The Best Ways to Prevent Thigh Chafe When It’s Hot and Humid Outside

According to Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, the director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West, “chafing is a form of skin irritation and dermatitis caused by friction and skin rubbing on skin.” Once chafing occurs, “your skin’s barrier gets compromised and inflamed, which can lead to other things, such as infections, or even hyperpigmentation or darkening of that area,” she explains. Gonzalez says petroleum jelly–based products are great for “creating a barrier on your skin and also aid in repairing your own skin barrier.” But many of them tend to be greasy, she notes, which is obviously a major downside. That’s why she loves this Vaseline balm stick, which she says is less sticky and easier to apply than a standard tub of Vaseline ointment (which will work in a pinch.) While it’s less expensive than the Megababe anti-chafe stick, it’s slightly smaller in size — but that may be all you need if you only experience mild chafe. Unlike the Megababe, it’s also scentless, making it a good choice for anyone who is sensitive to smells.

Gonzalez told us that a simple baby powder “does a great job at absorbing moisture and can help with sweating to minimize and prevent chafing,” but acknowledges that many powders can be messy. That’s one reason why former Strategist writer Nikita Richardson prefers to use this powder from Megababe to prevent chafe, because its packaging has a pump that allows for more precise application. “Though Megababe’s Thigh Rescue is the prescribed treatment for thigh chafing, I much prefer using the Bust Dust (which is technically made for preventing underboob sweat) on my thighs,” says Richardson, who adds that she personally prefers “the drying quality of the powder,” which contains soothing aloe and chamomile, over the balm.

In case you do want to use baby powder, beauty writer Alexis Gaskin likes this talc-free baby powder from Burt’s Bees, which she uses when the chafing is “really bad.” She typically finds gels and ointments irritating, but has found relief pairing this powder with a sunscreen. “It’s an instant relief,” she says.

Stylist Ansley Morgan says that this gel from Monistat “saved her thighs.” She’s been using it since high school, after it was recommended to her by, of all people, her father. “I know there’s cuter stuff, but I swear by it and it lasts for a while.” It’s stood up to long walks at Disney World (where she frequents with her family) and rushing a sorority in college. It’s also a staple for digital creator Ashley Carter, who likes that she can just “run into any drugstore and find it.” She’ll usually dab some on after her morning shower and appreciates its quick dry down and how just one application “will hold me throughout the day.”

Knix, which makes smoothing undergarments that aren’t as tight as other compressive shapewear (see: Spanx), has a seamless, very thin, silky-feeling pair of shorts made expressly for chafing inner thighs. They are a reliable favorite of former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson, who wears them under dresses. “They’re really lightweight and breathable, so you don’t get sweaty,” she says, adding that they “feel really smooth, so there’s no chafing.” Kara McGrath, deputy editor at Allure, is also a fan: “I love these because they feel like nothing,” she says. “I’ve recommended them to basically anyone I’ve spoken to in the past three years, and everyone who’s bought them tells me they’re a game changer.” Slightly thinner than Thigh Society’s shorts, these are also available in four- and six-inch lengths (McGrath is partial to the longer length) and come in sizes S through 3XL.

Stylist Kelly Augustine’s shorts of choice are Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh shorts, which have a skintight fit and help to create a contour by smoothing the upper leg and lifting the butt. “Kim Kardashian’s specialty is shapewear, so she does it very, very well,” says Augustine. They’re more compressive than Knix and Thigh Society but, according to Augustine, are comfortable nonetheless. “They’re light enough that it doesn’t feel like it’s sticking to you,” she explains. She also likes that they’re size-inclusive, going up to a 4X/5X, which for Skims translates to a 22–26.”

When digital creator Carter used to work at Lane Bryant, she would recommend these slip-on shorts to women who wanted something “to protect their legs when they were wearing skirts or dresses in the summer, but didn’t want the thickness of a garter or Spanx,” she says. The shorts are made from a very thin, semi-sheer nylon material, so they don’t “add any bulk to the body, but provide some slip between the legs,” Carter says.

Or, for an entire outfit that’s great for preventing thigh chafe in sweltering weather, you could throw on Outdoor Voices’ Exercise Dress, which is basically the above skort with a tank top attached. Strategist managing editor Maxine Builder is a fan, telling us that “the built-in shorts (which are actually part of a built-in unitard) are lightweight enough that I don’t notice them when it’s excruciatingly humid, but still provide enough fabric to prevent unnecessary thigh friction.” It’s available in plenty of bright colors, including lime green, orange, and lavender.