13 best anti-chafing shorts to wear and save your thighs this summer
Ever found yourself googling “what can I wear so my thighs don't rub”? Me too. Luckily, anti-chafing shorts are here to save the day (and our sanity).
It's no secret that my mood completely changes as soon as the sun starts to shine (hello, endorphins), but it can switch just as quickly as I begin to feel that familiar, painful rash between my thighs. Chafing is extremely common – it can occur in all shapes and sizes, sexes, genders and so on – but it's rarely spoken about.
SKIP TO: Shop the best anti-chafing shorts 2024 | What is chafing? | How to prevent your thighs from chafing | What's the best material for chafing | How we tested the best anti-chafing shorts.
What is chafing?
Chafing occurs when your thighs (or any 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. Bliss.
How do you keep your inner thighs from chafing when wearing shorts?
There are thousands of anti-chafe shorts out there that'll help prevent your thighs from rubbing together, but there are two styles I regularly revisit for their affordability factor and general practicality.
- ASOS Design Curve Two Pack Anti-Chafing Shorts, £15, ASOS
- Period Pants Anti Chafing Shorts, £25, Modibodi
ASOS DESIGN's two-pack speaks for itself; you get two pairs for the price of one. They're super thin and lightweight, so easy to throw in your bag when you're on the go, and the seam-free design means they don't dig in anywhere – so no one's any the wiser as to what you're wearing. When its that time of the month, though, this pair from Modibodi are the ones I reach for. I don't have to think about changing my sanitary products every few hours or worry about leaking, they're genuinely some of the best period pants I've ever tried – as well as being a dream in the anti-chafing department, of course.
What is the best material for anti chafing shorts?
When shopping for a pair of anti-chafing shorts (or several, for that matter), the best material to look for is polyester, nylon and high-tech fabrics that are moisture-wicking and are designed to keep your skin dry. This is to avoid thigh rub (i.e. where your thighs stick together) and any friction from occurring. This two-pack of anti-chafe shorts from Marks & Spencer is made from polyamide (a synthetic material) and elastane (for stretch), creating a barrier between your legs and protecting you.
The next thing to look for is length; something long enough to cover most of your thigh, but not too long as to peep out from beneath short summer dresses and mini skirts. These ones from Amazon are semi sheer for a more seamless, discreet finish, while these Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts from Snag can be pulled up for a more personalised result.
Do chub rub shorts work? How we tested them:
We are a diverse team of different body shapes, sizes, heights and so on at GLAMOUR UK, and more than a few of us are familiar with anti-chafing shorts. Below, we've given you the reasons why we love the pairs we've tried/reviewed and what we'd like to see improved, plus other pros and cons for you to consider before purchasing, and helpful information such as size ranges and care information.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
What are the best anti-chafing shorts? Take a look at our favourites below to find out…
Best Shorts For Thigh Chafing
Why we love them: “These are the style that sell out every summer, without fail, so if you want a pair it's best to invest early. I love them because they have the most variety of colours available and because you get two pairs for £20, but mostly because they're really discreet – almost too much actually, I sometimes wish they were slightly longer.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Loads of colours.
- Cons: Dual sizing.
- Size range: UK 8-22.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for women's anti chafing shorts with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Sports Chaffing Shorts
Anti Chafing Activewear Shorts/Cycling Shorts
Why we love them: “I find I experience chafing the most when I exercise during the summer, so I've been looking for something I can wear to prevent friction while working out and these shorts are spot on. I don't even need to wear anything on top of them aside from a sports bra, as I've found they're utterly squat proof, and yet they still feel different to my other activewear cycling shorts. It must be magic, but I'm not complaining.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior Commerce Editor Europe.
- Pros: Breathable, moisture-wicking, 8-inch inseam.
- Cons: Not as high-waisted as other styles. Only one colour.
- Size range: S-XL.
- Care: Machine wash.
Game-Changing Anti-Chafing Shorts
ASOS DESIGN Curve 2 Pack Anti-Chafing Shorts
Why we love them: “I don't think I've ever gone without chucking a pair of these in my handbag when we're experiencing hot weather. They're a godsend if you experience any form of friction in your inner thighs – or even if you just want some coverage in case a gust of wind gives you a Marilyn Monroe moment – and I can't fault the price of them. They're high waisted and finish just above the knee, so I remain chafe-free all day long.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Two of them in the pack.
- Cons: Sell out on the reg'.
- Size range: UK 20-30.
- Care: Hand wash.
For free delivery/free returns and to save when you shop for anti chafing shorts to wear with maxi dresses and midi skirts, use these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Anti-Chafing Shorts from M&S
Light Control Thigh Slimmers (2 Pack/Multipack)
Why we love them: “I can't stand the VPL that some anti-chafing shorts give you, so when I came across this pair from M&S I ran,” says Lucy Smith. “They're smoothing on the thigh and have subtle tummy control, as well as having that ‘no-show’ fabric, but don't feel as restrictive as some of the best shapewear or spandex styles can. Thank you, M&S, for saving my thighs summer after summer.”
- Pros: Less than £20.
- Cons: Only two colours.
- Size range: UK 8-24.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for women's cool comfort anti chafing shorts with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Shapewear Anti-Chafing Shorts
SPANX Shapewear Tummy Control High-Waisted Power Short
Why we love them: There's nothing worse than going to the toilet in your anti-chafing shorts – having to pull them down and wriggle back into them each time is just not the vibe (especially if you've had a drink). So the fact that these have an open crotch area is groundbreaking.
- Pros: Go up to a size 3X.
- Cons: Star rating isn't as high as some.
- Size range: S-XXXL.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
Period Anti-Chafing Shorts
Period Pants Anti-Chafing Shorts
Why we love them: Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd says, “I can live my TOTM life sans any underwear in this pair of shorts, which is an absolute dream for me. They double as period pants and hold up to three teaspoons worth of blood as well as keeping the risk of sore thighs at bay. Let's be honest, period cramps and chafed thighs are not the one, so these are a true life saver.”
- Pros: Eliminate disposables (tampons) as well as chafing. Go up to a size 6XL.
- Cons: Only available in two colours.
- Size range: UK 12-26.
- Care: Cold wash.
Save when you shop for anti chafing shorts with an absorbent gusset and other period pants and knickers with these Modibodi discount codes and vouchers at checkout.
Anti-Chafing Shorts Fab For Plus Size
Confident Curve Anti Chafing Short
Why we love them: These anti-chafing shorts by V by Very go up to a size 34 and feature a wide elasticated waist band so as they don't roll down.
- Pros: One reviewer said they “remained the same shape after washing as they were when they were new.”
- Cons: Only one colour available.
- Size range: UK 20-34.
- Care: Hand wash.
Save when you shop for anti chafing shorts with a broad size range/UK size guide with these Very discount codes at checkout.
Perfect Fit Anti-Chafing Shorts
Why we love them: Available in nude, white and black, these anti chafing shorts have over 1,000 reviews and a 4.3 star ranking. That's good enough for us.
- Pros: More opaque than most styles.
- Cons: Not as high rise as other designs.
- Size range: S-XXL.
- Care: Machine wash.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Lace Anti-Chafing Shorts
YOURS Curve Nude Lace Trim Anti Chafing High Waisted Shorts
Why we love them: Trimmed with a pretty strip of lace to the hem, these anti-chafing shorts feel slightly more elevated than other styles.
- Pros: Pretty lace detail.
- Cons: Currently only available in sizes 14 and above.
- Size range: UK 14-36.
- Care: Machine wash.
Multipack Anti-Chafing Shorts
YADIFEN 3 Pack Anti Chafing Long Brief Shorts/Slip Shorts
Why we love them: As well as preventing that horrible friction that occurs between your thighs, these four-way stretch anti-chafing shorts are also seamless beneath form-fitting clothes for a smooth finish.
- Pros: Get three colours.
- Cons: See-through, so can't wear them on their own.
- Size range: S-3XL.
- Care: Hand wash.
Save when you shop for anti chafing shorts that hold up with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
No-Roll/Riding Up Technology Anti-Chafing Shorts
Ambra Curvesque Anti-Chafting Shorts
Why we love them: “This pair features some nifty no-roll technology which I really rate,” says Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer. “I do wish they were slightly higher on the waist, as I do notice them a bit more than I would normally. It'd be great if they came in more colours, too.”
- Pros: Don't roll down.
- Cons: Some reviewers on John Lewis say they're too thick.
- Size range: UK 12-22.
- Care: Machine wash.
Light Nude Anti-Chafing Shorts
Sloggi Basic+ Anti-Chafing Long Brief Shorts
Why we love them: Heavenly soft and so lightweight you'll barely notice them there, these lace-trimmed anti-chafing shorts are spot on for the warmer days of summer.
- Pros: Wide range of sizes available.
- Cons: Can rise because they're thin.
- Size range: UK 12-26.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for stretchy anti chafing shorts with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Long Leg Anti-Chafing Shorts
Why we love them: Made from tights material, these plus size 80 denier anti-chafing shorts are enhanced with special yarn to help you keep cool and comfy in the heat. No more uncomfortable summer days!
- Pros: Come in a variety of colours.
- Cons: Some reviews say they're too long.
- Size range: A-G (UK 4-36).
- Care: Delicate wash.
