“I hate summer because of the warmth, the beach, and the ice cream,” said no one ever. All in all, summer tends to be a pretty popular season, but there is one thing about it that sucks pretty hard: thigh chafing. The uncomfortable rubbing-together of one’s thighs can happen to anyone at any time of the year, but bathing suits, excessive walking, sweat, moisture, outdoor activities, dresses, and athletic gear like bicycle seats and wetsuits can make this experience a whole lot worse. In fact, it’ll straight-up ruin any trip to Disney World: Try walking around Epcot when your inner thighs feel like they’ve been mauled by fire ants.
Fortunately, however, there are solutions. While thigh-chafing-related rashes and bumps are pretty easy to treat with bandages, moisturizers, and disinfectants, perhaps the best route is to just avoid them in the first place. Like so many other things in life, prevention is best. Whether you’re looking for comfortable foundation wear, balms, sprays, creams, or all-natural solutions, you’ll find all of them here. So go ahead — wear that dress in the dead of summer to a four-hour, non-air-conditioned square dance (or whatever it is you’re doing this summer) because thigh rub will no longer be raining on your parade.
Use A Super-Lubricating Balm
BodyGlide For Her Anti-Chafe Balm, $10, Amazon
This anti-chafe balm can be applied anywhere you experience chafing — from inner thighs to arms to around your bra. Its vegan formula consists of nothing from plant-derived ingredients, without a trace of petroleum, lanolin, mineral oils, or animal products. Designed by surfers in California who were getting kind of tired of the chafe from wetsuits, the balm won't leave a trace of grease on your clothing and it even gives back to your skin in a major way with moisturizing fatty acids and vitamins A, B, and E.
Stop Thighs From Touching In The First Place
Jockey Women’s Boy Shorts (Sizes S-XXL), $20, Amazon
Perhaps one of the best solutions for chafing thighs is to make sure they never touch in the first place. These slipshorts are made from a silky-smooth fabric that effortlessly glides over itself, but because they’re stretchy and won’t ride up or roll down, you won’t even realize you’re wearing them. They’re great for adding extra coverage under dresses and skirts, they smooth panty lines, they come in a whole array of colors and sizes (small to XX large), and they’re super durable. Needless to say, reviewers are beyond thrilled.
Spray This Sports-Proof Formula Anywhere For Waterproof Protection
2Toms Sport Shield, $25 (2 Bottles), Amazon
For something that’s both convenient and waterproof, consider the non-greasy alternative to traditional anti-chafe methods. The Sport Shield anti-chafing spray stands up to sweat and moisture and has your back throughout your most extreme workouts. But it’s non-greasy and non-staining, so there’s no mess involved. It comes in a spray bottle, so you can apply it on the go — yes, between thighs, but also under your arms, in your sports bras, on your heels, and with your wetsuits.
Protect Skin With Comfortable, Breathable Fabric
Undersummers Plus Sized Lace Shortlette (Sizes 2X Plus - 4X Plus), $36, Amazon
These lace shortlettes are awesome because they’re lightweight, smooth, and really comfortable. They don’t press on your stomach or cut off circulation like shapewear, but they do prevent chafing with their stay-put, breathable, and quick-drying fabric. These ones come in sizes 2X to 4X, and because they’re durable and machine-washable, reviewers love them — one even said she’s wearing these under her wedding dress.
Keep Athletic Clothing Comfortable With Anti-Chafe Spray
Trislide Anti-Chafe Spray, $15, Amazon
If you’re looking for something that meshes well with clothing (like bicycle shorts and wetsuits) look no further than this anti-chafing spray. It’s made primarily for bicyclists, but because it’s super gentle and entirely safe for neoprene, it won’t ruin your suit or clothes. It comes in an easy-to-apply spray bottle that can be used anywhere from your skin to your bra-straps, and reviewers say that since it’s mess-free, doesn’t cause any build-up, and offers great protection, they’ll never use anything else again.
Go All Natural With Non-Greasy Coconut Oil
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil, $13, Amazon
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, as well as proteins and fatty acids that nourish and heal skin. Naturally, it’d be great for preventing thigh chafing, but most coconut oils harden at room temperature, are extremely messy to apply, and feel super greasy on skin. This fractionated coconut oil takes all of the long chain triglycerides out, so it’s non-greasy and perpetually in a liquid state, but the oil still retains its healing, moisturizing, and lubricating qualities. It comes in a pump bottle for easy application, and because it’s non-staining, effortlessly absorbs into skin, and has no odor, it’s a great all-natural solution to irritated skin.
Diaper Rash Cream Isn’t Just For Babies
Honeybuns Organic Diaper Rash Cream, $15, Amazon
Yep, you read that right. Although Honeybuns diaper rash cream is technically for babies, it works incredibly well for chafing of all kinds because it’s made with all natural and organic ingredients like beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and chamomile. It nourishes and protects skin at the same time, and because it’s hypoallergenic and super gentle, it’s great for anyone with sensitive skin.
For Higher Hemlines, Try Adjustable Bandelettes
Bandelettes Elastic Anti-Chafing Bands, $19, Amazon
For higher hemlines, it may help to have adjustable fabric swatches that allow you to customize where they fit on your leg. These lacy bandelettes are available in 13 different colors, and because they have two lines of silicone at the top and bottom, these anti-chafe bands stay put — exactly where you place them.
Lubricate And Nourish With Shea Butter
100% Pure Ivory Shea Butter, $13, Amazon
Another great all-natural remedy is pure shea butter. It’s 100 percent organic and rich in vitamins E, D, A, and F, and it comes in a cream that soothes irritated patches, moisturizes the affected area, and lubricates the skin to prevent future chafing. This particular brand is unrefined, so all of its health-giving properties (like its antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and nutrients) stay entirely intact. It’s great for sensitive skin, and reviewers love the subtle scent and soft texture.
Heal And Lubricate Skin With Organic Aloe Vera
Green Leaf Naturals Organic Aloe Vera, $13, Amazon
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and that’s why it’s great for preventative measures, as well as already-chafed skin. This organic aloe vera is a wonderful solution because it’s 99.75 percent aloe — no harsh chemicals, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or added colors, unlike other brands. It comes in a convenient squeeze bottle, and the gel itself goes on smooth and absorbs effortlessly into skin, so the affected area stays healthy and chafe-free.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (10)
