Why is Harry Styles wearing a gold thong?

Soraya Roberts
·Blogger

Harry Styles may not be good as gold, but he sure rocks the metallic shade.

In a newly released candid snap, the 19-year-old One Direction star appears before he was famous ironing a pair of underwear while sporting a golden thong. The image dates back to 2010 when Styles was competing as a contestant on U.K.'s "The X Factor."

Though he only went on to land third place with his newly formed boy band, Styles ended up being a fan favourite. So, was he wearing those skimpy undies to thank them for their support? Not quite.

"My friend bought me them for Christmas," he told Digital Spy in 2010, while he was still living in the "X" house. "I just do a many stroll now and again, let everyone know who the man of the house is."

Styles later admitted that he used the tighty goldies as an ongoing joke, which was enjoyed by the likes of fellow contestants Belle Ammie (the girl band was also formed in season seven but was subsequently voted out in week four of the reality series).

"My favorite party trick is to wear nothing but a gold thong in the house," Styles told the UK Mirror. "The Belle Amie girls say I prance around the house in it. I'd say it's more of a slow, gentle stroll."

Hmm, wonder if he ever did it for Taylor Swift? We're not sure since these days it seems more likely that Styles would appear shirtless. At least, that's how it looks from a recent photo of the young topless pop star that is currently making the rounds of Twitter.