We all love putting on our favourite flattering dress as soon as the sun makes an appearance, however, chafing is an uncomfortable and common problem many of us experience during the summer, which is why we'd recommend wearing anti-chafing shorts for under dresses. The combination of friction from your thighs rubbing together when you walk and excess moisture from sweating can lead to stinging skin and red rashes between your legs. The pain of inner-thigh chafing (or ‘chub rub’ as it is sometimes known) is enough to make you want to ditch dresses and skirts in favour of trousers and leggings.
Instead of having to reach for different creams or your best tights to provide some comfort, the best anti-chafing shorts will provide a layer of protection between your thighs that you can discreetly wear under your dresses and skirts.
Best anti-chafing shorts for under dresses at a glance:
• Best anti-chafing shorts for size inclusivity: Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts - View offer on Snag Tights
• Best anti-chafing shorts for sweat absorbency: ModiBodi Anti-Chafing Short - View offer on Modi Bodi
• Best multi-pack of anti-chafing shorts: SIMIYA 3 Pack Anti Chafing Shorts - View offer on Amazon UK
Chafing is where your skin rubs against each other, clothing or material, causing the area to become sore and irritated. It usually occurs between your thighs and the groin area, where the skin may appear as a red rash or itchy red spots.
You can buy anti-chafing creams to help prevent chafing and calm the inflammation that may occur. Some people also use petroleum jelly, as this can help prevent friction. Chafing shorts are also very popular, especially amongst women during the summer, as their silky material allows your thighs to be able to move seamlessly against each other. Take a look at our top picks for anti-chafing shorts for under dresses and skirts.
Best anti-chafing shorts for under dresses and skirts
Best for size inclusivity
snagtights.com
Say goodbye to the pain of chafing thighs with Snag Tights' Chub Rub Shorts. These game-changing shorts are made from the same material as tights that has been enhanced with a special yarn to keep you cool in the heat. We love how inclusive Snag Tights are as they cater for sizes 4-36. We've included the black shorts in our buyer's guide, but there's a whole host of colours to choose from, including flesh colours and brighter options.
Size: AB-G (equivalent to UK 4-36)
Our review: "These shorts have saved my thighs during the summer! They're so comfy and lightweight that I don't even notice I'm wearing them. It means now I can wear my pretty summer dresses all day long without the dreaded thigh burn"
Best anti-chafing shorts for sweat absorbency
www.modibodi.co.uk
Next up on our list are these ModiBodi Anti-Chafing Shorts. They sit at mid-thigh length and are crafted from super soft materials to sit seamlessly under your dresses and skirts. Not only will they protect your thighs from the dreaded chafing burn, but they're also leakproof with a moderate-heavy lining built-in so they're great for absorbing sweat and offer protection for bladder leaks and periods.
Size: 12/14 -24/26
Our review: "I love how these ModiBodi shorts are super soft but also are a little bit thicker compared to other anti-chafing shorts I've tried, so I feel like they hold you in a bit more, so I think these would be a great option if you're self-conscious about your stomach. The added bonus of the material being leakproof is that they felt like any sweat was able to wick away from my thighs, and I can see how this would be beneficial for those who menstruate or experience bladder leaks."
Best multi-pack
Get three pairs of anti-chafing shorts for the price of one with this great value set. As well as providing a barrier between your rubbing thighs, they'll enhance your silhouette with their smooth, line-free look and leg-hugging fit.
Size: S-3XL
Customer review: "These are great quality women's long briefs. the material is soft and stretchy, just what I was looking for. I am very happy I decided to go with my intuition after reviewing others alike. I am a 14/16 UK and bought L size, I have wide hips and big thighs, and they fit in smoothly, just perfect! I 100% recommend it and the shipping was super fast, it arrived a day early. Thank you."
Best multi-coloured anti-chafing shorts
If you'd prefer colourful anti-chafing shorts, this is the multi-pack for you. You get four pairs included - each in a vibrant colour, which is perfect for styling under your summer dresses. It's the ideal way to add a pop of colour to your favourite warmer-weather outfits.
Size: S-5XL
Customer review: "I’ve been looking for comfort shorts in bright colours and at last I’ve got them. Lovely cotton Lycra, non-see-through, good fit and will definitely save my dignity under a sundress. I will be back for more."
Best for variety of skin tones
www.marksandspencer.com
If you're looking for anti-chafing shorts to match your skin tone, you can't go wrong with these from Marks & Spencer. The colour pictured below is Rich Quartz, and there are also six other shades to choose from. The Cool Comfort technology in the fabric ensures your thighs feel fresh in the sweltering sunshine.
Size: 8-10 12-14 16-18 20-22
Customer review: "At last! The perfect solution for eliminating thigh rub and for a smooth profile under light dresses and skirts. Fabric is light and stretchy but holds its shape throughout a day of wear. Washes up nicely. I only wish the legs were a few inches longer as they did ride up slightly."
Best plus-size anti chafing shorts
www.yoursclothing.co.uk
If you're a curvier lady, you may like these anti-chafing shorts by Yours Clothing - they've been designed with a plus-size body in mind. Available in nude and black, they may be plain in colour, but they come complete with lace detailing around the bottom for a pretty touch.
Size: 14-16 - 34-36
Best sculpting chafe shorts
skims.com
The infamous brand created by Kim Kardashian provides a whole host of bodywear/loungewear. These smoothing shorts are perfect for preventing any rubbing, but also for sculpting your body too. Lots of reviewers have commented on how they 'snatch at the waist' and make their bum look great too. Soft, comfortable and available in seven colours and 10 sizes, Kim definitely created these shorts to bring every woman comfort and confidence.
Size: XXS - 4X
Customer review: "I have particularly large legs so I never wear shorts, I actually bought these to wear under dresses to stop my thighs rubbing. But I must say the material on these is sooo soft!! And they’re unbelievably flattering. Better than I ever expected!"
Best for exercise
www.runderwear.co.uk
Workouts can definitely lead to chafing, especially in the summer. But these shorts from Underwear, made from soft and breathable fabric, help to remove sweat from your skin quickly so you can continue your workout chafe-free.
Customer review: "Love these shorts. No riding up, no chafing. So comfortable. This is my first Runderwear purchase, but won’t be my last."
Anti-chafing shorts for under dresses FAQs
How do anti-chafing shorts for under dresses work?
Anti-chafe shorts lessen the friction between your legs, so that they can glide past each other in a smooth motion. This prevents irritation and rashes from occurring and will keep you comfortable all day long.
How can I prevent thigh chafing?
It can be difficult to avoid thigh chafing altogether during the summer, but there are little things you can do to help to prevent it.
Wear anti-chafing shorts or bands
You can wear a pair of anti-chafing shorts under your summer dresses and skirts.
You can also buy thigh bands. They do a similar job to the shorts as you wear them around the widest part of your thighs to prevent chafing. They don't have as much coverage as shorts, but they're a great option for wearing under shorter dresses and skirts.
Try anti-chafing creams, balms or gels
As chafing is such a common problem, there are many products out to aid with prevention. Anti-chafing creams, balms, gels usually contain special formulas that glide onto the skin to prevent your thighs from sticking together. You may need to keep applying these throughout the day depending on how much you sweat.
Apply products you may have at home
If you don't want to spend additional money on anti-chafing products, there may be products you've already got at home that could help with the problem. Brush baby powder on your inner thighs before getting dressed. Rub petroleum jelly such as Vaseline to the areas you normally experience discomfort. You could even apply lip balm to affected areas if it becomes uncomfortable while you're out and about.