By That Girl Whitney Team
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Okay, friend, let’s talk about the thing nobody warns you about when you buy that cute summer dress. You put it on, you feel amazing, you walk to the car, and by lunch your inner thighs are on fire. That’s chub rub, and if you’ve ever done the penguin walk through a theme park in July, you know exactly what we mean.
Here’s the good news first: chub rub is incredibly common, it’s not your fault, and it’s very fixable. It happens when skin rubs against skin (usually the inner thighs) and friction and sweat team up to leave you red and stinging, sometimes with a full-on rash. It shows up for women of every size, and it gets worse on hot, humid days when you’re moving a lot.
The fix isn’t “just don’t wear dresses.” You deserve to wear the sundress! You just need the right layer underneath and a little prep before you head out. Below are four simple ways to stop chub rub before it starts, plus what to do if it’s already got you.
Wear a Smooth Layer Under Dresses and Skirts
The easiest fix is to put something between your thighs so your skin never touches. Anti-chafe shorts (also called slip shorts or thigh bands) do this job, and once you find a pair you love, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Look for a few things when you shop. A silky, breathable fabric like nylon-spandex keeps you cool under a dress. A wide, flat waistband won’t roll down or dig in when you sit. Leg openings with silicone grips or a soft elastic band stay put instead of riding up into a bunch, which is the whole point.
Length matters, too. Choose shorts that end a few inches below where your thighs touch. If they stop right at the rub zone, the hem just becomes the new thing that chafes.
Thigh bands are a lighter option for really hot days. They’re two separate fabric bands that hug each upper thigh, so you get protection without a full layer.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: anti-chafe slip shorts or lace thigh bands
Use an Anti-Chafe Balm Before You Leave the House
If you’d rather skip an extra layer, an anti-chafe balm is your best friend. It glides on like a deodorant stick and leaves a smooth, invisible barrier so your thighs slide past each other instead of sticking.
Apply it to clean, dry skin before you get dressed, then reapply every few hours on long or sweaty days. Toss a travel size in your purse for weddings and vacation days, because those are exactly the days chub rub loves to crash!
Many people also reach for powders. A body powder made for chafing absorbs sweat and reduces friction, and it works well on its own or layered over a balm. Skip heavily scented products if your skin is sensitive, especially if it’s already irritated.
One tip that makes a big difference: put your balm on before you’re hot and sweaty. Once you’re already damp and red, it’s harder to get ahead of it.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: anti-chafe balm stick or anti-chafing body powder
Pick Fabrics and Fits That Work With You
What you wear on the outside matters as much as what’s underneath. Some fabrics trap heat and moisture right where you don’t want it.
Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen (or a moisture-wicking blend) help your skin stay drier, which means less friction. Heavy, stiff fabrics, like thick denim on a 95-degree day, tend to make things worse. If you love shorts, look for a longer inseam that covers the inner thigh completely. Our guide to plus size shorts that don’t ride up breaks down the best lengths and styles for exactly this.
Fit plays a part, too. Shorts and pants that are too tight press skin together, while pieces that are too loose can bunch and rub. You want a fit that skims your body and moves when you move.
And don’t forget shapewear. A pair of shaping shorts doubles as chafe protection and smooths lines under fitted dresses. Our plus size shapewear guide covers the styles that are comfortable enough for a full day.
How to Soothe Chub Rub If It Already Happened
Sometimes it sneaks up on you anyway, and that’s okay. The goal now is to calm your skin down and let it heal before it gets worse.
Start by gently rinsing the area with cool water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat it dry (no rubbing). Let your skin breathe for a bit by wearing loose shorts or a flowy nightgown at home. A thin layer of a plain, fragrance-free ointment like petroleum jelly can protect irritated skin while it recovers.
Give it a break from friction for a day or two if you can, and wear your slip shorts or balm the next time you head out. If the area is broken, very painful, oozing, or not improving after a few days, check in with a doctor or pharmacist, since chafed skin can sometimes get infected.
Your Summer, Chafe-Free
Chub rub doesn’t get a vote in what you wear this summer. Slip a smooth layer under your dresses, keep a balm in your bag, and choose breathable fabrics that move with you. With those few habits, you can say yes to the sundress and the all-day outdoor wedding without bracing for the burn. Your thighs will thank you!
You deserve to feel comfortable and cute at the same time, and that’s exactly what Whitney is cheering you on to do. Shop her favorite summer must-haves on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more real-life plus size outfit ideas.