As the flowers bloom and we fall into spring before easing into summer, there’s often nothing better than long meandering days in the sun. That is, until you start to feel an irritable rash start to develop between your thighs.
What’s affectionately referred to as ‘chub-rub’ does not discriminate; across body shapes, sizes, ages and genders, it’s incredibly common for many people to experience the uncomfortable heat of chafing between their legs.
The Best Anti-Chafing Shorts, According To marie claire
- Best Overall: Thigh Society The Cooling shorts, $49
- Best Budget: Boody Seamfree Undershort 6”, $26.95
- Best Moisture Wicking: ModiBodi Anti-Chafing Short, $44.79
Which is why anti-chafing shorts might just be one of the greatest inventions of fashion. Instead of bothering with baby powder or moisturisers that usually don’t work very well, you can pop a pair of these on and you’re set.
Designed to be worn under your regular clothes (and in most cases, over your undies), anti-chafing shorts do exactly as they say on the tin: prevent that rash from developing between your thighs. They allow you to focus on what really matters: Aperols with friends and finding the best prawns to eat at lunch.
Today, there are a huge number of options on the market, but the key to choosing a pair that will be a genuine life-saver is looking at their fabrication, fit and cut. You want them made of breathable, comfortable fibres, to fit well and sit just right on your body so they don’t ride up uncomfortably.
Luckily, we’ve done all of the research for you to make your search as simple as possible. Below, our favourite anti-chafing shorts to shop in Australia to make your summer one that is remembered for all the right reasons.
Thigh Society
A leader in anti-chafing shorts, you won’t go wrong with any of the options from Thigh Society. But our favourite, especially for warm months, are the Cooling shorts, which have performance fabric that pulls heat and sweat away from your body. Coming in an impressive range of sizes, lengths and colours, you can tailor them to your own body and taste with ease. The fabric is also super lightweight, so you can wear them under everything from silk slips to linen dresses and not know.
THIGHSOCIETY
The Cooling
THIGHSOCIETY
The Staple
THIGHSOCIETY
The Cotton
THIGHSOCIETY
The Original
Boody
If you’re after a comfortable option you can wear on high rotation, Boody has you covered. Their Seamfree Undershort 6” shorts offer all-over coverage with a wide soft hem at waist that gently smoothes across your stomach. Meant to sit just above the thigh, they feature flat seams that secure the gusset to reduce friction.
BOODY
Seamfree Undershort 6″
BOODY
Seamfree Undershort 2″
BOODY
Seamfree Undershort 10″
BOODY
Seamfree Undershort With Pocket 6″
Skims
When Kim Kardashian launched Skims, it didn’t take long for the brand to become synonymous with contemporary shapewear. And their Seamless Sculpt Mid Thigh Short definitely keeps everything in place with strong compression across the stomach, but they also work to effectively prevent chafe. If you want to wear them all day and night, make sure you size up.
SKIMS
Mid Thigh Short
SKIMS
High-Waisted Above The Knee Short
SKIMS
Low Back Short
SKIMS
Shaping Capri Tights
Modibodi
These ModiBodi shorts are the epitome of ‘two birds, one stone’; not only will they prevent chafing, but they also double as period underwear so you won’t have to worry about bleeding through. Made with natural, renewable and super-soft merino wool, they’re fast-drying and breathable.
MODIBODI
Anti-Chafing Short
MODIBODI
Flore Boyshort
MODIBODI
Classic Boyshort
MODIBODI
Basic Boyshort
Bonds
The legendary Australian underwear brand delivers their version of anti-chafing shorts in the form of the Chafe Off Boxer. Featuring inner thigh panels that are designed to adapt to your body temperature to keep things cool and comfortable, they’re made of a soft viscose from bamboo fabric. Fully moisture-wicking, they sit high on your waist with a snug but flexible fit.
BONDS
Chafe Off Boxer
BONDS
Chafe Off Boxer
BONDS
Chafe Off Boxer
BONDS
Chafe Off Boxer
Taking Shape
Made primarily of soft, breathable, bamboo fabric, these shorts from Taking Shape come in a great range of colours and sizes. Sitting just above the belly button, they’re comfortable and could probably even be worn alone.
TAKING SHAPE
Bamboo Anti Chafe Crop Short
TAKING SHAPE
Good Earth Australian Cotton Anti Chafe Short
TAKING SHAPE
Integra Anti Chafe Short
TAKING SHAPE
Bamboo Anti Chafe Crop Short
Step One
Step One has quickly earned a reputation for ultra-comfy, anti-chafing shorts that really deliver—especially when it comes to all-day wear. Our top pick? Their signature Body Shorts, designed with a silky-smooth, breathable fabric that prevents ride-up and keeps chafing at bay. They’re made from a bamboo blend that’s naturally moisture-wicking and kind to sensitive skin, making them a standout for summer.
STEP ONE
Body Shorts
STEP ONE
Body Shorts
STEP ONE
Body Shorts
STEP ONE
Body Shorts
Spanx
A pioneer in shaping and smoothing, Spanx is best known for its iconic shapewear—but the brand also excels when it comes to anti-chafing shorts. While all of their styles are solid options, we especially like their seamless, invisible, and ultra-light collections. These offer subtle compression and feature sleek, ultra-lightweight fabrics that layer effortlessly for all-day comfort. Perfect under dresses, fitted skirts, or even sheer fabrics, they’re a discreet essential for warm-weather dressing.
SPANX
SPANXsmooth Fit-To-You Short
SPANX
SPANXshape Invisible Girlshort
SPANX
SPANXsculpt Seamless Power Shorty
SPANX
Suit Your Fancy Low-Back Mid-Thigh shorts
Anti-chafing shorts are lightweight, breathable undergarments designed to prevent skin irritation and thigh rubbing, especially during warm weather or physical activity. They’re often worn under dresses, skirts, or workout clothes to provide a smooth barrier between the thighs.
Shapewear shorts and anti-chafing shorts may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Shapewear shorts are designed to sculpt and smooth the body, offering compression to shape areas like the tummy, hips, and thighs. They often use firmer materials to contour your silhouette under clothing. In contrast, anti-chafing shorts focus on comfort and skin protection, particularly in the inner thigh area. They’re typically made from lightweight, breathable, non-compressive fabrics and are meant to prevent thigh rub and irritation—not shape your body. While some anti-chafe shorts may offer light smoothing, their primary function is all-day comfort, especially under dresses or skirts in warm weather.
Yes, when made from moisture-wicking, soft materials like cotton blends or performance fabrics, anti-chafing shorts can effectively eliminate friction and keep you comfortable all day. Look for flat seams and tagless designs for extra protection.
Look for soft, stretchy materials like modal, bamboo, or nylon blends. Moisture-wicking technology and breathable weaves are key to keeping skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of chafing.
The ideal length depends on your comfort and needs. For inner thigh protection, a mid-thigh length (around 5–9 inches) works well. Shorter styles may ride up, while longer ones offer more coverage.
Absolutely. Anti-chafing shorts are specifically designed to be worn under skirts and dresses. They’re typically lightweight and seamless to stay invisible under clothing, offering both comfort and modesty.
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