Well I switched to thongs at the beach a year ago.
Not easy the first time but so comfortable!
I also wear skimpy briefs if the beach is crowded with families, but now thongs are accepted if it is not too revealing at the front. So I wear black thongs with a classic fit.

Do you wear them on beaches in the US or elsewhere? Curious because here is Southern California I rarely see guys in thongs. I started wearing them last summer but so far only at home by the pool. At the beach it’s still baggy trunks for me, until I get the courage to wear something skimpier.

Never been to California beaches, just Florida and Hawaii. Florida is a challenge because they're frequently too crowded to feel comfortable. Hawaii has some nice beaches that are hard to get to but worth the effort. Mostly local islanders. Never had a problem. Everybody just keeps to themselves.