It’s tantalisingly close now, we can feel it trying to break through… Summer is calling! And with it, lighter clothes, shorter hemlines and a general sense of freedom in our wardrobes. However, summer also signals the season of the thigh chafe. Some of us fondly (ha!) call it ‘chub rub’, and it’s something faced by many of us during the warmer months, no matter what dress size you are. It can dampen many a summer occasion, from dancing and walking around a festival all weekend to getting stuck to a chair during a sedate garden party. So we’re here with prevention and management tips to get you through the season chafe free!
Why does thigh chafe exist?
Like wasps, it’s a summertime frustration. It’s pretty simple: when skin repeatedly moves against skin, it causes friction. In cooler months we tend to have more of our skin covered with trousers or tights, so the friction doesn’t get so bad. In the summer, though, this friction is combined with heat and moisture, resulting in sore, raw patches. Not a good look or a good feel.
Summer trends
So, what are we all going to be wearing this summer with a high risk of thigh chafe? Really it’s all about summer dresses and skirts, although micro shorts are notorious culprits too! This season, summer dresses are full of floaty and romantic rose prints, edgy metallic mini-skirt lines, and sheer white fabrics. All of which we love, but need some kind of thigh chafe protection!
Top tips for chafe prevention
As we all know, prevention is always better than cure, and there are some simple things you can be doing to protect your skin from chafing.
- Stay Dry: Sweat is a crucial ingredient for chafe. So moisture-wicking fabrics are super helpful to keep as sweat free as possible. This isn’t always practical of course, since the most floaty of summer fashions tend to be cottons or variations of.
- Barrier Balms: Create an invisible layer between touching skin with an anti-chafe balm. Vaseline or shea butter are good everyday products. The protective layer reduces friction, but unless you keep reapplying this can be a temporary solution.
- Stay Hydrated: We don’t always think of this, but having a drink of water can help most situations and this is no different. It works because hydrating can help maintain healthy body temperature and reduce sweating.
Shaping shorts – the genius solution
The hands down, all day, old reliable solution to thigh chafe is, of course, a pair of shaping shorts. Not only do they offer chafing relief, they can also smooth out your silhouette, giving you that extra boost of confidence all summer long.
Why are shaping shorts so effective?
Constructed using seam free, breathable fabrics, shaping shorts keep your skin cool, stop contact between your thighs, and snugly fit under any outfit you like. They can even make that outfit look even sexier, with shaping from the waist down.
How to wear shaping shorts this summer
With various styles, fabrics and hemlines coming into play this summer, try different products for the most effective looks.
- Summer dresses: Pair long line shorts under floaty dresses for a super secure and invisible protective layer. These will keep you chafe free and give the structure for a really good drape of the fabric from your hips.
- Mini skirts: Structured, metallic looks are a must if you’re launching yourself into festival season. As these hemlines rise, choose a shorter style of shaping short to keep them from view.
- Going sheer: If you’re embracing the catwalk trend for sheer fabrics, wear your shaping shorts with pride! Keep them simple and streamlined and it’ll make for part of the look, while warding off chafe at the same time.
Shaping shorts can really revolutionise summer for us all. They’ll keep you comfortable, secure and confident to embrace all of those summer looks that bring you joy! Shop the curated range from Elle Courbee here!
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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