Introduction
The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and you reach for your favorite summer dress. It’s a perfect day… until the thought creeps in: the dreaded “chub rub.” That painful, raw, and irritating rash that can develop on your inner thighs is enough to make anyone ditch their skirts and retreat into pants, even on the hottest of days.
For too long, this common issue has been a frustrating secret, something to be endured with messy creams or uncomfortable powders. But we’re here to shout it from the rooftops: you do not have to live with thigh chafing.
The solution is simple, elegant, and life-changing: anti-chafing shorts and bands. These brilliant garments create a soft, breathable barrier between your thighs, allowing you to walk, run, and dance with complete freedom. We’ve tested the best on the market to find the plus-size options that are lightweight, stay in place, and will truly set you free.
Our Top Anti-Chafing Picks at a Glance
Product Name | Style | Best For |
1. Thigh Society The Cooling Short | Shorts | Hot Weather & Performance |
2. Bandelettes Elegance Lace Bands | Thigh Bands | A Minimalist, Sexy Feel |
3. Jockey Skimmies Slipshort | Shorts | A Smooth, Seamless Look |
4. Lane Bryant Anti-Chafing Short | Shorts | Everyday Value & Comfort |
5. Snag Tights Chub Rub Shorts | Shorts | Size Inclusivity & Fun Colors |
In-Depth Anti-Chafing Solution Reviews
1. Thigh Society The Cooling Short
Thigh Society is a brand entirely dedicated to perfecting the anti-chafing short, and it shows. The Cooling Short is their hero product, specifically designed for hot and humid weather. It’s made from a high-tech, moisture-wicking fabric that feels silky, paper-thin, and cool to the touch. It’s so lightweight you’ll forget you’re wearing it. The seamless construction and comfortable waistband ensure it never digs in or rolls, providing a completely invisible barrier under your clothes.
Who is this perfect for? The woman who runs hot and needs a high-performance, breathable solution for the hottest summer days. It’s an investment in serious comfort.
- Key Features: High-tech cooling & moisture-wicking fabric, seamless construction, knit-in cotton gusset, available in multiple inseam lengths.
- Pros: Incredibly lightweight and breathable, feels cool against the skin, stays in place perfectly without rolling or riding up.
- Cons: Premium price point.
2. Bandelettes Elegance Lace Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands
For a solution that isn’t a full pair of shorts, Bandelettes are pure genius. These are essentially two beautiful, wide bands of stretchy lace that you wear around your upper thighs. On the inside, non-slip silicone strips hold them securely in place, creating a barrier exactly where you need it, and nowhere else. They feel incredibly sexy and liberating, offering protection without the extra layer of fabric over your torso.
Who are these perfect for? The woman who wants a minimal, breathable, and beautiful solution. They are perfect for wearing with shorter skirts or for a romantic occasion.
- Key Features: Wide lace bands with two rows of non-slip silicone, available in a huge range of sizes and colors.
- Pros: Far less fabric than shorts, making them cooler; beautiful and sexy design; very effective at preventing chafing.
- Cons: Fit is crucial—you must measure your thighs accurately to get the right size; may not be ideal for high-intensity activity like cycling.
3. Jockey Skimmies Slipshort
The Jockey Skimmies is one of the original and most trusted names in this category. It’s designed to be a hybrid between underwear and a slip. Made from a silky, seamless microfiber, it not only prevents chafing but also provides a smooth, sleek silhouette under clothes, helping to prevent any clinging. The coverage is modest, and the lightweight fabric feels great all day long.
Who is this perfect for? The woman looking for a reliable, all-around solution that offers both chafing protection and a smoothing effect under clothes.
- Key Features: Silky microfiber fabric, seamless design, cotton gusset, wide comfortable waistband.
- Pros: Great value and widely accessible, provides a smooth look under fitted clothes, very comfortable.
- Cons: The fabric is less breathable than the Thigh Society shorts; some users find the waistband can roll on certain body shapes.
4. Lane Bryant Wicking Anti-Chafing Short
From the plus-size fit experts at Lane Bryant, this anti-chafing short is a reliable and comfortable wardrobe staple. It’s made from a soft, moisture-wicking fabric designed to keep you cool and dry. The fit is generous and comfortable, with a waistband that sits smoothly without digging and leg openings that stay put without being restrictive. It’s a no-fuss, practical solution for everyday wear.
Who is this perfect for? The woman who trusts Lane Bryant’s expertise in plus-size fit and wants a comfortable, affordable, and reliable pair of shorts for daily use.
- Key Features: Moisture-wicking fabric, comfortable waistband, full coverage design, designed specifically for a plus-size fit.
- Pros: Great fit for curvy bodies, very comfortable and soft fabric, excellent value.
- Cons: The design is more functional than stylish.
5. Snag Tights Chub Rub Shorts
Just like with their revolutionary tights, Snag brings their inclusive and fun approach to chub rub shorts. Made from a super-light, 80-denier fabric, these shorts are incredibly breathable and feel barely there. They use the same sizing model as their tights, based on height and dress size, which ensures a fantastic, comfortable fit. And true to form, they come in a range of colors beyond just black and beige.
Who are these perfect for? The woman who loves the inclusive sizing and body-positive ethos of Snag Tights and wants a lightweight, colorful, and effective anti-chafing solution.
- Key Features: Lightweight 80-denier fabric, unique inclusive sizing, comfortable high-rise waistband, available in multiple colors.
- Pros: Super lightweight and breathable, excellent size range ensures a great fit, fun color options.
- Cons: Less smoothing or shaping than other options; they are purely for chafing prevention.
What to Look For in Your Perfect Anti-Chafing Solution
- Material: Look for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics like microfiber, nylon blends, or high-tech cooling materials. Avoid heavy cotton which can hold onto sweat.
- The Leg Opening: The best shorts have a seamless edge or a very flat band that won’t dig into your thigh or create a visible line under your clothes.
- The Waistband: A wide, comfortable waistband is key. It should sit flat against your stomach and be strong enough to prevent the shorts from rolling or sliding down.
- Style: Choose shorts for all-around coverage and security. Choose bands for a minimal, cooler feel, especially with shorter hemlines.