The term ‘chub rub’ sounds cute and catchy until you experience it.
Most of us have suffered from thigh chafing one time or another – unless you have unnaturally thin legs or have bow-legged cylinders in place of your legs like some photoshopped pictures of models in print ads.
With summer fast approaching, it won’t be long until you find yourself needing anti-chafing shorts in Australia. It doesn’t matter if you’ll be out walking, running or just working out at the gym.
And although the term says chub rub, thigh chafing doesn’t just happen to overweight or plus-size people. Anyone can suffer from chafing. In fact, athletic and active people can and do suffer from chafing – and not just in the inner thighs. Chafing can also happen in the area close to or around the armpits and in the abdominal area – especially if you perspire a lot and work out for extended periods.
When it comes to thigh chafing, what happens is that the legs rub together during intense workout routines. The outcome of thigh chafing is not only unbearably painful but also distracting. Therefore, choosing the right anti-chafing underwear or shorts for you is key if you want to focus on your workout or enjoy pain-free walks to the supermarket, park, etc.
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What Are Anti-Chafing Shorts?
Just as their name says, anti-chafing shorts are a specific type of underwear designed to prevent thigh chafing by stopping or preventing rubbing and chafing in the inner thighs and buttocks.
Since anti-chafing shorts are lightweight, you can wear them underneath skirts, shorts, pants and dresses. Also called ‘slip shorts’, anti-chafing shorts or underwear are a discreet anti-chafing solution that have steadily gained popularity for providing protection for the inner thighs effectively.
It’s no wonder anti-chafing shorts are considered one of the best preventive solutions to chub rub available on the market. When you’re wearing these, they’ll be working to prevent chafing so there’s no need for you to experience it.
What to Look for in Anti-Chafing Underwear and Shorts
When you’re out shopping for anti-chafing underwear or shorts, you need to consider certain characteristics to get the most bang for your buck.
Made with the right fabric
Whether you’re looking for athletic underwear that doesn’t chafe or simply anti-chafing shorts, three types of fabrics stand out:
- Cotton: As a natural fibre known for its softness, comfort and ability to keep the wearer cool, cotton is always a great choice. Cotton is also quite affordable; however, for the purpose of preventing chafing, choose cotton anti-chafing underwear or shorts that are designed to dry faster than regular cotton.
- Synthetic: A lot of activewear is made from synthetic fabrics. Technology and innovation have led to the manufacture of stretchable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking and anti-odour materials that also retain their shape. The same goes for anti-chafing shorts or underwear, which you can wear at the gym or for other non-athletic activities.
- Wool: Just like cotton, wool is a natural fibre that’s breathable, comfortable and has natural anti-odour properties. If you prefer wool, it’s best to choose anti-chafing underwear made from high-quality merino wool. You’ll appreciate the warmth, softness and itch-free comfort it provides. You may also find options that combine merino wool with synthetic fabrics, and these work great for workouts or exercise routines.
Breathable, moisture-wicking and comfortable
Whether you’re particular about the fabric or don’t care about it, make sure you buy anti-chafing underwear that’s ultra-comfortable and breathable.
Remember that sweat is one of the most common causes of skin chafing, so protect your inner thighs from discomfort by choosing breathable, moisture-wicking anti-chafing bottoms. It’ll also help to buy ones with longer legs for optimum coverage.
Stretchable
Choose anti-chafing undies that are stretchable and that don’t get misshapen. They’ll fit like second skin but won’t restrict your movements or make you feel uncomfortable. They should also ensure you don’t have a camel toe in full display, should you decide to wear them alone without typical underwear.
Non-roll waistband and flat seams
Whether you’re buying yoga pants, workout leggings or anti-chafing underwear, you wouldn’t want to end up with ones that roll down your waist or bunch around your hips. As much as possible, go for ones that are squat-proof – with anti-roll waistbands – so you’ll feel relaxed and focused on whatever you are doing.
Also, consider getting seamless anti-chafing shorts or ones with flat seams, so you won’t need to worry about panty lines and unsightly bulges.
Attractive
Practical, functional apparel doesn’t have to be plain or boring. So, if you want those non-chafing shorts made with sexy lace, then by all means go for it.
Whatever style or colour you prefer, what’s essential is they make you feel amazing and comfortable. So whatever anti-chafing solution you opt for, it should not only provide everyday comfort but also add to your confidence.
9 Best Anti-Chafing Shorts and Underwear
If you’re planning an excursion to find the best anti-chafing shorts in Australia (or wherever you are right now), the ideal places to look would be the shops of brands that specialise in anti-chafing apparel.
Of course, we’re not saying you won’t find anti-chafing shorts at Kmart or similar places. But shopping for specialised underwear and opting for anti-chafing shorts at Big W (or Kmart) may not be the best idea.
To find products that are big on quality and are likely to have most or all of the characteristics of the best anti-chafing shorts ever, look for the following items:
1. Sonsee Anti-Chafing Shorts
Sonsee anti-chafing shorts are designed in Australia and made in Italy. These signature plus-size anti-chafing shorts feature Sonsee’s 360-degree stretch fibre with a seamless construction guaranteed to flatter your curves.
Benefits and features:
2. Bambams Bamboo Anti-Chafing Shorts
The so-called Original bams Longer Leg Anti-Chafing Shorts with lace trimming are the only bamboo anti-chafing shorts in Australia. The ultra-soft natural fabric is made from bamboo grass pulp.
Benefits and features:
- Ultra-soft fabric
- Virtually seamless, so say goodbye to panty lines
- Naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating fabric
- Seamless, comfortable waistband
- Made from bamboo fabric, nylon and elastane
- Available in sizes 12 to 22
- Colour: onyx black & blush pink
- Also available without lace and in mid-length black & blush pink
3. Bella Bodies Firming Anti-Chafing Shorts
The amazing and multifunctional, proudly Australian-made Bella Bodies Firming Anti-Chafing Shorts offer visible yet effortless firming, are ultra-comfortable and offer a streamlined fit for luscious legs, tummy and bottom – making them the perfect underwear any day of the month. Made from super fine luxurious yarns, these all day wear anti-chafing shorts will remain cool and breathable – perfect to prevent thigh rub.
Benefits and features:
- Eco-friendly production – Our factories are Oeko-Tex certified!
- Slim, flatter and contour legs, hips and tummy in a light comfortable way.
- Features a breathable, absorbent, anti-odour and anti-stain lining proudly designed in Australia by real people who once suffered from ‘chub rub’ as well – until they started making this amazing product.
- Made from 77% polyamide, 21% elastane and 2% cotton
- Available in sizes 12 to 22
- Colours: blush, latte & black
4. Sonsee Anti-Chafing Shapewear Shorts
Just like Sonsee’s famous Anti chafing shorts, their equally popular shapewear shorts provide the same thigh chafe prevention features, but with the added benefit of gentle shaping.
Benefits and features:
5. Ambra Anti-Chafing Shorts
Curvesque, Ambra’s anti-chafing shorts, are made from stretchable yarns that fit snugly yet comfortably around the hips and waist. The high-rise waistband makes this pair completely squat-proof, and the seamless anti-chafe panels protect your inner thighs effectively from chafing.
Benefits and features:
- High-rise, comfortable waistband that doesn’t roll or bunch
- Seamless anti-chafing panels
- Cotton blend gusset
- Available in sizes 12 to 26
6. Snag Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts – Builders Tea
These Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts – Builders Tea by Snag Tights are constructed from 80 denier tights material with special yarn to keep cool even during summer.
Benefits and features:
- Super breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Three-way stretch cotton gusset
- High waistband for a smooth silhouette
- Seamless, comfortable elastane waistband with flat seams
- Made from 88% polyamide, 10% elastane and 2% cotton
- Available in 7 size variants to fit sizes 4 to 36
- Colour: skin tone
7. Coolfit Everyday Anti Chafing Underwear
If you love the cooling comfort of anti-chafing underwear, then these Coolfit anti-chafing shorts are perfect for you. Designed for all-day everyday wear, these shorts are soft and lightweight, you’ll never think of wearing other types of underwear again.
Benefits and features:
8. Snag Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts
These amazing anti-chafing shorts feature a lightweight, comfortable waistband and offer maximum coverage to prevent painful rubbing between the thighs.
Benefits and features:
- Enhanced with special yarn to help you keep cool in the heat
- Stretchable, lightweight, gently hugs your shape
- Made from moisture-wicking fabric and cotton gussets keep you fresh and rub-free
- Tummy support
- Anti-roll waist band
- Available in sizes 6 to 36
9. B Free Anti-Chafing Maternity Underwear
If you’re looking for pregnancy anti-chafing shorts, these B Free maternity anti-chafing high-rise long cotton shorts are sure to tick all the right boxes. Made from light and comfortable cotton, this anti-chafing maternity underwear has a high-rise waistband that stays in place even with a growing baby bump underneath.
Benefits and features:
- Cotton-rich material keeps you cool and comfy
- Stretchable, lightweight, breathable
- Secure high waistband doesn’t restrict movement
- Retains shape so you can still wear it post-maternity
- Made from a blend of cotton, nylon and elastane, with a cotton terry gusset
- Available in sizes 6 to 22
- Colours: black, nude, burgundy, lilac snow, pacific blue, white
How Else to Avoid Chub Rub and Thigh Chafing
Aside from wearing chub rub shorts to prevent thigh chafing, there are other expert-recommended ways to avoid chub rub:
- Apply anti-chafing products to reduce friction. These include anti-chafing cream, Body Glide original anti-chafe balm, anti-chafing powder gel or the best anti-chafing spray you could find. For example, if you’re going for a run, rub some balm between the thighs and reapply later if you’re running a long distance.
- Wear women’s anti-chafing thigh bands or guards. Just like anti-chafing shorts or underwear, these work to prevent the inner thighs from rubbing against each other.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting workout pants. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking, form-fitting activewear that won’t rub your skin raw as you do some reps or spend an hour kickboxing.
- Find ways to reduce excessive sweating. To protect your thighs and limit perspiration, dust your skin with some talcum or corn starch powder.
- Wear breathable clothing. Whether you’re out exercising or for a casual stroll, wear light, airy, breathable clothing whenever possible as it’ll keep you cool and minimise perspiration, especially during the hot summer.
- Try some exercises to stop the thighs from rubbing together. Most toning exercises can help with this, especially if you only have a little flab in your inner thighs that need a bit of firming up. When the fat is replaced with firm muscle, it could help slim down the thighs and reduce the possibility of friction.
Hopefully, with the above tips, you’ll no longer fall victim to chub rub.
You can start by shopping for anti-chafing shorts or underwear and other recommended products that’ll help keep chub rub at bay.
