Zendaya is the only person on the planet who can turn a piece of dental floss into a high-fashion thesis statement. Honestly, it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Most stars wear a daring trend because their publicist told them "naked dresses" are having a moment on TikTok. But when you see Zendaya in a thong—or more specifically, rocking the "exposed thong" or "whale tail" revival—it feels less like a cry for attention and more like a curated museum exhibit.
She doesn’t just wear clothes. She and her "image architect" Law Roach build narratives. Recently making news in related news: When Canvas Breathes.
Remember the Dune: Part Two premiere? While everyone else was wearing basic black tie, Zendaya showed up in that archival 1995 Mugler robot suit. It had clear plexiglass panels. It was stiff. It was probably incredibly uncomfortable. But right there, peek-a-boo style, was the strategic use of lingerie-inspired lines that sent the internet into a total tailspin.
The Art of the Visible G-String
People get weirdly defensive about the exposed thong trend. It brings back memories of 2003, low-rise jeans, and questionable choices at the mall. But in 2026, the vibe is different. It’s grown up. Zendaya basically took the "trashy" stigma and threw it out the window during the Challengers press tour. More details regarding the matter are detailed by Associated Press.
She did this thing where she blended "tenniscore" with extreme subversion. One minute she’s in a custom Thom Browne gown with literal tennis rackets embroidered on it, looking like a country club princess. The next, she’s in a piece that plays with "butt cleavage" and low-slung waistlines that suggest the thong-peek without being literal about it.
It’s about the tease.
Why Law Roach is the Secret Weapon
You can’t talk about Zendaya’s style without Law. He "retired" a while back, but we all knew that wouldn't last. He's still the man behind the curtain. They treat every red carpet like a movie set. When they decided to lean into the "naked dress" trend that’s been dominating the 2025 and 2026 awards seasons—think Tate McRae at the VMAs or Margot Robbie’s recent sheer looks—they did it with a wink.
The trick is the "whale tail" revival.
It’s a specific look: a high-rise G-string popping out over the top of a low-rise skirt or built into the back of a gown. Hailey Bieber did it at the Met Gala years ago with Alexander Wang, but Zendaya’s version usually involves archival pieces from the '90s. We're talking vintage Gucci or Jean Paul Gaultier.
By using vintage, she makes it "fashion history" instead of just a "thirst trap." It’s smart. It gives her a shield against the pearl-clutchers who think showing a bit of T-back is the end of civilization.
Is It Actually Comfortable?
Probably not. Let’s be real for a second. Walking a red carpet in a thong-based dress while 400 photographers scream your name sounds like a sensory nightmare. But that’s the price of being a global icon.
The industry calls it "subversive basics."
- It’s about taking something functional (underwear).
- Turning it into a focal point.
- Making the audience feel a little bit uncomfortable.
- Then making them want to buy it.
The data backs it up, too. After Zendaya wears a specific silhouette, searches for that style jump by something like 80 percent within 24 hours. She has that "it" factor where she can make even the most polarizing garment look like a must-have.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Trend
The biggest misconception is that this is about being "sexy." Sure, she looks incredible. But for Zendaya, it’s about power. She’s 29 now. She’s engaged to Tom Holland (that 5-carat ring is basically its own zip code). She isn't a Disney kid anymore.
Wearing a thong-centric look is a way of saying, "I own my body, and I'm in control of the gaze."
It’s a middle finger to the old-school Hollywood rules that said you had to be either a "sweetheart" or a "vamp." She’s both. She’ll wear a Victorian-inspired gown one day and a sheer G-string dress the next.
How to Actually Pull This Off (If You’re Not a Movie Star)
Look, most of us aren't going to the Oscars. If you try to do the full Zendaya in a thong look at a Starbucks, you’re gonna get some looks. And not the good kind. But you can take the energy of the look.
- Focus on the Waistline: The trend is all about the "V" shape. High-cut underwear with low-slung trousers creates an elongated torso.
- Texture is Everything: If you’re going sheer, mix it with something heavy. A sheer skirt with a visible thong works better if you throw an oversized blazer on top. It balances the "nakedness."
- Confidence is the Only Accessory: Zendaya looks good because she looks like she doesn't care if you like it. That’s the secret sauce.
The era of hiding our undergarments is basically over. From the "no pants" trend of 2024 to the "visible thong" era of 2026, the boundaries are melting. Zendaya is just the one leading the charge with a better wardrobe than the rest of us.
If you're looking to evolve your own style, stop worrying about what's "appropriate" and start looking at silhouettes. Check out the archival 1997 Gucci shows if you want to see where this all started. Or just keep refreshing Law Roach’s Instagram. He’s usually three steps ahead of the rest of the world anyway. The next step is looking into "midriff flossing"—it’s the logical successor to the exposed thong, and Zendaya has already started experimenting with it during the Dune press tours.
