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Chub rub is not a character flaw. It's physics: two warm, damp surfaces rubbing together a few thousand times a day. Skinny people get it too on long runs. Fat people just get it on the walk to the car.
The fix is a barrier, either fabric, a balm, or both. This guide covers the fabric side: thigh bands, slip shorts, bike shorts, swim shorts and boxer briefs in sizes that actually go up. We checked each product's size chart on its listing or brand page. We didn't test them on our own thighs, so we also pass along what reviewers say about fit.
Quick picks
- 1Biggest Size RangeThigh Society Cooling Anti-Chafe Slip Shorts up to 6XL Shop Thigh Society
- 2Best Thigh BandsBandelettes Original Patented Elastic Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands thigh up to 32 in View on Amazon
- 3Best Under DressesUndersummers Classic Shortlette Plus Size Anti-Chafing Slip Shorts up to 5X (hip about 61 in at 4X) View on Amazon
- 4Best Budget Slip ShortsJockey Women's Skimmies Slipshort (Plus Size XXL–5X) up to 5X View on Amazon
- 5Best for WorkoutsJust My Size Women's Plus-Size Stretch Jersey Bike Shorts up to 5X (hip 58–61 in) View on Amazon
- 6Best for the Beach and PoolSwim 365 High-Waist Full-Coverage Swim Bike Short up to size 44 View on Amazon
- 7Best for MenHanes Big Men's FreshIQ ComfortFlex Waistband Boxer Brief (5-Pack) up to 6XL (60–62 in waist) View on Amazon
Our picks
1Biggest Size Range
Thigh Society Cooling Anti-Chafe Slip Shorts
Thigh Society · $$
- Key spec
- up to 6XL
- Fit
- XS–6XL; 5, 7 and 9 in lengths
Thigh Society makes slip shorts just for chafing, sold in XS through 6XL and in several leg lengths, so you can match the hem to wherever your thighs stop touching. The brand sizes by hip measurement, and reviews on fit are mixed, so measure your hips and follow the chart rather than your jeans size. Sold direct from the brand, not on Amazon.
Why we like it
- Size range XS–6XL per the brand
- Several inseam lengths
- Brand sizes by hip measurement
Keep in mind
- Sold direct, not on Amazon
- Reviews on fit are mixed; measure your hips and use the chart
2Best Thigh Bands
Bandelettes Original Patented Elastic Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands
Bandelettes · $
- Key spec
- thigh up to 32 in
- Fit
- Size A (21–22 in thigh) to Size F (31–32 in thigh)
If shorts under a sundress feel like too much fabric in August, bands are the answer. Bandelettes are elastic bands with silicone grip strips that sit just where your thighs meet, and they're sized by thigh circumference from Size A (21–22 inches) up to Size F (31–32 inches). Measure the fullest part of one thigh. One reviewer found they ran an inch or two big.
Why we like it
- Sized by thigh circumference, up to 31–32 in
- Silicone strips help them stay put
- Solid and lace styles
- Inexpensive
Keep in mind
- Hand wash only
- Amazon sizing tops out at Size F (31–32 in thigh)
- One reviewer found the fit ran an inch or two big
3Best Under Dresses
Undersummers Classic Shortlette Plus Size Anti-Chafing Slip Shorts
Undersummers · $$
- Key spec
- up to 5X (hip about 61 in at 4X)
- Fit
- S–5X on the listing chart (4X fits about 58–61 in hips)
Soft, light slip shorts built specifically to go under dresses and skirts, with a chart that runs from S to 5X (4X covers roughly 58–61 inch hips). Several reviewers say they run big, especially in the waist, so if you're between sizes, go down.
Why we like it
- Chart runs S–5X
- Lightweight enough for summer dresses
- Brand publishes waist and hip ranges for every size
Keep in mind
- Several reviewers say they run big, especially in the waist
- Some listings say 4X max, so check the chart on the one you buy
4Best Budget Slip Shorts
Jockey Women's Skimmies Slipshort (Plus Size XXL–5X)
Jockey · $
- Fit
- XXL–5X (4X is 26–28W, 3X is 22–24W)
A cheap, featherweight slip short with a long leg and a cotton-lined gusset, in plus sizes XXL to 5X (the 4X is listed as 26–28W). Good for everyday wear under work clothes. Check the fabric line on the color you pick, because listings disagree on whether it's a nylon-spandex blend or cotton.
Why we like it
- Plus run XXL–5X
- Light enough to wear all day
- Cotton-lined gusset
- Usually inexpensive
Keep in mind
- Fabric content differs between colors and listings
- Thin fabric wears out faster than a bike short
5Best for Workouts
Just My Size Women's Plus-Size Stretch Jersey Bike Shorts
Just My Size · $
- Fit
- 1X–5X (1X is 16W; 5X is 30W–32W, 58–61 in hips)
When you're moving and sweating, you want more coverage and tougher fabric than a slip short. These have a 9-inch inseam that hits mid-thigh, a wide waistband, flat-lock seams and a hip chart that goes to 58–61 inches at 5X. Some reviewers say they don't ride up. They also work under skirts on long walking days.
Why we like it
- Sizes 1X–5X with a published hip chart
- Wide waistband and tag-free
- Flat-lock seams
- 9 in inseam hits mid-thigh
Keep in mind
- This specific listing has few reviews so far
- Cotton blend holds sweat more than a synthetic
6Best for the Beach and Pool
Swim 365 High-Waist Full-Coverage Swim Bike Short
Swim 365 · $$
- Key spec
- up to size 44
- Fit
- 14–44
Swim shorts are the most overlooked chafe fix. Wet thighs plus sand is the worst kind of rub. This high-waist swim bike short has an 8-inch inseam, anti-chafing construction, UPF 50 fabric and sizes from 14 to 44, so you can wear it on the boardwalk, in the water and at the pool bar.
Why we like it
- Sizes 14–44
- 8 in inseam covers the inner-thigh rub zone
- UPF 50 fabric
- Works in and out of the water
Keep in mind
- Hand wash and dry flat
- Sold through Woman Within, not Amazon
7Best for Men
Hanes Big Men's FreshIQ ComfortFlex Waistband Boxer Brief (5-Pack)
Hanes · $$
- Fit
- Big sizes to 6XL; 5XL is 56–58 in waist, 6XL is 60–62 in
Men chafe too, and boxer briefs are the easiest fix. Hanes' big men's line goes to 6XL (a 60–62 inch waist) with a leg that covers the inner thigh and a soft, stretchy waistband. Size by your waist in inches from the chart, not your jeans size.
Why we like it
- Big sizes to 6XL (60–62 in waist)
- Leg length covers the inner-thigh chafe zone
- ComfortFlex waistband
- Multi-pack value
Keep in mind
- Sold only as a multi-pack
- Big-man sizing goes by waist inches, so measure instead of guessing
Thigh bands vs slip shorts vs bike shorts
Each style solves the same problem a little differently. Pick by what you're wearing on top and how much you'll sweat.
| Style | Coverage | Best under | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thigh bands | Just the rub zone | Dresses, skirts in heat | Must be sized to your thigh |
| Slip shorts | Hips to mid-thigh | Dresses, skirts, work clothes | Thin fabric wears faster |
| Bike shorts | Waist to mid-thigh | Workouts, long walks, travel | Warmer, more visible |
| Swim shorts | Waist to mid-thigh | Beach, pool, water parks | Need rinsing after salt and chlorine |
| Long-leg boxer briefs | Waist to thigh | Pants, shorts (men) | Legs can ride up if too short |
How to measure for anti-chafing gear
- For thigh bands: Measure around the fullest part of one thigh, right where the inner thighs touch. Bandelettes' sizes on Amazon go from 21–22 inches (Size A) to 31–32 inches (Size F).
- For slip and bike shorts: Measure your hips at the fullest point, then use the brand's chart. Undersummers, Just My Size and Thigh Society all chart by measurement, and their letter sizes don't match each other. Undersummers' 4X covers about 58–61 inch hips, and Just My Size's 5X covers 58–61 inches too.
- For boxer briefs: Measure where the waistband sits. Hanes' big men's chart puts 5XL at 56–58 inches and 6XL at 60–62 inches.
When reviewers say something runs big, believe them, especially on slip shorts. A slip short that's loose in the leg rides up, and then you're right back to chafing.
Fabric matters more than you'd think
Smooth, slick synthetics like nylon and spandex let your thighs glide past each other. Cotton feels nice and breathes, but it soaks up sweat and gets grabby when it's wet. That's why a cotton-blend bike short is fine for errands and less ideal for a two-hour hike in July. For hot, sweaty days, choose the smoothest, most moisture-wicking fabric you can find, and put a stick or powder underneath for backup. Our anti-chafe balms and powders guide covers those.
Most of this gear says hand wash on the label. At minimum, skip the dryer. Heat breaks down elastic and silicone grip, and that's what makes bands slide and leg openings roll.
Chafing in the water
Salt water and sand turn a mild rub into a raw one fast. If you're headed to the beach or a water park, a swim bike short like the Swim 365 (sizes 14 to 44) protects your thighs in and out of the water. For men, look for swim trunks with a stretch liner rather than a loose mesh brief. Our plus-size swimwear guide has options for both.
Chafing during workouts
Long walks, cycling and anything with repetitive leg motion is prime chafe time. Bike shorts with flat-lock seams, a stick or balm on your inner thighs, and moisture-wicking underwear do the heavy lifting. See our plus-size activewear guide for sports bras, leggings and big men's gym shorts that go past 4XL.
A quick anti-chafe kit
Keep one in your bag on hot days:
- A spare pair of thigh bands or slip shorts.
- A travel-size anti-chafe stick.
- A few wipes to clean sweat off before you reapply.
- A small tube of diaper-rash-style zinc cream for skin that's already irritated.
It costs about as much as one lunch out, and it saves a vacation day.
Frequently asked questions
Do thigh bands stay up on bigger thighs?
Usually, if you size them right. Bandelettes use silicone grip strips and are sized by thigh measurement, so measure the fullest part of one thigh and pick the matching size. If bands keep slipping, try a longer slip short instead, since the waistband holds it up.
What length anti-chafing shorts do I need?
The hem has to end below the point where your thighs stop touching. Stand normally, feel where the contact ends and measure from your crotch to just below that point. Many anti-chafe shorts come in 5-, 7- and 9-inch inseams. If you're unsure, go longer, because short hems tend to roll up into the rub zone.
Can men wear Bandelettes?
Yes. Bandelettes are sold as unisex, and the solid colors are listed as unisex sizes. Most men find long-leg boxer briefs easier, but bands are handy under kilts, shorts or anything else where briefs show.
Are bike shorts or slip shorts better for chafing?
Slip shorts are thinner and cooler under dresses. Bike shorts are thicker, last longer and hold up to sweat and movement. Lots of people keep both: slip shorts for dresses, bike shorts for walking days, the gym and travel.
When is chafing a medical problem?
Mild redness usually calms down once the friction stops. If skin is broken, weeping, very painful, or shows signs of infection like spreading redness, warmth or pus, stop the friction and see a doctor or nurse. Recurring rashes in skin folds can also be fungal and may need treatment.
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How we pick: we compare manufacturer specs (weight capacity, seat width, size range), read reviews from bigger buyers, and check return policies. We don’t accept payment for placement. Specs change — confirm on the listing before you buy.