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Whether you're planning to wear a short and breezy summer skirt or a long and formal evening gown, having a pair of lightweight shorts underneath will help keep your thighs from rubbing together and causing you discomfort. Generally speaking, the best shorts to prevent chafing under dresses will have the following qualities:
- Breathability: This is important because when you're wearing shorts under skirts, your legs tend to get hot and sticky. Having breathable, well-ventilated material like certain types of polyester or nylon will ensure you stay dry and don't overheat. Plus, these fabrics will be moisture-wicking, too, so they will absorb sweat well.
- Stretchiness: If the shorts you're wearing underneath your dress feel restrictive, it will inhibit your ability to relax and have fun. You want something with spandex, elastane, or another stretchy material to allow full range of motion.
- Softness: Given that these shorts will spend a good portion of their time in contact with your inner thighs, having extra soft material is critical to your comfort. A hint of cotton is a fantastic option for this, as is nylon or polyester.
Beyond the materials, the shorts should be form-fitting with an elastic band or another mechanism to keep them in place. When you're rocking a cute dress, the last thing you want is to be tugging at your waistband all day to keep the shorts up.
With these considerations in mind, here are the best shorts to prevent chafing under dresses. Take a look to find the best fit for you.
What's great about them: Reviewers write these seamless slip shorts are lightweight and exceptionally breathable. They won't make you sweaty if you wear them under a dress, yet they're thick enough to provide great anti-chafe protection. The smooth shorts, which come in black, beige, and white, are made from a soft nylon material that has a hint of spandex thrown in for extra stretch. The combination gives them the silky feeling of a slip without being flimsy or easily tearable.
One fan’s take: “How much can I love these?? I am a size 10/12, 5'7 160-lb and I ordered the XL. They fit great! No pinching, rolling up [and] no lines either. I don't know how I ever lived without them. My thighs thank you!”
- Available sizes: Small — 3X
- Available colors: 3
- Also available on Walmart, $29
What's great about them: With more than 10,000 reviews, these popular slip shorts are well-liked on Amazon. They come down a little further on your legs than the first pick, so they're perfect to wear with longer skirts and dresses. The fabric is a breathable blend of cotton and spandex, which is not only lightweight but incredibly soft, too. Best of all, they come in tons of colors, and the tag-free design makes them less likely to chafe.
One fan’s take: “I've never been able to wear skirts or dresses in the summer, because I just can't stand the pain and irritation of my legs rubbing together. I've tried using things like baby powder and body glide, but ultimately this is the only thing that has worked for me.”
- Available sizes: Small — 3X
- Available colors: 32
What's great about them: If you wear lots of short dresses and skirts, these lightweight shorts will work well underneath them, because they won't show through or come down below the hem. According to reviewers, they feature low-profile elastic that doesn't feel tight or dig in, yet it keeps them up. On top of that, the nylon-spandex blend is stretchy and breathable, and they come in an array of colors.
One fan’s take: “Bought this to wear under my homecoming dress and it was great! The material is breathable, stretches nicely, is sewn properly so no thread tags hanging everywhere after washing etc. Washed these a few times and they hold up great, haven't shrunk etc. Absolutely love this purchase and wear them around the house at night, great for lounging.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X
- Available colors and styles: 23
What's great about them: For folks who prefer lace-style undershorts, this cute three-pack is a fantastic option. Constructed with a mix of rayon, spandex, and nylon, the shorts are soft and lightweight, with an excellent ability to stay in place without slipping. The elastic band at the top, which features lace trim, holds the high-waisted shorts up without leaving marks, and there's a lace hem on each of the legs, too. They're offered in a variety pack, with color choices that include beige, black, and white.
One fan’s take: “I purchased these to wear under dresses and prevent chafing on my inner thighs. The stretch is great and they come down the leg long enough to do that exact thing. The fabric is comfortable and the lace is nice.”
- Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
- Available colors: 2
- Also available on Yummie, $20, and Macy’s, 20
What's great about them: These lightweight seamless shorts have mild compression and help create a streamlined silhouette under clothing. They’re made from a comfortable blend of nylon and spandex, and according to reviewers, they feature grippy hems that help prevent the legs from riding up. The shorts are available in black, almond, and frappe.
One fan’s take: “These fit just like a second skin and they are so comfy!! My only problem is how see through they are but that's why I wear them under things such as dresses.”
- Available sizes: Small — 3X
- Available colors: 3
What's great about them: These extremely popular biker shorts, which boast 19,000-plus reviews on Amazon, are made for working out but are thin enough to comfortably wear under dresses, too. They're great if you sweat a lot or tend to get hot, thanks to the extra moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric (which comes courtesy of the polyester, spandex, and nylon blend). They have pockets you can use to stash small items and a firm elastic band at the top. As a bonus, when you're not wearing them under dresses, you can use them for yoga or other workouts.
One fan’s take: “I wear these shorts for walking and yoga, and also wear under dresses that tend to fly up on a windy day (saved me many an embarrassing situation)! They are a good fit - the waist does not roll down and the legs do not creep up. The mid-length is good - no thigh chafing, perfect for me at 5’3”. I chose these mostly for the pockets, but now am glad I bought the 2-pack - these are always in the laundry.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X
- Available colors and styles: 50+
What’s great about them: Made from a polyester and spandex blend, these slip shorts are light enough to wear underneath skirts and dresses, but opaque and colorful enough to be shown off as loungewear or workout gear. The shorts have soft leg bands to help keep them in place and are tag-free to keep you comfortable as you move. The shorts come in eight styles and colors, including floral, stripes, snakeskin, and solid shades.
One fan’s take: “Sizing is accurate! Fit great, bought them to wear under a dress. Couldn’t be happier with them. I have washed and dried them a few times and they hold up well. Would definitely recommend.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — 4X
- Available colors and styles: 8
What’s great about them: With breathable mesh legs and a seamless bodice, these high-waisted slip shorts provide protection from chafing while also preventing any garment lines around the waist. The nylon-spandex shorts are sweat-resistant and breathable, and they have steel bones in the waist to help prevent the undergarment from rolling down. Choose from black or beige in various styles.
One fan’s take: “I was skeptical about buying it but glad I did as it was what I needed for a light color dress. I had looked at other major brands but decided against them due to comments that the top rolls down. I wore it for over 4 hours and didn't have to pull it up.”
- Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 6
- Also available on Kohl’s, $12
What’s great about them: Given the brand’s long history of making great underwear, it’s no surprise that these Jockey slip shorts are breathable and comfortable. They offer anti-chafing protection with a nylon-spandex blend and have a cotton crotch. The shorts have earned more than 900 five-star reviews from Amazon customers and come in three colors: black, beige, and white.
One fan’s take: “The reason I bought these is so my thighs don't rub together and chafe when I wear skirts or dresses, especially when it's hot and humid. [...] The legs don't creep up when walking and the top doesn't really roll down when I sit, unless I have it pulled up too high to begin with. I would definitely recommend if you want something lightweight to keep your thighs cool and comfortable!”
- Available sizes: Small — X-Large
- Available colors: 3
What’s great about them: These slip shorts are made from a blend of modal and spandex for a silky-soft, smooth, and stretchy feel. The lightweight shorts have a comfy elastic waistband and lace trim on each leg. They’re available in black, apricot, and white, and you can choose from packs of one, two, and three.
One fan’s take: “I bought these to go under a dress at a summer wedding during the recent heatwave. Chub rub (between the thighs for those lucky enough not to experience it) can put a real downer on a day, so I bought these to combat it. They're super comfy, very soft and light, and did indeed stop chub rub.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
- Available colors: 3
- Also available on Walmart, $13, and Just My Size, $15
What’s great about them: Made from a breathable and stretchy cotton-spandex blend, these jersey bike shorts are super soft and comfortable. They have a tag-free elastic waist and flat-locked seams that won’t rub against the skin. Plus, the shorts come in two neutral colors that you can wear with anything.
One fan’s take: “I'm pleasantly surprised that they are completely opaque! They are cotton and not the slick material athletic wear usually are. I haven't noticed them rolling up at all while wearing them.”
- Available sizes: 1X — 5X
- Available colors: 2
What’s great about them: This value-pack of slip shorts includes 12 pairs in assorted colors. The shorts are made from a breathable blend of cotton and spandex and are tagless for even more comfort. There are also soft leg bands that help keep the shorts in place. This popular choice has more than 1,000 five-star ratings and you can choose from neutral or vibrant multipacks.
One fan’s take: “I Love these boyshorts! Great for under dresses and for just walking around the neighborhood. Second set ordered. [...] I really believe the value for the money.”
- Available sizes: Small — 4X
- Available colors: 2
What’s great about them: Breathable and stretchy, these anti-chafing shorts have beautiful lace detailing on each leg. They’re made from a nylon-spandex blend and have cotton-lined inner thighs for even more skin protection. The shorts also have silicone-lined hems to help prevent them from riding up. Choose from beige and black.
One fan’s take: “Hello dresses all summer long. [...] Just like panties with a little extra to protect the thighs.
- Available sizes: Small — 3X
- Available colors: 2
What’s great about them: Not only are these colorful biker shorts designed to prevent chafing, but they’re also a great addition to your workout wardrobe. Lightweight and moisture-wicking, the shorts are made from a combo of cotton and spandex and have seam-free sides to prevent uncomfortable rubbing. The covered elastic waistband and anti-chafing legs are designed to stay in place all day. In addition to this brightly colored set, you can also opt for four-packs in neural colors, including black and beige.
One fan’s take: “I wear them under leggings, pants, dresses, skirts, tunics, as well as under a long T-shirt for nighttime use like pajamas, [plus] I also wear them as panties.”
- Available sizes: Small — 5X
- Available colors: 5
What’s great about them: Cotton with a dash of spandex makes these mid-thigh shorts breathable and lightweight, but also unlikely to budge as you move. They also have a wide, flat elastic waistband that won’t roll down as you move. Because they’re opaque and come in a range of versatile colors, the shorts can be worn on their own and under skirts and dresses to prevent chafing.
One fan’s take: “Very comfortable. Keeps your thighs from rubbing together under dresses. I will be buying more in different colors.”
- Available sizes: 1X — 5X
- Available colors: 9
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