The Only Chic Ways to Wear Thong Sandals in 2025

If you had asked me not too long ago to name a few of the trends I'd never step foot in, thong sandals would have topped that list. But, as the headline suggests, I've since come around to the controversial shoe trend that's been taking 2019 by storm. With so many fashion people styling the sandals, it was finally time I put my hesitation toward flip-flops behind me and started introducing them into my summer outfit rotation.

Last month, I headed to Hawaii to put the flip-flop trend to the test with none other than the Brazilian brand that's been making the sandals so iconic for 50 years, Havaianas. Between exploring the sleepy surf towns on Oahu's North Shore, hiking up to stunning vista points, taking a sunset boat ride, and even trying out surfing for myself, I styled a few pairs of its thong sandals in the chicest ways I knew how.

If you're hesitant to test out the sandals for yourself, feel free to copy one (or all) of the outfits I'm sharing below. I won't mind. To see how I wore thong sandals throughout the trip and shop my favorite pairs, simply keep scrolling.

Babydoll + Flip Flops + Necklace + Sunglasses

Jeanette Madsen in a pink babydoll dress and white flip flops.

(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

TKTKTK

Bucket Hat + T-shirt + Linen Pants + Flip Flops

Lucy Williams in a white T-shirt, green linen pants, and flip flops.

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

TKTKTK

Scarf + Graphic T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Flip Flops

Rihanna in Fenty x Puma flip flops in Barbados.

(Image credit: @badgirlriri)

TKTKTK

Halter Top + Midi Skirt + Hoop Earrings + Flip Flops

Nnenna Echem in a white outfit with matching white thong sandals.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

tktktktk

Cardigan + Barrel Jeans + Anklet + Flip Flops

Tylynn Nguyen in a grey sweater, jeans, and red flip flops.

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)
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Freelance Fashion and Accessories Editor

Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor who formerly worked for Who What Wear as an associate shopping editor. Before her time at Who What Wear, Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion departments. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, she freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion space and loves to upcycle clothing, home décor, and sneakers.