Review: Kiniki Tan Through Thong
I only picked this up because it was on sale. I don’t really see a lot of use for a tan through thong. Plus I don’t need another swim thong, since I don’t wear the ones I have as of yet. There doesn’t seem like there is going to be much benefit in tanning with a tan through thong. First off the sun will not penetrate the elastic in it, so you’ll have to try and move it around to not have tan lines from the elastic. Then if your thought is to get the package tan, the thong has a micro mesh beige lining, so that would reduce the sun’s penetration through the pouch. Definitely, don’t want to get that area burned anyhow. Like I mentioned on the brief I reviewed, I wanted something patriotic and I liked the print, which is why I ended up buying them both..
The swim thong is made of a fabric called Transol® Tan Through. Kiniki describes it as a micro mesh that contains millions of tiny holes (square & diamond shaped) that allows the sun to pass through. To make it not transparent, they use special prints that fool the eyes and camouflage the skin underneath.
It seems Kiniki makes their swim thongs from the same pattern. This thong is pretty much the same cut as the St Tropez Swim Thong I reviewed a couple years ago. I do like the cut of the thong. It has a moderate cut center seamed contour pouch. It holds everything tightly in place. The sides measure at about 1 3/4″, while the tail measures about 1 1/2″. I find the tail to be fairly comfortable. As I mentioned in the review of the brief, the fabric kind of feels like plastic and a little rough to touch. Doesn’t seem to make it uncomfortable to wear. They say the suit can be machine washed. Though it can be tumble dried, they recommend hanging them to dry.
Personally, I like the St. Tropez one better. I like the feel of the fabric better especially when on. I would say it is more comfortable. Though for the length we usually spend on the beach the tan through one would be fine for comfort too. I do like the USA pattern, so I’d say if you like one of the patterns then give a pair a try. I don’t know if they really are beneficial for the tan through features. Nice thing with Kiniki is you aren’t typically out of much money if you don’t like something and you still do get quality made items for the price.
| Support Rating: | 5.0 | |
| Overall Comfort: | 4.5 | |
| Tail Comfort: | 4.5 | |
| Recommendation: | One thong up |
Pros: supportive, decent selection of patterns
Cons: Little thick on the sides, fabric feels a bit stiff and plastic
Ways to Support The Bottom Drawer by Shopping
I thought I’d do a quick check on my two tan through Kiniki suits(one thong and one halfback tanga), before I commented on this post. The thong, as I’ve mentioned before, became see through when it got wet, and even when dry, if you looked through the pouch towards a window, you could see your surroundings. The tanga wasn’t noticeably transparent when wet, although with the light test you could see through the tiny holes that are part of the tan through design.
Have to agree with Nate that a tan through thong probably has limited benefits due to the fact that your butt cheeks are already exposed to the sun and you’ll still get tan lines from the elastic unless you adjust the waistband regularly. As for the pouch, I think it unlikely that you would burn your package, and you would probably have to shift the direction of your manhood to get an even tan.
The tan through bikinis would give a better indication of whether the tanning concept actually works, but I never wore mine long enough to find out(lol).
Nate mentioned that Kiniki items are good quality at a competitive price, so if a tan through style appeals to you, they are worth checking out.
I’d agree that the low pricing is a big selling point with Kiniki.
However, I received an email from them in late June stating that, due to Brexit, tariffs would increase, and that costs of fabric and elastic have increased due to Covid restrictions. They emphasized that underwear would remain unchanged for now, but tan-through items would have to increase. The price increase would apply from 01 July.
I got that email too, but seems the prices are still decent for the tan through. Plus usually can get them a little more off with a sale. I still prefer the fabric of their regular swimsuits. Though they are now offering swim shorts, so I hope that is not a sign they are going to offer even less in the styles we like.
I picked up a couple of those recently for the first time. I’ve always liked the cut and style of Kiniki thongs and liked the patterns of some of their tan throughs which is the main reason I bought them rather than the tan through fabric but I found the fabric nice and lightweight and breathable. I’d happily wear them on the beach.
I have two kiniki ‘s they are not tan through however. From their allure collection. Very nice material, well made and comfortable.