How to Prevent Thigh Chafing: 12 of The Best Products + How To Heal
My friend, I see your Google searches, and I feel your pain… literally. You're wondering how to prevent thigh chafing (or possibly how to heal it, STAT). Thighs rubbing together is bad enough, but add sweat, and you can end up with a rash, welts, zits, and more. I’ve tried many products on the market, and more failed rather than won. Let’s not focus on the negative; let me share the best products on the market to prevent thigh chafing, tested by Wardrobe Oxygen readers and me.
This post was originally published in 2016, but I continue to update it periodically as new products come on the market and brands increase their size offerings and selections.
How to Prevent Thigh Chafing (formerly known as “chub rub”)
There are two ways to prevent thigh chafing – with clothing, and with products you apply to your skin. It is a personal preference as to which one is more effective. Extra fabric can be uncomfortable in the heat and humidity; products applied to the skin must be reapplied as you sweat.
Before shopping, check out the comments below. They may help you determine if you would be most comfortable this summer with an undergarment or a topical product to prevent chafing.
The Best Undergarments to Prevent Chafing This Summer
Below is a list of the best undergarments on the market to prevent thigh chafing. SI focused on products with a range of sizes that accommodates a good range of bodies, but state in each product review the size range offered by the retailer.
Jockey Skimmies
I first reviewed Jockey Skimmies a decade ago after I saw a kazillion brand-sponsored reviews. I had to see for myself and see if I’d rave even without being paid. After using them, I was also raving. Jockey even sponsored me to try out Skimmies the following year, and again, I raved. Skimmies were my go-to each summer until I found a product I liked better (see below). But I still find Jockey Skimmies to be a great choice for comfort in the heat.
Jockey Skimmies are available in cooling, wicking, and tummy control versions; I find the Original to be the best for staying in place and holding up through washings. The Original can be a bit long if you’re petite or wearing a shorter skirt, but I find more success hiking up the Original size than the shorter ones, which roll up on me.
Jockey Skimmies may look like a pair of Spanx, but they don't suck, smooth, or restrict unless you pick their Slimmers version. They are like a hoisery version of bike shorts.
Don’t put Skimmies in the dryer, and wash them on gentle with as much care as your most delicate undies and they’ll last you for several seasons. Jockey offers these slipshorts up to a 3XL. I find these run big; if between sizes go down.
Thigh Society Slip Shorts
I was the biggest Jockey Skimmies fan… and then I experienced Thigh Society. A woman-owned Canadian small business (that ships free to the US if you purchase 2+ pairs), Thigh Society creates slip shorts up to size 6XL in three inseams, multiple fabrics, multiple lengths, and multiple colors. Thigh Society even has a version with a pocket!
I have been a Thigh Society customer for several years. I even wrote an extensive Thigh Society review where I share me wearing multiple styles to help you find the right style for you. The quality is amazing, they don't roll up at the hems or down at the waist, don't segment, and the Cooling version is so light it is undetectable even under a fitted jersey dress.
Thigh Society Promo Code
Use WO215 at checkout and get 15% off your purchase at Thigh Society!
Bandelettes
Bandelettes was created when cofounder Julia Abasova struggled with thigh chafing and sewed some stretchy thigh bands to deal with it. She shared her problem and the product she created with her friend, Rena Abramoff and together they created Bandelettes.
Bandelettes are bands of stretchy lace or fabric with silicone grippers; sort of like the top of a thigh-high stocking without the stocking. Placed on your thighs right where they touch, and they prevent friction without bulk.
Bandelettes are a fantastic option for hot days where the idea of wearing another layer of clothing sounds like torture. They're also great for lightweight clothing where bike shorts or Skimmies may show through. I love them for travel as they take up no space and unlike slipshorts, don't need to necessarily be laundered after each wear.
I find the best way to wear Bandelettes is to put them on at an angle with the outer sides higher up. On an angle, the Bandelettes don't slide down yet still cover the right area. I know some like to have them higher on the inner thighs and lower on the outer thighs; play with them and find the right spot for your body.
Bandelettes come in a variety of colors and sizes, and every style costs less than $25. They're great to tuck into your purse or suitcase for unexpected situations.
Snag Chub Rub Shorts
Created in April 2018 by Founder and CEO Brie Read, Snag Tights believes that anyone who wants to wear tights should be able to have tights that genuinely fit in comfort, regardless of size, shape, age or gender. While Snag is known for its amazing hosiery that fits great, holds up great, and comes in amazing colors, Snag Tights also carries Chub Rub Shorts.
Available in several colors and for less than $20.00, Snag Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts are available in hosiery sizes A/B through G, which is equal to US fashion 2/4 to 26-32. There are sites to shop Snag across the globe; the links above are for those in the US. To shop Snag Tights in other countries, scroll to the bottom of the site, where they have links to the UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, and everywhere else.
Undersummers
Carrie Rae Munson was a teacher in Texas and desired something for modesty and to prevent chafing during the hot summer months in 2011 founded Undersummers. Undersummers has one of the most extensive collections of slipshorts available on the market, and are made in the USA. They offer up to size 5XL, have maternity options, and have a detailed size chart to get the right size for your shape.
With five different lengths, options with pockets, fun colors, and versions with lace trim, there is likely an Undersummer that is right for your needs. I personally have not tried Undersummers, but Wardrobe Oxygen readers have raved about the fit, quality, and customer service.
Knix Thigh Saver
Knix has been a popular brand for years for seamless underwear, leakproof underwear, and comfortable bras. It's no surprise the company expanded to offering chafe-preventing Thigh Savers.
With 4″, 6″, lace, modal, classic, leakproof, and even a teen sized leakproof version, Knix Thigh Savers are fitted slipshorts available in a range of colors and prints in sizes XS (00-0) to 4XL (26).
The Best Topical Products to Prevent Chafing
Below is a list of the products that I am readers believe help prevent chafing without having to add extra layers of clothing. Some of you adore what I haven't found effective, and vice versa. I find that products you apply to skin are a more personal choice, if one doesn't work don't assume there isn't hope.
Megababe Thigh Rescue
Created by influencer Katie Sturino, Megababe is a line of products made specifically for women. Cruelty-free, nontoxic, talc-free, and paraben-free, Megababe offers effective products for issues such as body odor, chafing, sweat, and melasma. Megababe is best known for its product Thigh Rescue. With a subtle citrus scent (or unscented), Thigh Rescue has a consistency similar to… well Bodyglide or a thick lip balm.
A little goes a long way; if you don't like this stuff, it may be because you're using too much product. I find Megababe Thigh Rescue works better than any other anti-chafe product on the market. It's also a favorite when wearing swimwear as it goes on clear and is water resistant.
I recommend carrying Megababe Thigh Rescue with you for reapplication; it will wear off after a couple of hours (and less if you're sweating). I have a mini-sized tube in my bag at the ready all summer long; it's about the size of two lipstick tubes side by side, and stays snapped shut even if my bag gets jostled around.
Megababe Magic Powder
While I don't find this “hardcore” enough to prevent thigh chafing, Megababe Magic Powder is great for under the bust, the belly, underarms, and other places where mild chafing and sticking can happen. Made with cornstarch, Magic Powder is easy to apply, is instantly cooling, and, unlike traditional powder, is much more travel-friendly.
Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
I gave this product a good opportunity – the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Middle of June in a field in Tennessee. It didn’t last the walk from my tent to the gates of Centeroo. But over and over, Wardrobe Oxygen readers recommend this product in comments, email it to me, DM it to me, and, in general, swear by it. For me, notsomuch. However, Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel is a cheap dupe for Smashbox primer, so while it may not keep chub rub at bay, it can help keep your makeup in place this summer!
Bodyglide
I’m annoyed that Bodyglide has a ‘Her’ formula that they admit is exactly the same product except it has some moisturizers in it and it’s in a pink package. I really wish I could promote a gender-neutral alternative, but I’ve tried alternatives, and they’re just not as good. Blue or pink, this stuff is a classic since 1996 for a reason.
Anti Monkey Butt Powder
The consistency of an anti-chafing product matters, and different people desire different kinds. For those who prefer a powder, the best on the market is Anti Monkey Butt Powder, which has a terrible name and marketing, but a good product. What makes it unique is it's made with calamine, which soothes the skin.
They have versions for men, women, and babies. The version for women is talc-free and instead uses cornstarch so it creates a silky feel. The brand encourages you to purchase this product from its Amazon storefront. I didn't like the shaker bottle, so I squeezed it into a covered candy dish I thrifted (this is similar) and added a powder puff (this one to be exact) for easy use not just for thigh chafing but any place that gets warm and sweaty in summer.
Vaseline Body Balm
A product that provides a barrier and is emolient enough to prevent rubbing will prevent thigh chafing. Some folks use Vaseline to prevent thigh chafing, but it can be messy and hard to reapply during the day. The Vaseline Body Balm is a TSA-friendly twist-up solid stick that still provides the glide found with Vaseline and can be used anywhere to prevent friction and offer unscented soothing comfort.
Antiperspirant
Yep, that stick of Dove or Degree can really help prevent chub rub. I have resorted to this when on travel, and find it effective (though it needs to be reapplied) not just for preventing chafing on low-impact days, but also for helping to heal and protect any area that is irritated from previous chafing.
How to Heal Thigh Chafing
So your shorts took a hike up your legs while you hiked that forest trail. Maybe you forgot your slipshorts at home on your weekend getaway. Possibly one of the above-recommended products just didn't work for you. Here are some tips on how to heal chub rub:
- Clean the area. Once you get home, wash with a gentle soap. The skin may be raw, so this isn't the time for scented body washes and scrubby bath poofs. I find a washcloth and some Dr. Bronner's (NOT the peppermint!) gets the job done. Pat dry.
- Protect the area. Got a kid still in diapers? Have some leftover diaper cream from that point in life? This is a good use for it. If not, head to the drugstore and grab some. It's made to heal angry skin without irritation, and I found it works better than any “adult” product on the market. Some use the same Monistat anti-chafing product above for this, but I find a tube of Desitin or tub of Boudreaux's Butt Paste heals faster.
- Keep it dry and separated. This is a perfect excuse to slip on those funky-printed rayon wide-leg pants. A non-fuzzy fabric (no sweatpants or fleece) that is loose and goes to your knees or lower is perfect while your skin heals. My favorite are the Cool Nights pants from Soma. Even if you're one to sleep commando or in a pair of briefs, I recommend having some fabric between your thighs until you're back 100%.
Is there a solution for thigh chafing that you swear by and isn’t mentioned in this post? Share it in the comments and help your fellow woman stay chafe-free this summer!
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While I trust that these are some great and effective undergarments, I find the pricing to be an insidious form of the pink tax. I buy men’s boxer briefs made with wicking fabric in a three- pack for about $15. I used the size chart and sized up from an in-between size. I like Fruit of the Loom, but there are plenty of options. Also, my husband uses the Megababe thigh rescue to prevent chafing in his nether regions and loves it. Clothing (and anti-chafing product) has no gender!
I’ve loved the Skimmies for years but this summer I got two new cotton dresses and the skimmies stick to them. It’s so weird. I’m not about to wear a slip when it’s hot enough to worry about thighs rubbing so are any of the other options a better fit for this issue?
Try the Thigh Society cooling shorts, they don’t cling on me and feel like nothing. If in doubt size down.
New since this article first started appearing — SKIMS Fits Everybody Bike Short. Very thin, not compression but not floppy like some of the Jockey offerings, tons of sizes and colors so you can match your skin tone or coordinate with the dress you’re wearing. No gusset so most comfortable over underwear.
Also, a tip from a nurse, who mentioned it once in the context of her daughter who’d gotten terrible blisters on a hike: put your legs up and blast a fan at the affected area for as long as you can. The cool breeze effect actually speeds up healing considerably.
Just an update/ THIGH SOCIETY does not offer FREE shipping to U.S. MY shipping was $8. Pretty standard these days.
Just wanted to share a ‘combined’ tip – I wear my Bandalettes with cotton thongs/ high-cut pants instead of full coverage briefs. That way I still get my thigh coverage but with as little sweat elsewhere as possible.
TMI? Perhaps – but it works for my subtropical climate (90%+ humidity)!
A slightly embarrassing question! I’d love to try these and I wonder if you wear them along with underwear, or are they an underwear substitute? I imagine that the Thigh Society slip shorts with a cotton panel can be worn instead of underwear but I don’t know if the other ones come with that?
Not an embarrassing question, a great question! I personally wear them as underwear. Especially in the summer I want as few layers as possible and I’ve found all the slipshorts I’ve worn to be very comfortable underwear substitutes. I know Skimmies don’t have a cotton panel but they have a different fabric gusset which is a bit more breathable.
Ow, my inner thighs hurt just reading this post! (Flashback to a music festival where I basically had to walk bowlegged for the last 3 hours to keep my rubbed-raw inner thighs from touching.) Thanks for all the new ideas. I love Skimmies and Jockey Slipshorts but will check out those Vermont Country Store cotton culotte slips…sounds great under my linen dresses.
I googled to see if Megababe was worth it and just ordered 2 pair of Thigh Society shorts. I continue to love your blog. Thank you!
I hope they work out for you!!
I just wanted to put in a plug for Snag Tights – I LOVE their products, and their overall presentation (lots of bodies of different sizes in all kinds of fun clothes). Their tights are the most amazingly comfortable ever, and their bike shorts version (I forget what they call them) are like wearing nothing, but in a good way. I do tend to size up in most hose/slipshorts, for comfort, but Snag products really are designed to fit real bodies and I find you don’t have to. They never roll down! I do find the shorts on the longer side (I’m 5’6″) but they will hike up and stay up quite easily. They’re also absolutely not shapewear, which is great for me because I just want the chafing protection, but if you’re looking for something to hold you in a little, these are not it. The big caveat is that they do sell out of some of the most popular items so it can take a while for your order to arrive (especially since they’re shipping from Europe), so they’re better for planning ahead rather than “dang, it’s got hot already and I need some slipshorts.”
I was using Bodyglide, but I like Gold Bond Friction Defense better, and it’s cheaper and somewhat easier to find.
Long-time skimmies wearer – excited to try some of these other options!
One question – if you’re using mega-babe or something else while wearing a swimsuit (never thought of this!), do you apply before or after sunscreen?
Good question! I apply it after. I usually apply the sunscreen at home, the Megababe in the locker room so there was time for the sunscreen to soak in. I reapply sunscreen, and I’ll reapply megababe but usually have some time between, at least 10 minutes, so the sunscreen soaks in.
Thank you! That makes so much sense and is the solution I need this summer!
Totally agree on Jockeys Skimmies.
My technique is normally a layer of the blue Body Glide with a layer of the Monistat anti-chafe over it.
For chafed skin, I agree with what you have said, but I would add Lantispetic Moisture Barrier Skin Cream. My triathlon coach swears by it for chafed skin or saddle sores from racing, and I can vouch for it for protecting inner thigh areas also.
YES, the rub! After reading your first review of the skimmies I went right out and bought five pairs, some in beige and some in black. A life changer and I don’t say that lightly. i am from California where the summers are hot but very dry. But I travel to the mid Atlantic states in the summer. I went from a sweaty miserable long pants wearer to an easy breezy dress kind of tourist. These are the posts that keep me coming back.
As usual, a timely post!!! After standing outside in 90+ heat today for 2 hours for preschool graduations I was beyond thrilled with my 3 year old Skimmies!!! I was sooo sweaty but at least my thighs were comfortable. I am going to try some of the balm recommendations. I did try body glide a couple summers ago but it just didn’t work for me… I really want something to wear with a swimsuit so I don’t feel my upper thighs rubbing… also with cut-offs, the very top of my thighs rub and I hate the feeling!
Mega babe is my go to, after trying everything else. I just find the jockeys and such too darn hot.
I love my Jockey Skimmies and have pairs that are at least 6 years old and look great. Now I’m excited to try Thigh Society, at your recommendation, and notice they now offer 4 styles, rather than the 2 you have listed. Yay!
I meant to add, for anyone with a large abdominal scar or who just hates seams on their stomach or tight waistbands, the Jockey Skimmies are seamless through the body. It seems Thigh Society are seamless, too. Love!
I LOVE Undersummers! They are a lifesaver in the summer and, for me, the only ones that don’t roll up. I am petite and pear shaped for reference. I also second megababe for when a shortlette type of undergarment won’t work. Great list.
Your original post on this several years ago was how I found out about the term “chub rub” but my goodness, I’d certainly been experiencing it. I use a Target brand of the shimmy-style shorts & love them. For going to the beach or pool, I use the Sports Shield For Her and it helps so much, especially when taking long walks. I prefer to wear swim shorts or swim skirts & the Sports Shield works well with both.
A few things that I do to help – I DRY the area with the coolest setting on my hair dryer and THEN get dressed! I also DRY my roll-on deodorant…it’s a game changer. I LOVE the JOCKEY skimmies and the SOMA slip shorts are nice under golf skorts. I also just bought 2 different “100% cotton” full slips from Vermont Country Store – ordered my bust size. I will use these under breezy, light colored linen dresses…truth be told, I often have a few pair of extra panties in my bag for steamy days…DelMarVa summers are no joke. ONE more – “belly jelly” is a product for surfers that give “slip”…very thick, but great for beach days! White tube, pink lettering – Buy it at a surf shop!
What does dry my roll-on mean? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Please and thank you.
Probably roll-on deodorant 🙂
I think she means that after applying roll-on deodorant, she uses the cool setting on her blow dryer to dry it.
How timely! I just researched your site for recommendations yesterday and bought the Jockey product so I can wear more skirts/dresses this summer. Will also look at the other options.
My favorite is bamboo slip shorts from Amazon. Super thin, actually cooler than commando and did I mention they have POCKETS? Considering how few dresses have pockets this is a game changer for this mama. Thanks for reminding me I should order some more.
I’m confused by the pockets! How do you access the pockets without lifting your dress/skirt up to your waist in public?
Usually the pockets are down near the hem like a ball pocket for tennis skorts. Not sure about these, but that’s what I’ve found with some slip shorts. I went to Amazon to find the ones this commenter mentioned and couldn’t find them offhand (plenty with bamboo but none with pockets).
Hi Allie! My first box of Jockey Skimmies arrived in the mail today. Can’t wait to try them – they are so soft! Would you believe at my age (53) and with my curves, I had never even heard of a product like them to fight chub rub until you told us about them. Heck, I didn’t even know chub rub had a name until I read it on your blog. Oh my. 🙂 Have I been under a rock all these years? I am grateful for the “teaching” posture you take in your blog. Thank you! Keep it comin’! 🙂
Yay! I am so glad to be a useful resource for you! <3 Enjoy your Skimmies!
I love my Skimmies! I throw them in the washer and dryer and three years on they’re still great! My other fave is TomboyX boxer briefs: https://tomboyx.com/collections/3-pack-6-boxer-briefs I wear my Skimmies for anything slim or slinky, the TomboyX cotton boxers all the rest of the time — breathable and comfy! Thanks for the great post Allie! Love Wardrobe Oxygen! 🙂
Not really glamorous, but it works: Anti-Monkey Butt Powder! Find it on Amazon, cheap. It comes in versions for women, men, and babies. The women’s and babies’ versions do not contain talc.
Great post
Two things – skorts – you can find them in more work appropriate styles these days
Commando slip skorts – expensive but worth every penny – combines the half slip and shorts – in a light weight material that also has no waistband so no more weird lines
I should have read this post before I left for my trip… I got the WORST chub rub after walking over 17,000 steps in a 38 degree weather in one day…NOW I KNOW!
Megababe is worth every dime. I’ve tried every thing mentioned here and in the comments and it is what works best for me on an active, sweaty day. Even better than bodyglide.
If you’re very tall and/or very long-torso, you have to be careful to get something long enough. The regular Skimmies are just barely there for me. One other thing I’ve tried that works well is men’s athletic boxer briefs (I like the Jockey ones, they’re long). The do the same job as the Skimmies, but have two advantages: a wide waistband, which works better under some skirts, and sweat-wicking fabric. If it’s very hot, I definitely end up “dryer” in these than the Skimmies.
Thigh Society “panty shorts” (as they call them). Love them! I like the original, which are a little low rise, so it’s not another layer at my waist. And no inner thigh seam.
I just tried a pair of Ellen boxers and oh my gosh, they are so soft, the waistband doesn’t dig into my hips, and they’re just the right length. Thank you for mentioning these!
I prefer Bandalettes from this list. They have worked amazingly well for me. The most important rule of tumb when ordering is to properly measure your thighs before buying to be sure you get the right fit. They are my go to to prevent chafing. www bandelettes.com
Yes to this ^. These let you wear the panties of your choice, and they work incredibly well.
At night under sleep shirts I wear just on one leg (change leg each night.). Switching from side to side helps cut down on any chafing from the silicone bands, but if you measure correctly and make sure they are not stretching (therefore not pulling on your skin) they don’t chafe at all.
Great product.
And, thank you for this review website – I’m new here, but this is my demographic. Have found my tribe.
Thank you so much for your article. All this time I thought I was THE ONLY ONE! I can’t wait to try some of the suggestions with my new summer dresses. They are so much cooler than pants/shorts and look so much nicer. I recently tried Gold Bond spray body powder. Love it and it seems to heal the rash. I also understand that they have a glide stick also so am going to try that.
So…bought my first pair of Jockey Skimmies yesterday after reading this post and am wearing them today. Now I know why thin people wear skirts and dresses all the time – with no chub rub I would, too! I love these things!
Question for you ladies…would you wear these under shorts, too?
I haven’t, but I don’t see any reason why not! I’ve worn them before under pants. Glad they work for you! 🙂
I use Bodyglide for running but never thought about using it when I am wearing dresses. Great idea!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you for TBT Fashion link up.
The best, simplest, and cheapest solution I’ve found–solid antiperspirant applied to the inner thighs. No rubbing, friction, or sweating. I use Secret Invisible Solid, but I’m sure other brands would also work.
Lisa
I also spray antiperspirant on the tops of my feet to avoid rubbing from sandal straps.
i second the antiperspirant method!
i use whatever solid stick I have on-hand (right now its a random leftover Irish Spring stick my hubby didn’t like. not only does it smell nice, but as you said, it prevents the sweating which causes the chaffing in the first place.
in addition, ive found that if youre already chaffed, it also helps protect the area a bit + lets your thighs glide past one another without as much friction, which makes the chaffing worse.
its a cheap solution + it works for me!
I never got the deodorant to work more than a quick fix or for a low-sweat and activity day (like a day at the office). Though last night at dinner my friend too said she swears by deodorant!
Any thoughts on what to do when you want slimming in addition to chub rub avoidance? Sounds like the Skimmies don’t do that job. But yikes, this post couldn’t be any more timely given how hot and gross it is in DC! Any chance you could do a post on how you deal with sweat and sweating through clothes in the summer? Btw, I’m the one who wrote in about my bad arm break a few months back and I am fully rocking sleeveless things this summer thanks to your advice. 🙂
Great post on a very real issue, I learned a couple new things. ….and now I am going to go get me some skimmies:) Thanks Allie!!!
My pleasure!
Vermont Country Store has cotton and nylon pettipants. Also long-leg cotton briefs (I have a similar pair I bought in desperation in Germany last summer that look about the same–great under looser skirts.)
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/Women/Underwear/cat1010020
I heartily endorse Skimmies, and I took your recommendation and sized down–excellent advice!
Another pettipant fan! I particularly like them under straight hip-hugging skirts when I want more crotch circulation. A regular slip will ride up but pettipants stay down. They’re also fab for loose linen pants. They provide a little extra opaqueness and keep the crotch from bunching and wrinkling so bad. I order them online. If you frequent outlets you can sometimes find them way in the back at the VF (Vanity Fair) outlet. They hid with the half slips so it’s for shopping trips where you have time to thumb through the racks. In cooler weather the capri-length can up the game on inexpensive unlined pants and make them hang like they’re lined.
And yes – also a fan of skimmies.
I never thought of wearing with pants. Ginger, you’re brilliant, I’m so going to do this!
You’re the reason I’ve been able to fix the dreaded chub rub! I first bought the wrong type of Skimmies–the short version. They are comfortable until they roll up my thighs–drives me nuts. I went to Target & bought something similar to the Jockey Shimmies–they are the Maiden Form brand & are still working great.
I LOVE that you put this together. I still remember the first time I experienced chub rub–I was 22, I was in Minneapolis, it was 90+ degrees and humid, and I was walking miles in a cute little pink skirt to get to a concert. It was hell, and it was also so confusing–I had no clue what the hell was even happening.
And now, it’s something that I have to constantly be vigilant about. I wear bike shorts, I’ve used BodyGlide (grrr about the unnecessary gendering though) and I plan to buy a pair of Skimmies sooner rather than later. Last year I was at a music festival and I was too warm for my bike short/dress combo. I ended up using my Dove deodorant as an emergency solution, and it actually worked quite well. I just brought it with me and reapplied when I used the porta potty (which was slightly nuts but it worked.) I don’t think it’s the best solution but it works in a pinch. And Dove makes those little travel size and you can buy them any Walgreens.
Last night at dinner my friend said she does the same thing – travel sized Dove deodorant in her bag for this very reason!
I just wore all dresses with nothing particular underneath for a hot weekend trip to NYC where we walked everywhere. THIGH SADNESS. I am totally ordering some Skimmies right now.
I also like the “go dri” compression shorts at old navy, and gold bond friction defense.
Thanks for the tip!
I cut most of leg off an old pair of tights in a pinch. Dkny makes shorts similar to this. I also like men’s merona boxer briefs, they are stretchy and thin and go on sale a lot. I bought 4 pairs for $10.
Awesome, thank you Amanda!
I’ve tried EVERYTHING. I dislike undershorts that feel like… short stockings. Too hot. Bike shorts, in a smooth, silky stretchy material have become my absolute favorite. I have three pairs of these. They are called “compression” but that’s not really true, unless you ordered them small. They come in plus sizes and they make my summer skirt wearing self so happy. http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/plus-women-fitness-compression-shorts.html
Oooh thanks for the link, Grace!!
It’s FOUR YEARS LATER and the two pairs I have are going STRONG. Like, they are as new. After four years of wearings and washings AND DRYER after every time worn.
They are still at the same link and still about $35 and the best money my thighs have ever spent.
You know what I mean.
2022… two years LATER– Still like new, and I literally wear these every day all summer.
Megafan here.
I forget where I first heard of it, but Skindura Secret Shield is the BEST. One application in the morning and I have no issues all day. It feels so smooth and no tacky feeling at all. Worth the price! https://www.etsy.com/listing/93899508/2-oz-secret-shield-skin-barrier-balm
Gold Bond Friction Defense is a decent option when I need a replacement that’s more readily available than the Skindura. I find it to last longer and be less tacky than Body Glide.
Awesome, thanks for these Heather!
alright, i need to try these skimmies. my go to are bike shorts, or now they are more like yoga shorts. i also found a slip that is shorts, but i have to hoik them up really high to not be seen and to be in the right spot on the thigh. thanks for this post, and glad to hear that the chafing gel didn’t work. well, not glad to hear, b/c that stinks, but you know what i mean. a different opinion.
thanks,
b
I wonder sometimes if the people writing these posts about chub rub really use the product, or if they’re just trying to get clicks. Some of the suggestions do not sound good (Coconut oil? On a hot sweaty humid day? I even saw using lube!) and this is a real issue so many of us face. I dealt with it even when I was 104 lbs, and while some popular tricks work for some (like deodorant or powder which don’t do it for me), some I think are cobbled together just for clicks or SEO. Booo!
I bought the Jockey skimmies after you reviewed them two years ago and they are indispensable! The following fall I bought 4 more pairs at a steep discount at our Prime outlet Jockey store. The are still in great shape, and I wear a pair almost every day in the summer. They were a life saver when I was using a knee cart for my broken foot.
Four years ago I discovered Luvees. http://www.luvees.com Similar to Skimmies, these are all soft lace with a padded satin thigh pad. Luvees are no slimming, no smoothing, just comfortable. I use a few different things depending on what I’m wearing and how hot it is outside. But when it’s ridiculously humid (hello Cental Florida summer) and my outfit is a loose, long maxi, these are my go to. Excellent customer service as well.
I also love my Jockey Slipshorts from Target and a pair of Skinny Britches from Nordstrom Rack. Though the Skinny Britches tend to make me hot so I only use them when I need a tiny bit of smoothing under a dress.
I have heard good things about Luvees but have yet to try them, thank you for sharing your experience with them, so helpful!!
It can be not the best for black skirts, but I love the Lush powder Silky Underwear. It absorbs all the sweatiness and smells amazing. And plain old baby powder. I’m a powder gal.
Be careful of powders–talc can cause ovarian cancer, and corn starch can exacerbate yeast issues….
Another Skimmies fan here! I probably have 20 pairs, and wear them every day. I too prefer the original length, not-wicking, not-antistatic ones (they aren’t as comfortable). They do run quite large–by their size chart I should be wearing 3x, but I find the XL size most comfortable. Jockey sells on eBay, where sometimes you can get good deals on closeout colors, or sometimes with sales + discounts they can be pretty cheap at Kohls.
Thanks to your previous review, I own four pairs of Skimmies! LOVE them! The Monistat cream works for me when I am at a thinner size but not for all-day comfort like my Skimmies.
Me, too!
With my humid summers, I don’t want an added layer at all. I have been using Body Glide for 3 years and love it!
I LOVE Jockey Skimmies!! I tried them after reading your original review, and they are amazing. They are ridiculously comfortable and I find that while they aren’t Spanx, they do offer a small amount of smoothing. I also buy the original length and just hike them up a little bit if needed. My new rule for any kind of dress or skirt is: “will the Skimmies work underneath it?”