Made in the USA: The World's Most Comfortable Thong
Two Friends and a Thong (1977)
Hanky Panky was founded in 1977 in New York City by Gale Epstein, a fashion designer, and Lida Orzeck, a business strategist, after Epstein made a lace thong from a handkerchief as a gift for a friend. The friend's enthusiastic response — "That's quite a hanky panky!" — gave the brand its name and its mission: creating the world's most comfortable lace thong.
The Original Rise Thong, which became Hanky Panky's signature product, was a marvel of simplicity. Made from a single piece of stretch lace with a cotton lining, it featured no VPL (visible panty line), no digging, no riding, and no adjusting. The flat seams and the specific stretch of the lace created a thong that women described as "feeling like nothing" — the ultimate compliment for underwear.
Made in America
From its founding through the present day, Hanky Panky has manufactured all of its products in the United States — a commitment that became increasingly rare as the American garment industry moved offshore. The brand's factories in New York provided employment for skilled workers and maintained the quality control that domestic manufacturing enabled.
The One-Size Revolution
Hanky Panky's Original Rise Thong was available in a "one size" option that fit a range of bodies — a bold move in a category defined by precise sizing. The stretch lace construction adapted to different body shapes, creating a remarkably inclusive garment from a seemingly simple design.
Cult Status
The Original Rise Thong achieved genuine cult status, with devotees purchasing in multiples and introducing friends with evangelical enthusiasm. The product transcended its category to become a cultural touchstone — proof that a single, perfectly executed product could build a brand that endured for decades.