Shopping·10 min read

Products You Need if Your Thighs Chafe

Products You Need if Your Thighs Chafe
Design: theSkimm | Images: Knix, Amazon
June 20, 2024

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This post was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated.

You already spent weeks planning out your sun-filled activities for the summer — so why should uncomfortable chafing ruin them? To help, we’ve rounded up products to help you both prevent and treat unhappy skin when it’s hot and sticky outside. We’ve got compression shorts, an adorable exercise dress, and a range of cooling gel sticks and powders. Your daily walks have never felt better.

Amazon

A cream-to-powder anti-friction stick…

Rub this on before walking, hiking, grocery shopping, etc., and you’ll forget what life was like when you did experience thigh chafe. Its derm-tested formula is infused with aloe vera and prebiotics to help strengthen your skin barrier, sans alcohol, oil, or parabens. It’s also great to stash in your bag and reapply throughout the day. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Amazon

Medical-grade repair spray for when damage is already done…

Been there. This first aid spray uses hypochlorus acid, an active ingredient already found in your body to help you heal from rashes, bug bites, sunburns, or irritations naturally. Because it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, it won’t sting when you spray it. It's also safe to use on your face for breakouts, heat rashes, and the like. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon

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thigh-society
Thigh Society

A pair of cooling shorts for the dog days of summer…

These silky shorts are made for when the humidity is simply doing the most. They’re made from sweat-wicking fabric that actually absorbs heat and pulls it from the body. They’ll smooth without being too thick and come in a range of colors, lengths, and sizes XS–6XL. Stay cool. ($39, Thigh Society)

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Fresh Body
Walmart

A lotion-to-powder deodorant that’s perfect for travel…

These single-use lotion packets can be used anywhere you sweat, including your chest. Each packet contains the perfect amount of lotion chock-full of tapioca starch, glycerin, aloe, and oatmeal to help your skin stay dry and irritation-free. Each set comes with 15 packets so you’ll be covered for that week-long (well-deserved) vacation. ($8.99, Walmart)

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exercise-dress
Outdoor Voices

A cult-favorite exercise dress…

This dress might be the only thing you’ll want to live in this summer. It’s sporty, lightweight, sweat-wicking, and has built-in shorts with little grips, so there’s no chafing, riding, or bunching. It comes in several colors and patterns, and in sizes XXS–XXXL. Play golf, tennis, or pickleball in it, or throw it on for errands, walks, or brunch. ($100, Outdoor Voices)

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Knix

Lacy, high-rise undershorts for comfort that’s also chic…

We’ll take your anti-chafe shorts and raise you these stylish chafe-preventing lace shorts. The fabric is soft and light as air, and the elastic waistband won’t dig into your waist. It comes in four chic colors — including a bright yellow color you won’t mind peeking through. Oh, and did we mention they’re machine-washable? ($38, Knix)

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baby-powder
Amazon

A baby powder that’s all-natural…

If powder is your preference, this one is 100% natural and talc-free with a light fresh scent. It’ll keep your skin from sticking and rubbing, and will absorb any sweat from being out in the heat. Customers say they also use it on other areas prone to friction, like armpits and waistbands. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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skims
Nordstrom

A pair of sculpting shorts perfect for wearing under dresses…

These thigh-sculpting shorts from Skims are compressive but made to feel lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. They’re seamless, so they’ll be undetectable under your clothing. They’re also machine-washable and come in four neutral colors and sizes XXS–4X. ($38, Nordstrom)

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powder-gel
Amazon

A powder-gel hybrid if you can’t decide which you like…

This one actually works well for preventing chafe before it even has the chance to begin. It glides on the skin like a gel but then dries like a powder. It’s also fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin. According to customer reviews, a little goes a long way. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Amazon

A pair of discreet thigh bands…

If full-on compression shorts sound less than appealing, try these stretchy lace bands that’ll prevent any rubbing. They have two rows of nonslip silicone to keep them in place. They’re available in sizes up to 3XL and come in more than 10 colors. These are hand-wash only, so you might want to pick up a couple pairs to see you through the week. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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healing-ointment
Amazon

A healing ointment if dry, scaly skin is your issue…

Your thighs might be chafing in part because your skin barrier is already damaged. Repair it with this derm-approved ointment that locks in hydration for up to 24 hours. It’s made with hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, petrolatum to seal it in, and essential ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier over the long term. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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bike-short
Lululemon

High-rise bike shorts you can wear everywhere…

Lululemon strikes again. These bike shorts are buttery-soft, have the perfect high-rise fit, and aren't see-through. They’re so comfortable, we wear them to yoga class, while grocery shopping, on a walk, and with a big sweatshirt when it gets chilly. From personal experience, they’re easy to fall asleep in, too. ($64, Lululemon)

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Nordtrom

A lotion you’ll actually want to apply daily...

If you hate the feeling of freshly applied lotion on your skin but still want to hydrate, join the club. We love this non-irritating, fragrance-free option that rubs in evenly and leaves our skin feeling smooth but never sticky or slippery. It’s made with three oils to deliver vitamins to your skin, plus niacinamide that works to improve overall skin health over time. ($28+, Nordstrom)

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serum
Amazon

A serum to lighten signs of past irritation…

If you’ve dealt with thigh chafe in the past, you know the irritation can leave discoloration. This serum is specifically designed for your thighs. It’s made with licorice root, niacinamide, and aloe so it soothes while working to lighten marks and scars over time. It’s even great for preventing ingrown hairs and reducing razor bumps. Customers say it has a light texture and absorbs quickly. We’re sold. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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cooling-shorts
Amazon

A pair of affordable slip shorts…

These are silky against your skin like your favorite underwear and wear well under skirts or dresses. They’re soft and breathable, so you’ll stay cool and never get sweaty. All while enjoying a light compression that won’t dig into your midsection. Snag them in black or beige and you’ll be set for the season. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Amazon

A set of cold packs for instant relief…

If you’ve done everything you can and still get back from that hike, workout, or walk with burning, irritated thighs, these ice packs will provide instant relief. Just squeeze in the center to activate, shake, and wait for the pack to get cold, no freezer required. It stays cold for up to 10 minutes and is great to stash in your gym bag or car so you have one when you need it. ($17.80/12-pack, Amazon)

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