How To Prevent Chafing

With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the time to stop chafing coming between you and your wardrobe choices. Browse our top anti-chafing solutions below and take your styling back into your own hands.

What Is Chafing?

Chafing is a skin irritation caused by continuous rubbing against the skin. Certain areas of the body are more prone to chafing with the inner thigh, underarms and feet typically the most susceptible. It’s most prevalent during the warmer months as it’s intensified by moisture, sweat, heat and repetitive movement, such as running and walking.

How To Prevent Chafing

Anti-Chafing Shorts

When it comes to thigh chafing, the obvious answer is to create a physical barrier between the thighs. Enter: anti-chafing shorts. Usually stopping at the mid-thigh, most are made from a stretch fabric to offer a flexible feel and have a close fit to look seamless under your clothing. Not only are they perfect for preventing discomfort, but they add a touch of practicality when worn under dresses, summer skirts or ladies shorts on windy days. They can even act as a seasonal replacement for your usual running gear or enjoy them year-round as a great base layer when you want some extra warmth.

Chafing can worsen during pregnancy, so why not take this opportunity to try out some maternity anti-chafing shorts? In addition to the usual features, most have a few comfy upgrades, including a high-waisted silhouette and elasticated belly panel to support and accommodate your growing bump. With some also made from cooling fabrics, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy these as part of your postpartum wardrobe.

Anti-Chafing Balm

We don’t want to cause friction, so if you can’t bear to be without those denim shorts this season, opt for a more subtle solution with an anti-chafing balm. Usually in stick or roll-on form, you can apply it directly to the skin to help create an anti-friction barrier. Bonus: its small size means you can easily pop it into your bag for top-ups throughout the day.

What Else Can I Do To Stop Chafing?

Wear Seamless Clothing

It’s often assumed that chafing only occurs from skin-on-skin contact, but that’s not the case as some fabrics can also contribute to the issue. With itchy seams increasing the chances of chafing, it’s worth making the switch to seamless clothing where possible to feel safe from the chafe. Not to mention seamless sets will be a stylish staple in any activewear wardrobe.

Wear Seamless Clothing

It’s often assumed that chafing only occurs from skin-on-skin contact, but that’s not the case as some fabrics can also contribute to the issue. With itchy seams increasing the chances of chafing, it’s worth making the switch to seamless clothing where possible to feel safe from the chafe. Not to mention seamless sets will be a stylish staple in any activewear wardrobe

Try Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics can also make a big difference. If you’re someone who is prone to chafing, it’s recommended you opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep your body dry. You have a choice of synthetic fabrics, like nylon and polyester, or keep things au naturel with wool and bamboo. all of which are examples of fibres that absorb moisture without weighing you down.

Avoid Moisture

Easier said than done, right? Whether you’re enjoying a beach day or break out in a sweat just thinking about higher temperatures, it’s impossible to avoid moisture during the warmer months so this is more about keeping areas that tend to chafe as dry as possible. One example is ensuring you dry thoroughly with a soft beach towel after getting out of the sea or pool to avoid additional irritation.

FAQs

Do You Wear Knickers Under Anti-Chafing Shorts?

Whether you wear knickers under anti-chafing shorts is personal preference. The shorts themselves can act as an undergarment, so it’s completely acceptable to go underwear free for ease or wear them with knickers.

How Do You Wear Shorts Without Chafing?

There are many ways to help stop chafing thighs without giving up shorts. One of the most popular ways to wear shorts without chafing is to apply anti-chafing balm or anti-chafing cream. They can be used on the inner thighs or any other areas where you experience chafing. Other options include stick deodorant, anti-chafing underwear for women and thigh bands, which are stretchy accessories that cover the top of your thighs.

Does Putting Deodorant Between Your Thighs Help With Chafing?

Yes, you can use deodorant to help with chafing. The best part about it is that you’ve probably already got it in your home, which makes it a convenient solution for most. However, it’s believed that stick deodorants will be more effective than aerosols and roll-ons when tackling chafing due to their ingredients.

Are Anti-Chafing Shorts Worth It?

Anti-chafing shorts are definitely worth it (you could even say they’re the antidote)! Creating a physical barrier, they can easily be worn under skirts and dresses to minimise thigh chafing or as an extra layer during the colder months. As long as you find the right pair for you, they can be an anti-chafing solution you rely on time and time again.