Every time is a perfect time in Queensland, but for some reason I have my doubts about it suiting every time down in NSW’s Jindabyne – well unless you wear socks, and that is a whole new debate altogether.
From: Amanda
Comment: As long as they are not rubber ones. There are quite a few nice ‘dressy’ ones you can wear and they are better than wearing high heels all the time. I’m wearing a nice black pair with silver at work right now :)
From: Luke
Comment: I wear mine everywhere I go. They go with everything from a pair of boardies on the beach to a pair Tsubi jeans and a collared shirt at an opening night. LONG LIVE THE THONG.
From: Kostas
Comment: anywhere, anytime, except maybe the gym.
From: Katherine
Comment: Like any clothing item, thongs can be dressed up or down – it is totally dependent on the grooming and general appearance of the wearer. You can look classy and elegant in thongs, just as you can look cheap and tacky in high heels.
There were more, but that will do for the moment. Have your say on this issue!!! Come on, we are sailors, and we all wear our pluggers, flip flops, thongs. So do you think we should wear them any time of the day? [Click here] to tell us what you think.
