Anti-chafing shorts FAQs, answered:
Chafing occurs when your thighs (or any two parts of your body, really) rub together as you move, causing an uncomfortable friction rash that often sticks around for far too long. As well as chafing cream, there is a fool-proof solution to relieve your thighs: anti-chafing shorts. The best part? You don’t have to apply, pat, roll or spray anything onto your skin.
What are anti-chafing shorts?
“Anti-chafing shorts are lightweight, thigh-length base layers designed to sit smoothly against the skin and prevent the discomfort of skin-on-skin rubbing, often called chafing or ‘thigh rub’,” details Thigh Society. “They create a soft, protective barrier under dresses, skirts, shorts, or trousers, allowing you to move freely without irritation, sweat buildup, or constant adjusting.
“Think of them as an everyday essential that lets you focus on your day — whether walking, working, or simply wearing what you want — rather than worrying about friction.”
What materials are best for anti-chafing shorts?
When shopping for a pair of anti-chafing shorts (or several, for that matter), the best materials to look for are polyester or nylon — high-tech fabrics that are moisture-wicking and designed to keep your skin dry. This is to avoid thigh rub and any associated friction.
The other thing to consider is length; you’ll want a pair long enough to cover most of your thigh, but not too long as to peep out beneath mini summer dresses and short skirts.
“The best materials for anti-chafing shorts prioritise breathability, moisture management, and a feather-light feel,” adds Thigh Society. “Performance fabrics like Thigh Society’s signature Cooling blend excel here: they actively wick sweat away from the body, promote airflow, and dry quickly, keeping you cool and dry even in heat or humidity.
“For those who prefer a more natural touch, cotton-modal blends offer softness and gentle breathability with a matte finish that feels closer to everyday underwear. Look for tagless designs, knit-in cotton gussets for hygiene, and fabrics that stay put without silicone grips or heavy compression. The goal is comfort that disappears on the body, not something you constantly notice.”
How should anti-chafing shorts fit?
“Fit is everything with anti-chafing shorts,” explains Thigh Society. “They should feel like a second skin: smooth, stretchy, and completely non-restrictive, with no digging, rolling, or pinching at the waist or legs.
“A good pair moves with you, thanks to generous four-way stretch and thoughtful seam placement. The ideal fit hugs just enough to prevent shifting but never squeezes. If it feels invisible after a few minutes, you’ve found the right one.”
Do you wear knickers with anti-chafing shorts?
We recommend that you do, simply so that you can wear them more than once if need be. It is completely fine to go without any underwear, should you prefer to. Keep in mind that not every style is opaque, though, just in case you plan on wearing a short skirt on a breezy day.
How I test the best anti-chafing shorts:
We’re more than familiar with anti-chafing shorts at Glamour UK, with multiple members of the team labelling them a ‘lifeline’ come summer. But, because we are a diverse team with different body shapes, sizes, heights and so on, it was a team effort when it came to testing anti-chafing shorts.
We each received one style and were asked to wear it a few times before rating each pair against the following criteria:
| Functionality | Did the anti-chafing shorts stay put, provide some support and give me the desired shape? Did I have any issues in terms of slipping, twisting or irritation? Did it sit seamlessly under trousers, shorts and skirts? |
| Design | Were the anti-chafing shorts aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? And what was each pair made of — is the material sustainable and breathable? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much again? Are they of good quality? |
| Delivery | How quickly did the anti-chafing shorts arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
And, because we’re all different in terms of our chest shape, size and desired support, I also asked my fellow Glamour editors to weigh in on which brands and cuts they love, which influenced the styles I tested for myself.
Unsurprisingly, only the anti-chafing shorts that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn’t meet my standards:
- lululemon’s UnderEase Super-High-Rise Shortie Underwear, £45 — While I liked the lightweight material initially, it meant they were almost entirely see-through and had little staying power. As a result, I spent the entire day pulling them up or twisting them into place. Size down at least once, maybe even twice.
In terms of what I’m currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been reviewing underwear, shapewear, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period pants, for almost three years — that’s one year at Women’s Health and 18 months at Glamour. During that time, I’ve seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our options.
To ensure I am an authority on all things functional fashion, I regularly attend press launches and interview clothing designers or brand founders, quizzing them on common FAQs and shopping tips.
I also personally review as many new releases as possible. Ahead of the summer, I’ve been reviewing anti-chafing shorts from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Calvin Klein and Thigh Society to see which styles provided extra coverage and limited my discomfort. Granted, I’ve mostly been wearing them around the house while it’s still too cold to don a summer dress outside. Although that does mean I’m perfectly prepared once the temperature spikes. For context, I fluctuate between a UK 12 and 14, depending on where I am in my menstrual cycle (and how big a bowl of pasta I had for dinner).
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.