Under-Dressing: The Case For Chub Rub Shorts
By
4 months ago
The secret summer essential
While most people find themselves slapping on the SPF, investing in a pair of sunnies or digging out their go-to hat come summer, others are pondering an age-old seasonal dilemma: how to avoid the dreaded chub rub.
Those with thick thighs will be all too familiar with the conundrum (and if you’re not, well, lucky you). Let’s set the scene: it’s a hot, sunny day and you’re wearing a cute dress, but the combination of sweaty skin and an absent thigh gap means that chafing is inevitable.
But how do we avoid the walk – or rather, waddle – of shame back home? If you’d prefer to avoid the incessant barrage of beauty products that involve patting, rolling, sticking or moisturising your skin to (unfortunately tacky) anti-chafing success, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a much simpler solution. We’re talking about chub rub shorts.
@wherebeccatravels the BEST shorts to ever exist. An absolute must-have for summer time✨ #fyp #travelinspo #traveltiktok #travelessentials #antichafe #antichafe #marksandspencer #chubrubproblems #bodypositivity #uktoeurope ♬ original sound – Becca | travel inspo & tips
A bit like bike shorts, chub rub shorts sit anywhere from the tops of your thighs to just above the knee, and prevent chafing via a layer of soft fabric. It may not be as glamorous as a cheeky pair of knickers, but it should do the trick in preventing any unwanted skin sores. But, sadly, not all chub rub preventors are created equally; some shorts roll up (or down), some don’t match your skin tone and some don’t come in a good range of sizes.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done all the hard work for you and tried out a selection of chub rub shorts in preparation for the summer season – here’s the verdict.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
Snag Tights
Stay Cool Shorties, £9.49
Anyone who has had an issue with chafing has likely heard of Snag Tights. The Scottish label is one of the UK’s leading names in anti-chafing shorts, and has a huge selection of shorts in various colours and sizes (sizing ranges from a UK 4 to a UK 36). These are the OG chub rub shorts, so you can expect a good, comfortable fit.
Wolford
Individual Seamless Shorts, £50
Having been in the business since 1950, Wolford know a thing or two about creating shape- and bodywear. These seamless shorts combine a mid-length leg with a high waist, so that the wearer looks and feels sculpted (without an obvious VPL).
M&S
2pk Anti-Chafe Shorts, £20
Are you really British if you’ve never bought M&S underwear? The high street stalwart promises to get you through summer with its line of VPL-less, moisture-wicking anti-chafing shorts, which come in seven shades and range from a size UK 8 to a UK 22.
Big Bloomers Company
Anti-Chafing Short Slip Shorts, £18.95
Another well-known name in the chub rub space, the Big Bloomers Company has finessed its anti-chafing shorts style for maximum comfort and durability. These short-leg shorts, for example, come with a ribbed hem to avoid riding up and feature sculpted back panels that mould to the wearer’s shape.
Intimissimi
Seamless Raw-Cut Cotton Shorts, £24
The underwear experts at clothing label Intimissimi have developed a pair of shorts that promise to be ‘invisible under even the tightest-fitting clothes’, with a seamless design, raw-cut hem and soft elasticated waistband.
Featured image: M&S
