A full 2 years after Calvin Klein launched their "Steel" line of underwear Papi Underwear decided there was merit in mining the metallic waistband theme with their new line of underwear. The not so subtly titled Platinum line (platinum being much more valuable than steel of course) from Papi carries many similar elements to the CK Steel line but has enough differentiators to the design to make it worth a closer look. There are no less than 4 different cuts in the Platinum line ranging from a full length boxer-brief to all cuts in-between including a shorter trunk, squarecut, low rise brief and then finally this thong. Right off the bat Papi has started with a lot of color options in the Platinum line with 7 different options including, black, white, gray, green, orange, red and light blue. Some common elements across the cuts and the colors include the fabric composition which is a blend of 84% nylon and 16% spandex. This fabric blend is amazingly smooth to the touch, almost like micro modal but with a little more strength on the stretch. The fabric is a medium weight and stretches at a medium level in all directions. The other common factor across the Platinum line cuts is the bold, over-sized waistband which measures an impressive 2" tall. The waistband is a metallic silver with very large Papi logo text in bold centered in the front.
Although sizing for Papi underwear runs true-to-size I should note that this waistband is a little more stiff than standard waistbands with less stretch in it than the CK steel version. As a result of the stiffer elastic this waistband could create some "muffin-top" situations if you are less than trim on the waist. An upside to the very tall waistband is that you can conceivably wear this thong at work or with lower rise pants and not necessarily reveal the thong strap in back thanks to the extra material height of the waistband. Overall I like the CK Steel waistband better for fit and comfort but the Papi version is still good for all-day wear either. On the interior-back of the waistband you'll find the tags that keep the logo, fabric and size information handy on a 2 1/2 " wide by 1" tall patch and side-tab design made out of shiny white synthetic nylon material. The back of this thong is a classic strap design with a width of approximately 3" across where it starts at the waistband and then narrows to a comfortable 3/4 " across further down the strap. The edges of the strap are reinforced with fully-covered elastic measuring 5/16" across and running all the way around to the sides of the pouch. An area where I think this thong outperforms the CK Steel version is on the strap fit which has a little more tension on it and thus doesn't cause any problems with the fit of the pouch which occasionally can happen with the CK version. The pouch is double-layer material but still somewhat revealing of outlines so keep that in mind for whatever level of modesty you prefer. This pouch design reminds me quite a bit of the CK Steel design in the way that it provides a noticeable amount of lift and shaping in front. The fit of the pouch is snug like Unico's pattern which results in a lift and cupping result which I know can work for some and at the same time feel a bit tight for others depending on preference. I personally like the visual enhancement of the pouch and found it comfortable for all-day wearing.
Product Details
Waistband
Type
Fabric
Composition
Tag
Material
Waistband Height
Side
Height
Sizing
Pouch
Fabric
Exposed Elastic
84% Nylon
16% Spandex
Fabric
2"
N/A
True-To-Size
Double-Layer
The Grades:
Fit:
A
It's a snugger fit, but I liked the performance of the Papi Platinum thong and found it comfortable to wear all-day for a variety of activities. The waistband is just a hair snug so keep that in mind for your preferred underwear fit. The pouch is noticeably enhancing and feel comfortable thanks to a good pattern cut.
Pouch Fit
Design:
A
Although I wouldn't necessarily give Papi too much credit for the design (the Platinum line carries over so many things from the CK Steel line), I definitely like the variety of color options, the bold waistband with the contrast text and the well-executed tag design which feels high-quality.
Material:
A
If there's one element to call out on this thong it's the fabric which is a great micro fiber blend on-par with the feel and durability of micro modal. The surface is very smooth and stretches nicely without being flimsy. The material feels durable and comfortable for all-day activities, at work as well as special occasions.
Construction:
A-
Papi underwear is usually crafted very well and the platinum line seems to carry that standard through with very clean seams, straight edges on the stitching and no loose thread evident. One area that I noticed could have used some better finishing was the edge of the fabric sewn at the waistband which was a little rough and haphazardly cut.
Overall Grade:
A
I was pleasantly surprised that the Papi Platinum thong provided some strong competition to the CK Steel line and I can recommend it as an excellent alternative. The thong cut is durable, wearable and fashionable-a solid combination.
Would I buy another pair? Yes, I would purchase another pair of these thongs given the versatility and wearability for a variety of activities.
A full 2 years after Calvin Klein launched their "Steel" line of underwear Papi Underwear decided there was merit in mining the metallic waistband theme with their new line of underwear. The not so subtly titled Platinum line (platinum being much more valuable than steel of course) from Papi carries many similar elements to the CK Steel line but has enough differentiators to the design to make it worth a closer look. There are no less than 4 different cuts in the Platinum line ranging from a full length boxer-brief to all cuts in-between including a shorter trunk, squarecut, low rise brief and then finally this thong...(Click the "More" link below for the rest of the review)
9/17/2009 10:53 PM
closet curious wrote:
OMG...these are one of my favs. love this thong. they are so comfortable. the black ones are great! Reply to this
12/7/2009 10:58 PM
Jon wrote:
I am wearing these thongs right now (light blue) and they are SO comfortable. Also, as for your sleepwear and bedwear ratings, give them a check because they are excellent for both. I have tried so many types of thongs and while my gf finds these a little more stripper-esque, I love the fit and the style and they never ride and are very comfortable and perfect for sleeping or playtime Reply to this
12/30/2009 11:00 AM
Derek Dagger wrote:
I have been a thong wearer for years and agree that the papi thong is the most comfortable and best looking one on the market. Reply to this
Underwear Guy Review: Papi Platinum Thong 
A full 2 years after Calvin Klein launched their "Steel" line of underwear Papi Underwear decided there was merit in mining the metallic waistband theme with their new line of underwear. The not so subtly titled Platinum line (platinum being much more valuable than steel of course) from Papi carries many similar elements to the CK Steel line but has enough differentiators to the design to make it worth a closer look. There are no less than 4 different cuts in the Platinum line ranging from a full length boxer-brief to all cuts in-between including a shorter trunk, squarecut, low rise brief and then finally this thong. Right off the bat Papi has started with a lot of color options in the Platinum line with 7 different options including, black, white, gray, green, orange, red and light blue. Some common elements across the cuts and the colors include the fabric composition which is a blend of 84% nylon and 16% spandex. This fabric blend is amazingly smooth to the touch, almost like micro modal but with a little more strength on the stretch. The fabric is a medium weight and stretches at a medium level in all directions. The other common factor across the Platinum line cuts is the bold, over-sized waistband which measures an impressive 2" tall. The waistband is a metallic silver with very large Papi logo text in bold centered in the front. 
OMG...these are one of my favs. love this thong. they are so comfortable. the black ones are great!
Reply to this
I am wearing these thongs right now (light blue) and they are SO comfortable. Also, as for your sleepwear and bedwear ratings, give them a check because they are excellent for both. I have tried so many types of thongs and while my gf finds these a little more stripper-esque, I love the fit and the style and they never ride and are very comfortable and perfect for sleeping or playtime
Reply to this
I have been a thong wearer for years and agree that the papi thong is the most comfortable and best looking one on the market.
Reply to this