9 Best Ways To Keep Your Thighs From Chafing in the Heat

Red scabs. Purple welts. Green bruises. The effects of chafing on the body read like a brutal list of Lucky Charms. Of course, there’s nothing charming about it: Skin-against-skin and skin-against-clothing friction (which most commonly occurs on inner thighs, under breasts, and in other intimate areas) is a painful experience that only gets worse with heat, shaving, and physical activity. 

Sitting on the sidelines isn’t a feasible solution. But for those of us who want to walk, run, dance, and otherwise move with abandon, there are a host of other options to keep skin protected from chafe. Whether you're inclined to wear protective garments or try topicals that help skin glide — not rub — without irritation, find the best options below.

Thigh Bands

What sounds like workout gear is actually a newer way to prevent chafing. Thigh bands are two wide pieces of fabric (bands, basically) worn akin to garters on each thigh to prevent skin from making contact — all without an extra waistband to pull off and on throughout the day.

1. Bandelettes Unisex Thigh Bands

These thigh bands are made with grippy silicone bands at the top and bottom to ensure a snug fit. They even come in lace versions in case you want to show them off. 

2. MeMoi Women's Body Smoothers Anti Chafe Shaping Thigh Bands Shapewear

This nylon-and-spandex pair is made for “going hard at the gym,” but we find them pretty invisible under dresses and skirts for everyday wear, too.

Smoothing Shorts

Made from breathable material similar to sheer tights, smoothing shorts are built to protect thighs from chafing, but without the flesh-sucking compression of other foundation garments.

3. Thigh Society The Cooling 7” Short

These sheer shorts, available in sizes 2 to 34, are made from a yarn with a flat cross-section, which creates a wide surface area from which body heat is released. The cooling effect is just the start. A cut similar to a bike short keeps thighs from chafing. What’s more, the design includes a cotton crotch (which means you can wear these shorts with or without underwear) and is meant to avoid visible panty lines. 

4. Boody Smoothing Short

These lightweight smoothing shorts have flat seams to help reduce friction, and are made from moisture-wicking bamboo to nix sweat.

Topical Creams, Powders, and Gels

If adding another layer of clothing to an outfit isn’t your bag, there are a host of topical products aimed at preventing chafe. These creams, gels, and powders are all formulated to control moisture, soothe skin, and create a barrier of glide  — and in some cases address body odor, too. What’s more, they’re relatively affordable, with options starting at about the cost of an iced coffee.

5. First Aid Beauty Anti-Chafe Stick With Shea Butter + Colloidal Oatmeal

Geared for sensitive skin, this award-winning, fragrance- and alcohol-free stick is said to keep skin from chafing for up to 10,000 steps. While we didn’t measure our steps with wear, we can attest to this formula’s easy, glide-on application and efficacy for all-day wear.

6. O Positiv URO Intimate Deodorant

Made to address a trifecta of summer body care concerns, this cream solves for body odor, excessive moisture, and chafing, thanks to ingredients including organic tapioca starch,soothing aloe leaf juice, and glycerin.

7. Megababe Beauty Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick

Since 2017, this widely loved thigh stick has collected awards for its ability to perform its anti-chafing duties in the most humid and sticky of weather. 

8. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel

This powder-gel hybrid is akin to using a lotion-and-powder combo to form a breathable barrier on the skin that prevents chafing and helps keep additional moisture from forming.

9. Esker Damp to Dry Body Powder

Think of it as old-fashioned baby powder that grew up. Gone is the iffy talc, which has been reported to contain asbestos. In its place: moisture-absorbing arrowroot and rice powders, silica, and kaolin clay. Also included for antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties are sandalwood, palmarosa, and lemon. The result is a sophisticated, translucent, damp-to-dry powder that addresses moisture and chafing.

10. Hume Supernatural All Body Deodorant

This full-body deodorant is made to strengthen and soothe the skin barrier while simultaneously addressing odor anywhere on the body (from feet to boobs to pits). The balm is also made with anti-chafe ingredients and skin-healthy prebiotics for a one-and-done solution with a velvety finish. What’s more, it has a light citrus, neroli blossom, and agave scent that fans can’t get enough of.

11. AKT The Deodorant

Created by a pair of stage actors who grew sick of sweating through performances, this body deodorant not only works to fight body odor, but also doubles as an anti-chafe balm that won’t stain clothes.