Manila, Philippines — From its roots in the late 1990s and Y2K fashion to its popularity among celebrities, the daring fashion statement of whale tail continues to captivate and inspire.

Kim Kardashian shows off her G-string thong in racy cut-out dress in new photos from NYC trip | The Irish Sun

At new year, Dua Lipa wore a dress cut so low at the back that it exposed her thong knickers.
From Dua Lupa’s Instagram page
Model Bella Hadid out and about in New York
Photo: Givenchy Spring/Summer 2021

The term “whale tail” refers to the bold styling of exposing the thong above the waistline of low-rise pants, skirts, or shorts. It gained its name due to its resemblance to the tail of a whale as it peeks above the clothing. The trend first gained traction in the late 1990s, fueled by the rise of low-rise jeans and the popularity of visible waistbands. From the late ’90s cool girls like Rose McGowan to Y2K it-girls Paris Hilton, exposing the thongs just became it.

Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan in 1998
Photo: Getty Images
Paris Hilton by Fashionweekly
Photo: Britney Spears, Getty Images

Christina Aguilera definitely owned the trend too, probably making her totally ahead of time. Her non-conforming, sultry fashion choices during her ‘Dirrty’ era in the ealy 2000s ended her teeny bopper days, and challenged societal norms in fashion which also reinforced her edgy persona. Aguilera’s fashion statements helped normalize the trend among fans and fashion enthusiasts in the Y2K era, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Christina Aguilera by Fashionweekly

These days, reality stars and fashion forces like Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner totally have made the trend a little more practical, more modern and chicer, with their own take of the look.

Kim Kardashian recently caused a stir as she posed in a Matthew Williams dress for Givenchy which had an exposed red thong
Photo: Kim Kardashian
Photo: David Fisher/Shutterstock
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Photo: Versace

 

The resurgence of the whale tail trend in recent years is a testament to fashion’s cyclical nature. From its roots in the late 1990s to its popularity among celebrities, this daring fashion statement continues to captivate and inspire. Now, the question remains: Will you embrace the whale tail trend and incorporate it into your own wardrobe?