There's nothing quite like rocking a summer dress on a blazing hot day, with sunnies and your budget SPF at the ready. However, there is only one thing that can ruin summer for us: thigh rubbing. Certifiably the worst. Having said that, we refuse to let it stop us from gallivanting about in a frock, for anti-chafing shorts are here to save the day.
Anti-chafing shorts are specially designed shorts that stop your thighs from creating friction, which can lead to chafing, redness, irritation and a generally grumpy mood. Moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon, spandex, or polyester blends are often used to make the shorts breathable and lightweight in the heat, reducing sweating, which can result in sweat-induced chafing. The choices are endless on how you choose to wear them - wear them alone as a cute cycling shorts moment a lá Princess Diana, or wear them under your dresses for hidden coverage.
Closer's best anti-chafing shorts at a glance
Our ultimate guide to chafing shorts includes well-known brands such as Sloggi and M&S, as well as some unknown gems that you need to have on your radar. For example, Boody's Smoothing Shorts are a great sustainable pick on our list, made with elastane viscose fibre made from bamboo.
So if you would prefer to avoid chafing and thigh rubbing as the weather gets warmer, keep scrolling to see our top picks of the best anti-chafing shorts you can buy online for summer 2024.
SHOP: The best anti-chafing shorts, for a frictionless summer
Best anti-chafing shorts overall
For our Editor's Choice pick, we have to go with Sloggi's famous Brief Shorts. Not only are they at an incredible price point, but reviews rave about their softness and their ability to not ride up the leg. Hallelujah.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- You can wash it up to 95° without fear of ruining the fabric
- Reviews say the waistband and leg bands don't cut into the skin
Cons
- Reviews state sizing runs a little small
Best breathable anti-chafing shorts
www.asos.com
Looking for an ultra-thin anti-chafe short? The ASOS Anti-Chafing Shorts are the thinnest option on our list, and have a bodycon fit that fits seamlessly to your curves. Reviewers say they 'work wonders', and 'saved their thighs' in the heat. Perfect for scorcher days outside.
Pros
- Ultra-thin and lightweight material
- The high-rise fits over your stomach for some tummy control
- Reviews say the legs can easily be folded up for shorter dresses
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best drawstring anti-chafing shorts
www.bonmarche.co.uk
Although all our anti-chafing shorts on the list have a stretchy waistband, the drawstring waistband on the Bonmarché Anti-Chafing Shorts is truly customisable to your waist size. What's more, with three colour options and sizing up to 26, reviews emphasise that these are a must-have for your summer wardrobe.
Pros
- With a drawstring waist, there's no risk of the waistband digging into your stomach
- Machine-washable
- Great value
Cons
- For tall people, these may be too short a length
Best popular anti-chafing shorts
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
If you're looking for anti-chafing shorts that are a great addition to your underwear drawer, thousands of reviews praise M&S 2pk Anti-Chafe Shorts. You get two in a pack, so you're really getting your money's worth. And, we love that these shorts come in a variety of nude colourways. A reviewer commented 'they fit like a dream', with others saying the popular pair are a comfortable option for summer months.
Pros
- M&S' Cool Comfort™ finish will keep you comfy with their breathable fabric
- Many different 'nude' colour options available
- Inclusive sizing ranges from 6 to 28
Cons
- May need readjusting occasionally according to reviews
Best plus-size anti-chafing shorts
asoswww.asos.com
For our plus-size ladies, the ASOS DESIGN Curve Anti-Chafing Shorts not only come as a multipack (saving you cash in the process) but they come in this gorgeous bronze hue. We love that they're great value for money and come in a comfortable, stretch material.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing 20 to 30
- Great value
- The sheer stretchy mesh is breathable for hot days
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best sustainable anti-chafing shorts
www.boody.co.uk
Not only are the eco-friendly Boody Smoothing Shorts made with 6% Elastane Viscose fibre made from bamboo, but Boody as a company makes sure that their "organically-grown bamboo uses 66% less water compared to conventional cotton". Thousands of reviews have called these shorts comfy, soft and breathable. Effortless to wear under summer dresses.
Pros
- A great option for shopping for sustainability
- Great value
- Reviews praise the second-skin feeling and non-rolling abilities of the shorts
Cons
- For tall people, these may be too short a length
Best anti-chafing multi-pack
Although we've listed multipacks previously, you won't get as much bang for your buck as you will with this anti-chafing shorts set from Amazon. With over 9,000 five-star reviews, you can get this highly-regarded set in black, white or a mix of colours. Customers were delighted with the breathable quality of these anti-chafing shorts.
Pros
- Highly rated and reviewed on Amazon
- Great value
- They are designed with 4-way stretch, meaning high elasticity
Cons
- Reviews say they do ride up a little if walking long distances
Best maternity anti-chafing shorts
Nextwww.next.co.uk
For the expecting mamas out there, the Blue Maternity Cycling Shorts from Next are a must-have. The high-waist design means the shorts will fit right over your tummy, and the blue colour is so on trend, perfect for putting together a stylish maternity outfit. We love that they're made from breathable cotton to keep you comfortable in warmer months.
Pros
- Stretchy, over the bump waistline
- Made from breathable cotton and elastane
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some customers may not like the seams
What are the best anti-chafing shorts?
We here at Closer rank the Sloggi Women's Basic+ Long Brief Shorts as the best anti-chafing shorts you can shop online in 2024. Not only do they come at an amazing price, but reviewers praise their softness and their ability to stay put without riding up the leg. They are priced under £15 and are available to shop easily on Amazon. What more could you want?
Do compression shorts help with chafing?
If you want to sculpt your legs whilst protecting them from chafing, you can indeed opt for a pair of shapewear shorts or compression shorts. The long length of the shorts covers up any potential skin area that could rub, and they're usually designed with breathable, soft material.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.