What are anti-chafing shorts?
Say goodbye to thigh burns, anti-chafing shorts are your new style saviour. Read on for our guide.
Let’s be real: as much as we all love summer dressing, we dread the chafing that can come with it. Luckily, there's a simple solution: anti-chafing shorts. These undergarments are designed to protect your skin, provide comfort and give you the confidence to move freely, no matter the outfit or occasion.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what anti-chafing shorts are, how they work, the different types we offer and which styles are best suited to your needs.
What are anti-chafing shorts and how do they work?
Anti-chafing shorts are lightweight, breathable, close-fitting garments worn under dresses, skirts, or shorts. Their main purpose is to prevent skin-on-skin contact between the inner thighs. By acting as a barrier, they reduce friction that causes redness, soreness and irritation.
Key features:
A seamless construction to minimise irritation.
Designed with a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
Made with stretchy materials that move with your body.
Soft hems or bands that stay in place without digging in.
Who should wear anti-chafing shorts?
Our anti-chafing shorts are designed to be worn by people of all shapes and sizes. They are thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, coverage, and confidence for every body, regardless of size or shape.
Why do people love anti-chafing shorts?
They stay hidden under clothes.
They’re cooler than leggings or shapewear.
They reduce painful friction.
Anti-chafing shorts for under dresses
Anti-chafe shorts are usually most commonly worn underneath dresses. These shorts act as a soft, invisible safety net by eliminating friction, protecting modesty (especially on windy days), and improving your confidence. A must-have for anyone who wants to wear dresses more comfortably during spring and summer.
Look for:
Lightweight, skin-coloured tones to avoid visibility.
No VPL (visible panty lines) designs.
Soft hems that won’t show through fitted fabrics.
How to avoid chafing without creams
While creams and powders are temporary solutions, wearing anti-chafing shorts is a long-term, reusable fix. Here's a comparison:
Anti-chafing shorts
Pros: Reliable, reusable and discreet under clothes.
Cons: Requires washing after each use.
Powders
Pros: Easy to apply and affordable.
Cons: Can wear off quickly.
Creams/gels
Pros: Instant, cooling relief.
Cons: Can feel greasy or messy.
Wearing anti-chafing shorts is often the most effective and comfortable way to avoid discomfort, especially during long days out.
Choosing the best anti-chafing shorts by season
Different seasons call for different fabrics. Below is what works best:
Spring/Summer:
Microfibre or bamboo.
Moisture-wicking and breathable.
Autumn/Winter:
Thicker cotton or modal blends.
Still breathable but offers warmth.
Even in colder weather, layering anti-chafing shorts under tights can prevent irritation from seams or rubbing.
How long should anti-chafing shorts be?
Choosing the right length for your anti chafing shorts is key. Too short and they ride up. Too long and they may peek out from underneath your clothes.
For a mini dress, we recommend a 3-5 inches inseam.
For a midi dress, we recommend a 5-7 inches inseam.
For a maxi dress, we recommend a 7+ inches inseam.
It’s important to try a few styles to see what works best with your wardrobe.
To recap:
If you’re tired of inner thigh chafing and want a fuss-free solution, investing in a good pair of anti-chafing shorts will make a noticeable difference. Anti-chafing shorts are a simple but powerful garment designed to make everyday outfits more comfortable. By forming a protective barrier between the thighs, they eliminate irritation, boost confidence, and let you wear dresses, skirts, and shorts without discomfort.
They’re breathable, lightweight, and seamless.
Ideal for helping prevent painful skin irritation without messy creams or powders.
Great underneath dresses, skirts, or even loose trousers.
Available in various lengths, fabrics and sizes to suit your needs.
Especially helpful for those with larger thighs or active lifestyles.
FAQs:
Are anti-chafing shorts worth It?
- Anti-chafing shorts are definitely worth it! By 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. Once you find the right pair for you, they're an anti-chafing solution you can rely on for seasons to come.
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.
What is the best material for anti-chafing shorts?
- The best anti-chafing shorts are made from lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or cotton-blends. Look for soft-stretch materials with flat seams or seamless designs to reduce irritation and allow smooth movement.
Do 2-in-1 shorts stop chafing?
- Yes, 2-in-1 shorts combine a fitted inner layer (like cycling shorts) with a looser outer layer. The inner compression layer helps reduce thigh friction, making them a popular choice for runners or gym-goers. Just ensure the inner fabric is smooth, snug and moisture-wicking for best results.
How to stop chafing between thighs when wearing shorts
To stop thigh chafing when wearing regular shorts:
Wear anti-chafing shorts or knickers underneath.
Apply a chafing balm or anti-friction cream to high-friction areas.
Choose shorts with longer inseams or soft-stretch, bike-style fits that prevent skin-on-skin contact.
Avoid rough fabrics or thick inner seams.
What’s the difference between shapewear and anti-chafing shorts?
- Anti-chafing shorts are designed for comfort and friction protection, typically made with soft, breathable fabrics and light compression. Shapewear offers firm control and sculpting and is often designed with tighter panels to smooth the waist, hips, or thighs. While some shapewear may help with chafing, it’s not as breathable as anti-chafing shorts.
Are boxers or briefs better for preventing chafing?
- Fitted boxer briefs are better than loose boxers for preventing chafing. The key is choosing a style that provides coverage between the thighs and stays in place without bunching. Look for seamless, stretch fabrics that wick moisture and reduce friction.