11 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”? Us too. Luckily, anti-chafing shorts are here to save the day (and our sanity).
It's no secret that everyone's mood completely changes as soon as the sun starts to shine (hello, endorphins), but it can switch just as quickly when you begin to feel that familiar, painful rash between your 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 2025 | What is chafing? | Do you wear knickers with anti-chafing shorts? | What's the best material for chafing | How we tested the best anti-chafing shorts.
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. These are the three styles that we revisit on the reg' for their affordability factor, comfort and general practicality.
- Best plus size anti-chafing shorts: YOURS
- Best colour range: Marks & Spencer
- Best underwear style: lululemon
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. Don't say we don't look after you.
What are the best anti-chafing shorts? Take a look at our favourites here…
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.
Dorina Essensual Smoothing Mid Waist Anti Chaffing 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. The wide waistband makes them super flattering under dresses – hence why they're bestselling.
- Pros: Seamless, smoothing effect.
- Cons: Only one colour on ASOS.
- Size range: XS-XXL.
- Care: Machine wash.
YOURS Curve Black 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. A great option for plus size bodies.
- Pros: Pretty lace detail.
- Cons: Currently only available in sizes 14 and above.
- Size range: UK 14-36.
- Care: Machine wash.
Period Pants Anti-Chafing Shorts
Why we love them: Lucy Smith 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.
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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.” – Robyn Eugene, Social Media Manager.
- Pros: Loads of colours.
- Cons: Dual sizing.
- Size range: UK 8-22.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best anti chafing shorts for women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Anti-Chafing Shorts From Sports Brand
UnderEase Super-High-Rise Shortie Underwear 2 Pack
Why we love them: “I won't lie, I think lululemon have upgraded this style since I tested them, as mine were significantly more sheer than the images depict on their site. They started to ride up/roll up after a while because of their thin fabrication, which kind of defeats the point of anti-chafing shorts if you ask me, but for the most part they were good.” – Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: 2 pack.
- Cons: Sophie's pair were sheer and also rolled up after a while.
- Size range: XS-XXL.
- Care: Machine wash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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, however 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.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
