Article

Camel toe

"Camel toe" (also written "camel-toe" or "cameltoe") is slang for the visible outline of the labia majora and adjacent pubic area through tight clothing. It commonly appears when fabric in the crotch area is pulled taut or gathers between the legs, creating a shape some liken to a camel's forefoot.

Anatomy & causes

The effect is produced by a combination of anatomy (labia majora, mons pubis, body shape) and garment construction: narrow crotch seams, centre seams, high tension fabrics (spandex, Lycra), small or tight cuts (hotpants, leggings, tight swimwear), and improper sizing.
Design features that increase risk: central seams, thin single-layer crotch panels, deep gusset-free cuts, and lack of modesty panels in swimwear or athletic wear.
Movement and wetness (for swimsuits) can accentuate the outline by causing fabric to cling.

Prevention & practical notes

Choose garments with a shaped or lined crotch (a full gusset), double-layer crotch panels, or a modesty panel in swimwear.
Prefer fabrics with a softer drape or thicker knit; fabrics with more recovery and hold (higher-quality elastane blends) often smooth rather than cut into curves.
Correct sizing: avoid garments that ride up or are excessively tight in the hips and crotch; try a size up or styles with a higher rise.
Underwear choices: seamless, wider-coverage briefs, or thong designs with a properly positioned gusset can reduce visible outlines depending on the outer garment.
Small in-the-moment fixes: a small inner cotton patch, wearing an extra layer (shorts, slip), or using adhesive modesty linings made for swimwear/activewear.

Cultural context

Historically, swimwear manufacturers added modesty panels to early elastic swimsuits (1930s–1950s) to conceal pubic outlines after tighter fits became possible.
The term is modern slang and has been used both as a fashion faux pas and as an erotic cue; reactions vary culturally and individually between humour, embarrassment, fetishisation, and body-policing.

Writing tips

Use camel toe as a detail that signals tightness, movement, or vulnerability — or as an intentional erotic focus where appropriate for adult, consensual scenes.
Avoid shaming language; respect body diversity and consent in erotic contexts. Describe sensations (fabric pulling, heat, the hitch of a hem) rather than moral judgements.
Consider voice and perspective: for an embarrassed viewpoint, emphasise internal monologue and bodily awareness; for an erotic viewpoint, emphasise texture, warmth and visual contrast.

Example

"She tugged at the waistband of her leggings, feeling the fabric pull tight between her legs; for a moment the outline betrayed her, a small, hot shame that made her cheeks heat. She smoothed the seam with two careful fingers and stood straighter, deciding that tonight she'd own the look."