What are thongs in Australia?
In Australia, thongs are rubber sandals held on by a strap between the toes, known as flip-flops in Britain and the United States. They are the most popular casual footwear in summer.
Thongs are worn to the beach, the shops, barbecues and even to the pub in casual settings. Their simple design suits Australia's warm climate and beach lifestyle.
The word thong in this sense has been used in Australia and New Zealand since at least the 1960s. Visitors from other countries are sometimes confused, as thong can mean a type of underwear elsewhere.
Thongs and culture
Brazilian brand Havaianas is popular in Australia, alongside local brands and cheap supermarket pairs, and Australians buy millions of thongs each year. Novelty thongs in green and gold or printed with the flag are common around Australia Day.
Some pubs, clubs and restaurants have dress codes that ban thongs, especially at night, and workplaces usually require proper shoes for safety.
A giant thong sculpture and thong-themed events appear at beaches and festivals, showing how closely the humble sandal is tied to Australian identity. Wearing thongs while driving is legal in Australia, although some motoring groups advise against it.
Did You Know?
Australia Day events sometimes include a thong-throwing competition, where people compete to throw a thong the furthest.