Things are going to get personal real fast in this post, but I am just going to keep things 100% real with you guys! Every single time I talk about wearing a dress or a skirt, the number one thing I am asked is how I manage to avoid chafing. I wore a dress two days in a row while site seeing in Washington DC, and didn’t have a hint of anything. I’ve got you covered!
I think most people automatically assume that in order to keep your thighs from entering the seventh realm of hell, you HAVE to wear Spanx under every single dress. I hate Spanx with a passion. And while there is a time and a place to smooth things out, from sun up to sun down in the heat of the summer is NOT that time.
There are a few things that you can do to prep your body for all of those loose and flowy skirts and short, flirty dresses that you want to wear when the weather starts warming up. And I am going to share ALL of them with you.
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It Starts Within
Ok, that is a little misleading. But it does start underneath your dress. If you think about the last time you wore a dress, and you squeezed into your shapewear shorts to avoid a little friction, what was the number one issue?
Sweat
This is the biggest cause of chafing between the legs. It isn’t the rubbing that is the real problem. It is when things get a bit moist that the issues start to arise. The only logical solution is to prevent it.
I’m going to say this once, twice and then a third time for the peanut gallery.
YOU NEED TO BE WEARING 100% COTTON UNDERWEAR.
Especially if you plan to wear a dress all day long. You need things to BREATHE. And going to those good old, cotton briefs is going to keep things cool and dry between your thighs.
Choosing a more full coverage style will help even more. Just think about when skin sits next to skin for too long. Sweat happens. So shimmy into a cute pair of boy shorts and feel good knowing that you are not only keeping your thighs happy, but doing good things for your lady bits, too.
I know this isn’t always the sexiest choice, but your little lace thong that is probably mostly spandex and rayon can happily go in your purse for when it’s time to head home, if you know what I mean!
Prevention
There are a few things you can add into your life that can help avoid thigh chafing. Because even when you try your hardest to keep things dry, sometimes you need a little extra help to keep the chub rub at bay.
Megababe Thigh Rescue
If you haven’t gotten on the Megababe train, I urge you to ditch your deodorant stick and make the switch. Most deodorants have aluminum and other harsh chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your lady bits.
MegaBabe is an all natural balm in stick form you just glide on that helps your thighs to rub smoothly together, no chafing! I usually keep a stick in my purse and will apply once in a while throughout the day (usually when I run to the restroom), especially in the summer months.
Alternatively, I like to use the Bust Dust in it’s place. Never the two together, but both seem to do a great job of keeping my touching thighs happy.
Boxer Briefs
There are products out there (Skimmies, I’m looking at you!) that claim to be breathable, “made for dresses” shorts. But most of them are made primarily of unnatural fibers, and less than 5% cotton. The other downside to those with more synthetic fabrics, is that you will also HEAR them when you walk. The “swish, swish, swish” with each step can be a bit of a giveaway that you are wearing shapewear under your dress!
Grab yourself a pair of boxer briefs, like these from Amazon. You want to look for as short without an inner thigh inseam, 100% cotton, and elastic waistband. Again, I know this isn’t the “sexiest” option, but it is a hell of a lot sexier than burnt thighs, am I right? You could also just shop the men’s department and grab a seamless boxer brief.
Added bonus? You don’t have to worry about flashing your cheeks or having a Marilyn moment.
Bandelettes
Now, this isn’t one that I have personally tried, but had tons of recommendations from YOU! They look like a great options, though I would proceed with caution, especially during the summer months. They are mostly made from spandex, so you will want to be sure to pair these with a cotton undie.
Start Training NOW
This is key to success this spring and summer, friends. You need to start now. And start slow! It is time to break those thighs in and get them used to being friendly after a winter separated by pants.
Just like you would break in a new pair of leather boots, you need to give your legs a hot minute to adjust to the added friction. Going for brunch? Throw on a skirt for two hours. Hanging out at home? Wear that floral dress while you lounge on the couch!
DO NOT WEAR A SKIRT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX MONTHS TO THE ZOO FOR A DAY!
I’m speaking from a friend’s experience, of course…. No idea how that turned out. Alright, I do. And it was painful. Just don’t.
What are you best tips for avoiding the chub rub with dresses, skirts and shorts this upcoming season? Did I miss any secrets to success?
