16 Best Anti-Chafing Shorts

Let’s be real: thigh chafing is the worst. That painful, red rash that can ruin a perfectly good summer day is something I’ve battled for years. I’ve tried powders, creams, and those weird-looking thigh bands. But nothing, and I mean nothing, works as reliably for me as a good pair of anti-chafe shorts.

They’re the simple, foolproof solution to wear under dresses and skirts. But not all shorts are created equal. I’ve tested a ton of them—some that roll down, some that feel like a furnace, and some that are just perfect. These are the ones that actually work and have earned a permanent spot in my drawer.

 

 

My Top Picks for Everyday Wear

These are the shorts I reach for most often. They’re designed for pure comfort and chafe prevention under everyday clothes, without any aggressive shaping or compression. They just let you live your life, chafe-free.

 

 

Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts

These shorts cost about $39. If you run hot or live somewhere humid, you need to try these. They’re made with a special fabric that literally pulls heat away from your skin.

I was skeptical, but they actually feel cool to the touch and keep me from getting sweaty on the hottest days. They are so ridiculously lightweight and breathable, it feels like wearing nothing. Best of all, they stay put and don’t roll up.

The Downside: The material is amazing for staying cool, but it does mean they offer slightly sheer coverage.

 

 

Thigh Society The Staple Shorts

At $39, this pair is my absolute workhorse. The Staple is the perfect name for them because they’re what I grab for just about any occasion. The fabric is light and smooth, providing that perfect barrier between my thighs without adding any bulk under a skirt.

They’re just incredibly reliable. I’ve had my pair for a while, and they haven’t stretched out or lost their shape. They just do their job, and they do it well.

The Downside: They’re great for most days, but they’re not as cooling as the specialized fabrics in their other models.

 

 

Thigh Society The Cotton Shorts

This pair also goes for $39. For those days when you just can’t stand the thought of a synthetic fabric, these Pima cotton shorts are a dream. They feel so soft and cozy against the skin.

I wore these on a long day of walking around the city and they were fantastic. Super comfortable, breathable, and they stayed in place the entire time. No riding up, no adjusting needed.

The Downside: I found that these run a little smaller than the other Thigh Society styles, so you might want to size up.

 

 

Jockey Skimmies No-Chafe Mid-Thigh Slip Shorts

These are a total steal at around $20. Jockey Skimmies have been around forever, and for good reason. They are silky, seamless, and do a fantastic job of preventing chafing without feeling constricting.

The fabric is super smooth, so my dresses and skirts just glide over them without clinging. They give a little bit of smoothing, but their main job is comfort, and they nail it.

The Downside: After a lot of wear and washing, I’ve found that they can start to stretch out a bit.

 

 

Snag Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts

For about $18, these are an amazing value. I’m a huge fan of Snag’s commitment to inclusive sizing, and their Chub Rub shorts are fantastic. The material feels like a pair of super soft, breathable tights.

They use a cooling yarn that really helps on warm days, and the ribbed hems ensure they don’t move an inch. I wear these with my shortest dresses and feel totally comfortable.

The Downside: The color selection can be limited in certain sizes, which is a bummer.

 

 

Sloggi Ever Ease Cyclist Anti-Chafing Shorts

You can find these for about $22. If you’re a cotton lover, this is another great option. They’re made from organic cotton that feels really good, but they also have some smart tech that helps regulate your temperature.

I found them to be really comfortable for all-day wear. The ribbed bands at the waist and legs are soft and don’t dig in, but they’re firm enough to keep everything in place.

The Downside: The fabric is a bit thicker than a lot of the microfiber options on this list.

 

 

Best for Shaping and Support

Sometimes you want to prevent chafing *and* get a little smoothing action at the same time. These shorts pull double duty, offering the support of shapewear with the functionality of anti-chafe shorts.

 

 

SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts

These will set you back about $40. When I want some shaping with my chafe protection, I grab these. They provide a nice amount of sculpting through the thighs and tummy without feeling overly restrictive.

The seamless design is no joke—they are truly invisible even under tight-fitting clothes. I can wear them with a mini skirt and not worry about a thing. They smooth you out and stop that dreaded thigh rub.

The Downside: These definitely have a more compressive feel than non-shaping shorts, so be prepared for that.

 

 

SPANX Mid-Thigh Short

This pair costs around $38. You can’t talk about shaping without talking about SPANX. These shorts have an incredible amount of stretch, so they really mold to your body and smooth everything out.

They completely disappear under clothes while providing great chafe protection. They’re my go-to for more formal events when I’m wearing a fitted dress.

The Downside: They definitely fit small. I had to go up a size to be comfortable.

 

 

Best for Workouts and Running

Chafing isn’t just a problem under dresses. A sweaty workout or a long run can cause serious irritation. These shorts are built with performance fabrics to wick moisture and prevent friction when you’re on the move.

 

 

Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts

These are priced at about $30. These are my secret weapon for the gym. I wear them as a base layer under looser running shorts, and they have completely eliminated workout chafing for me.

The HeatGear fabric is super lightweight and pulls sweat away from your skin immediately, so you never feel soggy. Plus, the ergonomic seams mean you can move freely without anything rubbing the wrong way.

The Downside: The compression is noticeable, so they will feel tight, as they’re designed to.

 

 

Brooks Chaser 5in Shorts

These shorts cost $70. If you’re a dedicated runner, these are worth every penny. The fabric is light and stretchy, and the wide, soft waistband is so comfortable it never digs in or rolls down, even on long runs.

I’ve put my pair through so much use and countless washes, and they still perform perfectly. They prevent chafing on my hottest, sweatiest runs and have handy pockets for keys or a gel.

The Downside: The price point is definitely on the higher end.

Finding the right pair of anti-chafing shorts really can change your summer. No more modifying your plans or avoiding cute dresses because you’re worried about the painful aftermath. It’s all about finding the fabric and fit that works for you.

Whether you need something breezy and cool, a little bit of shaping, or a performance pair for workouts, there’s a short out there that will let you walk, run, and dance your way through the day completely chafe-free.